I was just doing my math homework a few minutes ago. Hero's and Brahmagupta's formulas. If you're familiar with either of them, you'll know that it's a real pain to use either of them, even with a calculator. The number of keystrokes required numbers in the thirties. I realized this when I started the homework. So, I devised a shortcut.

You know how TI's have their own built in language? I implemented Brahmagupta's formula, Hero's formula, and the distance formula in that language on my calculator. Now, it takes me less that seven keystrokes to get the answer I want. Here are the programs for you to enter on you calculator and enjoy the benefit of solving Hero and Brahmagupta problems in ten seconds flat.

Hero's formula:

Prompt A
Prompt B
Prompt C
(A+B+C)/2 -> X
Sqrt(X(X-A)(X-B)(X-C)) -> Y
Disp Y

"Sqrt", of course, denotes the square root sign.

Brahmagupta's formula:

Prompt A
Prompt B
Prompt C
Prompt D
(A+B+C+D)/2 -> X
Sqrt((X-A)(X-B)(X-C)(X-D)) -> Y
Disp Y

The distance formula:

Prompt X
Prompt W
Prompt Y
Prompt Z
Sqrt((X-W)^2+(Y-Z)^2) -> A
Disp A

W is the second X value and Z is the second Y value.

May you save many hours on your math homework henceforth.

Listening to Slayer. Reading Drew Carpyshyn.

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