App Review: SciPro Math - Campusano (Revisited)

App Review:  SciPro Math - Campusano (Revisited)

The Return of SciPro Math

If you want to see my review of my previous version, please check here:  http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2018/01/app-review-scipro-math-campusano-apple.html

This review is for the current version (Version 4).  I was emailed by the programmer Roberto A. Campusano when the latest version is now available. 

Quick Facts:

Title:  SciPro Math
Author/Programmer:  Robert A. Campusano
Platform:  iOS
Price: $9.99
Version:  4.0
Website:  https://scipromath.com/

Introduction

The SciPro Math calculator app is a scientific calculator that features over 648 functions that features many applications, including:

*  U.S.-SI Conversions
*  Finance
* Geometry
* Fractions and Proportions
* Solving Linear Systems up to 4 x 4
* Solving Polynomials up the order 4

The SciPro Math has two modes.  If your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch) is in the portrait position, it is a simple, four function calculator.  If your Apple device  is in the landscape position, it is in the scientific calculator.

The calculator runs in Chain mode.  Therefore, there is no algebraic preferences or parenthesis.  It could get a little used to if you are accustomed to traditional scientific calculators, but not a big deal once get a hang of it.  If you are used to regular four-function calculators, you should feel right at home with the operation of the SciPro Math.

The rest of this review and blog will assume that you are working in scientific calculator mode (landscape). 

The Modifier Toggle Keys

The calculator has five modifier keys:  [ 2nd ], [ 3rd ], [ rad (off), deg (on) ] (4th), [ 5th ], and [ 6th ].  The modifier keys act as toggles, and depending on whether they are turned on and off, determine what keyboard is present.  You can quickly access any keyboard by entering the keyboard's number and pressing the purple [SC] key on top of the app.

I'm going to give details on some of the keyboards later, but information for all the 24 keyboards can be found here:  https://scipromath.com/the-screens/

Think of the modifier keys as "binary powers of 2:"

[2nd] is the 1 flag
[3nd] is the 2 flag
[rad/deg (4th)] is the 4 flag
[5th] is the 8 flag
[6th] is the 16 flag

Any total of flags that exceed 24 shows the 24th keyboard:  Storage Space keyboard.  Here you can access 26 memory registers Av through Zv.

Storing and Calculating

A lot of the keyboards is a dedicated solver for a specific application.  I will go over some of the details later but in general, the keys that belong to a calculation are all grouped by colors. 

In general, in a color group if the key has the format [ var.app ], that is an input variable.  Input the value by typing it, pressing the indigo [ →(X)v ] store button. 

If a key has an equal sign at the end, [ var.app= ], that is an output variable.  Press this button to get the answer. 

Documentation

One of the things that I wasn't crazy about in my previous review was the lack of documentation.  Thankfully, this has greatly improved.

First, the app will give prompts of what each key does.  The prompt will appear in indigo on the upper right hand screen.  I find this super helpful when learning how to use the app. 

Second, the app has its own YouTube channel, SciPro math.  The videos, by Roberto Campusano  explain on how to use some of the applications in a clear, concise fashion.  If you are using this app for the first time, I recommend going over the videos. 

SciPro Math's YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHZdGBoHBUazE--0CDn4aQ/videos

Some Keyboard Details

Keyboard 0:  Basic Operations - Angles are in Degrees
Modifiers:  None

Variable Registers:  Av, Bv, Cv
Trig Functions:  sin, cos, tan, sci, csi, bta, sihn, cosh, tanh
Functions:  log, ln, 10^x, e^x, x^2, x^3, √, x^1/3, x^-1
Constants:  π, e, Φ

The functions of sci, csi, and bta are specialized. 

