Mathematics · Geometry

Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver

Rearrange the circle chord sagitta relationship and solve for half-chord length.

Runs locally
Your numbers

Inputs and results stay in this browser. Change one value at a time to explore the relationship.

Your inputCalculatedPassed forward in chains
half-chord length6
Reconstructed sagitta2

Calculation steps

  1. Use b=√(2ac−c²) with sagitta=2 and circle radius=10.
  2. half-chord length=6.
  3. Substitution into c=a−√(a²−b²) reconstructs 2.

Understand Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length

One idea, three depths

Choose how deeply to explain Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length

Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length: Rearrange the circle chord sagitta relationship and solve for half-chord length.

Age 5Explain it to a 5-year-oldStart with a picture

Imagine using Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length to answer this question: rearrange the circle chord sagitta relationship and solve for half-chord length? Enter sagitta and circle radius; the calculator shows half-chord length. For example: circle radius=10 and half-chord length=6 produce sagitta=2. The answer tells you half-chord length.

Age 15Explain it to a 15-year-oldConnect it to the formula

Sagitta is the radial height between a chord midpoint and its circular arc. This page isolates half-chord length and verifies it in the original relationship. The rule is b=√(2ac−c²). Its input values are sagitta, circle radius, and the main result is half-chord length. For example: circle radius=10 and half-chord length=6 produce sagitta=2.

CollegeExplain it at college levelState the model precisely

This calculator evaluates the stated circle chord sagitta: solve half-chord length relation over the valid real-number domain stated below. The implemented relation is b=√(2ac−c²), evaluated from sagitta, circle radius to produce half-chord length. Sagitta is the radial height between a chord midpoint and its circular arc. This page isolates half-chord length and verifies it in the original relationship. Half-chord length cannot exceed the radius, and this uses the minor-segment sagitta.

Inputs and valid domain

  • sagitta must be a finite real number.
  • circle radius must be a finite real number.

Important boundary: Half-chord length cannot exceed the radius, and this uses the minor-segment sagitta.

The formula

b=√(2ac−c²)

How the calculator works through it

It substitutes sagitta, circle radius into the formula and exposes every numerical step above. The main output is half-chord length, accompanied by Reconstructed sagitta.

Read the result correctly

The half-chord length is the direct answer to “rearrange the circle chord sagitta relationship and solve for half-chord length.” Read it with the units shown beside the inputs; a sign, angle, percentage or rate changes what the number means.

A worked check

circle radius=10 and half-chord length=6 produce sagitta=2.

Where this model stops being reliable

Half-chord length cannot exceed the radius, and this uses the minor-segment sagitta.

Learn it by changing one value

Begin with the worked example, then change one value while keeping the others fixed. Compare the new result and calculation steps to identify which part of the formula changed.

Dictionary terms behind this calculator

Before studying the codeWhat you should know firstUse the calculator immediately, or check the foundations before reading the implementation.

These foundations help you understand why Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length works. They never block the calculator, and “optional” means useful context rather than a hidden requirement.

Hard requirements

  • Reading formulas and substituting values

    Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length uses b=√(2ac−c²). You need to recognise what each side represents before substituting the stated inputs or rearranging the relationship.

    Review this foundation about 4 min

Strong support

  • Ratios between measured quantities

    Ratios help you check the scale, units and proportional meaning of Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length.

    Review this foundation about 4 min

Optional enrichment

  • Angles and geometric relationships

    Angle language provides useful geometric context for extending Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length to related shapes and constructions.

    Review this foundation about 4 min
Learn the missing foundationsI already know these — show the code

Mathematics → algorithm → program

Implement this calculation in code

These are direct reference implementations of the calculator's principal relationship and first output. They run locally and include a small known-answer check where the language supports it.

Algorithm

  1. Read sagitta, circle radius.
  2. Evaluate the principal relationship: b=√(2ac−c²).
  3. Return half-chord length and check the domain conditions described above.
Python
            from math import *

def circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(c, a) -> float:
    return sqrt(((2.0 * (a * c)) - (c * c)))

assert abs(circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(2, 10) - 6) < 1e-6 * max(1.0, abs(6))
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            
C
            #include <assert.h>
#include <math.h>

double circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(double c, double a) {
    return sqrt(((2.0 * (a * c)) - (c * c)));
}

int main(void) {
    const double expected = 6;
    const double actual = circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(2, 10);
    assert(fabs(actual - expected) < 1e-6 * fmax(1.0, fabs(expected)));
}
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            
C++
            #include <cassert>
#include <cmath>
#include <numbers>

double circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(double c, double a) {
    return std::sqrt(((2.0 * (a * c)) - (c * c)));
}

int main() {
    constexpr double expected = 6;
    const double actual = circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(2, 10);
    assert(std::fabs(actual - expected) < 1e-6 * std::fmax(1.0, std::fabs(expected)));
}
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            
Linux x86-64 assembly

