Area of Circle: PI * R * R. Why?
As is well known to most students, the formula for the area of a cirlce with radius R is: PI * R^2. But why? In this worksheet, we cut a given circle (R = 5 units, by default) into rings and stack them up in an effort to explain the meaning behind the neat formula. Of course, there are other ways to derive the formula. I tried to make a physical model with ropes, but it proved very difficult. Hence, the GeoGebra simulation.
In this worksheet, we create two triangles: an isoscelese one and a right triangle. Please use all the information about the triangles to figure out the area of the circle. The base of the triangles is 2* PI * R, as you may see. The height of the triangles is the radius of the given circle, isnt' it?
To add more rings, please right click the slider RR and change the increment to a smaller number. You could also drag A, C, H, I, J to adjust the orientation and position of the triangles. To find out how it is created, please click "View:Contructions Protocol". Have fun! And do play with your math ideas.