Calculator input methods: Difference between revisions

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{{Merge|Formula calculator|Talk:Formula_calculator#Direct_algebraic_logic|date=April 2009}}
 
'''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]]<ref>[http://sharp-world.com/contents/calculator/features/standard/dal D.A.L description] from Sharp</ref>. Today D.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[[Pocket computer|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 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>
 
Note 1: the <code>→</code>: most DAL calculators will automatically insert needed <code>(</code> <code>)</code> and the <code>→</code> skips over the <code>)</code> from the sin operation. Machines equipped with an alphanumeric display will display <tt>SIN(30)×COS(30)</tt> before pressing <code>ENTER</code>.
Note 2: Some but not all BASIC programmable [[Pocket computer|Pocket computers]] had dedicated trigonometric keys <ref>The picture of the [http://pocket.free.fr/html/casio/fx-880p_e.html FX-880P] show sin, cos and tan keys on the second row right hand side.</ref>.
 
== Criticism ==
 
As seen in the example above the increased need for <code>(</code> and <code>)</code> results in a larger number 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.
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
== External links ==
 
* http://sharp-world.com/contents/calculator/features/standard/dal/
 
[[Category:Calculators]]