xref: /reactos/base/applications/calc/help.txt (revision 53221834)
1ReactOS Calc is a programme for evaluating mathematical, financial and statistical calculations.
2
3ReactOS Calc has several features including:
4- Internal precision with 17 decimal numbers (standard IEEE math library).
5- Up to 512 bits of internal precision and 64 decimal digits displayed in the output display (with GNU multi-precision libraries).
6- Robust RPN (reverse polish notation) engine which allows a virtually unlimited number of arithmetic and algebraic sub-expressions.
7- Three different interfaces: standard, scientific or conversion.
8- Many common arithmetic, algebraic and statistical functions are included.
9
10The following topics will be discussed:
11
12HOW TO INPUT NUMBERS
13DISPLAY FORMAT
14ERROR MESSAGE
15ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS
16LOGICAL FUNCTIONS
17ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
18TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
19THE PI BUTTON
20HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS
21STATISTICAL FUNCTIONS
22MEMORY FUNCTION
23DEGREE CONVERSION
24FIXED SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
25PERCENT MODE
26
27HOW TO INPUT NUMBERS
28--------------------
29The ReactOS Calc provides some buttons for typing numbers and expressions.
30However, some of them are available only into Standard, Conversion or Scientific modes, or when the calculator is in a specific state.
31[0], [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]
32Digit buttons: they are used for entering digits into the display.
33[A], [B], [C], [D], [E], [F]
34Hexadecimal buttons: they are used for completing an hex number. For using these buttons, the calculator must be configured into scientific mode and the [HEX] state must be selected.
35[.] or [,]
36Decimal point: used for starting the non integer part of a decimal number.
37[+/-]
38Change sign: if it's pressed after a calculation or when entering the operands, it will change the sign of the number shown into the output display.
39[BACK]
40If the displayed number has been entered manually and it isn't a result of a calculation, you can delete the last digit by pressing this button.
41[CE]
42This button removes an incorrect number from the output display. All pending operations are preserved.
43[ C ]
44It clears the output display and all pending operations.
45
46DISPLAY FORMAT
47--------------
48You can enter digits by pressing the buttons mentioned in the <HOW TO INPUT NUMBERS> section.
49These numbers can be entered into four different bases: hexadecimal, decimal, octal or binary system.
50A number shown into the output display can be easily converted from a numeric base to another by simply changing the base on the fly.
51
52When working with pure decimal numbers, the user can enter the numbers in two ways:
53- Normal mode: each number is entered its integer part and, eventually, its fractional part.
54- Exponential mode: the number is entered by typing a mantissa and then an exponent. This method allows you to write very big or very small numbers that you would not be able to type in a different manner. You can use it only when the calculator is configured in scientific mode.
55However, there are some limits even when you work with exponential notation.
56These limits are:
57-1.79769313486231570e+308 <= x <= -2.22507385850720140e-308
582.22507385850720140e-308 <= x <= 1.79769313486231570e+308
59The exponential input mode is activated by the [Exp] button.
60After the mantissa has been typed, by pressing this button you will be able to enter the exponent.
61When the support for GNU multi-precision libraries is activated, these limits rise greatly to 64 displayed digits for the mantissa and 8 digits for the exponent, both with sign.
62
63When the calculator is in [HEX], [OCT] or [BIN] state, it's possible to apply a masking for limiting the range of the numbers. Four range are available:
64[QWORD]
65It limits the integers to 64 bit numbers.
66[DWORD]
67It limits the integers to 32 bit numbers.
68[WORD]
69It limits the integers to 16 bit numbers.
70[BYTE]
71It limits the integers to 8 bit numbers.
72
73ERROR MESSAGE
74-------------
75The output display will show the message "Error" if the current calculation overflows the limits of the calculator, or when an undefined condition is generated (example: division by zero).
76The error condition is cleared using the [ C ] button.
77
78ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS
79--------------------
80ReactOS Calc implements the standard arithmetic rules with the following operators:
81[+]
82Addition
83[-]
84Subtraction
85[*]
86Multiplication
87[/]
88Division
89[Mod]
90Remainder of a division
91Those rules express the concept of priority.
92Here there is a list of priorities implemented from the highest to the lowest:
93- Special functions which change directly the current value into a new one: trigonometrics, hyperbolics, exponentials and logarithms, reciprocal, base conversions, integer and fractional part detection and change of sign.
94- Power and root functions.
95- multiplications, divisions, reminders.
96- additions, subtractions.
97- Logical functions.
98These rules may be overcome by using parentheses.
99With [(] and [)] buttons, the user can isolate a mathematical expression to be evaluated separately. The number of parentheses into a single expression is virtually unlimited. The number of currently-open parentheses is displayed in the left box underneath the base change option set.
