If you start with all alphanumeric variables empty, I noticed that other CAS based calculators can be made to display their internal equations for trig functions. Does anyone know how to make the HP-50g do the same thing?
I asked this question a while back, and one response was to use the "trig" function. I read the manual, and I tried the trig function in every permutation I could think of. Obviously someone much smarter than me will need to explain the individual keystrokes, and any necessary mode settings.
Anyway, as an example, using a Casio ClassPad, on the main screen you can type cExpand(sin(a+ib)) where "i" is the square root of negative one. The ClassPad responds with cosh(b)sin(a)+i*sinh(b)cos(a).
The TI-89 is simpler. You don't need to use any special wrapper function like cExpand(). You just type sin(a+ib) and hit enter. The response is sin(a)cosh(b)+cos(a)sinh(b)i.
The same thing is true for the gray TI-nSpire. The nSpire seems to have the easiest interface for such work, because it has a dedicated "i" button, along with a dedicated "a" button and "b" button. You just type the expression, and hit enter without pressing any special shift, alt, alpha, or control keys.
I dearly hate the way the nSpire has been lobotomized to prevent programming anything with graphics, and I believe TI could easily make more money by correcting this marketing mistake, at least in the CAS version of the machine. Ugh. I should probably restrain myself ranting about that on a tangent.
I like the display clarity of the HP-50g better. Yes, even with fewer pixels. The display is easier to read, and the machine's interface it is easier to use for many common operations that make up the mainstay of daily work. I would just like to understand the 50g machine's CAS system better.
Bill