A 120-degree sector cut from a circle has area 66/7 square centimetres.\nFind the radius of the circle.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 3cm

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Sector area links a portion of a circle to its radius through the central angle fraction. By equating the given sector area to the fractional part of the full circle area, the radius follows directly.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sector angle = 120 degrees.
  • Sector area = 66/7 cm^2.
  • Full circle area = pi * r^2.


Concept / Approach:
The sector with central angle theta has area (theta/360) * pi * r^2. With theta = 120, this factor is 120/360 = 1/3. So (1/3) * pi * r^2 = 66/7. Solve for r using a convenient rational value for pi = 22/7 to keep arithmetic clean.


Step-by-Step Solution:

(1/3) * pi * r^2 = 66/7pi * r^2 = 3 * (66/7) = 198/7Using pi = 22/7 gives (22/7) * r^2 = 198/7r^2 = 198 / 22 = 9r = 3 cm


Verification / Alternative check:
Back-substitute: Full area = pi * r^2 ≈ (22/7) * 9 = 198/7. Sector is one third of that: (1/3) * 198/7 = 66/7 cm^2, matching the given value exactly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1cm or 2cm: Lead to sector areas far below 66/7.
  • 4cm: Produces a sector area larger than 66/7 with the given angle.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using 120/180 instead of 120/360 for the sector fraction.
  • Mixing centimetres and metres; units must remain consistent.


Final Answer:
3cm

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