Geometry: Circular Arcs Length

XAT 2016 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Medium · Quantitative Ability

In the figure below, two circular curves y and x create 60° and 90° angles with their respective centres. If the length of the bottom curve Y is 10π10\pi, find the length of the other curve.

  1. A.

    15π/√2

  2. B.

    20π√2/3

  3. C.

    60π/√2

  4. D.

    20π/3

  5. E.

    15π

Answer

A

Explanation

Curve Y subtends 60∘60^\circ at its center QQ with radius rYr_Y. Length of arc Y=2πrY⋅60∘360∘=πrY3=10π  ⟹  rY=30Y = 2\pi r_Y \cdot \frac{60^\circ}{360^\circ} = \frac{\pi r_Y}{3} = 10\pi \implies r_Y = 30. The chord length AB=2rYsin⁡(30∘)=30AB = 2 r_Y \sin(30^\circ) = 30. Curve X subtends 90∘90^\circ at its center PP with radius rXr_X. Chord AB=rX2=30  ⟹  rX=302AB = r_X \sqrt{2} = 30 \implies r_X = \frac{30}{\sqrt{2}}. Length of arc X=2πrX⋅90∘360∘=πrX2=π(30/2)2=15π2X = 2\pi r_X \cdot \frac{90^\circ}{360^\circ} = \frac{\pi r_X}{2} = \frac{\pi (30/\sqrt{2})}{2} = \frac{15\pi}{\sqrt{2}}.

Related Quantitative Ability questions

Practise this under exam conditions

Sign in to solve it with a live timer, the on-screen CAT calculator, and streak and accuracy tracking across every question you attempt.

Solve in the workspace