Circumference and arc length

There are 21 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Circumference and arc length
Track design
problem
Favourite

Track design

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
Where should runners start the 200m race so that they have all run the same distance by the finish?
Approximating Pi
problem
Favourite

Approximating pi

Age
14 to 18
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
By inscribing a circle in a square and then a square in a circle find an approximation to pi. By using a hexagon, can you improve on the approximation?
Arclets
problem
Favourite

Arclets

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
Each of the following shapes is made from arcs of a circle of radius r. What is the perimeter of a shape with 3, 4, 5 and n "nodes".
Belt
problem
Favourite

Belt

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
A belt of thin wire, length L, binds together two cylindrical welding rods, whose radii are R and r, by passing all the way around them both. Find L in terms of R and r.
Triangles and petals
problem
Favourite

Triangles and petals

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
An equilateral triangle rotates around regular polygons and produces an outline like a flower. What are the perimeters of the different flowers?
Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
problem
Favourite

Rollin' rollin' rollin'

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
Two circles of equal radius touch at P. One circle is fixed whilst the other moves, rolling without slipping, all the way round. How many times does the moving coin revolve before returning to P?
Efficient cutting
problem
Favourite

Efficient cutting

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
Use a single sheet of A4 paper and make a cylinder having the greatest possible volume. The cylinder must be closed off by a circle at each end.
Holly
problem

Holly

Age
14 to 16
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
The ten arcs forming the edges of the "holly leaf" are all arcs of circles of radius 1 cm. Find the length of the perimeter of the holly leaf and the area of its surface.
Five circuits, seven spins
problem

Five circuits, seven spins

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
A circular plate rolls inside a rectangular tray making five circuits and rotating about its centre seven times. Find the dimensions of the tray.