How to use tan function in micosoft works spreadsheet

In summary, the conversation discusses how to insert an inverse tangent function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet, with a focus on finding the angle of a right angle triangle using the tan function. It is mentioned that the function returns results in radians and that the arguements are in the opposite order compared to most libraries. The conversation also mentions a question involving two spheres with different temperatures and the net radiation between them.
  • #1
philrainey
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0

Homework Statement


IN microsoft works spread sheet how do you insert a inverse tan function. that is I know the opposite and adjacent side lengths but want to use the tan function to find the angle of a right angle triangle.Please help ,simple I know but I just can't work out how to do it. Does microsoft works work in degrees rads or grad by default?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
If it's the same as all the other versions of excel then it is "asin(x)"
the result is returned in radians, you can etiher use degress(asin(x)) or simply multiply by 57.3
 
  • #3
=DEGREES(ATAN2(x,y)) will return an angle in any quadrant

Experimenting, I find that the return value, theta ranges as -180 < theta <= 180.
 
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  • #4
One thing to be careful of, excel's atan2() function has the arguements in the opposite order to most libraries which are atan2(y,x), since atan2(y,x) = atan(y/x)
 
  • #5
Yes thankyou it works in radians. I was trying to work out a question where there is a little sphere inside a big sphere with a perfect vacuum inbetween.the big sphere been 0.13m dia. and 1550 degrees kelvin hot. The little sphere .1m dia. and 1500 degrees kelvin. All of the radiation from the little sphere hits the big but some from the big misses the small and hits itself.What is the net radiation between them ?
 

FAQ: How to use tan function in micosoft works spreadsheet

How do I access the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet?

To access the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet, you can either type in =TAN() in the desired cell or click on the Formulas tab and select "Trigonometry" from the "Insert Function" dropdown menu. Then, choose "TAN" from the list of functions.

What is the syntax for the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet?

The syntax for the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet is =TAN(number), where "number" represents the angle in radians that you want to find the tangent of. Make sure to input the number in radians, not degrees.

Can I use the tan function to find the tangent of an angle in degrees?

Yes, you can use the tan function to find the tangent of an angle in degrees. However, you will need to convert the angle to radians first by multiplying it by PI()/180. For example, if you want to find the tangent of 30 degrees, the formula would be =TAN(30*PI()/180).

How can I use the tan function in a formula?

To use the tan function in a formula, you can simply type in =TAN() followed by the cell reference or value that contains the angle in radians. You can also use the tan function in combination with other functions, such as SUM or AVERAGE, to perform more complex calculations.

Are there any common errors when using the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet?

One common error when using the tan function in Microsoft Works spreadsheet is the #VALUE! error, which occurs when the input value is not a numeric value or cannot be interpreted as a number. Make sure to input the number in radians and check for any typos or incorrect cell references. Additionally, the tan function may return an error if the angle is equal to 90 degrees or any odd multiple of 90, as the tangent of these angles is undefined.

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