Section 1

Getting Started

Power On and Off

The = key turns the HP-15C on and off.* To conserve power, the calculator automatically turns itself off after a few minutes of inactivity.

Keyboard Operation

Primary and Alternate Functions

Most keys on your HP-15C perform one primary and two alternate, shifted functions. The primary function of any key is indicated by the character(s) on the face of the key. The alternate functions are indicated by the gold characters printed above the key and the blue characters printed on the lower face of the key.

To select the primary function printed on the face of a key, press only that key. For example: ÷.

To select the alternate function printed in gold or blue, press the like-colored prefix key (´or ) followed by the function key. For example: ´_; £.

Throughout this handbook, we will observe certain conventions in referring to alternate functions. References to the function itself will appear as just the key name in a box, such as ―the W function.‖ References to the use of the key will include the prefix key, such as ―press W.‖ References to the four gold functions printed under the bracket labeled ―CLEAR‖ will be preceded by the word ―CLEAR‖, such as "the CLEAR Q function,‖ or ―press ´CLEAR M.‖

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

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