Section 1: Getting Started

25

Your hp 12c platinum calculates the answer in just the same way in RPN mode:

Keystrokes (RPN mode)

3\4§

Display

12.00Step 1: Multiply the numbers in the first parentheses.
5\6§

30.00

Step 2: Multiply the numbers in the

 

 

second parentheses.

+

42.00

Step 3: Add the results of the two

 

 

multiplications.

Notice that before doing step 2, you did not need to store or write down the result of step 1: it was stored inside the calculator automatically. And after you keyed in the 5 and the 6 in step 2, the calculator was holding two numbers (12 and 5) inside for you, in addition to the 6 in the display. (The hp 12c platinum can hold a total of three numbers inside, in addition to the number in the display.) After step 2, the calculator was still holding the 12 inside for you, in addition to the 30 in the display. You can see that the calculator holds the number for you, just as you would have them written on paper, and then calculates with them at the proper time, just as you would yourself.* But with the hp 12c platinum, you don’t need to write down the results of an intermediate calculation, and you don’t even need to manually store it and recall it later.

By the way, notice that in step 2 you needed to press \ again. This is simply because you were again keying in two numbers immediately following each other, without performing a calculation in between.

To check your understanding of how to calculate with your hp 12c platinum, try the following problems yourself. Although these problems are relatively simple, more complicated problems can be solved using the same basic steps. If you have difficulty obtaining the answers shown, review the last few pages.

(3 + 4) ⋅ (5 + 6) = 77.00

(27 − 14)

= 0.25

(14 + 38)

 

5

+ 21 = 0.13

3 + 16

*Although you don’t need to know just how these numbers are stored and brought back at just the right time, if you’re interested you can read all about it in Appendix A. By gaining a more complete understanding of the calculator’s operation, you’ll use it more efficiently and confidently, yielding a better return on the investment in your hp 12c platinum.

File name: hp 12c pt_user's guide_English_HDPMF123E27

Page: 25 of 275

Printed Date: 2005/8/1

Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm