The continuous closed line that makes the boundary of a two-dimensional shape is known as the perimeter. It’s easy to work out the perimeter of a shape with straight edges, such as a square, because you simply add the lengths of each edge together. A different formula is required to work out the perimeter of a semi circle (a circle cut in half), because it consists of a curved edge as well as a straight edge. That formula is
where d is the diameter of the semi circle.
Apply the number pi (π) to the formula
Pi is a circle's circumference divided by its diameter and is always the same value, 3.14.
To find the perimeter of a semi circle, you have to know the diameter (the length of its straight edge). For example, if the diameter of your semi circle is 12 centimeters, the formula becomes
Work out
Then work out
You now have the perimeter of the curved edge of the semi circle. But a semi circle also has a straight edge, which is why you have to add the length of the diameter to calculate the whole perimeter. In this case, work out
The perimeter of your semi circle is 30.84 centimeters.
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