Calculators Vector capable calculator recommendations?

AI Thread Summary
For vector analysis, many users suggest that traditional calculators may not be necessary, as vector calculus often requires more complex manipulation better suited for software like MATLAB or Mathematica. While some basic operations like dot products and vector addition can be performed on calculators, it may be more efficient to do these calculations by hand or with a standard scientific calculator. The TI-83 is mentioned as sufficient for basic vector operations, and users can also create programs to perform specific calculations. The HP 50g is noted as a potential option for those seeking a more advanced calculator, but the consensus leans towards relying on manual calculations or software for more complex vector analysis tasks.
1MileCrash
Messages
1,338
Reaction score
41
I'm taking a vector analysis course this semester and would like a vector capable calculator.

For calculus I have been using a TI-83.

Any recommendations? Price not an issue, but as always its better to get the job done for less.

Thanks!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I've never come across a calculator that can do vector analysis on it's own..
I think vector calculus is the point where you need to start backing away from calculators and rely on pen on paper manipulation or mammoths like MATLAB and mathematica.

I could be wrong though
 
Just quick dot products and vector addition and the like to cut down the time on working problems and reducing possibility for careless errors.
 
If you're just doing stuff like that I'm pretty sure it would be quicker doing it by hand or doing each operation individually on a standard calculator than typing two whole vectors into a calculator.
 
A wonder they make them at all...



Does anyone have recommendations for a vector capable calculator?
 
There's no reason to use a calculator for a lot of that stuff, except for like 4 function and trig stuff. Honestly, A scientific calculator is all you really need. Graphing is nice, has a bunch of cool stuffs, but not necessary.
 
Just use your TI-83. Dot products and cross products can both be expressed by matrices, which is included in the TI-83. Alternatively, you can write a program that just spits out your desired numbers.
 
HP 50g
 

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
25K
Replies
15
Views
8K
Replies
8
Views
9K
Replies
4
Views
9K
Replies
7
Views
10K
Back
Top