A minor arc in a circle is an arc whose measure is less than 180 degrees.
Understanding Arcs in Circles
An arc represents a portion of a circle's circumference. There are three main types of arcs:
- Minor Arc: As defined above, an arc measuring less than 180 degrees.
- Major Arc: An arc measuring greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees.
- Semicircle: An arc measuring exactly 180 degrees, formed by a diameter of the circle.
Key Characteristics of a Minor Arc
- Measure: Its central angle is less than 180 degrees.
- Notation: Minor arcs are typically named using the two endpoints of the arc (e.g., arc AB).
- Visual Representation: It is the shorter path between two points on the circle's circumference.
Example
Imagine a circle with two points, A and B, on its circumference. If the distance along the circle from A to B is less than half the circle's circumference, then the arc from A to B is a minor arc.
Summary
A minor arc is a segment of a circle's circumference that spans less than half the circle. Its defining characteristic is its central angle being less than 180 degrees.