Keyboard 1:  Basic Operations - Angles are in Degrees 
Modifiers:  [ 2nd ]

Variable Registers: Dv, Ev, Fv
Trig functions: sec, sec, cot, bsc, bcs, bct, csch, sech, coth
Functions: ln(x+1), x! (x must be an integer), power, roots, log base 2, e^(x-1)
Constants:  γ

Note:  bsc x = 1/sci x,  bct x = 1/csi x, bct x = 1/bta x

Keyboard 2:  Pythagorean Theorem (and Inverse Trig Functions) - Angles are in Degrees

Variable Registers: Gv, Hv, Iv
Inverse Trig Functions: sin^-1, cos^-1,  tan^-1, sinh^-1, cosh^-1, tanh^-1
Constants:  π/2, π/3, π/4, √2, ln 2
Angle Conversions:  r-deg (radians to degrees), d-rad (degrees to radians)

Hypotenuse Function:
x  [hyp] y [ = ] returns √(x^2 + y^2)

Side Function:
x [side] y [ = ] returns √|x^2 - y^x|    ( | n | = abs(n))

Keyboard 3:  Probability
Modifiers: [ 2nd ], [ 3rd ]

Variable Registers: Jv, Kv, Lv
Random Integers:  rand52 (1 -52), rand10 (1 - 10), coin (0 - 1), dice (1 - 6)
x [ x-y ] y [ = ] returns a random integer between x and y.  x and y can be negative

Probability:
x [ xCr ] r [ = ] returns x! / ( (x - r)! * r!): the number of the combinations
x [ xPr ] r [ = ] returns x! / (x - r)!:  the number of permutations

Conversions: between temperatures °F, °C, K

Keyboard 4:  Conversions, Trig in Radians
Modifiers:  [rad/deg] turned to deg

Trig Functions: sci, cos, tan, sci,csi, bta
Conversions: in/mm, in/cm ft/cm, ft/m, yd/m, mi/km, lb/kg

Keyboard 6:  Conversions, Trig in Radians
Modifiers:  [ 3rd ], [ rad/deg ] turned to deg

Trig Functions: sin^-1, cos^-1, tan^-1
Conversions: tsp/Tsp, Tsp/cu, tsp/mL, cu/pt, pt/qt, qt/gal, gal/L

Keyboard 8:  Fractions and Ratios, Slope
Modifiers: [ 5th ]

Two fractions in the form of a/b and c/d
[ a ]:  numerator input of a/b
[ b ]:  denominator input of a/b
[ c ]:  numerator input of c/d
[ d ]: denominator input of c/d

Addition of fractions: Numerator:  [ ad + bc ], Denominator: [ bd ]
Subtraction of fractions: Numerator: [ ad - bc ], Denominator: [ bd ]
Multiplication of fractions: Numerator: [ ac ], Denominator: [ bd ]
Division of fractions: Numerator: [ ad ], Denominator: [ bc ]

Slope of two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2): 
Input:  [x1 ], [ y1 ], [ x2 ], [ y2 ]
Output:  [ slope ]:  (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1);  [ -m^-1 ]:   -(x1 - x2)/(y1 - y2)

Keyboard 9:  Linear Equations
Modifiers: [ 2nd ], [ 5th ]

Linear Form:  ax + by = c
s(x) and t(x) contains this form. 
Input:  [ ax1 ], [ by1 ], [ cx0 ]
Output: [ x-int ]: x-intercept of s(x); [ y-int ]: y-intercept of s(x);
[ s(x)= ]: solve for y given x; [ s^-1(x) ]: solve for x given y

Slope Intercept Form: mx + b
f(x) and g(x) contains this form
Input: [ mx1 ], [ bx0 ]
Output: [ f(x)= ]:  solve for y given x; [ f^-1(x) ]: solve for x given y

Keyboard 10: Quadratic Equations
Modifiers: [ 3rd ], [ 5th ]

Equation:  j(x) = a0 *x^2 + a1 * x + a2
Input:  [ a0x^2 ], [ a1x^1 ], [ a2x^0 ]

Output:
Roots:  Real: [ x21  ], [ x22 ];  Imaginary:  [ x21i ], [ x22i ]
[ D2 ]: discriminant

Keyboard 11:  Cubic Equation - Modifiers [ 2nd ], [ 3rd ], [ 5th ]

Keyboard 12:  Quartic Equation - Modifiers [ rad/deg ] set to deg, [ 5th ]

Keyboard 16:  3 x 3 Linear System - Modifiers [ 6th ]

