# Thread: Distance across a circle

1. ## Distance across a circle

Hi there, I'm writing a computer program and I'm having a problem with the geometry. I would be very grateful for any help.
My problem is that i have one fixed point on a circles perimeter and one point which is moving around the perimeter. Do you know how i can calculate the distance between the points at any time? I should add that i know the radius and the angle at which the moving point is in relation to the fixed. Does such a formula exist?
Anyway, thanks for your time and any help would be amazing!

2. If $d$ is the distance between two points on a circle of radius $a$, and the angle subtended by the two radii to the two points is given by $\theta,$ then we can use the Law of Cosines to compute the distance:

$d^{2}=a^{2}+a^{2}-2(a)(a)\cos(\theta).$

Can you simplify?

3. Originally Posted by Ackbeet
If $d$ is the distance between two points on a circle of radius $a$, and the angle subtended by the two radii to the two points is given by $\theta,$ then we can use the Law of Cosines to compute the distance:

$d^{2}=a^{2}+a^{2}-2(a)(a)\cos(\theta).$

Can you simplify?
Thank you very much this is just what i'm looking for. I couldn't find the right expression anywhere. Thanks for your time and help!!

4. You're welcome. Have a good one!