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This simple, four function calculator may look odd because it lacks a button with the equal sign. In its place there is a button labeled . Like the early digital pocket calculators made by Hewlett-Packard back in the 1970ís, this model uses Reverse Polish Notation. (That's Polish like the country and not the stuff you put on shoes.) Most people are more familiar with algebraic notation found on calculators made by companies like Texas Instruments.
All input is entered by using the mouse to click the desired buttons on the calculator. The following table shows the difference between performing a simple computation on the two types of calculators.
| Calculator Style | Buttons pressed |
Results displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Algebraic notation | 2 + 3 = | 5 |
| Reverse Polish notation | 2 [Enter] 3 + | 5 |
The primary difference is that with Reverse Polish Notation both numbers must be entered before specifying what calculation is to be performed. If you want to store the result of one calculation so it can be used in the next one, press the button on the calculator before continuing.