Why is a circle divided into 360 degrees?a)Because it's a tradition fr...
Understanding the Division of a Circle into 360 Degrees
The division of a circle into 360 degrees is rooted in both historical traditions and practical mathematics. Here’s a detailed explanation of the reasons behind this choice:
1. Tradition from Ancient Civilizations
- Ancient civilizations, particularly the Babylonians, were among the first to use a base-60 number system.
- This system influenced their calculations and measurements, including angles.
2. Divisibility of 360
- The number 360 is highly composite, meaning it has many divisors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 60, 72, 90, 120, 180, and 360.
- This makes it convenient for various applications, such as navigation, astronomy, and geometry, allowing for easy subdivision into equal parts.
3. Alignment with Ancient Calendars
- A year was often approximated to 360 days by ancient cultures, leading to the idea that a circle (representing a year) should also be divided into 360 degrees.
- This correlation between time and angles helped in developing a system that was intuitive for astronomers and navigators.
Conclusion
These factors combined lead to the widespread acceptance of dividing a circle into 360 degrees. The influence of ancient traditions, the mathematical convenience of the number, and its connection to the calendar all play a crucial role in this enduring practice. Thus, the correct answer to why a circle is divided into 360 degrees is indeed option 'D', encompassing all these aspects.
Why is a circle divided into 360 degrees?a)Because it's a tradition fr...
The division of a circle into 360 degrees has historical roots in ancient civilizations like India, Persia, Babylon, and Egypt, which used a 360-day calendar. Additionally, 360 is a highly divisible number, making it convenient for various calculations.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 6 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 6.