HP HP-42S User Manual

An Alternative HP-42S/Free42 Manual
Version 0.7 ─ January 2010
Author: José Lauro Strapasson, Brazil
jlstrapasson@uol.com.br http://joselauro.com/42s.pdf
With contributions by Russ Jones, Manhattan Beach, California
Copyright (C) 2010 José Lauro Strapasson.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU
Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or any later version published by the Free Software
Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of
the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".
For more information visit the Free Software Foundation at
http://www.fsf.org

HP HP-42S Specifications

General

Model	HP-42S
Manufacturer	Hewlett-Packard
Release Year	1988
Display	LCD
Processor	Saturn
Programming	RPN
Special Features	Matrix operations, complex numbers
Category	Programmable Scientific Calculator
Dimensions	148 x 80 x 15 mm

Summary

2 Basic Operations

2.1 RPN Explanation

Explains Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) and its usage on the HP-42S calculator.

2.4 Training RPN with HP-42S

2.5 Understanding Menus

2.6 DISP Menu Functions

2.7 MODES Menu

Covers angle modes (DEG, RAD, GRAD) and coordinate systems (REC, POLAR).

2.8 The Stack

Explains the calculator's stack registers (X, Y, Z, T) and their behavior.

2.9 Key Usage Guide

Details the function of various keys like 1/x, LOG, LN, XEQ, STO, RCL, SIN, COS.

3 Memory Management

3.1 The CATALOG Menu

3.3 The CUSTOM Menu

5 Complex Numbers

5.1 Rectangular Coordinates

How to input and manipulate complex numbers in rectangular form.

5.2 Polar Coordinates

6 Programming

6.1 Basic Programming Concepts

Introduces fundamental programming concepts and syntax.

6.2 Managing Multiple Programs

6.3 Conditional Execution (X?0, X?Y)

Explains conditional execution (IF statements) in programming.

6.4 Real Program Examples

Practical examples of programs, including a prime checker.

7 Using the Solver

Solver Feature Guide

Guide to using the equation solver feature for numerical solutions.

8 Numeric Integration

Numeric Integration Guide

How to perform numerical integration of functions using the calculator.

9 Statistics

9.1 The CFIT Sub-menu

10 Matrices

Matrix Operations Overview

Covers matrix operations, creation, inversion, and determinants.

12 Flags

Calculator Flags Explained

14 Comprehensive Command List

HP-42S Command Reference

An alphabetical reference of all HP-42S functions and commands.