HP 15c Collector's Edition User Manual

14 The HP 15c: A Problem Solver
The time an object takes to fall to the ground (ignoring air friction) is
given by the formula
t =

2h
g
 ,
where t = time in seconds,
h = height in meters,
g = the acceleration due to
gravity, 9.8 m/s
2
.
Example: Compute the time taken by a
stone falling from the top of the Eiffel
Tower (300.51 meters high) to the earth.
Keystrokes Display
300.51 v
300.5100
Enter h.
2 *
601.0200
Calculates 2h.
9.8 ÷
61.3286
(2h) / g.
¤
7.8313
Falling time, seconds.
Programmed Solutions
Suppose you wanted to calculate falling times from various heights. The
easiest way is to write a program to cover all the constant parts of a
calculation and provide for entry of variable data.
Writing the Program. The program is similar to the keystroke sequence
you used above. A label is useful to define the beginning of a program,
and a return is useful to mark the end of a program. Also, the program
must accommodate the entry of new data.
Loading the Program. You can load a program for the above problem by
pressing the following keys in sequence. (The display shows information
which you can ignore for now, though it will be useful later.)

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.