Value of Degree in Radians

Theorem

The value of a degree in radians is given by:

$1 \degrees = \dfrac {\pi} {180} \radians \approx 0 \cdotp 01745 \, 32925 \, 19943 \, 29576 \, 9236 \ldots \radians$

This sequence is A019685 in the On-Line Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences (N. J. A. Sloane (Ed.), 2008).


Proof

By Measurement of Full Angle, a full angle measures $2 \pi$ radians.

By definition of degree of angle, a full angle measures $360$ degrees.

Thus $1$ degree of angle is given by:

$1 \degrees = \dfrac {2 \pi} {360} = \dfrac \pi {180}$

$\blacksquare$


Also see


Sources

  • 1964: Milton Abramowitz and Irene A. Stegun: Handbook of Mathematical Functions ... (previous) ... (next): Table $1.1$. Mathematical Constants
  • 1968: Murray R. Spiegel: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 1$: Special Constants: $1.27$
  • 1968: Murray R. Spiegel: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 5$: Trigonometric Functions: $5.14$
  • 1976: K. Weltner and W.J. Weber: Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists ... (previous) ... (next): $1$. Functions: $1.5$ Trigonometric or Circular Functions: $1.5.1$ Unit Circle
  • 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): angular measure
  • 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): angular measure
  • 2009: Murray R. Spiegel, Seymour Lipschutz and John Liu: Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 1$: Special Constants: $1.10.$