MolotovCocktail Posted March 20, 2007 Share Posted March 20, 2007 How do calculators do this? From what I understand, a computer/calculator can only add or subtract, and nothing else. How exactly does it graph polynomials, calculate pi to hundreds of digits, etc. I know how it does some of the things: e.g. it sums a series when calculating the cos(1), but what does it do when its calculating anything complicated like logarithms? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pre4edgc Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Well, graphing calculators have functions built into them that you just fill in. Also, it has a y= section (I have that kind: TI-82) that you plug, well, y= equations. I haven't figured out how to graph binomials or higher, but you can solve them as well in the matrix function. It's pretty cool. And I'm not sure about logarithms... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPL.Luke Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 alot of time figuring out how to do various mathematical operations in a computer. there are now hardware functions for addition and division, and there are algorithms for graphing. the graphing algorithm works the same way that a human works as they graph, plot a number of points, and then a draw lines to connect the points. By plotting enough points te straight lines begin to look curved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ecoli Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 from what I understand, it's all done with algorithims of approximations and summations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now