16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryMediumRatio of the areas of two circles

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

Two circles have radii of 3 and 4. What is the ratio of the area of the smaller circle to the area of the larger circle?

Answer: 9/16

Areas scale with the square of the radius: 3² to 4² is 9 to 16.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3/4
3/4 is the ratio of the radii, not the areas.
If you answered 6/8
6/8 is the ratio of the diameters, again not the areas.
If you answered 16/9
16/9 inverts the ratio.

More Geometry and Trigonometry questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.