Sector angle from area and radius:\nThe area of a circular sector is 462 sq cm and the circle’s radius is 21 cm. Find the sector’s central angle (in degrees).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 120°

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Sector area relates to the full circle area by the angle fraction θ/360. With tidy numbers, the computation becomes clean using π = 22/7.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sector area A_sector = 462 cm^2.
  • Radius r = 21 cm ⇒ full circle area A_circle = πr^2.


Concept / Approach:
A_sector = (θ/360) * πr^2 ⇒ θ = 360 * A_sector / (πr^2).


Step-by-Step Solution:

πr^2 = (22/7)*441 = 22*63 = 1386.θ = 360 * 462 / 1386 = 360 / 3 = 120°.


Verification / Alternative check:
Plug back: (120/360)*1386 = 462, consistent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
90°, 60°, 30°, 150° do not satisfy the exact proportion with area 462.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to divide by 360 or using diameter instead of radius in the area.


Final Answer:
120°

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