Calculating the Diameter of a Circle: Formulas, Examples, and Importance

Diameter

The diameter of a circle is defined as a straight line segment passing through the center of the circle and connecting two points on the circumference

The diameter of a circle is defined as a straight line segment passing through the center of the circle and connecting two points on the circumference. It is the longest chord in a circle, and it divides the circle into two equal halves called semicircles.

To find the diameter of a circle, you need to know either the radius or the circumference of the circle. Here are the formulas to calculate the diameter:

1. If you know the radius (r) of the circle, simply double the value of the radius to find the diameter.
Diameter = 2 x radius (D = 2r)

2. If you know the circumference (C) of the circle, you can use the following formula to find the diameter:
Diameter = Circumference / π
(where π is a mathematical constant with an approximate value of 3.14159)

It’s important to note that the diameter is always twice the length of the radius. If the radius is given in any units (such as centimeters, inches, etc.), the diameter will have the same units.

Example 1:
Let’s say you have a circle with a radius of 5 cm. To find the diameter, you can use the formula D = 2r.
Diameter = 2 × 5 cm = 10 cm

Example 2:
If you have a circle with a circumference of 31.4 cm and you want to find the diameter, you can use the formula D = C / π.
Diameter = 31.4 cm / 3.14159 ≈ 10 cm

Remember, the diameter of a circle is an important measurement, and it is used in calculating other properties of the circle, such as area and perimeter.

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