Calculator input methods: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:06, 28 March 2009

Revision as of 16:35, 5 April 2009

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'''Direct algebraic logic (D.A.L.)''' is a method for entering equations on scientific calculators which allows symbols and numbers to be entered as they are written. [[Sharp Corporation|SHARP]] introduced it in [[1992]]. Today DALD.A.L. is used almost with every scientific calculator except those which use [[Reverse Polish Notation]].

Other known entry modes are '''Algebraic logic (A.L.)''' which was used in earlier calculators and [[BASIC]] notation which was used BASIC programmable pocket computers. Both can be seen as ancestors to D.A.L.

Example: <math>\sin 30 \times \cos 30</math>

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; with reverse polish notation: <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>SIN</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>COS</code> <code>×</code>

; with algebraic logic: <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>SIN</code> <code>×</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>COS</code> <code>=</code>

; with [[BASIC]] notation: <code>SIN</code> <code>(</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>)</code> <code>×</code> <code>COS</code> <code>(</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>)</code> <code>ENTER</code>

; with direct algebraic logic : <code>SIN</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>→</code> <code>×</code> <code>COS</code> <code>3</code> <code>0</code> <code>ENTER</code>

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== Criticism ==

As seen in the example above the increased need for <code>(</code> and <code>)</code>results into larger amount of key presses to enter a formula. In the example above: D.A.L. 9 key presses, BASIC: 12 .. 16 key presses, A.L.: 8 key presses, RPN: 7 key presses.

== External links ==