Lecture Notes on Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds

Introduction

• Understanding the conversion from decimal degrees to degrees, minutes, and seconds.
• Importance of being able to switch between these two forms.

Key Concepts

Decimal Degrees

• Representation includes full degrees and a decimal part of another degree.
• Example: 37 degrees and 0.25 of another degree.

Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds

• Degrees are split into minutes and seconds.
• 1 Degree = 60 Minutes
• 1 Minute = 60 Seconds

Conversion Process

• Procedure:
  1. Identify the whole degree and the decimal part.
  2. Convert the decimal degree to minutes:
     • Multiply the decimal part by 60.
     • Example: 0.25 degree × 60 = 15 minutes.
  3. Convert the decimal part of minutes to seconds:
     • Multiply by 60 again.
     • Example: 0.5 minute × 60 = 30 seconds.

Example Calculation

• Given: 37.425 degrees
  • Whole degrees: 37 degrees
  • Decimal part: 0.425
• Convert 0.425 degrees to minutes:
  • 0.425 × 60 = 25.5 minutes (25 minutes and 0.5 minute)
• Convert 0.5 minute to seconds:
  • 0.5 × 60 = 30 seconds
• Final conversion: 37 degrees, 25 minutes, 30 seconds

Practical Application

• Problems can be in decimal form or degree-minute-second form.
• Essential to be able to convert between forms easily.
  • Use multiplication by 60 for each step of conversion.
• Utilize calculators for efficiency in conversion processes.

Remember, always break down the decimal into minutes and seconds for accurate measurement and conversion.