How Do Calculators Calculate Hyperbolic Functions?
How does your calculator quickly produce the values of hyperbolic functions? You might be surprised to learn that it does not use series or polynomial approximation, but rather the so-called CORDIC method. In fact, the CORDIC method is used for almost all function evaluations (trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, hyperbolic, inverse functions, etc.). Our research has focused on the application of the CORDIC algorithm for calculating hyperbolic functions. In particular, we have studied the complex issue of convergence. This paper will begin with a discussion of the general CORDIC algorithm and then focus on its application to the hyperbolic functions. Our next paper will explain why the CORDIC algorithm works via a geometric argument and a convergence theorem.
