“Chi-Squared Statistics” in chapter 14 illustrates another use of the Σ function with SUM lists.

Creating Menus for Multiple Equations (S Function)

The S (solving for) function is used in conjunction with the IF function

to group related equations together and to specify the criteria for choosing one of them to solve.

S(variable name)

The advantage over two separate equations is that the single equation gives you a single menu with all possible variables. That way, if you are working with two different but related problems, you can keep the same Solver menu labels in the display all the timeyou don’t have to switch equations.

For example, consider these two equations for conversions:

 and 

The following, rearranged single equation can do either conversion:

  

This means: if you are solving for either KG or LB, then use

KG 2.21LB0. Otherwise (that is, if you are solving for M or FT), use M 3.28FT = 0. The two conversion equations are rewritten so that all the variables appear on one side of each equation, and the other side is set equal to zero.

The S function appears as part of the conditional expression of the IF function. You can leave out the “0” and it will be understood that the whole equation is set equal to zero.

Example: Unit Conversions. Use the above equation to convert between kilograms and pounds and between meters and feet.

Press then enter the equation:

178 12: The Equation Solver

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