Troubleshooting HP50G Syntax Errors for MSOLV

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Clutch Cargo
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting syntax errors encountered while using the HP50G calculator's MSOLV function for solving simultaneous equations. Participants share their experiences, proposed solutions, and alternative approaches related to the calculator's syntax and functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports receiving an "invalid syntax" error when using the MSOLV function with a specific input format.
  • Another participant suggests that the entire matrix may need to be enclosed in square brackets.
  • A different participant proposes an alternative syntax for the MSOLV function, indicating that the original command may have been incorrectly stated.
  • Some participants express frustration with the user-friendliness of the HP50G compared to other calculators, such as the TI-89.
  • Questions arise about the potential for operator error versus machine error in using the calculator.
  • Additional queries about displaying answers as fractions and converting decimals to fractions are raised, with some participants providing methods for achieving this.
  • A participant discusses issues related to unit conversions in the context of a units application, seeking solutions for specific formatting challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the correct syntax for the MSOLV function, with no consensus reached on a single correct approach. Some participants agree on the challenges of using the HP50G, while others share alternative methods and solutions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correct syntax for the MSOLV function, as well as the potential for confusion between similar commands like MSOLV and MSLV. Additionally, limitations in user-friendliness and functionality of the HP50G compared to other calculators are noted.

Clutch Cargo
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I recently purchased an HP50G as I caught my TI-89 giving me incorrect results when solving simultaneous equations. However I can't get the 50G to do anything but tell me invalid syntax. I am using MSOLV as follows:

MSOLV('[x/60+x/15+(x-y)/5-15=0][y/2+(y-x)/5+5=0][x,y]

This is the syntax copied straight out of the users guide. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?
 
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Clutch Cargo said:
I recently purchased an HP50G as I caught my TI-89 giving me incorrect results when solving simultaneous equations. However I can't get the 50G to do anything but tell me invalid syntax. I am using MSOLV as follows:

MSOLV('[x/60+x/15+(x-y)/5-15=0][y/2+(y-x)/5+5=0][x,y]

This is the syntax copied straight out of the users guide. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

Looks like you may need a set of square brackets inclosing the entire matrix.

Is the HP able to correctly close the opening paren and tick mark?
 
I've tried that along with apostrophes before and after the square brackets as shown in the HP users guide. You have heard of Moore's law, well there is also a Mathieson Law that I came up with years ago: it states that user friendliness is inversly proportional to functionality. The HP50G proves that point.,
 
Clutch Cargo said:
I recently purchased an HP50G as I caught my TI-89 giving me incorrect results when solving simultaneous equations.

I wonder, was it the machine's fault, or operator error? In the end, a calculator is only as smart as the person using it. What simultaneous equations were you trying to solve?
 
Hmm... My user's guide lists a different syntax. Try

MSOLV('[x/60+x/15+(x-y)/5-15=0 , y/2+(y-x)/5+5=0]' , '[x,y]', '[0,0]')

I get 60,10
 
I am much happier with my TI-89 Titanium. I should put my HP on e-bay.

Besides, there are a number of good programs written for the 89.
 
For the HP 50

1. How can I get answers displayed as fractions rather than decimal ?

2. How can I convert decimals to fractions
 
pfinch said:
For the HP 50

1. How can I get answers displayed as fractions rather than decimal ?

2. How can I convert decimals to fractions


1. Go to MODE, then CAS, then uncheck APPROX. This will make the calc output exact fractions, rather than decimal approximations.

Personally, I keep my calc in this mode and use RSHIFT ENTER to convert from fraction to decimal as needed.

2. LSHIFT 6 (convert), then choose REWRITE, then ->Q to convert from decimal to fraction.
 
Some help please.
I'm writing a units application and I want to convert cubic meters /day into millions of cubic meters a gear. The first one is easy '1_m^3/d' but when I try '1_Mm^3/yr' it gets interpreted as 'million meters cubed per year.
I've tried putting brackets i.e. '1_M(m^3)/yr' and '1_M(m^3/yr)' but this results in nonsence.
I seem to remember reading about how to solve this problem in my old HP48sx manual, but I have long since lost that!
Has anybody got a solution?
Adrian
 
  • #10
Clutch Cargo said:
I recently purchased an HP50G as I caught my TI-89 giving me incorrect results when solving simultaneous equations. However I can't get the 50G to do anything but tell me invalid syntax. I am using MSOLV as follows:

MSOLV('[x/60+x/15+(x-y)/5-15=0][y/2+(y-x)/5+5=0][x,y]

This is the syntax copied straight out of the users guide. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

There is not an MSOLV command; there _IS_ an MSLV command. The syntax is:

MSLV( '[x/60+x/15+(x-y)/5-15=0, y/2+(y-x)/5+5=0]' , '[x,y]' , [0,0] )

There are three arguments: '[ list of equations ]' , '[ list of variables ]' , [ list of initial values ]

I hope that is what you needed.

Han
 

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