Select the correct answer.

Points B and C lie on a circle with center O and a radius of 15 units. If the length of arc BC is [tex]21 \pi[/tex] units, what is [tex]m \angle B[/tex]?

A. [tex]0.7 \pi[/tex]
B. [tex]\frac{3}{5} \pi[/tex]
C. [tex]1.2 \pi[/tex]
D. [tex]\frac{7}{5} \pi[/tex]



Answer :

To solve the problem, follow these steps:

1. Understand the problem: We need to find the measure of the central angle, [tex]\( m \angle B \)[/tex], in radians that subtends an arc [tex]\( BC \)[/tex] whose length is given as [tex]\( 21 \pi \)[/tex] units. The circle has a radius of 15 units.

2. Use the formula for arc length: The formula for the length of an arc ([tex]\( L \)[/tex]) subtended by a central angle [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex] in a circle of radius [tex]\( r \)[/tex] is given by:
[tex]\[ L = r \theta \][/tex]
Here [tex]\( L = 21 \pi \)[/tex] and [tex]\( r = 15 \)[/tex]. We can set up the equation:
[tex]\[ 21 \pi = 15 \theta \][/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex]: To find the central angle [tex]\(\theta\)[/tex], divide both sides of the equation by the radius [tex]\( r \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \theta = \frac{21 \pi}{15} \][/tex]

4. Simplify the expression: Simplify the fraction:
[tex]\[ \theta = \frac{21 \pi}{15} = \frac{7 \pi}{5} \][/tex]

5. Compare with the options: The measure of the central angle [tex]\( m \angle B \)[/tex] is [tex]\(\frac{7 \pi}{5}\)[/tex] radians.

So, the correct answer is:

D. [tex]\( \frac{7}{5} \pi \)[/tex]