Keyboard 20: Geometry 
Modifiers:  [ rad/deg ] set to deg, [ 6th ]

Sphere:  Input:  r.sp (radius).  Output: D.sp (diameter), V.sp (volume), S.sp (surface area)
Circle: Input: r.c (radius).  Output: D.c (diameter), A.c (area), C.c (circumference)
Trapezoid: Input: b1 (base 1), b2 (base 2), h/t (height).  Output: A/t (area)
Rectangle:  Input: l.r (length), w.r (width).  Output: A.r (area), P.r (perimeter)
Triangle: Input: a.t (side a), b.t (side b), c.t (side c). Output:  A.t (area), P.t (perimeter)
Box:  Input: l.b (length), w.b (width), h.b (height).  Output: V.b (volume), S.b (surface area)

Verdict

I'm really happy with this updated version of SciPro Math, the online prompts make a huge difference, and the how-to videos are top notch.  Also, the operation of the calculator is simple and is good for quick calculations. 

This app is worth looking into and now I see the justification of spending the $9.99 on this app. 

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2019.  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.

App Spotlight: MyScript Calculator 2

App Spotlight: MyScript Calculator 2

App: MyScript 2

Platform: Android, iOS

Price:

Android: Free Until February 12, 2019, $2.99 Thereafter

iOS: $2.99

I received an email from MyScript about their newly released MyScript Calculator 2 for Android.

MyScript Calculator 2 is an update to the MyScript calculator. You can see my review for the original version here: http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-myscript-calculator.html.

What is in the new version?

* You can display results in decimal (up to 6 decimal places) with one of two settings: truncated or rounded, or you can display answers in simplified fractions (improper or in mixed form)

* The ability to turn on automatic calculation or manual calculation

* You can solve some equations. Caveats: Limited to simple equations (not full quadratic or cubic equations, yet)

* We can drag numbers to copy them in different calculations. Dragging numbers to the blue bar on top of the screen will store them in memory. Stored numbers will be available even if the workspace is cleared. To pick a number for dragging, all you have to do is to press on a number, hold until the number is boxed. At that point, you can drag the box.

Here are some screen shots from Version 2.

Here is a video demonstration of MyScript Calculator 2 by the company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpU24ooMY-8&feature=youtu.be

I thank Giovanni Rodriguez of Marketing for introducing me to MyScript 2.

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2019. 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.

App Review: SciPro Math - Campusano (Apple iOS)

App Review:  SciPro Math - Campusano (Apple iOS)

Note:  This is a review of the first version of the app.  According to their Instagram page, Version 2 is going to be released in February 2018.  I look forward to what SciPro Math has in store.  

Title:  SciPro Math

Author:  Robert Antonio Campusano Acotsa of Unlimited Power

Platform:  iOS

Price: $4.99 (January 2018), $9.99 thereafter

Version:  unknown

Website:  https://scipromath.com/

Screen shots from SciPro Math

Introduction

The SciPro Math calculator app by Unlimited Power is a scientific calculator that features over 400 functions, including many applications such as conversions, linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic equations, geometry formulas, linear systems, and finance. Depending on the orientation of your device (iPhone or iPod Touch), the app either is a basic calculator (portrait) or scientific calculator (landscape).  This review will focus on the scientific calculator.

Scientific Calculators: Four Modifier Keys!

The calculator has four modifier keys:  [ 2nd ], [ 3rd ], [ rad ] which acts like the 4th key and displays [ deg ] when its turned on, and [ 5th ].

The [ rad ] key is also the angle toggle.  When gray, the calculator is in degrees mode.  When the 4th key is turned on, the calculator is in radians mode.

