COMPUTAtION

Throughout this section, I'll be using two 3D vectors, VctA and VctB \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} and \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 8 \\ 10
\end{pmatrix} respectively.
This mode allows you to perform calculations on 3D and 2D vectors - up to
three at a time. Upon selecting vector mode, you'll be prompted to choose a
vector memory slot to enter (VctA, VctB, or VctC). After choosing which
memory slot you're going to use, you will be prompted to choose the
dimensions of the vector (either 2 or 3). Now enter the values of your vector.
Rather than using one column and three rows to indicate i, j and k, the fx991ES uses one row and three columns. Enter the i value (in the leftmost box),
then press [=], which will prompt the calculator to scroll to the centre box, in
which you enter the j value. Press [=] again, and it'll scroll to the right-hand
box, in which you enter the k value. Press AC, and you'll return to a blank
screen.
To enter data for another vector, press SHIFT/5 (VECTOR) (which we'll now
call 'Vector Options') and choose option 2 (Data). This will return you to the
screen you were presented with when you first entered vector mode. Proceed
from there as before, choosing a different memory slot.
Adding Vectors
We are going to add together vectors A and B. So we should be looking for an
answer of \begin{pmatrix} 3 + 6 \\ 4+8 \\ 5+10 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix}
9 \\ 12 \\ 15 \end{pmatrix}. At a blank screen (AC), go into Vector Options and
choose VctA (option 3). This will cause "VctA" to show up on the main screen.
Now press [+]. Go into Vector Options again, and choose VctB (option 4).
Press [=]. This will take you to VctAns (a fourth memory slot, uneditable by
the user) - which indeed shows \begin{pmatrix} 9 \\ 12 \\ 15 \end{pmatrix}.
The Cross Product
This procedure is basically the same as that of adding vectors - only you press
[ \times ] rather than [+]. Performing this for \mathbf{A} \times \mathbf{B}
should yield \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}.
The Dot Product
You might have been wondering what option 7 in Vector Options is for. It's for
calculating the dot product of vectors.
\mathbf{A} \bullet \mathbf{B} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}
\bullet \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 8 \\ 10 \end{pmatrix} = 18 + 32 + 50 = 100 .
Select vector A, re-enter Vector Options, select Dot (option 7), go into Vector
Options one more time and select vector B. Press [=]. You should see the
following:

COMPUTAtION

\mathrm{VctA} \bullet \mathrm{VctB}

\, \, \, \, \, \, \, \, \, \, 100
In contrast to convention the dot product has higher precedence than the
vector product so you will sometimes need brackets around a vector product
expression.
Magnitude
|\mathbf{A}| = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2 + 5^2} = 5\sqrt{2} \approx 7.071
Press SHIFT/hyp (Abs), go into Vector Options, choose your vector, and press
[=].
Unit Conversion
The Casio fx-991ES can convert between different units of measurement, by
first inputting the value to be converted, then pressing Shift and 8. A full list of
conversions is given on the case of the calculator.
Scientific Constants
By pressing Shift then 7 in any mode except Base-N, it is possible to recall one
of 40 constants stored on the calculator by inputting a number from 01 to 40.
Although none are necessary for A level exams (they'll be given to you), the
following may be helpful (though be aware that examinations may expect you
to use specified rounded values):
01 - Mass of proton
02 - Mass of neutron
03 - Mass of electron
06 - Planck's constant
17 - Atomic mass unit
24 - Avogadro's constant
27 - Molar gas constant
28 - Speed of light
35 - Gravitational field strength
38 - Difference between Kelvin and Celsius
39 - Gravitational Constant
40 - Atmospheric pressure
Category: Mathematics
Recent Changes Special Pages - Pages with useful functions.