Can I Use My TI-84 for Nodal Analysis with Rectangle and Polar Form?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the capabilities of the TI-84 calculator in performing nodal analysis problems that involve both rectangular and polar forms. Participants explore the limitations of the TI-84 compared to other calculators like the TI-89 and suggest alternative software solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of using the TI-84 for nodal analysis, noting issues with entering imaginary numbers in matrix form.
  • Another participant mentions their experience with the TI-86, which can handle complex matrices, but references external sources indicating that the TI-84 Plus likely cannot perform the same functions.
  • A third participant expresses skepticism about the TI-84's ability to solve matrices with polar or rectangular elements, recommending the TI-89 Titanium or MATLAB as alternatives.
  • A fourth participant suggests using Scilab, a free software alternative to MATLAB, for solving such problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the TI-84 has limitations in handling nodal analysis with complex numbers, but there is no consensus on the extent of these limitations or the best alternative solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external forums and personal experiences, indicating a lack of definitive information about the TI-84's capabilities. The discussion does not resolve whether the TI-84 can be effectively used for the intended purpose.

alexander.s
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Hi,

I was wondering if it's possible to solve nodal analysis problems that include rectangle and polar form using the TI-84. It just gives me an error when I put in "i" as in imaginary when trying to put up my matrix. I've read it's possible to do with the TI-89, but I'd really rather not spend the money if it's possible to do on my current calculator. For example the TI-89 has the "∠" sign which the TI-84 doesn't seem to have, except for the "5e^(90i)" etc which isn't really something I want to use in bigger problems.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I have a TI-86 and it does complex matrices, but these guys:

http://freemathhelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25182

say that the TI-84 Plus can't do it, so probably the regular TI-84 can't either.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
To solve a matrix with polar or rectangular elements in TI-84, is unlikely possible. I use TI-89 Titanium to solve this kind of problem. Or if you have access to matlab, you can use it to solve the problem.
 
Scilab is also a very capable Matlab-like suite developed by a huge French Government team. It's FREE! and very well supported.
 

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