why doesnt pi calculate? on 50g

[Vincent]

on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

[claptonhendrix]

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Just enter MODE CAS and select numeric and aprox. That's all;
and ....RTFM (read the fucking manual), please

[i***@gmail.com]

Just ignore if you think that you read enough complaints about HP 50Gs
for the day :)

....RTFM (read the fucking manual), please

Very creative and highly motivating words to write to a beginner ...

This answer pushed my feelings about HPs, which I was trying to
forget, back to the surface again.

Why a calculator needs so much adjustments to operate like it should
when it is turned on for the first time?
Do all the HP calculators are intended to be sold only to the
experienced HP calculator users? Isn't there any room for the new ones
in the club?
Does it have to be so hard to personalize a HP calculator in order not
the experience any awkward situations while doing the calculations in
a manner that you feel confortable?
Does it have to be so hard to personalize a HP calculator that you
forget how you did it the next time you need to do it again?
Do all the HP calculators have to have some hidden Flags, or commands
- which do not have syntax compability - which makes you to read that
"FM" over and over again :)

Do not get me wrong, I've realized how a calculator should be after
passing through some hard times with my HP 48GX, 49G+ and now 50G but
I couldn't get the point of making them less user friendly :)

[manjo]

Post by i***@gmail.com
Do not get me wrong, I've realized how a calculator should be after
passing through some hard times with my HP 48GX, 49G+ and now 50G but
I couldn't get the point of making them less user friendly :)

It's actualy quite simple flexibility often goes agenst usability
if not so direct then it's this :
-when you have a flexible product inherently you need to learn more and take
care
of more things (flags, settings etc)

Off topic comment for those still complaining about HPs and comparing to
TIs:
Don't worry it's far beyond TI-Nspire
(which is *math learning tool* not realy in a class of programable,
expandable, scientific -yes HP class of calculator)
... it's ugly too :-)

manjo
P.S.
"FM" really does help in cases like this "Pi"
-so fly trugh it once just to know your operation frame

[Jean-Yves Avenard]

Post by i***@gmail.com
Just ignore if you think that you read enough complaints about HP 50Gs
for the day :)
....RTFM (read the fucking manual), please
Very creative and highly motivating words to write to a beginner ...

but that was the best answer here.

type 3xPI on a TI89, and you'd get the same result too

The difference between exact and approximate mode, as well as how to get
a numerical answer in explained in the first pages of the manual.

JY

[AZ Nomad]

Post by i***@gmail.com
Just ignore if you think that you read enough complaints about HP 50Gs
for the day :)
....RTFM (read the fucking manual), please
Very creative and highly motivating words to write to a beginner ...
This answer pushed my feelings about HPs, which I was trying to
forget, back to the surface again.
Why a calculator needs so much adjustments to operate like it should
when it is turned on for the first time?

oh, you poor baby!

Take it back and get a $25 casio and please kindly just fuck off.
You're too stupid to appreciate an HP calculator. You and casio
deserve each other.

[Damir]

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Learn how to use it!

[Dave Boyd]

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Short answer: Above the enter key, you will find an orange ->NUM. Press
right-shift, then Enter. Viola, symbolic is converted to numeric.

Less short answer: There's a mode called Exact in which answers appear
symbolically, and a mode called Approximate in which answers are
converted to numeric results. To toggle between these modes, press
Mode, pick the CAS menu item, and toggle the "Approx" field; or, as a
shortcut, just be at the normal stack display, and HOLD the right-shift
key while pressing Enter. (A little icon in the upper part of the
display will switch between '=' and '~'.)

There's a few other modes. They are worth digging into the manuals to
discover. The HP-50G, like most HPs, works differently enough from the
way its competitors do, to require some careful study in order to get
the most out of it; but that study will be well rewarded. Good luck!

