Working with Major and Minor Arcs
A circle is a two-dimensional shape with a constant distance from a fixed point, called the center. A circle can be divided into two types of arcs: major arcs and minor arcs.
Major Arcs
A major arc is an arc that measures more than 180 degrees.
A major arc is formed by connecting two points on the circle with a straight line that passes through the center.
There is only one major arc for any two given points on a circle.
Minor Arcs
A minor arc is an arc that measures less than 180 degrees.
A minor arc is formed by connecting two points on the circle with a straight line that does not pass through the center.
There are two minor arcs for any two given points on a circle.
Video Guide
Minor arc of a circle defined and illustrated
Semicircle defined and illustrated
Major arc defined and illustrated
Identify the given arc as a minor arc, major arc, or semicircle
Sample problems finding the measure of an arc