Convert degrees to exact radians
The idea
Use the equivalence 180° = π radians, which represents a half turn.
Step by step
- Use the equivalence 180° = π radians, which represents a half turn.
- Multiply the degree measure by π/180 so the degree units cancel.
- Reduce the fraction multiplying π and check the result against a quarter turn or half turn.
Example
Convert 30° to radians. Give an exact answer.
Answer
π/6 rad
A half turn is 180° or π radians. Multiply 30 by π/180 to get π/6 rad.
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Label 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° and 360° around a circle, then write the corresponding radian measures.
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