Tony Moss wrote: > > As a dial maker and reluctant 'number cruncher' I use computer spreadsheets > for all my calculations but have had to rely on my old printed six-figure > tables for one remaining job - the log tan values in the sun's azimuth > calculation. > > e.g. My printed tables give the log tan of 25° as 9.668 673 Can I use my > Casio fx 85s Scientific pocket calculator to achieve this result or do I > need a special type of calculator? No combination of keystrokes I've tried > produces anything like that figure and, like Pooh Bear, "my brain is > starting to hurt". > > What am I doing wrong? > > Hoping someone out there can offer guidance with a 'mystery sundialling > gift' as a 'thank you' for the first correct solution!! > > Tony
Tony, My calculator gives: tan 25 = 0.466307.... log 0.466307.... = -0.331327.... In reverse: 10 power -0.331327.... = 0.466307.... atan 0.466307.... = 25 Long ago my tables are gone, so I can't compare with them. Fer de Vries.
