Degree Format Conversions
Selecting { DMS } from the CONVERSIONS menu converts the degree format of the angle in the display to decimal degrees. When angles are measured in degrees/minutes/seconds, you must convert the angles to decimal degrees before you can add them or use them in trigonometric calculations. (This also applies to hours/minutes/seconds versus decimal hours.)
DMS Format
In the degrees/minutes/seconds (DMS) format, an angle is expressed as D.MMSSsssss, where:D - Integer degrees ( ° )
MM - Minutes ( ′ )
SS - Seconds ( ″ )
sssss - Fractional part of a second
When you enter minutes and seconds, remember to include zeros where needed to place the digits in the proper positions. You do not need to enter trailing zeros. For example, the angle 9° 7′ 5″ is entered as 9.0705.
Decimal Degrees Format
In the decimal degrees format, an angle is expressed as D.ddddddddd, where:D - Integer degrees
ddddddddd - Fractional part of a degree
You do not need to enter trailing zeros.
Converting Between the Formats
To perform degree format conversions, follow these steps. (Although these angles are expressed in degrees, the calculator does not have to be in degree mode when you perform the conversions.)- Press [ CONV ] to display the CONVERSIONS menu
- Enter the angle you want to convert.
- Press { DMS } to convert DMS to decimal degrees. The converted value appears in the display.
- Press [ INV ] { DMS } to convert decimal degrees to DMS. The converted value appears in the display.
Example 1
Calculate the sum of the angles 42° 6′ 59.5″ and 101° 54′ 0.8″. Before adding the angles, convert them to decimal degrees. Convert the result back to DMS format.Procedure | Press | Display |
---|---|---|
Clear display | [ CLEAR ] | |
Select Conversions Menu | [ CONV ] | |
Enter angle and convert to decimal | 42.06595 { DMS } | |
Add other angle after converting to decimal | [ + ] 101.54008 { DMS } | |
Calculate result | [ = ] | |
Display result in DMS | [ INV ] {DMS } |
Example 2
Calculate cos 27° 50′ 16.2″. Because you are using a trigonometric function, the calculator must be in degree mode.Procedure | Press | Display |
---|---|---|
Clear display | [ CLEAR ] | |
Select Conversions Menu | [ CONV ] | |
Select degree mode | [ INV ] [ 2nd ] [ DRG ] | |
Enter angle and convert to decimal | 27.50162 { DMS } | |
Calculate cosine | [ COS ] |
☚ Back