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Mathematical Calculations

Chain Mode

Calculations in Chain mode are interpreted in the order in which they are entered. For example, entering the following

numbers and operations as written from left to right 1+2*3= returns

. See Figure 2.

Figure 2 Calculation in Chain Mode

Note: if you press an operator key, +-*/, after =, the calculation is continued using the currently

displayed value.

In Chain mode, if you wish to override the left to right order of entry, use parentheses () to prioritize operations.

For example, to calculate





321  , you may enter the problem as written from left to right, with parentheses to prioritize the

multiplication operation. See Table 2-1 below.

Table 2-1 Simple Arithmetic Calculations in Chain Mode

Keys Display Description

(2*3)

Sets operational priority, inputs numbers, and

multiplies 2 and 3.

Adds 1 to 6 and returns

7.00

on the bottom line as

the final result.

Algebraic Mode

To set the calculator in Algebraic mode, refer to the section titled,

The Mode Menu: Setting Preferences

in Chapter 1

In Algebraic mode, multiplication and division have a higher priority than addition and subtraction. For example, in Algebraic

mode, pressing 1+2*3= returns a result of

7.00

. In Chain mode, the same key presses return a result

9.00.

In Algebraic mode, operations between two numbers have the following priority:

 Highest priority: the power function (y

)

 Second priority: combinations and permutations

 Third priority: multiplication and division

 Lowest priority: addition and subtraction

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Hp 20B User Manual Page 17