Google Classroom
GeoGebraGeoGebra Classroom

Investigating the Area of a Circle

Create the formula to determine the area of a circle by dissecting the circle into segments and then reorganising them.
Question Time: Respond to the following questions based on the graph above, either individually or collaboratively to establish deeper mathematical relations.

Basic: As the circle is rearranged and the number of parts increases, what shape do the reorganised parts begin to look like?

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D

Medium: The formula of the area of a parallelogram is A = b x h. If a circle is rearranged into many parts that look like a parallelogram, what is the measure of the height and what is the measure of the base? (based on the circle)

Advanced: What is the relationship between the formula for calculating the area of a circle and the formula for calculating the area of the parallelogram created by rearranging the sectors of the circle?