Understanding Chords in Mathematics: Definition and Applications
Learn what a chord means in math and its significance in geometry, particularly in circles and shapes.
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In math, a chord is a straight line segment that connects two points on a curve. Most commonly, it refers to a line segment joining two points on a circle. Chords are used in various geometric calculations, such as determining lengths and angles in different shapes.
FAQs & Answers
- What is a chord in geometry? In geometry, a chord is a line segment that connects two points on a curve, most commonly on a circle.
- How do you calculate the length of a chord? The length of a chord can be calculated using the formula: length = 2 * r * sin(θ/2), where r is the radius and θ is the angle subtended at the center.
- What are the properties of chords in a circle? Chords in a circle have several properties, including that equal chords subtend equal angles at the center, and the perpendicular from the center of a circle to a chord bisects the chord.
- How are chords used in real life? Chords are used in various applications, including engineering, architecture, and computer graphics, to understand shapes and calculate distances.