What does 45° 30.123 represent?

The notation 45° 30.123 specifically indicates a combination of degrees and decimal minutes. In this case, the number '45' represents the degrees component, while '30.123' refers to the minutes component expressed in decimal format.

Understanding this format is crucial in geographic coordinate systems, where precise location representation is essential. Decimal degrees, which involve a full degree value expressed as a decimal (for example, 45.50205), are different from this notation.

Degrees and minutes are often noted together in a way similar to this, distinguishing degrees (whole numbers) from minutes (which can have fractional values). This means the correct interpretation of 45° 30.123 is that it is 45 degrees and 30.123 minutes, making it distinct from the other formats listed in the options.