In geometry and trigonometry, we often switch between degrees and radians. Python’s math module provides two simple functions to handle these conversions:
- math.radians() – Converts degrees to radians
- math.degrees() – Converts radians to degrees
Let’s explore both with examples:
math.radians()
This function takes a degree value and returns its equivalent in radians.
Syntax
math.radians(x)
Parameters:
- x: Angle in degrees (float or int)
Returns: Angle in radians (float)
Example 1: Convert Degrees to Radians
import math
x = 180
print("Radians:", math.radians(x))
Output
Radians: 3.141592653589793
Explanation: 180 degrees is exactly π radians.
Example 2: Convert 1 Degree and Fractional Degree
import math
a = 1
b = 180 / math.pi
print("1° in Radians:", math.radians(a))
print("180/π° in Radians:", math.radians(b))
Output
1° in Radians: 0.017453292519943295 180/π° in Radians: 1.0
Explanation: 180/π degrees equals exactly 1 radian.
math.degrees()
This function takes a radian value and returns its equivalent in degrees.
Syntax
math.degrees(x)
Parameters:
- x: Angle in radians (float or int)
Returns: Angle in degrees (float)
Example 3: Convert Radians to Degrees
import math
x = math.pi
print("Degrees:", math.degrees(x))
Output
Degrees: 180.0
Explanation: π radians is exactly 180 degrees.
Example 4: Convert 1 Radian and π/180 Radians
import math
a = 1
b = math.pi / 180
print("1 Radian in Degrees:", math.degrees(a))
print("π/180 Radians in Degrees:", math.degrees(b))
Explanation: 1 radian ≈ 57.3°, and π/180 radians equals 1 degree.
Applications
- Geometry and trigonometry problems
- Astronomical computations
- Graphing and simulations
- Rotational transformations in graphics
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