How Do You Convert 250 Degrees to Radians for Resultant Forces?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting 250 degrees to radians for use in resultant force calculations. The user initially attempted to derive x,y coordinates using the radian circle but faced confusion regarding the angle's placement. It was clarified that to convert degrees to radians, the formula is 250° × (π/180°), and the cosine and sine values can be directly calculated using a calculator. The importance of ensuring the calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees vs. radians) was emphasized to avoid errors.

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  • Familiarity with angle conversion between degrees and radians
  • Basic knowledge of vector components in physics
  • Ability to use scientific calculators for trigonometric calculations
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Pablo1122
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Alright, so after looking at this video to do it



I did the following.

F1(65N) = 65cos(30)i+65sin30i

Then using the radian circle I saw that 30* has x,y coordinates of sqrt3/2 and 1/2 respectively. So as shown in the video I did

65(root3/2)i+65(1/2)j

= 56.3i + 32.5j

I did this for the left one too (30N).

But for the one at the bottom (20N) I get the degree of it to be 250. (270-20) = 250.

250* is not on the radian circle so how can I write 250* in terms of x,y coordinates?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Hello Pablo, :welcome:

Please post in the homework forum (and make good use of the template there!)

180-20 = 250 seems strange to me. But 270 - 20 - 250 and that's the right angle. Why do you say it's not on the radian circle ? Does that go from ##-\pi## to ##+ \pi## ? If so, how far from 0 to 270 when starting at 0 ?
 
BvU said:
Hello Pablo, :welcome:

Please post in the homework forum (and make good use of the template there!)

180-20 = 250 seems strange to me. But 270 - 20 - 250 and that's the right angle. Why do you say it's not on the radian circle ? Does that go from ##-\pi## to ##+ \pi## ? If so, how far from 0 to 270 when starting at 0 ?
Oh you I wrote it wrong, I meant to write 270-20 = 250.
circle-unit-304560.gif


But if we look at this radian circle. We see that 240* = (-1/2, -sqrt3/2) and then it goes to 270* = (0,-1). How can I find the x,y coordinates for 250* and use it in the equation?

And sorry about posting in the wrong section, I'll fix it next time. Do I need to repost this to the homework section or is it fine?
 
I see. 250 degrees isn't in the list. Calculators (or spreadsheets) not allowed ? You need ##\ \cos 250^\circ\ ## and ##\ \sin 250^\circ##

Thread will be moved by a moderator, don't worry.
 
BvU said:
I see. 250 degrees isn't in the list. Calculators (or spreadsheets) not allowed ? You need ##\ \cos 250^\circ\ ## and ##\ \sin 250^\circ##

Thread will be moved by a moderator, don't worry.
Oh my bad I posted it over there already. I 'll see if I can delete it.

Ya we can use calculators but maybe I am doing it wrong. Should it be in degrees or radians?

BvU said:
I see. 250 degrees isn't in the list. Calculators (or spreadsheets) not allowed ? You need ##\ \cos 250^\circ\ ## and ##\ \sin 250^\circ##

Thread will be moved by a moderator, don't worry.
Ooh, I can just do it on my calculator? I assumed you'd have to use the radian circle. Well... I feel dumb. Thanks a lot though :)

And I already posted it to the homework section again but I'll post that it's been solved. Thanks again.
 
When in radians mode your angle is ##250^\circ \displaystyle {\pi\over 180^\circ}##

-- lots of people blindly type in an angle in the wrong mode and end up with nonsense (and marks lost), so be warned.
 

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