Appendix: Mathematical Functions

ABS(expression)

The absolute value function - returns the absolute value of "expression"

ACOS(expression) - also ACO(expression)

The arc cosine (or inverse cosine function) - returns arccos(expression) (also called cos^-1(expression)) in radians, where "expression" must evaluate to a numeric value in the interval [-1, 1]. The return value of the function is a value (in radians) in the interval [0, ¹].

ASIN(expression) - also ASI(expression)

The arc sine (or inverse sine function) - returns arcsin(expression) (also called sin^-1(expression)) in radians, where "expression" must evaluate to a numeric value in the interval [-1, 1]. The return value of the function is a value (in radians) in the interval [-¹/2, ¹/2].

ATAN(expression) - also ATN(expression)

The arc tangent (or inverse tangent function) - returns arctan(expression) (also called tan^-1(expression)) in radians, where "expression" must evaluate to a numeric value. The return value of the function is a value (in radians) in the interval [-¹/2, ¹/2].

COS(expression)

The cosine function returns cos(expression), where "expression" must evaluate to a numeric value in radians. The return value of the function is a value in the interval [-1. 1].

EXP(expression)

The exponential function (expression) returns the value of the transcendental number e (approximately 2.71...) to the "expression" power. "Expression" must evaluate to a numeric value. The function returns a non-negative value.

INT(expression)

The greatest integer function returns the greatest integer less than or equal to the value of "expression". "Expression" must evaluate to a numeric value. The function always returns an integer value.

LOG(expression)

The natural logarithm function, (commonly written as ln x) returns the natural (base e) logarithm of "expression". "Expression" must evaluate to a positive value.

PI

The transcendental number ¹ (approximately 3.14159...). Takes no arguments or parentheses.

RND()

The random decimal function takes no argument. It returns a decimal value in the range [0, 1).

RNI(min, max)

The random integer function requires two integer arguments, where min < max. It returns a "random" integer in the interval [min, max].

SIN(expression)

The sine function returns sin(expression). "Expression" must evaluate to a numeric value. The function returns a value in the interval [-1, 1].

SQRT(expression) - also SQR(expression)

The square root function returns the square root of "expression". Expression must evaluate to a non-negative numeric value. The function returns a non-negative value.

TAN(expression)

The tangent function returns the tangent of "expression", where "expression" evaluates to a numeric value in radians, which cannot be any integral multiple of ¹/2.

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copyright © 1998 by Jerry L. Stanbrough - all rights reserved.