When I draw a circle with a compass, then keeping that same angle with the compass, I can draw 6 equal segments along the circumference of the circle. Why is 1 radian not equal to 60 degrees?

Question

mertsj · Answer

Because 1 radian is defined as the measure of the central angle that subtends an arc that is equal to the radius.

mertsj · Answer

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mertsj · Answer

You see, the chord is equal to the radius, not the arc.

anonymous · Answer

I still don't understand....
When the marks are made along the circumference of the circle with the compass set at the length of the radius, the length of the chord is the length of the radius. The needle and the pencil measure in a straight line, not an arc.

mertsj · Answer

The arc is NOT equal to the radius!!!  The chord is.

anonymous · Answer

That is what I said.

mertsj · Answer

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mertsj · Answer

Which is longer?  Arc AB or chord AB?

anonymous · Answer

Obviously the arc is longer. I know that. My point is that the marks made with the compass measure the chord and not the arc.

mertsj · Answer

So you have answered your own question.  Good for you.