Eddie stated,
Quote:
I usually don't use pre-programmed stuff because (a) I tend not to use it all and (b) I feel I learn more by doing it myself. Any thoughts?
Yeah, I've got some thoughts on the matter...
Doesn't this defeat the purpose of the calculator, which is to provide consistently correct calculations over a wide range of inputs with minimal user effort -- in other words, to be a tool that works for you?
The pre-programmed functions in the legacy HP calculators incorporated algorithms developed by mathmeticians, microprocessor coding by skilled programmers, and validation by professional software testers. Can you match that expertise?
The pre-programmed functions will run faster and produce more accurate results than the typical user program.
Why would one program Taylor series (or other algorithm) for SIN and COS, when the complete set of trig functions and their inverses is readily available?
In the case of the 15C, for example, where the transcedental math functions are defined for both real- and complex-valued arguments, there's not enough storage for user programs that duplicate that functionality.
You can write your own algorithms and compare accuracy to the pre-programmed functions if you like, but the best use of programming is to develop custom applications for your own needs.
-- KS
Edited: 24 Jan 2005, 3:44 a.m.