HP (Hewlett-Packard) 48gII Calculator User Manual


 
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different levels are referred to as the stack levels, i.e., stack level 1, stack level
2, etc.
Basically, what RPN means is that, instead of writing an operation such as 3
+ 2, in the calculator by using
3+2`
we write first the operands, in the proper order, and then the operator, i.e.,
3`2`+
As you enter the operands, they occupy different stack levels. Entering
3`
puts the number 3 in stack level 1. Next, entering
2`
pushes
the 3 upwards to occupy stack level 2. Finally, by pressing
+
, we are
telling the calculator to apply the operator, or program,
+
to the objects
occupying levels 1 and 2. The result, 5, is then placed in level 1.
Let's try some other simple operations before trying the more complicated
expression used earlier for the algebraic operating mode:
123/32 123`32/
4
2
4`2Q
3
27 27`R3@»
Notice the position of the y and the x in the last two operations. The base in
the exponential operation is y (stack level 2) while the exponent is x (stack
level 1) before the key
Q
is pressed. Similarly, in the cubic root operation,
y (stack level 2) is the quantity under the root sign, and x (stack level 1) is the
root.
Try the following exercise involving 3 factors: (5 + 3) × 2
5`3`+ Calculates (5 +3) first.
2X
Completes the calculation.
Let's try now the expression proposed earlier: