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In this section, let us recall the sectors and segments of a circle.
 
The sector of a circle:
Two radii enclose the circular region's portion (or part), and the corresponding arc is called a sector of the circle.
1.svg
 
Here, sector \(OAQB\) is the major sector, and sector \(OAPB\) is the minor sector.
 
The segment of a circle:
The portion (or part) of the circular region enclosed between a chord and the corresponding arc is called a segment of the circle.
2.svg
 
Here, \(AQB\) is the major segment and \(APB\) is the minor segment.
Area of a sector
 Let us first look at the image given below for a thorough understanding.
 
3.svg
 
Here, \(OAPB\) is the sector of a circle with '\(r\)' as the radius. Also, let \(\angle AOB\) be \(\theta\).
 
We are well aware that the area of a circle is \(\pi r^2\).
 
We also know that any circular region, with \(O\) as the centre, is a sector forming the angle \(360^\circ\).
 
In other words, the area of a sector forming \(360^\circ\) is \(\pi r^2\).
 
So, the area of a sector forming \(1^\circ = \frac{1}{360} \times \pi r^2 = \frac{\pi r^2}{360}\).
 
Therefore, the area of the sector forming a degree measure of \(\theta = \frac{\theta}{360} \times \pi r^2\).
 
Thus, \(\text{The area of a sector} = \frac{\theta}{360} \times \pi r^2\), where \(r\) is the centre of the circle and \(\theta\) is the degree measure of the sector.
The length of an arc of a sector
The length of the whole arc (or the circle) \(=\) \(2\pi r\)
 
Thus, the length of an arc of a sector \(=\) \(\frac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi r\).
Area of the segment \(APB\)
Let us look at the image given below for a better understanding.
 
4.svg
 
The area of the segment \(APB\) \(=\) The area of the sector \(OAPB\) \(-\) The area of \triangle \(OAB\)
 
\(=\) \(\frac{\theta}{360} \times \pi r^2\) \(-\) The area of \(\triangle OAB\)
 
Also, \(\text{The perimeter of the sector} = 2r + \frac{2 \pi r\theta}{360}\)
 
Important!
On considering the two figures given below, we come to the conclusions that follow.
 
5.svg
 
1. Area of the major sector \(OAQB\) \(=\) \(\pi r^2\) \(–\) Area of the minor sector \(OAPB\)
 
2. Area of the major segment \(AQB\) \(=\) \(\pi r^2\) \(–\) Area of the minor segment \(APB\)