Unlike most scientific calculators when modifiers are turned on for one keystroke, the modifiers on the SciPro Math, stay on until the user turns the modifier off.  You can have more than one modifier turned on (even all four) at once.  This is important because the keyboard changes depending on what modifier keys are turned on.  The SciPro Math website will give the keyboard layout, so I will just summarize the possible keyboards here:

Modifiers Turned On	Keyboard
None	Trig:  sin, cos, tan Hyperbolic:  sinh, cosh, tanh Other:  10^x, log, e^x, ln, x^3, x^2, square root, cube root, random numbers from 0 to 1, golden ratio constant (ϕ), reciprocal, π Also sci, csi, and bta (bi-tangent).  I don’t know what these functions are. Storage variables: A, B, C
2nd	Trig: csc, sec, cot Hyperbolic: csch, sech, coth Other: logarithms of base 2, e^(-x), ln(1+x), e^(x-1), gamma constant (γ), x^-2, power, root, absolute value, factorial (of positive integers only) Also: log_u, but seems to only accept one argument, bsc, bcs, bct (again if you have information, I’d be greatful) Storage variables: D, E, F
3rd	Trig:  sin^-1, cos^-1, tan^-1 Hyperbolic: sinh^-1, cosh^-1, tanh^-1 Other: degree and radian conversions, hypotenuse function, √2, fractions of π Storage variables: G, H, I
Rad	Length Conversions:  in/mm, in/cm/ ft/m, gal/L, lb/kg, km/mi Storage variables: M, N, O
5th	Linear Equations
2nd, 3rd	Combinations, permutations, factorials (of positive integers only), temperature conversions between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin, random integers (dice, coin, deck of cards, from 1 to 10) Also: [x-y], I don’t get this one either Storage Variables: J, K, L
2nd, rad	Length Conversions: in/ft, ft/yd, yd/mi, mm/cm, cm/m, m/km Storage Variables: P, Q, R
2nd, 5th	Systems of Linear Equations, 2 x 2 and 3 x 3
3rd, rad	Cooking Conversions: tablespoons/teaspoons, tablespoons/cups, cups/pints, pints/quarts, quarts/gallons/ teaspoons/milliliters Storage Variables: S, T, U
3rd, 5th	Quadratic and Cubic Equations
Rad, 5th	Geometry:  spheres (.sp), circles (.c), trapezoids (/t), rectangles (.r), triangles (Heron’s formula, .t), boxes (.b)
2nd, 3rd, rad	Mass Conversions: oz/lb, lb/tons, tons/l.t., g/kg, t/kg, ton/t  (t is UK tons?, ton: US tons) Storage Variables: V, W, X
2nd, 3rd, 5th	Quartic Equations Storage Variables: C, D, E
3rd, rad, 5th	Geometry:  cylinders (.cy), Cones (.co) Finance:  payment of a loan or mortgage (.b), present value of an annuity (.p), future value of an annuity (.f). I have not figured out what the (.i) is for (yet).
2nd, 3rd, rad, 5th	Storage Variables A-Z

Chain Mode

The SciPro Math app does not follow the order of operations, as we would expect.  You would note that none of these keyboards has parenthesis.  This means the operation you press will have an effect on the number in the display.

For example, if you want to calculate (7 * 2) + (16 * 5), you would have use the temporary memory keys, like so:

[mc]  (to clear memory)

7 [ * ] 2  [ = ] [m+]

16 [ * ] 5 [ = ] [m+]

[mr]

Result: 94

Another example:  √((2^3 – 3)/(3^2 + 5)).  Let’s use memory variables A and B this time, with the no modifiers turn on.

2 [x^3] [ - ] 3 [ = ] [→Xv] [Av]

3 [x^2] [ + ] 5 [ = ] [→Xv] [Bv]

[Av] [ ÷ ] [Bv] [ = ]

Result:  0.5714285714286

Documentation

Despite having a website, on thing that this app lacks is documentation.  There is no on-help facility.  Their web page does not have any details on the keys. 

There are several keys on this app that I have questions about like [sci], [bct], and [x-y] that I mentioned that I do know what these functions are or how they work. If you do, please feel free to leave some comments, it is much appreciated. 

There are some tutorials on the SciPro Math’s YouTube page, which I will document next.

Tutorials

The SciPro Math app has a YouTube which has the following tutorials:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKHZdGBoHBUazE--0CDn4aQ

Quadratic Equations

Cubic Equations

Quartic Equations

I wish more videos were on this page (and hopefully they will put more tutorials on the page in the future).

