50g

--- In 50g@yahoogroups.com, "Gordon Ayres" <gordon.ayres@...> wrote:
>
> funny thing 
> 
> I have claculator mode RPN set.
> 
> When i do rpn operation for * + or - works as expected. When I divide
> a number like 3 by 2 it shows 3/2 in the stack and does not return 1.5
> as expected?
> 
> any help apreciated.
> 
> Best regards 
> Gordon
>
Hi, Gordon,

The 50G uses "infinite precision integers" (ZINTS) when in "exact" mode 
(i.e., 4 ENTER 3 / produces 4/3 instead of 1.33333).  You know you are 
in exact mode with a couple of clues: (1) if you have the status area 
showing, you will see an "=" sign next to the "R" or "C" symbol (real 
or complex mode), and (2) numbers you enter without a decimal point 
(e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) will show up without a decimal point on the stack.

In approximate mode, a tilde "~" in the status area will appear in the 
same spot as the "=" sign, above.  Also, entering numbers without 
decimal points (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) will produce numbers WITH decimal 
points on the stack (e.g., 1., 2., 3., etc.), even with STD display 
formatting.

To convert 4/3 into a numeric equivalent, press right-shift and then 
press "Enter" (which is ->NUM).  This will display 1.3333 according to 
your display mode.

If you'd like to temporarily force an approximate display, put a 
decimal point after one or more of your numbers that you will enter 
(e.g., 4./3, or 4/3., or 4./3.).  This will return the result in 
approximate mode and display 1.333.

To toggle between exact and approximate modes quickly, use the long-
hold keypress combination as follows:  While pressing (AND HOLDING) the 
right-shift key, press and release the enter key.  You can now release 
the right-shift key.  In doing so, pay attention to your status area.  
You should see the "=" sign turn into a "~" sign and vice-versa.  There 
are many of these long-hold keypresses available on the HP50G, e.g., to 
enter certain characters or toggle between real and complex mode.

Hope that helps some,
Scott