HP 17bII manual KeysDisplayDescription, Using the Alpha Menu

Parentheses. Do not use brackets or braces. Parentheses determine order, but do not imply multiplication. For example, the equation Psn ＝

Ps (1－F) would be typed into the Solver as . The ⋅ sign must be inserted between  and the parenthesis.

Functions and Conditional Expressions. An equation can contain any of the functions and conditional expressions given in the table on pages 168-171. Some of these functions also have typing aids.

Math Operators (“Typing Aids”). All of the math operators are located either on the keyboard (/, @t, etc.) or in the MATH menu ( , , etc.). Any of these operators except %can be included in an equation. (In the Solver,  is just a character.) You can call up the MATH menu from the Solver.

Many of these operators look different in an equation: pressing @v produces  , for example. You then supply a number or variable followed by a closing parenthesis. The list of Solver functions on pages 168-171 shows the spelling of each function. Note that you supply the number after supplying the function.

You can also type these functions letter by letter using the ALPHA menu. However, it is faster to select math operators directly on the keyboard or in the MATH menu. This is called a typing aid.

For instance, these two methods of placing 25! (factorial) into an equation are equivalent. Starting after :

1. Using the ALPHA Menu

Keys:Display:Description:









12: The Equation Solver 167

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