Skill: Convert between degrees and radians

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Degree–radian conversion rests on the fact that a full rotation is 360∘=2π360^\circ=2\pi radians, so 180∘=π180^\circ=\pi radians; measures are converted by multiplying by π/180\pi/180 or 180/π180/\pi. Radians represent the ratio of an arc’s length to the circle’s radius, supporting exact angle representations such as 30∘=π/630^\circ=\pi/6 and 3π/4=135∘3\pi/4=135^\circ for trigonometric functions and graphs. Radian-based calculus formulas and more advanced applications are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Convert between degrees and radians

A full rotation measures 360∘360^\circ or 2π2\pi radians. Therefore,

180∘=π radians.180^\circ=\pi\text{ radians}.

Use these conversion factors:

  • Degrees to radians: multiply by π180\dfrac{\pi}{180}
  • Radians to degrees: multiply by 180π\dfrac{180}{\pi}

Example: Convert 135∘135^\circ to radians

Multiply by π180\dfrac{\pi}{180}:

135∘(π180)135^\circ\left(\frac{\pi}{180}\right)

Simplify the fraction:

135π180=3π4\frac{135\pi}{180}=\frac{3\pi}{4}

Therefore,

135∘=3π4 radians\boxed{135^\circ=\frac{3\pi}{4}\text{ radians}}

The degree symbol cancels during the conversion, leaving the answer in radians.

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Trigonometry - Degrees to Radians (45s)


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