HP Prime Graphing NW280AAABA Using the CAS in spreadsheet calculations, = Row2-√Row-1. The only

Using the CAS in spreadsheet calculations

You can force a spreadsheet calculation to be performed by the CAS, thereby ensuring that results are symbolic (and thus exact). For example, the formula =√Row in row 5 gives 2.2360679775 if not calculated by the CAS, and √5 if it is.

You choose the calculation engine when you are entering the formula. As soon as you begin entering a formula, the

key changes to or (depending on the last selection). This is a toggle key. Tap on it to change it from one to the other.

When is showing, the calculation will be numeric (with the number of significant digits limited by the precsion of the

calculator). When is showing, the calculation will be performed by CAS and be exact.

In the example at the right, the formula in cell A is exaclty the same as the formula in cell B:

=Row2–√(Row–1). The only

difference is that was showing (or selected) while the formula was being entered in B, thereby forcing the

calculation to be performed by the CAS. Note that CAS appears in red on the entry line if the cell selected contains a formula that is being calculated by the CAS.

206 Spreadsheet