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Section 5: Additional Operating Features 89
File name: hp 12c pt_user's guide_English_HDPMF123E27 Page: 89 of 275
Printed Date: 2005/8/1 Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm
exponent is simply how many decimal places you would move the decimal point in
the mantissa before writing down the number in standard format. If the exponent is
negative (that is, there is a minus sign between it and the mantissa), the decimal
point should be moved to the left; this occurs for any number less than 1. If the
exponent is positive (that is, there is a blank space between it and the mantissa),
the decimal point should be moved to the right; this occurs for any number greater
than or equal to 1.
To set the display format to scientific notation, press
f.
. For example (assuming
the display still shows
14.87456320
from the preceding example):
Keystrokes Display
f.
1.487456 01
The exponent in this example indicates that the decimal point should be moved
one decimal place to the right, giving the number 14.87456, which is the first
seven digits of the number previously in the display.
To set the display back to standard display format, press
f
followed by the
desired number of decimal places. Scientific notation display format remains in
effect until you change to the standard display format; it is not reset each time the
calculator is turned on. However, if Continuous Memory is reset, when the
calculator is next turned on the standard display format, with two decimal places,
will be used.
Mantissa Display Format.
Because both the standard display format and
scientific notation display format often show only a few digits of a number, you
may occasionally want to see all 10 digits — the full mantissa — of the number
inside the calculator. To do so, press
f
CLEAR
X
and hold down the
X
key.
The display will show all 10 digits of the number as long as you hold down the
X
key; after you release the key, the number will again be displayed in the
current display format. For instance, if the display still contains the result from the
preceding example:
Keystrokes Display
f
CLEAR
X
1487456320
All 10 digits of the number inside
the calculator.
1.487456 01
Display returns to its former
contents when the
X
key is
released.
f
2
14.87
Returns display to standard format.