60 Section 5: The Display and Continuous Memory
Mantissa Display
Regardless of the display format, the HP 15c always internally holds each
number as a 10-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent of 10. For
example, π is always represented internally as 3.141592654 × 10
00
,
regardless of what is in the display.
When you want to view the full 10-digit mantissa of a number in the X-
register, press ´ CLEAR u. To keep the mantissa in the display,
hold the u key down.
| $
´
u
Round-Off Error
As mentioned earlier, the HP 15c holds every value to 10 digits internally.
It also rounds the final result of every calculation to the 10th digit.
Because the calculator can provide only a finite approximation for
numbers such as π
or 2/3 (0.666…), a small error due to rounding can
occur. This error can be increased in lengthy calculations, but usually is
insignificant. To accurately assess this effect for a given calculation
requires numerical analysis beyond our scope and space here! Refer to
the HP 15c Advanced Functions Handbook for a more detailed discussion.
Special Displays
Annunciators
The HP 15c display contains eight annunciators that indicate the status of
the calculator for various operations. The meaning and use of these
annunciators is discussed on the following pages:
✱
Low-power indication, page 62.
USER
User mode, pages 79 and 144.
f and g
Prefixes for alternate functions, pages 18–19.
RAD and GRAD
Trigonometric modes, page 26.
C
Complex mode, page 121.
PRGM
Program mode, page 66.
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