x Introduction
This Handbook
HP calculators of the 1970s and the 1980s were not just technological feats.
They were supported by manuals that were feats of technical writing. The
manuals introduced the features of the calculator and supported the reader
with varied examples of use. Some of these examples were whimsical and
added to the joy of reading the manuals. One particular example
remembered by HP enthusiasts was in the HP-25 manual, and concerned
lovesick sailor Oscar Odysseus, who found himself on the remote island of
Tristan da Cunha. The example showed owners how to use the HP-25 to
calculate the great circle distance to his sweetheart Penelope on St Helena.
This handbook is written for you, regardless of your level of expertise. The
first part, Fundamentals, covers all the basic functions of the HP 15c and how
to use them. Each section in the second part, Programming, is broken down
into three subsections—The Mechanics, Examples, and Further
Information—in order to make it easy for users with varying backgrounds to
find the information they need. The third part, Advanced Functions, describes
the four advanced mathematics capabilities.
*
Before starting these sections, you may want to gain some operating and
programming experience on the HP 15c by working through the introductory
material, The HP 15c: A Problem Solver, on page 12.
The various appendices describe additional details of calculator operation.
The Function Summary and Index and the Programming Summary and Index
at the back of this manual can be used for quick reference to each function
key and as a handy page reference to more comprehensive information.
We hope that you will enjoy working through this manual for the HP 15c CE,
and through its companion, the HP 15c Advanced Functions Handbook, which
provides further details, particularly of the _ and f (Integrate)
functions, but also of complex number and matrix calculations. In that
handbook, you will find examples involving people such as radio engineer
Ann Tenor—as well as programs equivalent to the Time Value of Money and
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis applications built into HP’s financial
calculators. These are long programs, but with the increased memory size of
the HP 15c CE you can keep them in your calculator and use it as a substitute
for an HP-12C business calculator as well as for scientific and technical
calculations.
*
You certainly do not need to read every part of the manual before delving into Part III: HP
15c Advanced Functions if you are already familiar with HP calculators. The use of
_ and f requires a knowledge of HP 15c programming.
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