I’m going to discuss some of the features for this App.

Hypotenuse Function

Modifiers: 3rd

The [hyp] function calculates the hypotenuse √(a^2 + b^2). Syntax:  a [hyp] b [ = ]

Example:  Calculate √(9^2 + 16^2)

Keystrokes:  9 [hyp] 16 [ = ]

Result:  18.3575597506858

CAUTION:  I think the keys for [ a ], [ A° ], [ b ], [ B° ], and [ c= ] are supposed to be used for Pythagorean Theorem.  With A° and B° are corresponding angles to the sides with length a and b.  However, when I tested these keys, c, which I think represents the hypotenuse, I get unexpected answers.

For example, if I entered a = 5 and b = 3, I expect answer of c = √(5^2 + 3^2) = 5.83095189485.  Instead, I get an answer of 8.  (5 + 3). 

Finance

Modifiers:  3^rd, 4^th (to rad), 5^th

Notes:

* Interest is entered as a decimal.  For example, enter 5% as 0.05.

* Enter periodic interest rate, not annual interest.  For monthly mortgages or payments, divide the annual rate by 12.  This is similar to the HP 12C series or the classic BA 35.

*  End-of-period payments are assumed.

At the time of the review, there was not a lot documentation on the finance section, I compared results with financial calculators to figure some of the keys out.

Payment of a Loan/Mortgage (Installment Buying)

Input:

Amount of loan stored in A.b

Periodic interest stored in i.b

Number of periods stored in n.b

Output:

Press [R.b=] for the payment

Example:  Find the monthly payment of an auto loan with $22,000 to be financed at 4% annual rate.  The term is 6 years.

Keystrokes:

22000 [→(X)v] [ A.b ]

0.04 [ ÷ ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [ i.b ]

6 [ * ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [ n.b ]

[R.b=]

Result:  344.194027595888

The monthly payment is $344.19.

Present Value of an Annuity (Annuity PV)

Input:

Periodic payment stored in R.p

Periodic interest stored in i.p

Number of periods stored in n.p

Output:

Press [A.p=] for the present value of the annuity

Example:   What would an investor need to deposit if the investor expects to have a $1,500.00 monthly payment, every month for the next 30 years?  The bank is expecting to pay at a rate of 4.18% annual.

Keystrokes:

1500 [→(X)v] [R.p]

0.0418 [ ÷ ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [i.p]

30 [ * ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [n.p]

[A.p=]

Result:  307471.201192414

The investor should deposit $307,471.20. 

Future Value of an Annuity (Annuity Amount)

Input:

Periodic payment stored in R.f

Periodic interest stored in i.f

Number of periods stored in n.f

Output:

Press [A.f=] to calculate the future value of the annuity

Example:  An investor contributes $1,325.00 to a saving fund that compounds monthly at a 4.08% annual rate.  What will be the value of the annuity in 5 years?

Keystrokes:

1325 [→(X)v] [R.f]

0.0408 [ ÷ ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [i.f]

5 [ * ] 12 [ = ] [→(X)v] [n.f]

[A.f=]

Result:  88024.3906860951

The annuity is expected to have a value of $88,024.39 in 5 years.

CAUTION:  I am not 100% sure of what the “.i” keys calculate. 

Systems of Linear Equations

Modifiers:  2nd, 5th

This keyboard is pretty much straight forward. 

2 x 2 Systems:

a1 * x + a2 * y = a3

b1 * x + b2 * y = b3

The [ D2*2 ] key calculates the determinant of the matrix [ [a1, a2], [b1, b2] ].  Store the values in to a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, and b3 by using the [ →Xv ] key.  Solutions can be found by pressing the [ x2*2 ] and [ y2*2 ] keys respectively.

