Why do we have to use radians instead of degrees?

Radians are used a lot in A level maths because at higher levels, they allow for simplification of trigonometric functions. For example, when using radians, it can be said that:

Sin(angle) ≈ angle Cos(angle) ≈ 1 - 0.5*angle ≈ 1 Tan(angle) ≈ angle

In degrees for example, it can not be said that sin(30) ≈ 30, because sin(30)=0.5 and so the approximation is way off. But radians are defined in a way that means the above equations can be assumed true, and hence complex mathematical equations can be simplified allowing them to be solved.

JS
Answered by Jamie S. Maths tutor

7629 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve |3x+1| = 1


Find the sum and product of the roots of the equation 2x^2+3x-5=0


Why do we need to differentiate?


A curve has the equation y=3x^3 - 7x^2+52. Find the area under the curve between x=2 and the y-axis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning