TI-BASIC:SK:Math Intro

Now that you know how to utilize both the graph screen and the home screen, the next step to making wonderful programs is learning how to use the math. That's right: math. Most programs have to use math in order to run. Games that include gravity is an example. The math functions are pretty straightforward, however, their implementation requires some masterful skill. If you can learn to use the simple math functions to create angles, gravity, arcs, distance, and dilations, then you can really become a master programmer!

Basic Operators

These basic operators would include just the basic +,-, *, /. These are commonly taken for granted. Even though these operations are very basic and are used for simple arithmetic, they can be very powerful, as this tutorial will show.

Powers and Exponentials

This would include all the commands that deal with exponentiation, like ^, 10^(, EE, and e^(. This also includes the inverses such as √, ³√(, ×√, and Log( and Ln(. These commands have a plethora of applications, one of them being the emulation of gravity.

Probability

This includes the commands of the random numbers as well as NPr, NCr, and !. These can be used to determine outcomes and allow for computer intelligence.

Trigonometry

These are some of the most powerful functions, including Sin(, Cos(, Tan(, and their inverses. If these functions are used in the correct way, then you can create angles and simulate bouncing off of walls, off curved surfaces, and off angled surfaces. These functions can also be used to perform physics solutions to the transfer of momentum, friction, and rates.

Complex Numbers

This is probably one of the hardest types of math to use. Complex numbers are numbers with an i part, where i=√(-1). Using these is challenging, but also very useful. You can use imaginary operations to find coordinate locations and store other parts of information.

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The math operations that will be discussed in this chapter will be about the advanced uses of the functions. You should already know how to use some of the above to perform various calculations, but the content of this chapter will be about how the operations can be used to perform calculations beyond what you can imagine. Another thing to consider is the use of these functions. Programs don't have to be all games, but you can create a various amount math routines.

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