100
101LOGICAL FUNCTIONS
102-----------------
103There is a set of logical functions which can be used between two operands. They can be used as normal arithmetic operators.
104The only exception is the "Not" operator which works on a single number.
105The provided functions are:
106[And]
107It executes an "and" between the numbers.
108[Or]
109It executes an "or" between the numbers.
110[Xor]
111It executes an "exclusive or" between the numbers.
112[Not]
113It inverts all bits of the number shown into the output display.
114
115ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS
116-------------------
117ReactOS Calc implements the most commonly used algebraic functions.
118[Int]
119It isolates the integer part of the number shown into the output display.
120[Inv]+[Int]
121The integer part of the number is discarded and the fractional part stays on the output display.
122[x^2]
123Square function. It calculates the square of the number shown on the output display.
124[Inv]+[x^2]
125It returns the positive square root of the number shown on the output display.
126If the current number is negative, then the error message will be displayed.
127When working with standard and conversion layouts, the [sqrt] button is a shortcut to this function.
128[x^3]
129Cube function. It calculates the cube of the number shown on the output display.
130[Inv]+[x^3]
131It returns the cube root of the number shown on the output display.
132[x^y]
133Power function. It calculates the power of X elevated to Y.
134[Inv]+[x^y]
135Root function. It calculates the Y-th root of X.
136[1/x]
137Reciprocal. It divides 1 by the number shown on the output display.
138[n!]
139Factorial. It calculates the factorial of the integer part of the number shown into the output display.
140The calculation is defined within these limits:
1410 <= n <= 170
142[ln]
143Natural logarithm. It calculates the natural logarithm of the current number.
144ReactOS Calc assumes the Nepero's constant to be:
145e=2.7182818284590452354
146The calculation is defined for x > 0.
147[Inv]+[ln]
148Natural anti-logarithm. It calculates the power of the Nepero's constant to the current number.
149[Log]
150Decimal logarithm. It calculates the logarithm of the current number to base 10.
151The calculation is defined for x > 0.
152[Inv]+[Log]
153Decimal anti-logarithm. It calculates the power of 10 to the current number.
154
155TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
156-----------------------
157ReactOS Calc allows the calculation of three types of trigonometric functions with their inverse operations.
158These functions can be used with three different angular units of measurement: degrees, radians or gradians.
159The angular mode does not affect the non trigonometric functions.
160Please note that the degree type uses decimal degrees and not angles in the degree-minute-second form.
161The available functions are:
162[sin]
163It calculates the sine of the given angle.
164If the [Inv] modifier is activated, it finds the angle whose sine value is shown into the output display.
165[cos]
166It calculates the cosine of the given angle.
167If the [Inv] modifier is activated, it finds the angle whose cosine value is shown into the output display.
168[tan]
169It calculates the tangent of the given angle.
170If the [Inv] modifier is activated, it finds the angle whose tangent value is shown into the output display.
171
172THE PI BUTTON
173-------------
174For helping the calculations with trigonometric functions, it's possible to load the value of 'Pi' into the output display.
175The function is called by pressing the [PI] button.
176If the [Inv] modifier is activated, then the output display will be loaded with 2*PI.
177In ReactOS Calc, Pi has the value 3.14159265358979323846
178
179HYPERBOLIC FUNCTIONS
180--------------------
181ReactOS Calc allows the calculation of three types of hyperbolic functions with their inverse operations.
182Those functions are activated by the same buttons used for trigonometric functions; the hyperbolic context is enabled by activating the [Hyp] modifier. The inverse functions are activated by the [Inv] modifier.
183[sin]+[Hyp]
184Hyperbolic sine
185[cos]+[Hyp]
186Hyperbolic cosine
187[tan]+[Hyp]
188Hyperbolic tangent
189
190STATISTICAL FUNCTIONS
191---------------------
192By pressing the [STA] button, the statistical window is enabled.
193Statistical window allows to store groups of number and execute some common statistical operators.
194Into the statistical box, there are four buttons with these functions:
195[RET]
196It moves the focus back to the calculator.
197[LOAD]
198It loads the selected number into the output display of the calculator.
199[CD]
200It deletes the selected number from the list.
201[CAD]
202It deletes all numbers currently stored into the list.
203
204While the statistical window is shown, four additional buttons are enabled:
205[Ave]
206It calculates the arithmetic average of the numbers stored into the list.
207[Ave] + [Inv]
208It calculates the arithmetic average of the squares of the numbers stored into the list.
209[Sum]
210It calculates the sum of all numbers stored into the list.
211[Sum] + [Inv]
212It calculates the sum of the squares of all numbers stored into the list.
213[s]
214It calculates the population standard deviations with base 'n-1' of the numbers stored into the list.
215[s] + [Inv]
216It calculates the population standard deviations with base 'n' of the numbers stored into the list.
217[Dat]
218It inserts the number shown into the output display into the list.
219
220Note: when the statistical box is closed, its content is lost.
221
222MEMORY FUNCTION
223---------------
224ReactOS Calc reserves for the user a memory region for storing data.
225With this feature, the user can store frequently used numbers (typically, these numbers are constants) and recall them at any time, without the need to re-enter them manually.
226If the memory function is currently in use, the text "M" will appear in the right box underneath the base change option set.
227The memory is preserved when switching between standard, conversion and scientific modes, but its content is lost when ReactOS Calc application is closed.
228Four keys are available with memory function support.
229[MC]
230Memory Clear: clears the content of the memory.
231[MR]
232Memory Recall: retrieves the stored data from the memory and it shows it into the output display, without affecting the content of the storage.
233[MS]
234Memory Store: stores the displayed value into the memory. The content of the display is unaffected. After pressing this button, the previous content of the memory is lost. If the [INV] modifier is activated, then this button will swap current memory value with displayed value. Under these conditions, the displayed value is stored and the previously stored quantity is shown on the output display.
235If the memory is empty, it will act as a normal store.
236[M+]
237Memory Sum: the displayed value is algebraically added to the current memory. The output display will be unchanged after this transfer and addition. If the [INV] modifier is activated, then the displayed value will be algebraically subtracted from the memory. If the memory is empty, it will work in both condition as a simple memory store.
238
239DEGREE CONVERSION
240-----------------
241With [dms] button you can convert decimal degrees into degree-minute-second format and vice-versa.
242When working with d-m-s angles, the notation used into the output display is "DDD.MMSS" where D stands for degree, M for minute and S for second.
243The [dms] button will convert decimal angles to degree-minute-second angles.
244The [dms] button with [Inv] modifier will convert degree-minute-second angles into decimal angles.
245
246FIXED SCIENTIFIC NOTATION
247-------------------------
248When working with ReactOS Calc, it is possible to select a temporary scientific notation (activated by [Exp] button) or a fixed scientific notation.
249Fixed scientific notation will be turned on by pressing [F-E] button.
250When fixed scientific notation is active, all results will be displayed with scientific notation even for small numbers.
251The calculator will be restored to normal mode by pressing [F-E] button again or by pressing the [ C ] button.
252
253PERCENT
254-------
255The [%] button is available only with standard and conversion layouts and it's used as modifier for the four basic arithmetic operators.
256The input sequence for a percent calculation is:
257"first" "operator" "second" "percent"
258The modification applied by the percent button for each operator are:
259[+]
260Add "second"-% of "first" to "first".
261[-]
262Subtract "second"-% of "first" from "first".
263[*]
264Multiply "second"-% of "first" with "first".
265[/]
266Divide "first" by "second"-% of "first".
267
268GLOSSARY
269--------
270
271Output display
272This is the place where the typed numbers and the results of the calculations are shown.
273
274Hex
275It selects the hexadecimal numeric base and it converts the number shown into the output display.
276Shortcut from keyboard: F5
277
278Dec
279It selects the decimal numeric base and it converts the number shown into the output display.
280Shortcut from keyboard: F6
281
282Oct
283It selects the octal numeric base and it converts the number shown into the output display.
284Shortcut from keyboard: F7
285
286Bin
287It selects the binary numeric base and it converts the number shown into the output display.
288Shortcut from keyboard: F8
289
290Degrees
291It enables the processing of trigonometric functions into degree format.
292Shortcut from keyboard: F2
293
294Radians
295It enables the processing of trigonometric functions into radians format.
296Shortcut from keyboard: F3
297
298Gradians
299It enables the processing of trigonometric functions into gradians format.
300Shortcut from keyboard: F4
301
302Qword
303It limits the length of integer numbers to 64 bits.
304Shortcut from keyboard: F12
305
306Dword
307It limits the length of integer numbers to 32 bits.
308Shortcut from keyboard: F2
309
310Word
311It limits the length of integer numbers to 16 bits.
312Shortcut from keyboard: F3
313
314Byte
315It limits the length of integer numbers to 8 bits.
316Shortcut from keyboard: F4
317
318Inv
319It enables the inverse function for [sin] [cos] [tan] [pi] [x^y] [x^2] [x^3] [ln] [log] [dms] [MS] [M+] [Int] buttons.
320Shortcut from keyboard: I
321
322Hyp
323It enables the hyperbolic mode for [sin] [cos] [tan] buttons
324Shortcut from keyboard: H
325
326Back
327It deletes the last digit typed on the calculator.
