Re: A86: CAS project
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Re: A86: CAS project
>What exactly is symbolic manipulation?
>
>Any examples out there...
>
>Thanks,
>
>Chris
The calc works with the variables as symbols. Your calculations can have
multiple variables and your results may have a variables as well. The
89/92(+) calcs also have tables for built in things. Like if you say
"sin(pi/4)" then the result is [sqrt(2)/2]. The calc actually gives that as
your answer rather than some funky decimal number. If you were to type
"sin(1)", then the answer would be "sin(1)" as well, since "sin(1)" is more
exact than it's decimal equivalent. Since the calc deals with entire
equations as symbols, it effectively shuffles all the data around rather
than performing a raw numerical calculation. Thus if you use the quadratic
formula on an equation, the 89/92(+) calcs will actually respond with the
square root symbol and the divide and everything. It will never write it as
a decimal you force it (you can force numerical calculations with the
approximation key and there is another way as well).
The symbolic manipulation feature of these calcs makes it so that major
calculus operations can be performed (that otherwise aren't possible
numerically). The 89/92(+) can calculate derivatives and integrals. And
i'm not talking about the simple functions in the 82,83,85,86 like nDeriv()
and fnInt(). The 89/92(+) actually find the true equations if there is an
actual answer. You tell the 89 to derive x^3 and sure enough, it says 3x^2.
You can't beat that! And there's no way that could have been done
numerically. Symbolic manipulation is quite cool. Oh yeah, and these calcs
can solve limits.
If you haven't taken calculus yet, then may I entice you with some algebraic
features?
solve(8x=4, x). calc says 'x=2'
that was an easy one, but i don't want to think right now. try some
multivariable equation =). also, these calcs will give you all possible
answers, not just one. like if you use it on a quadratic or higher, it will
list all the answers (unlike the 82/83/85/86's solve).
oh yeah, and the 89/92(+) can factor equations. and expand them. and find
zeros. and and and and and..
Buy an 89 today =).
-Justin Karneges