If we start at the point (3, 0) on the circle with equation #x^2 +#y^2 = 9#, and travel along the circle a distance 3π/2 in the negative (in other words clockwise) direction, then what will be the coordinates of the point where we stop?

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Answer 1 · 2018-02-21T05:24:52

We ended on #(0, -3)#

Recall that the arc length of a circle is given by #s = thetar#.

Thus, the centre angle, #theta#, is given by

#theta = s/r#

#theta = ((3pi)/2)/3#, because the radius of the given circle measures #sqrt(9) = 3# units.

#theta = pi/2#

Always remember that this is in radians. Since #pi/2# is one quarter of the circumference of the circle, we will end on #(0, -3)#.

Hopefully this helps!