Example:

Solve the system:

4x + 2y = 1

-3x + 6y = -8

Keystrokes:

[reset]

4 [→(X)v] [ a1 ], 2 [→(X)v] [ a2 ], 1 [→(X)v] [ a3 ]

3 [(-)] [→(X)v] [ b1 ], 6 [→(X)v] [ b2 ], 8 [(-)][→(X)v] [ b3 ]

[ x2*2 ] returns 0.733333333…

[ y2*2 ] returns -0.966666666…

[ D2*2 ] returns 30 (determinant)

3 x 3 System:

a1 * x + a2 * y + a3 * z = a4

b1 * x + b2 * y + b3 * z = b4

c1 * x + c2 * y + c3 *z = c4

Input:  [ a1 ] through [ c4 ] keys

Solutions:  [ x3*3 ], [ y3*3 ], [ z3*3 ]; with determinant [ D3*3 ]

Verdict

I really like what the SciPro Math app is going for:  app containing many solvers for common problems in mathematics, and life.  I also like the wide variety of mathematical constants, it’s not every day that a calculator has keys dedicated to ϕ, π/4, and √2. 

The keys are nice size and the screen is readable.  The user may like a chain operating system but it will take a little getting used to for a scientific calculator app.  The lack of parenthesis may be a turn off for some users.  Remember, this is not an RPN calculator.

I would to see the angle mode become a separate mode, not tied to a modifier.  Having it tied to a modifier key (4th) defeats the purpose of the angle mode.  There is also an absence of settings (fixed, engineering, scientific notation, not to mention, no scientific notation key).

If you are looking for statistical functions, including regression analysis, this is not the app to find it. 

The biggest problem I have is the lack of documentation.  This is a fairly young app (November 2017), so I hope to see more documentation and the bugs worked out in future revisions and updates.  I see the potential. 

If you are interested, I would suggest getting the app now (January 2018) for only $4.99 before it goes up to $9.99 in February. 

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2018.

App Review: SciPro Calculator (Apple iOS)

App Review:  SciPro Calculator (Apple iOS)

Title:  SciPro Calc

Author:  Jerry Montgomery, Digital Ambience, Inc

Platform:  iOS

Price: Free (as of 1/18/2018)

Version:  1.2.5  (2017)

Portrait Orientation:  Basic Calculator

In the portrait orientation, SciPro Calculator is a basic function calculator.  The screen is impressive.  The black display clearly shows the large blue numbers and function indicators.  There is only 1 memory, but you get M+, M-, MC, and MR all on separate keys, which is nice.  You can turn the AC key into an AC/backspace key in Basic mode throughout the options.

Scroll down will give you access to the calculator’s history, allowing to view and copy results, even share them by email. 

Landscape Orientation:  Scientific and Programmer Calculator

Scientific Calculator

The calculator follows a post-fix algebraic system (think of a Texas Instruments TI-30 Xa or a Casio fx-260 II as examples).  The SciPro Calculator app can handle        numbers as high as 10^9864, which is very impressive.  

Functions include:

* trigonometry and their inverses (sine, cosine, tangent)

* hyperbolic functions

* factorial, which handles all real numbers not just integers (nice!)

* logarithms and exponentials, base e, 2, and 10

* square root, cube root, power, root

* modulus (see note below)

* Two angle modes: degrees, radians

Modulus Function

The modulus function works well on positive numbers.  Comparing results using negative numbers to an HP Prime:

78 mod -11:

HP Prime:  -10

SciPro Calculator:  1

-78 mod 11:

HP Prime: 10

SciPro Calculator: -1

The scientific app does lack fractions and statistics.  Other than that, it’s a good standard scientific calculator.

Programmer Calculator

The programmer calculator is a Boolean math calculator with four integer representations:  Binary (64 bits), Octal, Decimal, and Hexadecimal.  Depending on whatever mode you are in, the numeric keyboard highlights only the appropriate keys, so there is no accidently typing A in Decimal mode or 9 in Octal mode.

The ENC key turns on a unique feature, binary numbers which will give you the ASCII character, Unicode character, and the color determined by the RGB color.  This is most useful when the calculator is Hexadecimal representation.  You can use the arithmetic and the other functions to work with colors.  Sweet!

Functions featured in the Programmer Calculator:

*  Byte and Word Flip

*  Bit count and shift

*  Random integer

*  Boolean operators:  AND, OR, NOR, XOR

*  Modulus

*  1’s and 2’s compliments (Yes, there is a difference)

The programmer calculator can handle integers as high as:  18,446,744,073,709,551,615.

