Education Technology

Solution 12650: Calculating Trigonometric Functions on the TI-81.

How do I input and calculate trigonometric functions on the TI-81?

The TI-81 can display the results of these calculations in both Radian and Degree mode.

For Degrees: 

1) Press the [MODE] key. Press the [down arrow] key 2 times. 
2) Highlight Deg and press the [ENTER] key, this changes the mode from a default of radian to degree for the measurement of angles. 
3) Press the [2nd] key and the [CLEAR] key to return to the home screen. 
4) Sin of 30 degrees is equal to (.5) in degrees to enter this press the [SIN] key and then enter 30. 
5) Next press the [ENTER] key. 
6) Cosine of 30 degrees is equal to (.86602....) in degrees to enter this press the [COS] key and then enter 30. 
7) Next press the [ENTER] key. 
8) Tangent of 30 degrees is equal to (.57735.....) in degrees to enter this press the [TAN] key and then enter 30. 
9) Next press the [ENTER] key.

For Radians:

1) Press the [MODE] key then press the [down arrow] key 2 times.
2) Highlight Rad and then press the [ENTER] key, this changes the mode from degree to radians for the measurement of angles. 
3) Press the [2nd] key and the [CLEAR] key to return to the home screen. 
4) Sin of p in radians is equal to (0) to enter this press the [SIN] key and [2nd] [p]. 
5) Next press the [ENTER] key. 
6) Cosine of p in radians is equal to (-1) to enter this press the [COS] key and [2nd] [p]. 
7) Next press the [ENTER] key. 
8) Tangent of p in radians is equal to (0) to enter this press the [TAN] key and [2nd] [p]. 
9) Next press the [ENTER] key.

Please see the TI-81 guidebook for additional information.  

Please Note: The TI-81 has been discontinued. When upgrading, consider the TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator. It is ideal for algebra, geometry, statistics, finance, and many other classes. The TI-84 Plus CE has an upgradeable operating system, several included Apps, a rechargeable battery and a USB cable to connect the handheld to your computer for downloading Apps, games, data, and more!