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NotesMath · P6Circles

Circles & Composite Figures Notes

Radius, diameter, circumference, area — and curved figures.

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Circle parts
rArea = πr²Circumference = 2πr

Radius drives every circle formula.

1

Core Formulas

Use π = 22/7 or 3.14 as told.

  • Circumference = 2πr = πd
  • Area = πr²
  • Semicircle area = ½πr²
  • Quarter circle area = ¼πr²
2

Composite Figures

Split the figure into simple shapes. Add or subtract areas.

3

Perimeter vs Area

Perimeter uses curved LENGTH (πr or ½πd). Area uses πr².

Common Mistakes
  • Using diameter as radius
  • Adding straight edges twice when splitting figures
  • Mixing π = 22/7 with a decimal answer
Teaching Team Tip

Draw the split lines on the composite figure before writing any working.

Worked Example
Try it, then check the steps
Question

A quarter circle of radius 14 cm. Find its area. (Use π = 22/7)

Steps
  1. 1Area = ¼ × 22/7 × 14 × 14
  2. 2= ¼ × 22/7 × 196
  3. 3= 154 cm²

What to do next

Learn Circles

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