Radian Measure MathBitsNotebook.com Topical Outline | Algebra 2 Outline | MathBits' Teacher Resources Terms of Use   Contact Person: Donna Roberts

(The arc length discussed on this page will be in relation to a circle.)

An arc of a circle is a "portion" of the circumference of the circle. The length of an arc is simply the length of its "portion" of the circumference.  Actually, the circumference itself can be considered an arc length.

The length of an arc (or arc length) is traditionally symbolized by s. In the diagram at the right, it can be said that " subtends angle θ ". Definition:  subtend - to be opposite to

If the length of an arc of a circle, s, (think of straightening it out), is the same as the length of the circle's radius, r, a specific situation occurs. The angle, θ, created by this situation is called a radian.

A radian is the measure of an angle θ that, when drawn as a central angle, subtends an arc whose length equals the length of the radius of the circle. The measure of θ ( or m<COD ) = 1 radian

When radius r = arc length r, the angle θ measures 1 radian.
(Thus the naming of "radian" with its connection to "radius".)

Radian measure is another way of expressing the measure (size) of an angle.
It is considered to be a "pure" measure since it is based upon the radius of the circle being wrapped along the circumference. While at first it may seem easier to work with degrees, you will find that there is a mathematical simplicity to the use of radians.
So, now we have two methods of expressing the measure of an angle: in degrees and in radians.
When comparing radians to degrees, one radian is approximately 57.2958... degrees.

A radian is represented by the symbol rad. The radian measure of a central angle θ of a circle is defined as the ratio of the length of the arc the angle subtends, s, divided by the radius of the circle, r.

Note that when s = r, we get θ expressed as one radian.
Note when working in the unit circle, with radius 1, the length of the arc equals the radian measure of the angle. You may think of this (from Geometry) as the unit circle's version of "the measure of a central angle equals the measure of its intercepted arc."

Take a look at the two semicircles at the right. If we "wrap" the radius, r, along the circumference of a semicircle (first diagram), we will need 3 radii plus a "bit more" to complete the semicircle. The number of radians needed to represent the central angle of a semicircle is approximately 3.14159 radians. Yes, that is π !
We know that the central angle in a semicircle contains 180º. So we have π radians equivalent to 180º, and we now know: • π radians = 180º • 1 radian ≈ 57.29577951º (divide by π). • 2π radians = 360º

To change from degrees to radians, multiply by

To change from radians to degrees, multiply by

Hint for remembering the relationship between radians and degrees:   Solve for D (degres) or R (radians) to get the proper conversion formula.

Convert 50º to radians.    Answer:

Convert to degrees.    Answer:

When dealing with arc length, this same strategy of converting between degrees and radians can be used when given the angle, θ, in degrees.

θ in RADIANS Arc length of a circle:	θ in DEGREES Arc length of a circle:
When the arc length equals an entire circumference (2πr), we can use s = θ • r to get 2πr = θ • r and 2π = θ. This verifies what we already know to be true, that 2π = 360º.

How long is the arc subtended by an angle of radians on a circle of radius 20 cm?     Answer:    Now, look at this same problem when the angle, θ, is given in degrees (7π/4 = 315º): How long is the arc subtended by an angle of 315º radians on a circle of radius 20 cm?     Answer:

Remember that the formula for arc length (with the angle in degrees) is often expressed using the angle to create a fractional part of the entire circle (360º), multiplied by the total circumference of the circle. If simplified, this formula is the same formula shown above.

The following chart will give you a feel for the relationship between degrees and radians. It reads as a unit circle, starting at the right, 0º, and moving counterclockwise around the circle. Degrees are on the inner rim of the circle. Radians, expressed to nearest tenth and in terms of π, are on the outer rim of the circle.

For help with radians and degrees on your calculator, click here.