Felix83
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How does a calculator approximate a trig function. For example, you punch in sin(37deg) and the calculator will give you 0.6018150232. how does it figure this out?
The discussion revolves around how calculators approximate trigonometric functions, specifically the sine function, when given an angle in degrees. Participants explore different methods and algorithms used in these calculations, including power series and the CORDIC algorithm.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the methods used by calculators, with multiple competing views regarding the use of power series versus the CORDIC algorithm remaining unresolved.
There is uncertainty regarding the specific algorithms used in calculators, and the discussion reflects differing opinions on the validity of power series versus CORDIC for approximating trigonometric functions.