Many wrong-looking answers come from the wrong calculator mode. The online calculator can behave very differently depending on display, angle and graphing settings. This guide explains the settings students should check first.
Degree vs Radian
Degree mode is common in geometry and many early trigonometry classes. Radian mode is common in precalculus, calculus and advanced math. The same input such as sin(30) gives different meanings depending on the angle mode.
Before doing trigonometry, always check the top status line or MODE screen. If your answer is unexpected, Degree/Radian is the first setting to inspect.
Normal, Scientific and Engineering notation
Normal mode displays ordinary numbers when possible. Scientific notation is useful for very large or small values. Engineering notation groups powers of ten in multiples of three.
For typical school algebra, Normal is easiest. For physics, chemistry and engineering-style calculations, Scientific or Engineering notation can be helpful.
Float and fixed decimals
Float lets the calculator decide how many decimals to show. Fixed decimal settings force a specific number of places after the decimal point.
If your answers appear rounded or too short, check whether a fixed decimal setting is active. Return to Float for general work.
Function, Parametric, Polar and Sequence
Function mode is used for ordinary graphs like Y1 = X^2. Parametric mode uses X and Y equations with a parameter. Polar mode graphs equations using angle and radius. Sequence mode graphs recursive or sequence-style expressions.
Most users should stay in Function mode unless their class specifically asks for parametric, polar or sequence graphs.
Real and complex settings
Real mode is standard for most classes. Complex settings allow answers involving imaginary numbers, such as square roots of negative values.
If complex answers are not required, keep Real mode. For algebra involving imaginary numbers, use a+bi or a polar complex setting depending on the assignment.
Quick reference table
| Mode | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Degree | Geometry and degree-based trigonometry |
| Radian | Precalculus, calculus and radian-based trig |
| Float | General homework and flexible decimal display |
| Scientific | Very large or very small numbers |
| Function | Most Y= graphing tasks |
| Parametric | Graphs defined by X(t) and Y(t) |
| Polar | Graphs defined by radius and angle |
| Sequence | Recursive or sequence graphs |