20060301
1-6-12
Input
k
Using Single-character Variables
As its name suggests, a single-character variable is a variable name that consists of a single
character like “
a
” or “
x
”. Input of single-character variable names is subject to different rules
than input of a series of multiple characters (like “abc”).
u
To input a single-character variable name
Any character you input using any one of the following techniques is always treated as a
single-character variable.
• Tapping any key in the math (mth) keyboard’s
V
key set (page 1-6-10)
• Tapping any key in the 2D keyboard’s
V
key set (page 1-6-17)
• Tapping the
X
,
Y
,
Z
or
[
key to the left of the
9
key of the math (mth) keyboard or
2D keyboard
• Pressing the
x
,
y
, or
Z
keypad key
If you use the above key operations to input a series of characters, each one is treated as a
single-character variable. Inputting
A
,
B
,
C
, for example, is treated as the mathematical
expression a
×
b
×
c, and not as the characters “abc”.
Tip
• The single-character variables described above make it possible for you to perform calculations
as they appear in your textbook.
Example 1:
9
V
ABC
w
Example 2:
2xyE
Tip
• When you input a single-character variable, its name appears on the display as an italicized bold
character. This is simply to let you know that the letter is a single-character variable name.