Section 1

Getting Started

Power On and Off

To begin using your hp 12c, press the ; key*. Pressing ; again turns the calculator off. If not manually turned off, the calculator will turn off automatically 8 to 17 minutes after it was last used.

Low-Power Indication

A battery symbol (¼) shown in the upper-left corner of the display when the calculator is on signifies that the available battery power is nearly exhausted. To replace the batteries, refer to Appendix E.

The Keyboard

Many keys on the hp 12c perform two or even three functions. The primary function of a key is indicated by the characters printed in white on the upper face of the key. The alternate function(s) of a key are indicated by the characters printed in gold above the key and the characters printed in blue on the lower face of the key. These alternate functions are specified by pressing the appropriate prefix key before the function key:

zTo specify the alternate function printed in gold above a key, press the gold prefix key (f), then

press the function key.

z To specify the primary function printed on the upper face of a key, press the key alone.

zTo specify the alternate function printed in blue on the lower face of a key, press the blue prefix key (g), then press the function key.

*Note that the ; key is lower than the other keys to help prevent its being pressed inadvertently.

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File name: hp 12c_user's guide_English_HDPMBF12E44

Page: 16 of 209

Printered Date: 2005/7/29

Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm