Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Circular measure

Circular measure — practice question

The diagram depicts a cord looped around a pulley and a pin. The pulley is represented by a circle with centre $O$ and radius $5\text{ cm}$. The thickness of the cord and the dimensions of the pin $P$ may be ignored. The pin is placed $13\text{ cm}$ vertically beneath $O$. Points $A$ and $B$ lie on the circle so that $AP$ and $BP$ are tangents to the circle. The cord runs over the major arc $AB$ of the circle and beneath the pin so that the cord stays taut.
(main)[6]

Calculate the cord length.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Apply a trig ratio to obtain $POA=1.17(6)$ rad or $67.4^\circ$

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