How to get a decimal instead of a fraction on a TI-89 Titanium

By E-Code · updated 2026-09-27

Press ◆, then ENTER (≈) instead of ENTER: 1/3 then gives .333333 rather than the exact 1/3. ENTER on its own keeps answers exact.

Step by step

1. Type one third. 1 ÷ 3 Press 1, ÷ and 3. The TI-89 keeps numbers exact unless you ask for a decimal.
2. Get the exact answer. ENTER Press ENTER. The answer is 1/3, exactly, not 0.3333.
3. Get the decimal. ◆ ENTER Press ◆, then ENTER. ◆ ENTER (≈, written above ENTER) gives the decimal for the same line.
4. Compare the two. The history shows both: 1/3 from ENTER and .333333 from ◆ ENTER. Pick whichever the question asks for.

What the screen shows

The history shows both: 1/3 from ENTER and .333333 from ◆ ENTER. Pick whichever the question asks for.

Look for .333 on the screen.

Try it with the keys lit up

This guide is one of E-Code's Learn lessons. Open it on E-Code's TI-89 calculator and each key lights up in turn as you press it.

Try “Get a decimal instead of a fraction” on the TI-89 calculator

Related

• Plug a value into an expression
• Reuse an old answer
• Define your own function
• Find a command in the catalog

Math programs for the TI-89 Titanium:

• Quadratic roots, exact when possible
• Linear system, exact answers
• Fraction calculator: exact, mixed, decimal

All TI-89 hidden tricks guides · All TI-89 guides · All calculator guides