[Giancarlo]

Post by Dave Boyd

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Short answer: Above the enter key, you will find an orange ->NUM. Press
right-shift, then Enter. Viola, symbolic is converted to numeric.
Less short answer: There's a mode called Exact in which answers appear
symbolically, and a mode called Approximate in which answers are
converted to numeric results. To toggle between these modes, press
Mode, pick the CAS menu item, and toggle the "Approx" field; or, as a
shortcut, just be at the normal stack display, and HOLD the right-shift
key while pressing Enter. (A little icon in the upper part of the
display will switch between '=' and '~'.)
There's a few other modes. They are worth digging into the manuals to
discover. The HP-50G, like most HPs, works differently enough from the
way its competitors do, to require some careful study in order to get
the most out of it; but that study will be well rewarded. Good luck!
--
Dave Boyd
"That's sucker talk."
-- Raven, _This_Gun_For_Hire_, Universal, 1942

Despie Vincent's quite *straightforward* request, I vote for Dave's
type of answer...
I always remember to myself that I'll be in time of needing help
sometime :)
Apart from that, I second the urge to browse through manuals &
available doc, as a form of learning discipline (and, why not?, as a
form of respect to those willing to help anyway).
...My age is starting to rule my attitude..? ;)
Best regards.
Giancarlo

[Dave Boyd]

Post by Giancarlo
Despie Vincent's quite *straightforward* request, I vote for Dave's
type of answer...
I always remember to myself that I'll be in time of needing help
sometime :)

Thanks. I remember making many requests like Vincent's, once upon a
time. So it's easy to see myself there... even so, I have a long way
to go before I qualify for the John H. Meyers Generous Helping award.
This group has high standards to live up to, both in willingness to
help, and in urging the reading of manuals...

Post by Giancarlo
Apart from that, I second the urge to browse through manuals &
available doc, as a form of learning discipline (and, why not?, as a
form of respect to those willing to help anyway).
....My age is starting to rule my attitude..? ;)

Maybe so. Maybe here too!

[Irl]

Post by Dave Boyd

Post by Giancarlo
Despie Vincent's quite *straightforward* request, I vote for Dave's
type of answer...
I always remember to myself that I'll be in time of needing help
sometime :)

Thanks. I remember making many requests like Vincent's, once upon a
time. So it's easy to see myself there... even so, I have a long way
to go before I qualify for the John H. Meyers Generous Helping award.
This group has high standards to live up to, both in willingness to
help, and in urging the reading of manuals...

Post by Giancarlo
Apart from that, I second the urge to browse through manuals &
available doc, as a form of learning discipline (and, why not?, as a
form of respect to those willing to help anyway).
....My age is starting to rule my attitude..? ;)

Maybe so. Maybe here too!
--
Dave Boyd
"That's sucker talk."
-- Raven, _This_Gun_For_Hire_, Universal, 1942

Thank you, Dave Boyd. And Shame on You, Dazir and AZ Nomad. Here we
are trying to help, and heaping scorn on those less experienced that
you in this particular tiny space of human intellectual endeavor
is ... tawdry. (Look it up. If you don't have to look it up, I
apologize for descending to the same level as your posts seem to be
at.)
Irl

[Giancarlo]

Post by Dave Boyd

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Short answer: Above the enter key, you will find an orange ->NUM. Press
right-shift, then Enter. Viola, symbolic is converted to numeric.
Less short answer: There's a mode called Exact in which answers appear
symbolically, and a mode called Approximate in which answers are
converted to numeric results. To toggle between these modes, press
Mode, pick the CAS menu item, and toggle the "Approx" field; or, as a
shortcut, just be at the normal stack display, and HOLD the right-shift
key while pressing Enter. (A little icon in the upper part of the
display will switch between '=' and '~'.)
There's a few other modes. They are worth digging into the manuals to
discover. The HP-50G, like most HPs, works differently enough from the
way its competitors do, to require some careful study in order to get
the most out of it; but that study will be well rewarded. Good luck!
--
Dave Boyd
"That's sucker talk."
-- Raven, _This_Gun_For_Hire_, Universal, 1942

Despite Vincent's quite *straightforward* query :) I second Dave's
type of feedback - I always like to remember that I will be needing
help sometime :)
Anyway, I appreciate and reinforce the urge to read manuals and
available docs as a form of *learning discipline*.
But maybe my age is leading my attitude ;)
Best regards.
Giancarlo

[DHCP]

Post by Dave Boyd

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Short answer: Above the enter key, you will find an orange ->NUM. Press
right-shift, then Enter. Viola, symbolic is converted to numeric.
Less short answer: There's a mode called Exact in which answers appear
symbolically, and a mode called Approximate in which answers are
converted to numeric results. To toggle between these modes, press
Mode, pick the CAS menu item, and toggle the "Approx" field; or, as a
shortcut, just be at the normal stack display, and HOLD the right-shift
key while pressing Enter. (A little icon in the upper part of the
display will switch between '=' and '~'.)
There's a few other modes. They are worth digging into the manuals to
discover. The HP-50G, like most HPs, works differently enough from the
way its competitors do, to require some careful study in order to get
the most out of it; but that study will be well rewarded. Good luck!
--
Dave Boyd
"That's sucker talk."
-- Raven, _This_Gun_For_Hire_, Universal, 1942

Can I make a silly question?

