I Can't Convert Sin(x) to Degrees

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's difficulty in converting the sine value of an angle into degrees using a calculator while solving a Law of Sines problem. The focus is on troubleshooting calculator settings and functions related to trigonometric calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states they found sin(C) = 0.9796 and expected to find the angle by calculating arcsin(0.9796), but encountered issues with their calculator.
  • Several participants suggest that the calculator may be in radians mode and recommend switching to degrees mode.
  • Another participant mentions the need to use the calculator during a Praxis test, indicating a preference for a solution that does not rely on external resources like Google.
  • One participant questions whether the original poster has tried turning off exact mode on their calculator.
  • Another participant humorously suggests reading the instructions as a last resort, implying that the solution may be simple.
  • A later reply indicates that resetting the calculator resolved the issue, although it is unclear what the underlying problem was.
  • Participants express varying tones, with some comments perceived as sarcastic, while others emphasize the supportive nature of the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the issue may stem from calculator settings, particularly regarding the mode (degrees vs. radians). However, there is no consensus on the exact cause of the problem, as some participants suggest different troubleshooting steps without resolving the underlying issue.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's reliance on a specific calculator model and the potential for firmware issues that may affect functionality. The discussion does not clarify whether the problem was due to user error or a technical malfunction.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for tests involving trigonometric calculations, particularly those using calculators with specific settings or functions.

Shoney45
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Homework Statement



I'm working through a Law of Sines problem. And along the way, I have discovered that sin(C) = .9796.s

I had thought from my trig days that I could find the angle whose sine is .9796 by finding the arcsin of.9796. But when I load this into my TI89, all it does is return the arcsin of .9796...except that .9796 is now in the form of a fraction.

So for the life of me, I can't figure out how to convert the sine of an angle into degree form.
 
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You're probably in radians mode. Change the calculator mode to degrees and it should work.

Barring that, you can Google for the exact phrase (and without quotation marks):
arcsin 0.9796 in degrees

This triggers Google's built in calculator.
 
MATLABdude said:
You're probably in radians mode. Change the calculator mode to degrees and it should work.

Barring that, you can Google for the exact phrase (and without quotation marks):
arcsin 0.9796 in degrees

This triggers Google's built in calculator.

I've already toggled between degrees and radians, and it doesn't change anything. The problem is that I've got to get thsi figured out on a calculator because I've got to take the Praxis test and can't appeal to Google during the test.
 
This might be dumb, but did you try arcsin 0.9796? And turning off exact mode?
 
When all else fails, read the instructions.
 
SteamKing said:
When all else fails, read the instructions.

I did read the instructions. You'll notice that I input the value that = sin(x) such that sin^(-1)(x) should equal some value. And all my unit was outputting was sin(a big-arse fraction). So that was when I went to the internet for help.

When all else fails, read the original post first.
 
MATLABdude said:
This might be dumb, but did you try arcsin 0.9796? And turning off exact mode?

Golly, I'd sure try that if my unit was still failing me. But I reset the whole unit, and everything works fine now.

Thanks for your input folks.
 
Glad to hear it worked. I can't tell if that was sarcastic or not, but this was an issue with the original firmware when I first bought mine a decade ago.
 
MATLABdude said:
Glad to hear it worked. I can't tell if that was sarcastic or not, but this was an issue with the original firmware when I first bought mine a decade ago.

No sarcasm towards you at all...only to the guy who himself was sarcastic. I love this site for the help I am able to get from nice you folks. You guys around here are really great.
 

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