HP 20b Consultant Financial manual Algebraic Mode, Keys Display Description

Mathematical Calculations

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 2-1Simple Arithmetic Calculations in Chain Mode

Keys Display Description

1+

(2*3)

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.

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 1+2*3 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:

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