Programming Basics. HP 12C Platinum Financial Calculator, 12c

Section 8

Programming Basics

Why Use Programs?

A program is simply a sequence of keystrokes that is stored in the calculator.

Whenever you have to calculate with the same sequence of keystrokes several times, you can save a great deal of time by incorporating these keystrokes in a program. Instead of pressing all the keys each time, you press just one key to start the program: the calculator does the rest automatically!

Creating a Program

Creating a program consists simply of writing the program, then storing it:

1. Write down the sequence of keystrokes that you would use to calculate the quantity or quantities desired.

2. Select the mode you want to use (by pressing f] or f[).

Note:

Programs or steps created and saved in RPN mode should only be executed in RPN mode, and programs or steps created and saved in ALG mode should only be executed in ALG mode. (You can also create steps in your program to switch to the appropriate mode.)

3. Press fs to set the calculator to Program mode. When the calculator is in Program mode, functions are not executed when they are keyed in, but instead are stored inside the calculator. The PRGM status indicator in the display is lit when the calculator is in Program mode.

4. Press fCLEARÎ to erase any previous programs that may be stored inside the calculator. If you want to create a new program without erasing a program already stored, skip this step and proceed as described in Section

11, Multiple Programs.

5. Key in the sequence of keystrokes that you wrote down in step 1. Skip the beginning keystrokes that enter data, which would differ each time the program is used.

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Printed Date: 2005/8/1 Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm

Section 8: Programming Basics 105

Example: Your office supplies dealer is selling selected stock at 25% off. Create a program that calculates the net cost of an item after the discount is subtracted and the $5 handling charge is added.

First, we’ll manually calculate the net cost of an item listing for $200.

Keystrokes

(RPN mode)

Display

200

\

200.

200.00

25b

-

5

+

50.00

150.00

5.

155.00

Keys in cost of item.

Separates cost of item from percentage to be keyed in next.

Amount of discount.

Price less discount.

Handling charge.

Net cost (price less discount plus handling charge).

Keystrokes

(ALG mode)

200

-

Display

200.

200.00

25b

+

5

}

50.00

150.00

5.

155.00

Keys in cost of item.

Separates cost of item from percentage to be keyed in next.

Amount of discount.

Price less discount.

Handling charge.

Net cost (price less discount plus handling charge).

Next, set the calculator to Program mode and erase any program(s) already stored:

Keystrokes Display fs fCLEARÎ 000,

Sets calculator to Program mode.

Clears program(s).

Finally, press the keys that we used above to solve the problem manually. Do not key in 200; this number will vary each time the program is used. Don’t be concerned right now about what appears in the display as you press the keys; we’ll discuss that later in this section.

File name: hp 12c pt_user's guide_English_HDPMF123E27 Page: 105 of 275

Printed Date: 2005/8/1 Dimension: 14.8 cm x 21 cm