Difference between revisions of "Degree (geometry)"

 
m
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{stub}}
 +
 
The '''degree''' of an [[angle]] is a [[measure]]ment of the angle, representing <math>\frac1{360}</math> of a full [[rotation]].
 
The '''degree''' of an [[angle]] is a [[measure]]ment of the angle, representing <math>\frac1{360}</math> of a full [[rotation]].
  
Line 8: Line 10:
 
The [[number]] 360 as the amount of degrees in a [[circle]] was probably adopted because it approximates the number of days in a year.
 
The [[number]] 360 as the amount of degrees in a [[circle]] was probably adopted because it approximates the number of days in a year.
  
Another reason could be that ancient astronomers noticed that the stars in the sky seem to advance by approximately <math>\frac1{360}</math> of a circle (one degree).  
+
Another reason could be that ancient astronomers noticed that the stars in the sky seem to advance by approximately <math>\frac1{360}</math> of a circle.  
  
 
== See Also ==
 
== See Also ==

Revision as of 20:41, 31 October 2006

This article is a stub. Help us out by expanding it.

The degree of an angle is a measurement of the angle, representing $\frac1{360}$ of a full rotation.

Degrees are indicated by the degree symbol; one degree would be written $1^{\circ}$.

Degrees are the only units written right after a number, without a space (e.g. $90^{\circ}$, not $90\,^{\circ}$)

History

The number 360 as the amount of degrees in a circle was probably adopted because it approximates the number of days in a year.

Another reason could be that ancient astronomers noticed that the stars in the sky seem to advance by approximately $\frac1{360}$ of a circle.

See Also