TI-89 Basic Physics Settings/Calculations Help

[TheodorableM]

Ok, new to the forum and taking my first real science credit physics course (I have taken one prior but it doesn't count towards the major). I'm in somewhat of a bind here as i just got a TI-89 titanium thinking that more was inherently better, I am now regretting this decision. When i go to do a simple equation such as finding a projectiles velocity in the x direction on a plane, i would enter the equation 950cos(75), (final speed being 950m/s, and the angle being 75deg.) i get this: 475*(√(3)-1)*√(2)/2. Now, I've looked through the manual, and do believe i am on the proper settings. I have also had the professor take a look at it but he couldn't figure it out either. After some extensive googling i figured someone here could help me out.

Thank you.

Issue Resolved

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Good to hear, please stop back!

 

[Eval]

For future reference, for anybody else that has this problem, here are two ways to fix this:

In the Mode settings, change Exact/Approx to Approximate.

Alternatively, if you add a decimal point instead, like 950.cos(75), the decimal value will be returned as opposed to the exact value with radicals.

 

[nathanthegreat]

Another way to get around this is if you use "Auto" as your Exact/Approx mode and you want to see the approximate answer, hit the green diamond key and then enter instead of just enter. This will display the approximate answer.

 

[LudusRex]

:

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out with your issue. The TI-89 is a powerful calculator, but it can be overwhelming to use at first. It sounds like you may have the calculator set to display answers in exact form instead of decimal form. To change this setting, go to the "Mode" menu and select "Approximate." This should give you the decimal answer you are looking for.

Additionally, for physics calculations, it may be helpful to use the "Units" feature on the calculator. This will ensure that your answers are in the correct units and can make your calculations easier to understand.

I hope this helps and good luck with your physics course!