I knew about the ->NUM and the "aprox mode" in the CAS, and I read the
manuals for my HP48gx, although there is no CAS in that beauty. Now I
have a 50g.

The thing is that I use to toggle between the aprox and exact modes
often because I use many progs that need to be run in aprox mode.
Anyway, in both modes the calc displays PI symbolically.
I tried another field in the mode-> CAS menu that says
"numeric" (replace constants by values) and that's the one that
replaces pi for 3.14..

Another thing,
I have a EQ that I enter in the NUM SLV application. That EQ is
actually equal to a variable, lets say Z.
I want to enter some real numbers in the NUM SLV app, let's say: x, y,
r, t and get Z to be: (x/y, r*t) <-- a complex number. But I get "Bad
guess(es)"
I verified the 128 flag, and I put it to "complex var allowed" but
there's no case, I get the same "bad guess(es)"

Sorry for the dumb question, I know I could do that silly operation
from the stack and using the R->C command, but it just kept me
wondering...

salu2

[reth]

Post by DHCP
The thing is that I use to toggle between the aprox and exact modes
often because I use many progs that need to be run in aprox mode.
Anyway, in both modes the calc displays PI symbolically.

clear flags -2 -3 and -128 to see 'pi' instead of 3.14159....

[Giancarlo]

Post by reth
clear flags -2 -3 and -128 to see 'pi' instead of 3.14159....

flag -2 cleared = "symbolic costants stay simbolic [if flag -3 is
clear]"
flag -3 cleared = "symbolic arguments stay symbolic"
flag -128 clear = "complex variables are allowed"

For a full listing of flags you may find helpful to have a look at:

http://www.hpcalc.org/hp49/docs/misc/flags14.zip
"Complete document describing all the System flags (CAS ones included)
for both HP49G and HP49G+ calculators. In PDF format.
By Federico Marziali (Kickaha)."

Hope this helps.
Best regards.
Giancarlo

[Michael]

Post by Giancarlo

Post by reth
clear flags -2 -3 and -128 to see 'pi' instead of 3.14159....

flag -2 cleared = "symbolic costants stay simbolic [if flag -3 is
clear]"
flag -3 cleared = "symbolic arguments stay symbolic"
flag -128 clear = "complex variables are allowed"
http://www.hpcalc.org/hp49/docs/misc/flags14.zip
"Complete document describing all the System flags (CAS ones included)
for both HP49G and HP49G+ calculators. In PDF format.
By Federico Marziali (Kickaha)."
Hope this helps.
Best regards.
Giancarlo

Ok here is a faq for the 50g: http://hp50g.pbwiki.com/faq Can we quit
shouting down the new users and just help them out, nothing more off
putting than asking a question and being shouted down, most likely the
new user will just avoid the calc completely.
Also if the regulars could read through the FAQ and verify its contents,
the more info the better, thanks.
Mick C
Oh yes and feel free to use the FAQ as your own, Cheers Mick

[f***@ernstengineering.com]

Post by Dave Boyd

Post by Vincent
on my 50G is there a way than when Pi is in an equation that I am
solving, than when I hit enter the pi does stay there, I hate this, if
I say 12 * 2* pi, I just get 12 * pi, I want this to stop and for it to
just treat pi as 3.14

Short answer: Above the enter key, you will find an orange ->NUM. Press
right-shift, then Enter. Viola, symbolic is converted to numeric.
Less short answer: There's a mode called Exact in which answers appear
symbolically, and a mode called Approximate in which answers are
converted to numeric results. To toggle between these modes, press
Mode, pick the CAS menu item, and toggle the "Approx" field; or, as a
shortcut, just be at the normal stack display, and HOLD the right-shift
key while pressing Enter. (A little icon in the upper part of the
display will switch between '=' and '~'.)
There's a few other modes. They are worth digging into the manuals to
discover. The HP-50G, like most HPs, works differently enough from the
way its competitors do, to require some careful study in order to get
the most out of it; but that study will be well rewarded. Good luck!
--
Dave Boyd
"That's sucker talk."
-- Raven, _This_Gun_For_Hire_, Universal, 1942

Thanks. This was very helpful because I just added >NUM as a keystroke after pi in my program.