Knowledge Base

Solution 11782: Performing Polar Complex Number Calculations in Degree Mode on Graphing Calculators.

Can Polar complex number calculations be performed in Degree mode?

Use Radian mode for complex number calculations.

Degree-mode scaling by p/180 applies only to the trig and inverse trig functions. This scaling does not apply to the related exponential, logarithmic, hyperbolic, or inverse-hyperbolic functions. Consequently, radian-mode identities between these functions are not generally true for degree mode when the inputs or results are non-real. For example, degree-mode scaling is applied to cos(X) + i sin(X) but not to the radian-equivalent expression e^iX.

Radian mode is recommended for complex number calculations.