Algebraic Mode - HP 20b Business Consultant Quick Start Manual

For example, to calculate 1+ (2 x 3), 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
1+
(2*3)
=

Algebraic Mode

To set the calculator in Algebraic mode, refer to the section titled, The Mode
Menu: Setting Preferences.
In Algebraic mode, multiplication and division have a higher priority than addition
and subtraction. For example, in Algebraic mode, pressing
returns a result of 7.00 . In Chain mode, the same key presses return a result of
9.00.
In Algebraic mode, operations have the following priority:
Display
22
Mathematical Calculations
Description
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.
1+2*3