34 Section 2: Percentage and Calendar Functions

Keystrokes (ALG mode)

8b

=

6b

}

Display

1,860.00 Amount of discount.

21,390.00 Base amount less discount.

1,283.40 Amount of tax (on $21,390).

22,673.40 Total cost: base amount less discount plus tax.

Percent Difference

In RPN or ALG mode, to find the percent difference between two numbers:

1.Key in the base number.

2.Press \to separate the other number from the base number.

3.Key in the other number.

4.Press à.

If the other number is greater than the base number, the percent difference will be positive. If the other number is less than the base number, the percent difference will be negative. Therefore, a positive answer indicates an increase, while a negative answer indicates a decrease.

If you are calculating a percent difference over time, the base number is typically the amount occurring first.

Example: Yesterday your stock fell from $58.50 to $53.25 per share. What is the percent change? (Note that the \key is the same as the }key in ALG mode.)

KeystrokesDisplay

58.5\

58.50

Keys in the base number and

 

 

separates it from the other number.

53.25

53.25

Keys in the other number.

à

–8.97

Nearly a 9% decrease.

 

The à key can be used for calculations of the percent difference between a wholesale cost and a retail cost. If the base number entered is the wholesale cost, the percent difference is called the markup; if the base number entered is the retail cost, the percent difference is called the margin. Examples of markup and margin calculations are included in the hp 12c platinum Solutions Handbook.

File name: hp 12c pt_user's guide_English_HDPMF123E27

Page: 34 of 275

Printed Date: 2005/8/1

Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm