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Real Calculations
Most of the commands your WP 34S features are mathematical operations or functions
taking and returning real numbers such as 1 or -2.34 or
numbers such as 3, 10, or -1 are just a subset of real numbers.
Many real number functions provided operate on one number only. For example,
enter
and press
That is easy, isn't it? Generally, such functions replace
result f(
x
) . In this example, f(
The vast majority of calculators works this way, so this is no real surprise.
Some of the most popular mathematical functions, however, operate on two numbers
instead. Think of + and –, for example.
Example: Assume having an account of 1,234 US$ and taking 56.7 US$ away from
it. What will remain? One easy way to solve such a task works as follows:
On a piece of paper
Write down the 1
Start a new line.
Write down the 2
Subtract:
Provide the necessary operands, then execute the requested operation.
And a major advantage of RPN compared to other entry systems for calculators is that it
sticks to this basic rule. Always.
As the paper holds your operands before you calculate manually, a place holding your
operands on your WP 34S is required. The stack does that. It will also take care of
intermediate results, if applicable, as your paper may do. Turn overleaf to see how this is
done.
10
Some people claim this being true for RPL only. RPL is a language developed from RPN in the 1980's.
Maybe they are even right. In my opinion, however, RPL strains the underlying postfix principle beyond the
pain barrier, exceeding the limit where it becomes annoying for the human brain. Not for everybody, of
course, but also for many scientists and engineers. Thus we decided to stick to RPN on the WP 34S.
WP 34S Owner's Manual
. You will get
x
)
.
st
1234
number:
nd
56.7
number:
1177.3
This is the essence of RPN:
10
0. 4 9
0. 7
x
(i.e. the value displayed) by its
On your WP 34S
st
Key in the 1
number:
st
Separate 1
from 2
nd
Key in the 2
number:
Subtract:
Edition 3.1
or 5.6E-7. Note that integer
2
since 0.7
= 0.49 .
nd
:
Page 16 of 211
1234
56. 7
1177. 3
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