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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around converting an angle of 250 degrees to radians and determining its corresponding x,y coordinates for use in resultant force calculations. The context includes mathematical reasoning and application related to trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to calculating force components using trigonometric functions and mentions the angle of 250 degrees.
  • Another participant questions the calculation of 250 degrees and suggests that it may not be on the radian circle, prompting further clarification on the angle's position.
  • A later reply discusses the need for cosine and sine values for 250 degrees and suggests using a calculator, indicating that the angle can be converted to radians using the formula.
  • Participants express uncertainty about whether to use degrees or radians in calculations and discuss the implications of using the wrong mode on calculators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best approach to convert 250 degrees to radians or how to find its x,y coordinates. Multiple viewpoints and methods are presented, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the limitations of calculators and the potential for errors when using degrees versus radians. There is also a reference to the radian circle and its specific angles, which may not include 250 degrees directly.

Pablo1122
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s7rMLoN.png


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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