Calculators HP50G: How to Force Decimal Answers

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The HP50G calculator can sometimes return answers in fractional form instead of decimal, even when in scientific mode. Users have noted that to convert a fraction to decimal, one can use the right-shift key followed by the enter key, which toggles the calculator from exact to approximate mode, indicated by a change in the display from "≈" to "=". Additionally, entering a decimal point at the end of a number or dividing by 1.0 can also yield a decimal result. Some users express frustration that the calculator does not automatically provide decimal answers in scientific mode, contrasting it with other models like the HP35s, which defaults to decimal outputs.
Whalstib
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Hi,

I can't seem to get the HP50G to give answers in decimal regularly.

I'm in scientific mode but for instance can only get 13750/119 to appear as 13750/119...

This happens every once in a while and I can't find a command like on the Ti84+ that will force a decimal out of it...

Any help appreciatted,

Whalstib
 
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Can't you get it to just do plain old division? I haven't used an HP calculator for a long time, but the last one I had used reverse Polish notation (RPN). If that's what yours uses, you can get it to do division something like this:
13750 [Enter]
119 [Divide]
 
Mark44 said:
Can't you get it to just do plain old division? I haven't used an HP calculator for a long time, but the last one I had used reverse Polish notation (RPN). If that's what yours uses, you can get it to do division something like this:
13750 [Enter]
119 [Divide]


Nope,

Give the same result...

I found that Mode>CAS and selecting "approximate" gives a decimal answer.

You'd think that the calculator would be smart enough to know that if your using scientific you'd probably shy away from fractions...Or at least have a quick command to convert.

This is why I like the HP35s. It defaults to decimals but if you enter .26.567 the display is 26/567

W
 
Whalstib said:
Hi,

I can't seem to get the HP50G to give answers in decimal regularly.

I'm in scientific mode but for instance can only get 13750/119 to appear as 13750/119...

This happens every once in a while and I can't find a command like on the Ti84+ that will force a decimal out of it...

Any help appreciatted,

Whalstib

Use: [right-shift] [enter] to convert to decimal. Please note that if you press and hold the [right-shift] key, you will actually switch modes from exact to approximate (so that all subsequent calculations are converted to decimals). This can be toggled and you should see the top of your display change from \approx to =
 
Maybe once you get the answer in fraction form, try dividing it by 1.0 That works on my TI-89 when it spits a fraction back at me and I want it in decimal form.
 
When the calculator is in exact mode you can also put a . at the end of one of the numbers and it will give you a decimal. For example type 2. [enter] 5 [divide]
 
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