328It also disables the temporary scientific mode if an exponent is removed completely.
329Shortcut from keyboard: Backspace
330
331CE
332It deletes the last typed number from the output display.
333Shortcut from keyboard: Delete
334
335_C_
336It deletes the current calculation and all sub expressions.
337Shortcut from keyboard: ESC
338
339F-E
340It enables or it disables the fixed scientific notation.
341Shortcut from keyboard: V
342
3430 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
344These buttons are used for entering digits.
345Shortcut from keyboard: the corresponding number on the keyboard or the numeric pad.
346
347A B C D E F
348These buttons are used for entering hexadecimal numbers.
349Shortcut from keyboard: the letters from A to F.
350
351+/-
352It changes the sign of the number.
353Shortcut from keyboard: F9
354
355. or ,
356It adds the decimal point for a decimal number.
357Shortcut from keyboard: , or .
358
359+
360Addition
361Shortcut from keyboard: +
362
363-
364Subtraction
365Shortcut from keyboard: -
366
367*
368Multiplication
369Shortcut from keyboard: *
370
371/
372Division
373Shortcut from keyboard: /
374
375=
376It resolves the current calculation and all sub expressions.
377Shortcut from keyboard: =
378
379Mod
380Remainder of an integer division.
381Shortcut from keyboard: %
382
383And
384Logical "and".
385Shortcut from keyboard: &
386
387Or
388Logical "or".
389Shortcut from keyboard: |
390
391Xor
392Logical exclusive "or".
393Shortcut from keyboard: ^
394
395Lsh
396Logical shift to left.
397Shortcut from keyboard: <
398
399Not
400Logical bit inversion.
401Shortcut from keyboard: ~
402
403Int
404It isolates the Integer or fractional part of a number.
405Shortcut from keyboard: ;
406
407MC
408It deletes the memory.
409Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-L
410
411MR
412It recalls a previously stored number from the memory.
413Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-R
414
415MS
416It stores a number into the memory and it eventually transfers the previous value to the output display.
417Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-M
418
419M+
420It adds or it subtracts the value into the output display to the memory.
421Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-P
422
423pi
424It loads the pi or 2*pi value into the output display.
425Shortcut from keyboard: P
426
427(
428It starts a new sub expression.
429Shortcut from keyboard: (
430
431)
432It closes and it resolves a sub expression.
433Shortcut from keyboard: )
434
435dms
436It converts a decimal degree to a decimal-minute-second degree and viceversa.
437Shortcut from keyboard: M
438
439Exp
440It enables the temporary scientific notation.
441Shortcut from keyboard: X
442
443ln
444It calculates the natural logarithm. Natural anti logarithm calculation is activated by Inv modifier.
445Shortcut from keyboard: N
446
447Log
448It calculates the decimal logarithm. Decimal anti logarithm calculation is activated by Inv modifier.
449Shortcut from keyboard: L
450
451n!
452It calculates the factorial of a number.
453Shortcut from keyboard: !
454
4551/x
456It calculates the reciprocal of a number.
457Shortcut from keyboard: R
458
459sin
460It calculates the sine, hyperbolic sine, arcsine or the hyperbolic arcsine of an angle.
461Shortcut from keyboard: S
462
463cos
464It calculates the cosine, hyperbolic cosine, arcsine or the hyperbolic arccosine of an angle.
465Shortcut from keyboard: O
466
467tan
468It calculates the tangent, hyperbolic tangent, arcstangent or the hyperbolic arctangent of an angle.
469Shortcut from keyboard: T
470
471x^y
472It calculates the power of X to Y.
473With the Inv modifier, it calculates the Yth root of X.
474Shortcut from keyboard: Y
475
476x^2
477It calculates the square of X.
478With the Inv modifier, it calculates the square root of X.
479Shortcut from keyboard: @
480
481x^3
482It calculates the cube of X.
483With the Inv modifier, it calculates the cubic root of X.
484Shortcut from keyboard: $
485
486Sta
487It enables the statistical window and its functions.
488Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-S
489
490Ave
491It calculates the arithmetic average of the numbers stored into the statistical box.
492When used with [Inv] modifier it calculates the average of squares.
493Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-A
494
495Sum
496It calculates the sum of the numbers stored into the statistical box.
497When used with [Inv] modifier it calculates the summation of squares.
498Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-T
499
500s
501It calculates the standard deviation of the numbers stores into the statistical box.
502Shortcut from keyboard: CTRL-D
503
504Dat
505It inserts a new number into the statistical box
506Shortcut from keyboard: Insert
507
508%
509It executes the calculation with percent mode.
510Shortcut from keyboard: %
511
512sqrt
513It calculates the square root of a number.
514Shortcut from keyboard: @
515