What is the formula to convert degrees to radians?

To convert degrees to radians, the correct formula involves multiplying the number of degrees by the conversion factor of ( \frac{\pi}{180} ). This factor arises from the relationship between degrees and radians; there are ( 180 ) degrees in ( \pi ) radians. By using this formula, you effectively scale down the degree measure into its equivalent radian measure.

For example, if you want to convert ( 90 ) degrees into radians, you would perform the calculation:

[

90 \times \frac{\pi}{180} = \frac{\pi}{2}

]

This conversion is fundamental in trigonometry and calculus, as many mathematical functions and graphs are often expressed in radians rather than degrees. Understanding this conversion and utilizing the correct formula is essential for tackling problems in various areas of mathematics that require angle measures in radians.