HP 15c Collector's Edition User Manual

The HP 15c: A Problem Solver 13
The display format used in this handbook is • 4 (the decimal point is
“fixed” to show four decimal places) unless otherwise mentioned. If your
calculator does not show four decimal places, you may want to press ´
• 4 to match the displays in the examples.
Manual Solutions
Run through the following two-number calculations. It is not necessary
to clear the calculator between problems. If you enter a digit incorrectly,
press − to undo the mistake, then key in the correct number.
To Compute: Keystrokes Display
9 − 6 = 3
9 v 6 -
3.0000
9 × 6 = 54
9 v 6 *
54.0000
9 ÷ 6 = 1.5
9 v 6 ÷
1.5000
9
6
= 531,441
9 v 6 y
531,441.0000
Notice that in the four examples:
 Both numbers are in the calculator before you press the function
key.
 v is used only to separate two numbers that are keyed in one
after the other.
 Pressing a numeric function key, in this case -, *, ÷, or y,
executes the function immediately and displays the result.
To see the close relationship between manual and programmed problem
solving, let’s first calculate the solution to a problem manually, that is,
from the keyboard. Then we’ll use a program to calculate the solution to
the same problem with different data.

HP 15c Collector's Edition Specifications

General

Model	HP 15c Collector's Edition
Category	Calculator
Type	Scientific
Power Source	Battery
Manufacturer	HP
Display	LCD
Functions	complex numbers, matrix operations

Summary

Introduction

This Handbook

Outlines the structure of the manual, detailing its parts and how to use it for learning.

The HP Community

Discusses user groups and websites for HP calculator enthusiasts and information sharing.

Part I: HP 15c Fundamentals

Section 1: Getting Started

Covers basic operations like powering on, keyboard layout, and primary/alternate functions.

Section 2: Numeric Functions

Explains essential numeric operations including logs, trig, powers, and conversions.

Section 3: The Automatic Memory Stack, LAST X, and Data Storage

Details the RPN stack, LAST X register, and data storage operations.

Part II: HP 15c Programming

Section 6: Programming Basics

Introduces core programming concepts: creating, loading, running programs, and memory.

Section 8: Program Branching and Controls

Covers controlling program flow using branching, loops, and conditional tests.

Part III: HP 15c Advanced Functions

Section 11: Calculating With Complex Numbers

Covers entering, manipulating, and performing calculations with complex numbers.

Section 12: Calculating With Matrices

Explains matrix operations, including dimensioning, element access, and calculations.

Section 13: Finding the Roots of an Equation

Details using the SOLVE function for numerical root finding and equation solving.

Section 14: Numerical Integration

Explains how to perform numerical integration using the ∫f(x)dx key and subroutines.

Appendix A: Error Conditions

Error 8: No Root

Explains the error when the SOLVE function cannot find a root.

Error 0: Improper Mathematics Operation

Lists and explains errors related to mathematical operations and illegal arguments.

Appendix D: A Detailed Look at SOLVE

How SOLVE Works

Explains the numerical technique and logic behind the SOLVE algorithm.

Finding Several Roots

Discusses methods for finding multiple roots of an equation using the SOLVE function.