x86-64 NASM · System V ABI · Linux · SSE2 with libm where required

            ; double circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(double c, double a)
; Linux x86-64 NASM · System V ABI · first eight doubles in xmm0–xmm7
global circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b
section .text

circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b:
    push rbp
    mov rbp, rsp
    sub rsp, 64
    movsd [rbp-8], xmm0
    movsd [rbp-16], xmm1
    mov rax, 0x4000000000000000
    movq xmm0, rax
    movsd [rbp-48], xmm0
    movsd xmm0, [rbp-16]
    mulsd xmm0, [rbp-8]
    movsd [rbp-56], xmm0
    movsd xmm0, [rbp-48]
    mulsd xmm0, [rbp-56]
    movsd [rbp-40], xmm0
    movsd xmm0, [rbp-8]
    mulsd xmm0, [rbp-8]
    movsd [rbp-64], xmm0
    movsd xmm0, [rbp-40]
    subsd xmm0, [rbp-64]
    movsd [rbp-32], xmm0
    sqrtsd xmm0, [rbp-32]
    movsd [rbp-24], xmm0
    movsd xmm0, [rbp-24]
    leave
    ret
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            
MATLAB
            function result = circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b(c, a)
    result = sqrt(((2.0 * (a * c)) - (c * c)));
end
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            
Wolfram Language
            ClearAll[mwCalculate];
mwCalculate[c_, a_] := Sqrt[((2.0 * (a * c)) - (c * c))];
          
Current calculator valuesUpdates when you change an input above.
              
            

Continue in mathematical software

The downloaded file includes your current inputs and first calculated result. It is created locally.

Floating-point answers can differ slightly by language, compiler and processor. Compare within a suitable tolerance rather than assuming every decimal representation will be identical.

Supporting sourcesAcademic referencesPrimary standards, textbooks and complete citations

Standards, reading and academic references

Use the calculator as the worked interaction, then consult the primary standards and academic textbooks listed below. MW SysArc links to the original sources; the explanation on this page is original and does not reproduce them.

Algebra and Trigonometry 2e

Read the related free OpenStax mathematics chapters
Cite this book
APA 7
Abramson, J. (2021). Algebra and trigonometry 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites
MLA 9
Abramson, Jay. Algebra and Trigonometry 2e. OpenStax, 2021, https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites.
Chicago author-date
Abramson, Jay. 2021. Algebra and Trigonometry 2e. Houston, TX: OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/algebra-and-trigonometry-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-prerequisites.

OpenStax entries are free to read online. Follow the licence shown on each linked source before redistributing or adapting its content.

Reuse the page responsiblyCite this pageAPA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, BibTeX and RIS

These formats cite this calculator page itself. They are separate from the academic references above, which support the mathematical method and terminology.

APA 7

MW SysArc. (2026, July 21). Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver. MW SysArc Tools. https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver

MLA 9

MW SysArc. “Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver.” MW SysArc Tools, 21 July 2026, https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Chicago 17

MW SysArc. “Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver.” MW SysArc Tools. Published July 21, 2026. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver.

Harvard

MW SysArc (2026) ‘Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver’, MW SysArc Tools. Published 21 July 2026. Available at: https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver (Accessed: 31 August 2026).

BibTeX and RIS records

BibTeX

@misc{mwsysarc_circle_chord_sagitta_solve_b_2026,
  author = {{MW SysArc}},
  title = {Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver},
  howpublished = {MW SysArc Tools},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver},
  note = {Published July 21, 2026; accessed August 31, 2026}
}

RIS

TY  - ELEC
AU  - MW SysArc
TI  - Circle Chord Sagitta half-chord length Solver
T2  - MW SysArc Tools
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026-07-21
Y2  - 2026-08-31
UR  - https://math.mwsysarc.com/geometry/circle-chord-sagitta-half-chord-length-solver
N1  - Published July 21, 2026
ER  -

Clear answers

Frequently asked questions

What does the Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length do?

Rearrange the circle chord sagitta relationship and solve for half-chord length.

How does the Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length work?

The calculator applies b=√(2ac−c²). Sagitta is the radial height between a chord midpoint and its circular arc. This page isolates half-chord length and verifies it in the original relationship.

What can I learn from the Circle Chord Sagitta: solve half-chord length?

It connects the mathematical rule to your chosen numbers and shows each calculation step. Change one input at a time to see how the result responds.

Does MW SysArc receive or store what I enter?

No. The calculation runs locally in your browser. MW SysArc does not receive or store your calculation inputs.

How should I use the result?

Use the steps to understand the method, then verify important school or professional work using the notation and rounding rules required in your setting.

Last reviewed . Calculations tested .

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