Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

What is a sector of a circle?

1. Half of a circle

2. A piece bounded by two radii and an arc

3. A line through the center of a circle

4. A point located at the circle's edge

The correct answer is: A piece bounded by two radii and an arc

A sector of a circle is defined as a region that is bounded by two radii (the straight lines from the center of the circle to its circumference) and the arc that lies between the endpoints of those radii. This means that a sector resembles a "slice" of the circle, similar to a piece of pie, where the two radii create the straight sides, and the arc forms the curved edge. This definition distinguishes the sector from other geometry-related terms. For instance, half of a circle would typically refer to a semicircle, which is not specifically focused on the angles or the radii. A line going through the center would describe a diameter, and a point on the circle's edge would simply be a point rather than a defined area or region. In summary, the identification of a sector centers on the specific relationship between two radii and the arc connecting them, which encapsulates an area of the circle rather than merely lines or points.