Calculator settings

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futurefinanceguru

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Hi all,
I have set my TI BAII Plus calculator to an accuracy of 5 decimal points. However, while solving Schweser example problems I have noticed that some of the answers are accurate to the sixth or seventh decimal point.

What should I set my decimal points settings to, to be able to answer all exam questions correctly and accurately? Is there any guidance from CFAI on this issue?

Thanks in advance.

FinanceGuru(future)
 
Mirror the number of decimal places used in the multiple choice answers.

For example:
-if all four choices round to 2 decimal places, use 2 decimal places for your display
-if all four choices round to 3 decimal places, use 3 decimal places for your display

Note: on the HP12C regardless of the number of decimal places you see in the display, the calculator still uses all "hidden" decimal places in the calculations. I am guessing this is also how the TI does it.
 
I go to four decimal places personally because that's the most detail you will need; working with interest rate that is; down to one basis point. The BAII Plus always keeps the calculated number in internal memory, even if it shows to 2 or 3 or whatever decimals. So for a number like .18357499448, it will show .18 to two decimal places and .1836 to four, but the interal value will always be the first number along. Keep in mind that if you are given a long number that even a few decimal places will likely give you the right answer to a reasonable margin of error unless they give answers like:

A) 0.1888445
B) 0.1888454
C) 0.1888455
D) 0.1888645

(which they won't)
 
Oh, and although it rounds down you can fill the display wi0th decimals all the way to the right side of the screen and it will keep the number in internal memory for the duration fo the calculation using that number and even if you store the number in memory.
 
If you set the accuracy to 9 decimal points, then the calculator will drop all those silly 0s and automatically add/remove digits as needed.

ie 1/2 will read out "0.5"
whereas 1/3 will read out "0.333333333"

Everyone should have their accuracy set to 9, it is the most accurate readout and the easiest to read.
 
I use the TI BA II Plus for depreciation probs but cannot get an accurate answer for DDB. Is there a DDB function or can you set DB or DBX for this?
 
Don't you set DB = 200 in the calculator, if you want DDB?

Don't remember, been a couple weeks since I read FSA stuff, but try that.
 
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