Caution:  No Sign Bit

Be aware that there are no sign bits with this calculator, everything is positive integer representation.  Hence this why 0 – 1 returns 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 (64 1s in Binary) instead of -1. 

Impressions

I like the unique feature of the programmer calculator having the ability to look up ASCII, Unicode, and RGB codes.  It’s a fun feature.

You probably won’t have to worry if you have to work with large numbers (at least numbers 10^100 and beyond), the SciPro Calculator app can handle it.

The blue numbers against the black screen is really nice, big, and readable, regardless of orientation of your iPhone or iPod Touch.

This is a nice calculator to have, especially for quick calculations.

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2018

Adventures in Python: Installing and Matplotlib Package

Adventures in Python: Installing and Matplotlib Package

October: Adventures in Python

I am going to spend some of October concentrating on programming in the popular program Python.  Python is available on most operating systems:  Windows, iOS (such as Pythonista), Android (most popular QPython), and Linux.  

Python comes in two versions, 2 and 3.  The latest version is 3.6.

My focus is on mathematics and mathematical application.  I plan to use a Windows version of Python and the iOS Python.

Python comes with several expansion modules out of the box:  math (mathematics), random (random numbers and generation), statistics, cmath (complex numbers), and time (time functions). 

However, if we want to generate plots, including histograms and box plots, we will need to download and add an appropriate package.  The package that I am going to use is matlibplot, which also contains the module numpy which allows for matrices and matrix calculations.  The file format of matlibplot is .whl (wheel). 

Download – Windows

Download Python here:  https://www.python.org/ 

Download matlibplot here:  https://pypi.python.org/pypi?%3Aaction=search&term=matplotlib&submit=search

I downloaded the Win32 verison.

When downloading, make sure you use custom installation. I recommend watching this YouTube video by APMonitor here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju6zw83PoKo&feature=youtu.be

The video saved me a lot of headaches when I tried to download and install Python, along with downloading and installing mathlibplot.  For instance, to install mathlibplot (which includes numpy), you will need to work with the Windows command prompt.

Note:  To install matplotlib, you must install pip and matplotlib thorugh the Windows Command Prompt, not the program itself.

For the Windows version, I am going to use the IDLE program which allows me to run Python both on the module and also create and run scripts. 

Android – installing matplotlib – Help Needed!

I tried to install matplotlib on QPython3 without success.  There documentation for this is scare and often not a help at all.   If anyone knows how to do it, please share.  I need type of version (Linux, win32, etc) is needed, what folder, etc. 

Download Pythonista – Apple iOS

For portable Python I am going to use the Pythonista app for Apple iOS engine.  It costs $9.99.  The best part about Pythonista is that numpy and matplotlib are both included.

More information about the app can be found here:  http://omz-software.com/pythonista/

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2017.

App Review: Mathfuns

App Review:  Mathfuns

Author:  Guoyong Zhao

Date: 2016

Version Reviewed: 1.1.2, 2/24/2017

Type: Graphing, CAS, Scientific

Platform:  iOS, Android

Website:  http://mathfuns.com/

Features

Mathfuns is a nice compact app for the iOS and Andriod app.  Features include:

Access to the Help Screen

Assign values, matrices, and vectors

Matrices: LU and QR factoring, inverse, and determinant

Factor and expand algebraic expressions

Derivatives

Integrals: Indefinite and definite

Gamma and zeta functions

Differential equations (ordinary and partial)

2D and 3D graphing

How to operate:  enter the expression.

To calculate, press the calculator icon. 

To graph the equation, press the graph icon.  The graphs available are 2D, 3D, and a pie chart.  Pie charts require lists or matrices.  I have a hard time getting a pie chart to generate. 

Suggestions

Getting around the expressions can be pretty tricky.  To input powers, call up the x^y template, then proceed.  The parenthesis has a template.  Only the latest expression enter can be evaluated or graphed.  When the expression has be evaluated, a new line is not automatically connected.  You must manually start a new line (by the <-| return key).

