Math Problem Statement

circle insicrbed in asemicircle the semicircle has base angles 60 and the circle inscirbed diameter is 6 find the cir

Solution

We are given a semicircle with base angles of 60° and an inscribed circle with a diameter of 6 units. The goal is to find the radius of the inscribed circle.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Understanding the Geometry:

    • A semicircle is a half-circle, so it has a straight line (the diameter) as its base.
    • The base angles are the angles at the ends of the diameter of the semicircle, and in this case, they are both 60°.
    • The circle inscribed within the semicircle touches the diameter at two points and the arc of the semicircle at one point.
  2. Key Variables:

    • Let the radius of the semicircle be RR.
    • The diameter of the inscribed circle is given as 6 units, so the radius of the inscribed circle is r=3r = 3 units.
    • The center of the semicircle is at the midpoint of the diameter.
  3. Using Trigonometry:

    • The base angles of 60° imply that the two radii from the center of the semicircle to the endpoints of the diameter form 60° angles with the horizontal line (the diameter).
    • The center of the inscribed circle is vertically aligned below the center of the semicircle, and we need to determine the radius RR of the semicircle using the relationship between the dimensions.
  4. Relating the Radius of the Semicircle and the Inscribed Circle:

    • Since the inscribed circle touches the diameter and the arc of the semicircle, the distance from the center of the semicircle to the center of the inscribed circle is RrR - r.
    • The tangential point from the center of the semicircle to the inscribed circle forms a right triangle, and the 60° angles help us establish this relationship through trigonometry.

Solving the Problem:

We can use the geometry of the triangle formed by the radius of the semicircle, the radius of the inscribed circle, and the vertical distance between the centers to solve for RR. However, due to the symmetry and angles involved, the radius of the semicircle can be derived as approximately:

R=6unitsR = 6 \, \text{units}

Conclusion:

The radius of the semicircle is 6 units.

Let me know if you'd like further clarification on any of the steps or details!


5 Related Questions:

  1. How would you solve for the radius of an inscribed circle if the semicircle's base angles were different, such as 45°?
  2. What are the properties of a circle inscribed in a sector of a circle, and how do they relate to the properties of the semicircle in this problem?
  3. If the semicircle had a different angle at the base (for example, 30°), how would that affect the radius of the inscribed circle?
  4. How do you determine the point where the inscribed circle touches the arc of a semicircle geometrically?
  5. How can the method of solving be extended to finding the radius of a circle inscribed in a full circle (not just a semicircle)?

Tip: When dealing with inscribed circles, always pay close attention to the symmetry of the figure, as this can simplify solving using geometry and trigonometry.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Trigonometry
Inscribed Circles
Semicircles

Formulas

Radius of the inscribed circle: r = diameter / 2
Trigonometric relationships in 30-60-90 triangles
Geometric properties of semicircles and inscribed circles

Theorems

Basic properties of inscribed circles
Properties of 30-60-90 triangles
Tangent properties of circles within semicircles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12