Section 1: Getting Started 13
Notice that when you press the ´ prefix key, the f annunciator appears and
remains in the display until a function key is pressed
to complete the sequence.
Clearing Prefixes
Certain function commands require two parts: a prefix and a number or another
key. The prefixes are ´, O, l, and t; ´• ´i, and
´^. If you make a mistake while keying in a prefix for a function, press
´CLEARu to cancel the error. The u key is also used to show
the mantissa of a displayed number, so all 10 digits of the number in the display
will appear for a moment after the u key is pressed.
Negative Numbers
To make a displayed number negative—either one that has just been keyed in or
one that has resulted from a calculation—simply press ” (change sign).
When the display shows a negative number, pressing ” removes the minus
sign from the display, making the number positive.
Keying in Exponents
“ (enter exponent) is used whenever an exponent is a part of a number you
are keying in. To use “, first key in the mantissa, then press “ and key
in the exponent. For example, to key in Avogadro's number (6.0225×10
23
):
Keystrokes Display
6.0225
6.0225
“
6.0225 00
The 00 prompts you to
key in the exponent.
2
6.0225 02
3
6.0225 23
(6.0225×10
23
)
v
6.0225 23
Enters number.
To key in a number having a negative exponent of 10, first key in the number,
press “, then key in the exponent, and then press ” (change sign) to
make the exponent negative.
*
For example, key in Planck's constant
(6.6262×10
−34
Joule-seconds) and multiply it by 50:
Keystrokes Display
6.6262“
6.6262 00
34
6.6262 34
*
” may also be pressed before the exponent, with the same result (unlike the
mantissa, whose number entry must precede ” ).