Graphing expressions currently only allows for positive graphing parameters, leaving graphs to the first quadrant available.  I suggested that is addressed. 

Final Verdict

I rate the app 4 out of 5 starts and do recommend it, more for the handling of CAS expressions.  The graphing feature needs improvement.

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2017

App Review: Calculated Industries Construction App

App Review:  Calculated Industries Construction App

Company:  Calculated Industries

Platforms:  iOS, Android, Amazon

Price:  $24.99

Type:  Construction, Geometry

All pictures are taken from the app on my Amazon Kindle Fire.

Construction Master Pro Mode (4065)

Construction Master Pro Trig Mode (4080)

Two for Price of One

The Construction Pro app is really two calculators in one:

* Calculated Industries Construction Master Pro Model 4065

* Calculated Industries Construction Master Pro Trigonometric 4080

Separately, the tangible calculator would cost at retail, $69.95 and $79.95, respectively.  On the app, you can switch calculator modes by through the Preferences menu, or by pressing [Conv],  [Store] (Prefs).  A check box turns Trig mode on or off.

What are the differences between the two calculators?  Primary the third row of keys.

Pro (4065)
[Conv]		Blocks	Footing	Drywall	x^2
Primary Key	m	Length	Width	Height	%
Trig (4080)
[Conv]		Inverse (arcsine)	Inverse (arccosine)	Inverse (arctangent)	x^2
Primary key	m	Sine	Cosine	Tangent	%

On the Trig calculator, all angles are assumed to be in degrees. 

Other Tidbits

* I really like the extended Preferences menu on the app.  Some of the choices include setting the fraction resolution (from 1/2 to 1/64), set unit preferences for area and volume, choose calculation settings for Arched Wall and Irregular Jack Rafters, and set default settings for headroom height, desired stair rise height, and floor thickness.  The preferences are presented as a scrollable list on the app.

* If you like arithmetic using yards, feet, and inches, this app will do this, including rounding all result to the nearest fraction of inch (that you set in preferences).  If find this feature very convenient and fundamental.

* The app does work with degrees and degrees/minutes/seconds (DMS).  Pressing the period key [ . ] will allow you to enter DMS in this format:  degrees [ . ] minutes [ . ] seconds.  A DMS indictor will appear when numbers are in this format.  You can convert between decimal and DMS by pressing [Conv] [ . ] (dms<>deg).  This feature is available in both modes. 

* The calculator has four memory registers: register M (which M+ and M- are available, press [Rcl] [M+] to recall M), and independent registers 1, 2, and 3.

‘*  The reciprocal ( [Conv] [ ÷ ] (1/x)) and pi ( [Conv] [ + ] (π)) are available.  The change sign is a shifted command (appropriately [Conv] [ - ] (+/-)).

* One of the coolest things about the app is that if you press and hold down a key, the app will take you to the page of its user manual.  The user manuals of Construction Industries are impressive, well written, and detailed.  At least the Amazon version has this, but I’m pretty sure it is also available on the iOS and Android versions as well.  Even if you don’t have a Calculated Industries calculator or app and especially if you are considering buying one (or several), I recommend that you visit their website at http://www.calculated.com/.

Calculations included are:

* Roofs (pitches and slopes)

* Stairs

* Circles (area and circumference)

* Regular Polygons (full angle, half angle, perimeter, radius)

* Cones (area and volume)

* Spring Angles

* Cost Analysis

* Jack Rafters

As you can see, the app has a lot of calculations tailored for geometry, which is really nice.  You can solve various what-if scenarios. 

Final Verdict

If you want a construction calculator and either the following apply:

* You are budget minded

* You don’t mind or desire to a calculator app on your phone or tablet, and you are not a stickler for using hardware

I recommend buying this app, you are getting two Calculated Industries calculators for the price of one and buying the app instead of buying both calculators will save you at least $100 (spending $24.99 versus $149.90 retail).

Also, this app is very good.

I hope you enjoyed my review and until next time,

Eddie

This blog is property of Edward Shore, 2017.