HP HP-11C User Manual

72 Section 4: Display Control
will not operate with a number having more than seven
integer digits or a decimal number having more than five zeros
preceding the first significant digit. To key in such a number, use a
form having a higher or lower exponent value, as appropriate. For
example, 123456789.8 X 1023 can be keyed in as 1234567.898 X 1025;
0.00000025 X 1071 can be keyed in as 2.5 X 1022,
Mantissa. All numbers held in the calculator’s stack and data
storage registers are represented internally as 10-digit mantissas
with a two-digit exponent. When you want to view the full ten-digit
mantissa of a number held in the displayed X-register, press
CLEAR and hold the key. The mantissa of the
currently displayed number will appear and remain in the display
until you release the [PREFIX key.
Keystrokes Display
3.1416
CLEAR
(hold) 3141592654
Rounding at the Tenth Digit
As you read earlier, your HP-11C holds every value to 10 digits
internally, regardless of the number of digits specified in the
current [FIX], (SCI], or display setting. The final result of every
calculation or series of calculations is rounded to the tenth digit.
For example, pi and 2/3 have nonterminating decimal representa-
tions (3.1415926535... and 0.6666666666...) Because the HP-11C can
provide only a finite approximation of such numbers (10 digits), a
small error due to rounding can occur in the tenth digit. This error
can be increased through lengthy calculations, but in the majority
of cases, it does not enter the practical range of significant digits
for a particular application. Accurately assessing the effects of
roundoff error for a given calculation requires the use of numerical
analysis methods that are beyond the scope of this handbook.

HP HP-11C Specifications

General

Brand	HP
Model	HP-11C
Category	Calculator
Language	English