• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.833-855
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• 2017

This study aims to reinvestigate the reason for introducing radian as a new unit to express the size of angles, what is the meaning of radian measures to use arc lengths as angle measures, and why is the domain of trigonometric functions expanded to real numbers for expressing general angles. For this purpose, it was conducted historical, mathematical and applied mathematical analyzes in order to research at multidisciplinary analysis of the radian concept. As a result, the following were revealed. First, radian measure is intrinsic essence in angle measure. The radian is itself, and theoretical absolute unit. The radian makes trigonometric functions as real functions. Second, radians should be aware of invariance through covariance of ratios and proportions in concentric circles. The orthogonality between cosine and sine gives a crucial inevitability to the radian. It should be aware that radian is the simplest standards for measuring the length of arcs by the length of radius. It can find the connection with sexadecimal method using the division strategy. Third, I revealed the necessity by distinction between angle and angle measure. It needs justification for omission of radians and multiplication relationship strategy between arc and radius. The didactical suggestions derived by these can reveal the usefulness and value of the radian concept and can contribute to the substantive teaching of radian measure.