GCSE · Circles, arcs & sectors

Parts of a circleExam-style questions

The names of the parts of a circle and how to tell them apart: centre, radius, diameter and circumference; chords, arcs and tangents; sectors and segments, minor and major. Why the diameter is twice the radius, and how two radii make an isosceles triangle.

13 questions · GCSE (Higher) level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAllLevel 2Level 3Level 4
  1. 1
    A logo is made from one large circle and three identical small circles.

    The centres of all four circles lie on a straight line. The three small circles fit exactly across a diameter of the large circle. They touch each other and the large circle, as shown.18 cmDiagram NOT accurately drawn

    The radius of the large circle is 1818 cm.
    (a) Work out the radius of one of the small circles.

    (3 marks)
    (b) Work out the distance between the centres of the two outer small circles.

    (2 marks)
    Level 4 · 5 marksTry it
  2. 2
    AA, BB and CC are points on a circle, centre OO.

    Angle AOB=100°AOB = 100°

    Angle BOC=140°BOC = 140°100°140°OABCDiagram NOT accurately drawn

    Work out the size of angle ABCABC.

    Give a reason for each stage of your working.

    (5 marks)
    Level 4 · 5 marksTry it
  3. 3
    Nia makes circular coasters from sheets of cork.

    Each coaster has a radius of 4.54.5 cm.

    Each sheet of cork is a rectangle 5050 cm long and 3030 cm wide.

    Nia cuts the coasters in rows, as shown in the diagram.50 cm30 cmDiagram NOT accurately drawn

    She sells each coaster for £2.402.40

    Work out the greatest amount of money Nia can get by selling the coasters she cuts from one sheet.

    You must show how you get your answer.

    (5 marks)
    Level 4 · 5 marksTry it