Practice Circumference and area of a circle

A circle of radius r has circumference 2πr and area πr².

Distinguishing radius from diameter prevents common errors when measuring round objects.

Exercises with solutions

For every circle the circumference is a little more than three times the diameter. Calculations use π ≈ 3.14. The circumference is U = 2 · π · r or U = π · d, and the area is A = π · r².

Exercise 1

A circle has radius 5 cm. Calculate the circumference.

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about 31.4 cm

U = 2 · π · r = 2 · 3.14 · 5 cm = 31.4 cm.

Exercise 2

A circle has diameter 10 cm. Calculate the area.

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about 78.5 cm²

The radius is half the diameter, so 5 cm. A = π · r² = 3.14 · 25 cm² = 78.5 cm².

Exercise 3

Calculate the circumference of a circle with radius 2 m.

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about 12.56 m

U = 2 · 3.14 · 2 m = 12.56 m.

Exercise 4

How do you tell whether the circumference or the area is asked for?

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from the unit

The circumference is a length with the unit cm or m. The area is a surface and always has a square unit such as cm² or m².

Common mistake

Confusing radius and diameter. In A = π · r² you need the radius, not the diameter. Also watch the unit: areas always carry a square unit.

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Area: GeometryFrom grade 6 · Grades follow the North Rhine-Westphalia curriculum; other German states may introduce topics at different times.
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