Definition:Circle/Arc

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Definition

Circle.png


An arc of a circle is any part of its circumference.


Angle Subtended by Arc

The angle subtended by an arc of a circle is the angle formed by the two radii from the center of the circle to the two endpoints of the arc.

In the above diagram:

the arc $BC$ subtends the angle $\angle BAC$
the arc $BD$ subtends the angle $\angle BAD$

and so on.


Major Arc

Let $a$ and $b$ be two points on the circumference of a circle.

The major arc joining $a$ and $b$ is the longer of the two arcs joining $a$ and $b$.


In the above diagram:

the arc $ECBDF$ is the major arc defined by $E$ and $F$
the arc $CEFDB$ is the major arc defined by $B$ and $C$.

and so on.


Minor Arc

Let $a$ and $b$ be two points on the circumference of a circle.

The minor arc joining $a$ and $b$ is the shorter of the two arcs joining $a$ and $b$.


In the above diagram:

the arc $EF$ is the minor arc defined by $E$ and $F$
the arc $BC$ is the minor arc defined by $B$ and $C$.

and so on.


Sources