Expert: Steve Holleran - 8/28/2007

Question
how do i graph a 450 degree angle? a -180 degree?

Answer
Hi Josalyn,

Okay, always start with the initial side of the angle along the positive x-axis.  For positive angles rotate CCW, and for negatives CW.

So, for 450 degrees, rotate CCW and go around one time. This is 360 degrees, yes?  Then you are back where you started, so go 90 more degrees.  Just show the rotation all the way around and then one more quadrant.  You should end up at the positive y-axis.

For -180, rotate CW and you should end up at the negative x-axis.  Just show the arc from the positive x-axis to the negative x-axis.

Hope this helps.

Steve Holleran