Numworks: Update to Software Version 15.5

Numworks: Update to Software Version 15.5 

On May 10, 2021 updated their software of the Numworks graphing calculator to Version 15.5.0.   

New Features

Some of the new features include:

Calculation Mode: 

*  The Calculation mode gets a new section:  Vectors.  The available functions are dot, cross, and norm.  

*  The ref and rref functions are added to the Matrices section.

*  When the results is a matrix, we can go up into the history, select the three dots next the matrix.  This gives us the additional results:  determinant*, inverse*, row echelon form, reduce row echelon form, and trace* (*for square matrices only)

* Like functions, sequences can be evaluated from outside the respective graphing (Sequence) mode.  

Functions Mode:

*  The graph can be auto-scaled.  

Other:

*  The gcd and lcm commands can accept more than two arguments.  

*  Even though they can't be used in algebraic expressions, the °C and °F units are added to the units menu.  

*  Many imperial (United States) units are added such as ft, acre, lb, and gal.  

You can find all the details here:

https://workshop.numworks.com/firmwares

I have to remember than Numworks does a lot more than Python.  

How to Upgrade Your Numworks Calculator

1.  Go to the Numworks website.  It is recommended that you use Google Chrome.

2.  Plug in your calculator by USB port.   The website should detect your calculator automatically.

3.  Under your name, click on My Devices and click on the (Update my device) button.  The update process takes approximately less than one minute.

4.  Once the update is done, you can unplug your calculator.

Version 15.5.0 (3e071a5)

How to Check Your Numwork's Software Version

There are two ways that I know of:

1.  Plug your calculator by USB and go to the Numworks website.  Under your name, select My Devices.

- or -

2.  On the calculator, press the Home key, scroll down to Settings.  Press [ EXE ].  Scroll down and select About.

That's it!  Enjoy,

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2021.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

Review: Calculated Industries Tradesman Calc

Review: Calculated Industries Tradesman Calc

Quick Facts:

Model:  Tradesman Calc, Model Number 4400
Company:  Calculated Industries
Type:  Scientific, Construction
Years:  Introduced 2012
Display:  8 digits
Batteries:  Battery, 1 CR2016
Retail Price:  $44.99, you can pay lower on internet searches.  I paid $29.95 from WalMart.
Memory Registers: 10, Registers 1 through 9, M 

Features

*  Units and unit conversions
*  Right Triangle Calculations
*  Ratio Calculations
*  Trigonometry
*  Geometry Calculations

Other mathematical functions:  reciprocal, powers, roots, degrees/degrees-minutes-seconds, parenthesis

The calculator operates in one of two modes:  Order and Chain

Order uses order of operations while chain completes calculations as keys are pressed (like a four-function calculator).  Order of operations is the default setting. 

Fraction settings allow you to set the largest denominator, up to 64. 

Unit and Unit Conversions

In keeping with the other construction calculators, the Tradesman Calc offers units and unit conversions.  Notice that the shift key is labeled Conv for this purpose.  You can easily add, subtract, multiply, and divide measurements.  For example to add 4 feet 5 inches with 6 feet 7 1/2 inches, press:

4 [ Feet ] 5 [ Inch ]   (Display:  4 - 5   FEET INCH)
[ + ] 6 [ Feet ] 7 [ Inch ] 1 [ / ] 2
[ = ]

Display:  11 - 0 1/2  FEET INCH  (11 feet, 1/2 inch)

You can convert the answer to decimal feet like this:

[ Conv ] [ Feet ]

Display:  11.041667  FEET

To convert to Inches: 

[ Conv ] [ Inch ]

Display:  132.5  INCH

To meters:

[ Conv ] [ m ]

Display:  3.3655 M

Units also include temperature (°F, °C), weight and mass (lbs, dry oz, tns, kg, grams, metric tons, wt/vol), and length (yds, feet, inch, m, cm, mm Bd Ft). 

Right Triangle Calculations 

The [ Adj ] (adjacent side), [ Opp ] (opposite side), [ Hyp ] (hypotenuse), and [Angle] (angle and adjacent angle) keys are used to solve right triangle problems.  Any two of the variables can be known to solve for everything else.  For example:

Known:  Adjacent (run):  15 feet,  Opposite (rise):  13 feet 8 inches

[Conv] [ × ] (Clear All)  (as recommended by Calculated Industries)
15 [ Feet ] [ Adj ]
13 [ Feet ] 8 [ Inch ] [ Opp ]

[Hyp] 20.292308 feet
[Angle] 42.336999°
[Angle] 47.663001° (adjacent angle)

Ratio Calculations

Use the X, Y, and X:Y commands to store and calculate ratios.  Example:

For the ratio 5/8 find X when X/18.

5 [Conv] [ Adj ] (X)   (stores 5 in X)
8 [Conv] [ Opp ] (Y)   (stores 8 in Y)
[Conv] [ Hyp ] (X:Y)   Result:  1 = 1.6

18 [Conv] [ Opp ] (Y)  (stores 18 in Y)
[Conv] [ Adj ] (X)    Result:  X = 11.25

Trigonometry

The Tradesman Calc has the trigonometric functions sine, cosine, and tangent, with inverse.  All angles are measured in degrees.

Geometry

Geometric calculations includes circles, arcs, and regular polygons (including inside and outside diameter). 

Keyboard

The keyboard is a pleasure to use.  Aside it being blue (blue is my favorite color), the keys have a pleasant touch and register perfectly.  The display is clear with prompts.  The Tradesman Calc comes with a hard case cover.  On the back of the calculator, there is a slot for a battery and another for user guide. 

Verdict

For a trade industries, I recommend this calculator.  The calculator has a convenient solvers for common geometry shapes along with unit mathematics. If you are going to purchase the Tradesman Calc, I recommend so shopping for less than retail price. 

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2020.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

HP Prime Firmware Update: Firmware 14181

HP Prime Firmware Update

The newest firmware update (version 14181) is now released.  Changes include:

* New function UVAL and UPART.  UVAL extracts the value from a unit object (example:  10 from 10_m) while UPART extracts the unit part (example 1_m from 10_m).

* The DMS key [Shift] (° ' '' )  now will work everywhere.  

* The fraction part (FP) and integer part (IP) functions will work with unit objects.

* Large matrices, strings, and other objects will now be displayed with an ellipsis (...).  To see the full object, scroll up, select the big expression and press on the soft key (Show). 

Details:  http://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-11712.html

Link to the updated firmware:  ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/calculators/Prime/

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2018.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.  Please contact the author if you have questions.