Not sure if you should use Radians or Degrees? This calculator instantly converts between the two and provides the trigonometric values for both modes so you can verify which one matches your textbook or engineering requirements.
Radians or Degrees?
Should My Calculator Be in Radians or Degrees Formula:
Radians = Degrees × (π / 180)
Source: Wolfram MathWorld | Khan Academy
Variables:
- Degrees (°): A unit of angle measure where a full circle is 360 units. Primarily used in geometry and basic trigonometry.
- Radians (rad): A unit of angle measure based on the radius of a circle. A full circle is 2π radians. Essential for calculus and physics.
- π (Pi): Mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159.
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What is “Should My Calculator Be in Radians or Degrees”?
The choice between radians and degrees depends entirely on the type of mathematics you are performing. In most high school geometry classes, degrees are the standard because they are intuitive for describing shapes and rotations. However, as soon as you enter the realm of Calculus, radians become mandatory because they simplify derivatives and integrals of trigonometric functions.
If you see a small circle symbol (°) or the word “degrees,” set your calculator to degree mode. If you see terms involving π (like π/2) or if you are working with trigonometric functions in a calculus setting, your calculator must be in radians. Mixing these up is one of the most common causes of incorrect answers in STEM fields.
How to Calculate (Example):
Convert 90 degrees to radians:
- Identify the angle: 90°.
- Use the formula: Radians = Degrees × (π / 180).
- Substitute values: 90 × (3.14159 / 180).
- Calculate: 90 / 180 = 0.5.
- Result: 0.5π or approx 1.5708 radians.