Convert degrees, minutes, and seconds (dms) into decimal degrees

Summary

This video explains how to convert angles from degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees. The first example covers converting 112 degrees 15 minutes, using a simple division of 15 by 60 to add 0.25 degrees, resulting in 112.25 degrees. The second example demonstrates converting 38 degrees 42 minutes 18 seconds by first dividing 42 minutes by 60 to get 0.7 degrees, then dividing 18 seconds by 3600 to get 0.005 degrees, resulting in 38.705 degrees. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of understanding the conversion formulas and the use of a calculator for accurate results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding angle conversion to decimal degrees is key for precise measurement.
• 😀 To convert minutes to decimal degrees, divide the minutes by 60.
• 😀 In the example, 112° 15' is converted to 112.25° by dividing 15 minutes by 60.
• 😀 There are 60 minutes in one degree, and 3600 seconds in one degree.
• 😀 To convert seconds to decimal degrees, divide the number of seconds by 3600.
• 😀 For the second example, 38° 42' 18" is converted by adding 42/60 and 18/3600.
• 😀 The result for 38° 42' 18" is 38.705° after the conversions.
• 😀 A simple calculator can be used to perform these conversions efficiently.
• 😀 Remember that minutes and seconds are smaller divisions of a degree, affecting precision.
• 😀 The overall goal is to express angles in decimal degrees for ease of calculation and application.

Q & A

What is the first step when converting an angle in degrees and minutes to decimal degrees?

The first step is to separate the degrees from the minutes and convert the minutes into a decimal by dividing them by 60.

How do you convert 15 minutes into decimal degrees?

To convert 15 minutes into decimal degrees, divide 15 by 60. This equals 0.25 degrees.

What is the final result when converting 112 degrees and 15 minutes into decimal degrees?

The final result is 112.25 degrees, which is the sum of 112 degrees and 0.25 degrees (from the 15 minutes).

How is the conversion process for an angle with minutes and seconds different from one with just minutes?

In addition to dividing the minutes by 60, you must also convert the seconds into decimal degrees by dividing them by 3600, as there are 3600 seconds in one degree.

How do you convert 42 minutes into decimal degrees?

To convert 42 minutes into decimal degrees, divide 42 by 60, which equals 0.7 degrees.

How do you convert 18 seconds into decimal degrees?

To convert 18 seconds into decimal degrees, divide 18 by 3600, which equals 0.005 degrees.

What is the final result when converting 38 degrees, 42 minutes, and 18 seconds into decimal degrees?

The final result is 38.705 degrees, which is the sum of 38 degrees, 0.7 degrees (from the 42 minutes), and 0.005 degrees (from the 18 seconds).

Why is it important to divide the minutes by 60 when converting to decimal degrees?

Dividing the minutes by 60 is important because there are 60 minutes in one degree, and this conversion allows us to express the angle as a decimal instead of using minutes.

What is the significance of dividing seconds by 3600 when converting to decimal degrees?

Dividing seconds by 3600 is necessary because there are 3600 seconds in one degree, so this conversion ensures the angle is accurately expressed in decimal form.

How would you explain the relationship between degrees, minutes, and seconds in terms of time?

Degrees, minutes, and seconds are similar to hours, minutes, and seconds in time. Just as there are 60 minutes in an hour and 3600 seconds in an hour, there are 60 minutes in a degree and 3600 seconds in a degree.