How to Convert Degrees & Minutes to Decimal Degrees With the HP 33s
The HP 33s Scientific Calculator is a programmable calculator that is optimal for college and professional use. According to the Hewlett-Packard website, the calculator is also ideal for high school students because it is approved for both the SAT and the ACT examinations. The calculator features a choice of algebraic entry modes which allow it to switch between angles calculated in decimal degrees and angles calculated in degrees and minutes. Changing between the two forms of data can accelerate problem solution and help the student's understanding of different types of measurement.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Press the "Display" button in the upper-right hand corner of the keypad. Press the "1" key to select the "Fix" option to alter the display. Then press the "4" key to choose a four-digit display.
-
2
Key in the degrees and minutes using the keypad. Enter the data as DD.MM where "DD" is the degrees and "MM" is the minutes. For example, if the amount was 80 degrees and 45 minutes, you should key in 80.45.
-
-
3
Press the left-hand facing green arrow key above the "Off" key and press the "5" key to convert the number to decimal degrees. The data appears on the screen as decimal degrees.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you enter the minutes as two digits. If you only have 5 minutes, then enter it as "05."
If you also have seconds to enter, then enter them as DD.MMSS where the seconds are the last two digits when you enter the degrees and minutes.
Press the right-facing purple key above the "On" key and then press the "4" key to change the decimal degrees back to degrees and minutes.
