In Figure 6, three circles each of radius 3.5 cm are drawn in such a way that each of them touches the other two. Find the area enclosed between these three circles (shaded region). [Use π = 22/7].

Given: Radius of each circle = 3.5 cm

Join the centers of the three circles. An equilateral triangle of side 7 cm each is formed.

∴ ∠A = ∠B = ∠C = 60° = (π/3) radians

Area of the shaded region = Area of triangle ABC – Area of the three sectors

Area of equilateral triangle = × (Side)²

∴ Area of triangle ABC = × (7)²

= cm²

Area of the sector with central angle A = (1/2) × (∠A/180) × π × r²

= (1/2) × (60/180) × π × 3.5 × 3.5

=

= 77/12

Area of sector with central angle A = Area of sector with central angle B = Area of sector with central angle C

∴ Area of three sectors = 3 × (77/12)

= 77/4

Thus, Area of the shaded region =

= cm²