Education Technology

Solution 10424: Degree, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) Conversions with the TI-85 or TI-86.

How do I perform Degree, Minutes, Seconds (DMS) conversions with the TI-85 and TI-86?

The TI-85 and TI-86 recognize a number as DMS when that number is entered using a single quote after each value. For example, 15'12'8' would be interpreted as 15 degrees, 12 minutes and 8 seconds. The ' symbol can be accessed by pressing [2nd] [MATH] [F3:ANGLE] [F3:'].

To convert a number that is written in decimal degrees to DMS, use the [>DMS] function, found in the MATH, ANGLE menu. To convert an answer that is displayed on the screen in DMS format to decimal degrees, press [2nd] [ANS] [ENTER].

Below is an example of how to add numbers in DMS format.

Please see the TI-86 guidebook for additional information.