HP 33S - Examples of Fraction Displays

5–6 Fractions
File name 33s-E-Manual-1008-Publication(1st).doc Page : 386
Printed Date : 2003/10/8 Size : 13.7 x 21.2 cm

Factors of denominator. Fractions have only denominators that are
factors of the /c value, and they're reduced as much as possible. For
example, if you're calculating stock prices, you might want to see
 
and
 
( /c value is 8 ). Or if the /c value is 12, possible denominators
are 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

Fixed denominator. Fractions always use the /c value as the
denominator — they're not reduced. For example, if you're working with time
measurements, you might want to see
 
( /c value is 60 ).
To select a fraction format, you must change the states of two flags. Each flag can
be "set" or "clear," and in one case the state of flag 9 doesn't matter.
Change These Flags: To Get This Fraction Format:
8 9
Most precise
Clear —
Factors of denominator
Set Clear
Fixed denominator
Set Set
You can change flags 8 and 9 to set the fraction format using the steps listed here.
(Because flags are especially useful in programs, their use is covered in detail in
chapter 13.)
1. Press
º ·
to get the flag menu.
2. To set a flag, press {

} and type the flag number, such as 8.
To clear a flag, press {

) and type the flag number.
To see if a flag is set, press {

} and type the flag number. Press
Å
or
~
to clear the

or

response.
Examples of Fraction Displays
The following table shows how the number 2.77 is displayed in the three fraction
formats for two /c values.