72 Section 5: Additional Operating Features

Keystrokes

Display

f4

14.8746

f1

14.9

f0

15.

f9

14.87456320

Although nine decimal places were specified after f, only eight are displayed since the display can show a total of only 10 digits.

The standard display format, plus the specified number of decimal places, remain in effect until you change them; they are not reset each time the calculator is turned on. However, if Continuous Memory is reset, when the calculator is next turned on numbers will be displayed in the standard display format with two decimal places shown.

If a calculated answer is either too small or too large to be displayed in the standard display format, the display format automatically switches to scientific notation (described below). The display returns to the standard display format for all numbers that can be displayed in that format.

Scientific Notation Display Format

In scientific notation, a number is displayed with its mantissa at the left and a two-digit exponent at the right. The mantissa is simply the first seven digits in the number, and has a single, nonzero digit to the left of the decimal point. The 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):

File name: hp 12c_user's guide_English_HDPMBF12E44

Page: 72 of 209

Printered Date: 2005/7/29

Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm