A89: Re: help me too please!
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A89: Re: help me too please!
It seems we don't understand the nature of the term "exact" here.
"Exact" answers include radicals and irrational numbers exactly as they are.
Pi is exact -- 3.1415926535 (off the top of my head) is NOT exact. It is a
decimal approximation of the number. The only exact representation of Pi is
the Pi symbol - it's an irrational number than can only be approximated by a
decimal. Same thing goes with simplified square roots (2, 3, 5, 6, etc.)
The answer that you want is what we call a "decimal approximation". It is
not the exact answer, but very close to it. Pi is not 3.1415926535, but
it's within trillionths (1/1,000,000,000,000) of the exact answer. To
obtain a decimal approximation, either set the MODE to APPROX or, instead of
just pressing enter, press <> Enter (that's diamond-enter). You'll see the
squigley equal sign as the diamond function of the enter button - this means
"approximately equals".
So, in summation - you're wrong, the calculator's right. I suggest you read
through the manual a bit more or go buy a cheaper calculator (such as the
83) if you don't need the 89's advanced symbolic abilities.
Anyone know if Ray Kremer is on this list? We should add my little sermon to
the FAQ =)
> that doesnt give an exact answer
>
> Robruss82@aol.com wrote:
>
> > You don't need to graph the equation on the TI-89 to get the answers to
a
> > quadratic equation. Just look for the Solve( function in your menu,
and
> type
> > in the equation and the variable, and press Enter to get the answer.
> >
> > For Example:
> > Solve(x^2+6x-9=0, x) and it will give you the two answers.
> >
> > ------
> > Robert
> > ------
> > EMAIL: Robruss82@aol.com
> > robruss@mailcity.com
> > robruss@hotmail.com
> > AIM: Robruss82
> > mIRC: MindFrost
> > ICQ #: 34374528
> > WEBPAGE: http://browse.to/FrontPage
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