Math Problem Statement

Find the length of the segment indicated. Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

Four segments appear in a circle. One is a diameter, one is a radius, and one is a chord. The fourth is a segment from the center of the circle to the chord, intersecting at a right angle. Half the length of the diameter is 7. The radius segment is marked with an x.

a.	

7

b.	

14

c.	

3.5

d.	

49

Solution

Let's break down the problem step by step.

Given Information:

  1. The diameter of the circle is twice the radius. The problem states that "half the length of the diameter is 7," so the diameter itself is 2×7=142 \times 7 = 14.

  2. The radius of the circle is half of the diameter. So, the radius is 77.

  3. There is a chord in the circle.

  4. The fourth segment is a line from the center of the circle to the chord, which is perpendicular to the chord. This forms a right triangle with the radius and half the length of the chord.

  5. The radius segment is marked with an x.

Step 1: Visualizing the Geometry

  • The center of the circle is labeled OO, and the point where the perpendicular from the center meets the chord is labeled PP.
  • The chord has endpoints AA and BB, where PP is the midpoint of the chord ABAB.
  • OPOP is the perpendicular distance from the center to the chord.
  • The radius OA=7OA = 7, and the diameter of the circle is 14, so OA=7OA = 7.

Step 2: Identifying the Length of the Segment

Since the line from the center intersects the chord at a right angle, this forms two right triangles. Given the length of the radius and the right-angle property, we can infer that the length of the segment in question is the radius itself.

The length of the segment that the problem asks for (which seems to be the radius) is 7.

Answer:

a. 7


Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you calculate the length of a chord given the radius and perpendicular distance from the center?
  2. How can we use the Pythagorean theorem in circle-related problems?
  3. What is the relationship between the radius and the diameter of a circle?
  4. How does the perpendicular from the center of the circle to a chord divide the chord?
  5. What are the key properties of right triangles inscribed in a circle?

Tip: The Pythagorean theorem is often a powerful tool when working with circle problems involving right angles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Circles
Pythagorean Theorem
Right Triangles

Formulas

Diameter = 2 * Radius
Pythagorean Theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Properties of Right Triangles in Circles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9