Steve, Very valid points, I think that these issues are also important being a huge math fan. But where is the limit of the calculator, shall we ask for the ability to do matrices and inverse matrices; be able to graph parabolic, cubic, sinusoidal functions and other curves?
I will run through the suggestions that you provided and provide my comments. 1. When an attempt is made to do an opperation which the calculator can not perform, it should produce an appropriate message as well as the error beep--(rather than 0). This is true, but let's say someone tries, "-4^-2" and you get the answer of 0 followed by an error tone if speech is on/request. The most important thing before using a calculator is being able to conceptualize the mathematical problem and to be able to do it by hand or if it isn't possible, know why it isn't possible. For example, let's rewrite the expression without a negaitve exponent, it would be, "-(1/4)^2" yielding an answer of 1/16. KeyPlus has an issue with the negative sign before the "4" and produces a 0 instead of the correct answer as well as an error tone. If someone has this as expression they must answer and they write the answer as 0 because that is what the calculator provided, I would then suggest Math Tutorial as this shows a lack of understanding of the mathematical concept and a dependacy on the calculator. 2. At the moment, you can not follow the left bracket with a minus sign. Although this does not matter for a number, you might want to minus a further bracketed expression. I feel this should be possible. This is possible with things moving around properly and parenthese being placed at the right locations. Can you provide an example and I will turn it around? 3. This will need checking by someone who knows maths. It seems reasonable for the calculator to struggle with even roots of negative numbers. For example how will it cope with square root or fourth root of -1? However, should it be able to deal with odd roots? For example a cube root of -8 is -2. First, it should be math not maths. -1^(1/2) is where we get into imaginary numbers and I think is beyond the ability of KeyPlus. Again, this goes back to being able to conceptualize the mathematical problem, if we know that -28(1/3) is -2 then why pull out the calculator? ^1/2 = square root ^1/3 = cube root Most of the above issues are issues of math skills not an issue with a calculator. Kevin -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:09 PM To: BrailleNote List Subject: [Braillenote] Calculator issues that ought to be addressed Hi, There are three things which I believe need dealing with in the calculator. The first two have been forwarded by an HW contact to the technical folks, the third hasn't. These are:- 1. When an attempt is made to do an opperation which the calculator can not perform, it should produce an appropriate message as well as the error beep--(rather than 0). 2. At the moment, you can not follow the left bracket with a minus sign. Although this does not matter for a number, you might want to minus a further bracketed expression. I feel this should be possible. 3. This will need checking by someone who knows maths. It seems reasonable for the calculator to struggle with even roots of negative numbers. For example how will it cope with square root or fourth root of -1? However, should it be able to deal with odd roots? For example a cube root of -8 is -2. Regards, Steve. ---------------------------------------------------------- "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;" (Matthew 6:33 AV) ---------------------------------------------------------- ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1434 - Release Date: 5/15/2008 7:24 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1434 - Release Date: 5/15/2008 7:24 AM ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
