Interpreting Results - HP -32S Owner's Manual

Interpreting Results
The SOLVE operation will produce a solution under either of these
conditions:
• If it finds an estimate for which /fa) equals zero (see figure a,
below).
• If it finds an estimate where /fa) is not equal to zero, but the calcu
lated root is a 12-digit number adjacent to the place where the
function's graph crosses the x-axis (see figure b, below). This occurs
when the two final estimates are neighbors (that is, they differ by 1
in the 12th digit), and the function's value is positive for one esti
mate and negative for the other.* In most cases, /fa) will be
relatively close to zero.
fCxJ
ffxJ
Cases Where a Root Is Found
To obtain additional information about the result, press IR* Ito see the
previous estimate of the root (x), which was left in the Y-register.
Press FrT| again to see the value of /fa), which was left in the Z-regis
ter. If /fa) equals zero or is relatively small, it is very likely that a
solution has been found. However, if /fa) is relatively large, you must
use caution in interpreting the results.
•Or they are (0, lO"499) or (0, -lO"499).
C: More About Solving an Equation 261