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3. Usage

3.1 General Usage

To reiteriate, the numbers must be added to the stack before an operation may be performed.  Most of the functions should be self explanitory; however,  some of the abbreviations may not be so clear.  In addition, there is a keyboard shortcut for every key.
 

3.2 Entry and Stack Manipulation

The stack is a very useful construct.  It stores numbers on which to operate until you are ready.  This allows one to more easily control the order of operations.  To place an element on the stack one must type in the number, which will appear below the stack.  Then one may press either Enter, to simply add the element to the stack or an operation button, which will add the element to the stack and perform the appropirate operation.  The buttons which pertain to entry and stack manipulation are along the right side of the stack. In addition, the base of the stack and entry may be changed by pressing the 'Base' button on the right just above the stack   Simlarly, the unit of measure for trigonometric functions may be changed by pressing the 'Angle' button.
 

3.3 Complex Numbers

KPNCalc will now do arithmetic with complex numbers.  Complex numbers are to be be entered like those on an HP48 calculator.  The numbers should be entered between parenteses with a comma between the real and imaginary numbers.  Ex: 4+5i -> (4,5).  This would be done by pressing the '()' button, pressing the 4 button, pressing the ',' button, pressing the 5 button, and pressing the '()' button again.

Only simple arithmetic is supported at this time.  Trig fuctions, logarithms and other more complex functions will be added as I do the research to find out how to compute them.  It has been a while since my calculus days.  If any body wish to send me these, feel free.
 

3.4 Operation buttons

There a variety of operations that may be performed.  For clarification x is the most recently added element, and y is the previous element.  The following may not be self-explanitory:

3.5 Keys

The letters, numbers, and operations labeled with single symbols are the keys for these buttons.  The following are the keys for the other buttons.
 
 
 


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