HP 15c Collector's Edition User Manual

Section 3: The Memory Stack, LAST X, and Data Storage 41
Loading the Stack with a Constant. Because the number in the T-register
is replicated when the stack drops, this number can be used as a constant
in arithmetic operations.
T
c c
New constant
generation.
Z
c c
Y
c c
Drops to interact
with X-register.
X
x cx
Keys: *
Fill the stack with a constant by keying it into the display and pressing
v three times. Key in your initial argument and perform the
arithmetic operation. The stack will drop, a copy of the constant will “fall”
into the Y-register, and a new copy of the constant will be generated in
the T-register.
If the variables change (as in the preceding example), be sure to clear the
display before entering the new variable. This disables the stack so that
the arithmetic result will be written over and only the constant will occupy
the rest of the stack.
If you do not have different arguments, that is, the operation will be
performed upon a cumulative number, then do not clear the display—
simply repeat the arithmetic operation.
Example: A bacteriologist tests a certain
strain of microorganisms whose
population typically increases by 15%
each day (a growth factor of 1.15). If she
starts with a sample culture of 1000, what
will be the bacteria population at the end
of each day for four consecutive days?
Keystrokes Display
1.15
1.15
Growth factor.
v v v
1.1500
Filling the stack.
1000
1,000
Initial culture size.

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.