Section 5: Additional Operating Features

73

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 fCLEARXand hold down the Xkey. The display will show all 10 digits of the number as long as you hold down the

Xkey; 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

fCLEARX 1487456320

1.487456 01

f214.87Special Displays

All 10 digits of the number inside the calculator.

Display returns to its former contents when the Xkey is released.

Returns display to standard format.

Running. Certain functions and many programs may take several seconds or more to produce an answer. During these calculations, the word running flashes in the display to let you know that the calculator is running.

Overflow and Underflow. If a calculation results in a number whose magnitude is greater than 9.999999999 ×1099, the calculation is halted and the calculator displays 9.999999 99 (if the number is positive) or –9.999999 99 (if the number is negative).

If a calculation results in a number whose magnitude is less than 10–99, the calculation is not halted, but the value 0 is used for that number in subsequent calculations.

File name: hp 12c_user's guide_English_HDPMBF12E44

Page: 73 of 209

Printered Date: 2005/7/29

Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm