Squares and circles: Find the ratio of the areas of the incircle and the circumcircle of a square.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 1:2

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
For a square, the incircle touches sides while the circumcircle passes through vertices. Their radii relate to the square side a, enabling an area ratio.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Square side = a
  • Incircle radius r_in = a/2
  • Circumcircle radius r_out = a/√2


Concept / Approach:
Area of a circle is πr^2. Ratio = (πr_in^2) : (πr_out^2) = r_in^2 : r_out^2.


Step-by-Step Solution:

r_in^2 = (a/2)^2 = a^2/4r_out^2 = (a/√2)^2 = a^2/2Ratio = (a^2/4) : (a^2/2) = 1/4 : 1/2 = 1 : 2


Verification / Alternative check:
Set a = 2 to visualize: r_in = 1, r_out = √2; areas π and 2π give 1:2 directly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1:1, 1:3, 1:4, 2:3 do not arise from the algebraic ratio of squared radii for a square.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing diameter and radius or forgetting area depends on r^2, not r.


Final Answer:
1:2

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