Triangle Calculator Degrees Minutes

Angle Conversion Formula:

\[ \text{Decimal Degrees} = \text{Degrees} + \frac{\text{Minutes}}{60} \]

Decimal Degrees:

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1. What is a Triangle Calculator Degrees Minutes?

Definition: This calculator converts angles from degrees and minutes format to decimal degrees for use in trigonometric calculations.

Purpose: It helps in precise angle measurements for navigation, surveying, astronomy, and engineering calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Decimal Degrees} = \text{Degrees} + \frac{\text{Minutes}}{60} \]

Where:

Degrees — Whole number portion of angle (0-359)
Minutes — Arcminutes portion (0-59)

Explanation: The minutes are converted to a fraction of a degree by dividing by 60, then added to the whole degrees.

3. Importance of Angle Conversion

Details: Most trigonometric functions in calculators and programming languages require angles in decimal degrees rather than degrees-minutes format.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the degrees (0-359) and minutes (0-59). The calculator will output the equivalent decimal degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert to decimal degrees?
A: Decimal degrees are easier to use in mathematical calculations and computer applications.

Q2: How precise is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact, though displayed to 6 decimal places for practical use.

Q3: What about seconds?
A: For higher precision, seconds can be converted by dividing by 3600 and adding to the total.

Q4: Can I convert negative angles?
A: Yes, for negative angles (e.g., latitude south of equator), enter negative degrees.

Q5: How is this used in triangle calculations?
A: Decimal degrees are needed for trigonometric functions like sine, cosine in triangle solutions.