Education Technology

Solution 11783: Performing Vector Calculations in Polar Form on the TI-83 Plus Family of Graphing Calculators.

How do I perform vector calculations in Polar form on the TI-83 Plus family of graphing calculators?

The example below will demonstrate how to perform vector calculations in Polar form.

Please Note: For this example, the mode settings will need to be changed.

1) Press [MODE].
2) Scroll down to FLOAT, scroll right to highlight the option for 2 and press [ENTER]. This will display the solution with 2 digits behind the decimal point.
3) Scroll down to RADIAN, scroll right to highlight the option for DEGREE and press [ENTER]. This will display the solution in degrees.
4) Scroll down to REAL, scroll right to highlight the option for re^θi and press [ENTER]. This will display the solution in Polar form.
5) Press [CLEAR] to return to the home screen.

Example: Add 12∠40° + 30∠67°.

1) Input 12 and press [2nd] [LN] to input the ex command.
2) Input 40 and press [2nd] [^] to input the π symbol.
3) Press the [÷] key
4) Input 180 and press [2nd] [.] to input the i (imaginary i) symbol.
5) Press the [ ) ] key
6) Press the [+] key. Input 30 and press [2nd] [LN] to input the ex command.
7) Input 67 and press [2nd] [^] to input the π symbol. Press the [÷] key.
8) Input 180 and press [2nd] [.] to input the i (imaginary i) symbol.
9) Press the [ ) ] key
10) Press [ENTER] to complete the calculation.

Please see the TI-83 Plus Family guidebook for additional information.

Last updated: 6/30/2023