22  Section 1: Getting Started 
 
File name: HP 12c Pt Converted_user's guide_English_HDP0F123E02_080207  Page: 11 of 281 
Printed Date:  {  2007/8/2Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm 
 
Simple Arithmetic Calculations in ALG Mode 
In ALG mode, any simple arithmetic calculation involves two numbers and an 
operation — addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. To do such a 
calculation on your hp 12c platinum, you tell the calculator the first number, then 
the operation to be performed, and then tell the calculator the second number. The 
answer is calculated when the equals key (
}
) is pressed. 
For example, to calculate 21.1 + 23.8, do the following: 
Keystrokes 
(ALG mode) 
Display  
OO
 
0.00 
Clears any pending operations. 
21.1
+
 
21.10 
Keys in the first number and 
prepares to add the second. 
23.8 
23.8 
Keys the second number. 
}
 
44.90 
}
 completes the calculation. 
Once a calculation has been completed: 
z  pressing another digit key starts a new calculation, or 
z  pressing an operator key continues the calculation. 
Keystrokes 
(ALG mode) 
Display  
OO
 
0.00 
Clears any pending operations. 
77.35
-
 
77.35 
 
90.89
}
 
–13.54 
}
 completes the calculation. 
65
gr§
12
}
 
96.75 
New calculation: 
1265 ×
 
z
3.5
}
 
27.64 
Calculates 96.75 ÷ 3.5 
You can also do long calculations without pressing 
}
 after each intermediate 
calculation: just press it at the end. The operators perform from left to right, in the 
order you enter them. Note that if you have just pressed 
}
, there is no need to 
press 
OO 
before starting a new calculation – the 
} 
key will have completed 
any pending operations.