Mathematics · Ch 3 — Trigonometry
Different Systems of measurement of angle
3.2.2
Different Systems of measurement of angle
There are three standard systems for assigning a numerical measure to an angle.
- Sexagesimal system. The most familiar system: a right angle is divided into equal parts called degrees; each degree into equal parts called minutes; each minute into equal parts called seconds. A degree, minute and second are written , and . ("Sexagesimal" refers to this base- subdivision — the same base- idea used for measuring time.)
- Centesimal system. Here a right angle is divided into equal parts called grades, each grade subdivided into minutes, each of those into seconds. A grade is written . This system fits the decimal number system neatly but is rarely used in practice. …