1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @comment %**start of header (This is for running Texinfo on a region.)
4 @setfilename ../../info/calc
6 @settitle GNU Emacs Calc Manual
8 @comment %**end of header (This is for running Texinfo on a region.)
10 @c The following macros are used for conditional output for single lines.
12 @c `foo' will appear only in TeX output
14 @c `foo' will appear only in non-TeX output
16 @c @expr{expr} will typeset an expression;
17 @c $x$ in TeX, @samp{x} otherwise.
22 @alias infoline=comment
36 @alias texline=comment
37 @macro infoline{stuff}
56 % Suggested by Karl Berry <karl@@freefriends.org>
57 \gdef\!{\mskip-\thinmuskip}
60 @c Fix some other things specifically for this manual.
63 @mathcode`@:=`@: @c Make Calc fractions come out right in math mode
65 \gdef\coloneq{\mathrel{\mathord:\mathord=}}
67 \gdef\beforedisplay{\vskip-10pt}
68 \gdef\afterdisplay{\vskip-5pt}
69 \gdef\beforedisplayh{\vskip-25pt}
70 \gdef\afterdisplayh{\vskip-10pt}
72 @newdimen@kyvpos @kyvpos=0pt
73 @newdimen@kyhpos @kyhpos=0pt
74 @newcount@calcclubpenalty @calcclubpenalty=1000
77 @newtoks@calcoldeverypar @calcoldeverypar=@everypar
78 @everypar={@calceverypar@the@calcoldeverypar}
79 @ifx@turnoffactive@undefinedzzz@def@turnoffactive{}@fi
80 @ifx@ninett@undefinedzzz@font@ninett=cmtt9@fi
81 @catcode`@\=0 \catcode`\@=11
83 \catcode`\@=0 @catcode`@\=@active
89 This file documents Calc, the GNU Emacs calculator.
92 This file documents Calc, the GNU Emacs calculator, included with GNU Emacs 23.3.
95 Copyright @copyright{} 1990, 1991, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
96 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
99 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
100 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
101 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
102 Invariant Sections being just ``GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE'', with the
103 Front-Cover texts being ``A GNU Manual,'' and with the Back-Cover
104 Texts as in (a) below. A copy of the license is included in the section
105 entitled ``GNU Free Documentation License.''
107 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You have the freedom to copy and
108 modify this GNU manual. Buying copies from the FSF supports it in
109 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
115 * Calc: (calc). Advanced desk calculator and mathematical tool.
120 @center @titlefont{Calc Manual}
122 @center GNU Emacs Calc
125 @center Dave Gillespie
126 @center daveg@@synaptics.com
129 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
142 @node Top, Getting Started, (dir), (dir)
143 @chapter The GNU Emacs Calculator
146 @dfn{Calc} is an advanced desk calculator and mathematical tool
147 written by Dave Gillespie that runs as part of the GNU Emacs environment.
149 This manual, also written (mostly) by Dave Gillespie, is divided into
150 three major parts: ``Getting Started,'' the ``Calc Tutorial,'' and the
151 ``Calc Reference.'' The Tutorial introduces all the major aspects of
152 Calculator use in an easy, hands-on way. The remainder of the manual is
153 a complete reference to the features of the Calculator.
157 For help in the Emacs Info system (which you are using to read this
158 file), type @kbd{?}. (You can also type @kbd{h} to run through a
159 longer Info tutorial.)
165 * Getting Started:: General description and overview.
167 * Interactive Tutorial::
169 * Tutorial:: A step-by-step introduction for beginners.
171 * Introduction:: Introduction to the Calc reference manual.
172 * Data Types:: Types of objects manipulated by Calc.
173 * Stack and Trail:: Manipulating the stack and trail buffers.
174 * Mode Settings:: Adjusting display format and other modes.
175 * Arithmetic:: Basic arithmetic functions.
176 * Scientific Functions:: Transcendentals and other scientific functions.
177 * Matrix Functions:: Operations on vectors and matrices.
178 * Algebra:: Manipulating expressions algebraically.
179 * Units:: Operations on numbers with units.
180 * Store and Recall:: Storing and recalling variables.
181 * Graphics:: Commands for making graphs of data.
182 * Kill and Yank:: Moving data into and out of Calc.
183 * Keypad Mode:: Operating Calc from a keypad.
184 * Embedded Mode:: Working with formulas embedded in a file.
185 * Programming:: Calc as a programmable calculator.
187 * Copying:: How you can copy and share Calc.
188 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation.
189 * Customizing Calc:: Customizing Calc.
190 * Reporting Bugs:: How to report bugs and make suggestions.
192 * Summary:: Summary of Calc commands and functions.
194 * Key Index:: The standard Calc key sequences.
195 * Command Index:: The interactive Calc commands.
196 * Function Index:: Functions (in algebraic formulas).
197 * Concept Index:: General concepts.
198 * Variable Index:: Variables used by Calc (both user and internal).
199 * Lisp Function Index:: Internal Lisp math functions.
203 @node Getting Started, Interactive Tutorial, Top, Top
206 @node Getting Started, Tutorial, Top, Top
208 @chapter Getting Started
210 This chapter provides a general overview of Calc, the GNU Emacs
211 Calculator: What it is, how to start it and how to exit from it,
212 and what are the various ways that it can be used.
216 * About This Manual::
217 * Notations Used in This Manual::
218 * Demonstration of Calc::
220 * History and Acknowledgements::
223 @node What is Calc, About This Manual, Getting Started, Getting Started
224 @section What is Calc?
227 @dfn{Calc} is an advanced calculator and mathematical tool that runs as
228 part of the GNU Emacs environment. Very roughly based on the HP-28/48
229 series of calculators, its many features include:
233 Choice of algebraic or RPN (stack-based) entry of calculations.
236 Arbitrary precision integers and floating-point numbers.
239 Arithmetic on rational numbers, complex numbers (rectangular and polar),
240 error forms with standard deviations, open and closed intervals, vectors
241 and matrices, dates and times, infinities, sets, quantities with units,
242 and algebraic formulas.
245 Mathematical operations such as logarithms and trigonometric functions.
248 Programmer's features (bitwise operations, non-decimal numbers).
251 Financial functions such as future value and internal rate of return.
254 Number theoretical features such as prime factorization and arithmetic
255 modulo @var{m} for any @var{m}.
258 Algebraic manipulation features, including symbolic calculus.
261 Moving data to and from regular editing buffers.
264 Embedded mode for manipulating Calc formulas and data directly
265 inside any editing buffer.
268 Graphics using GNUPLOT, a versatile (and free) plotting program.
271 Easy programming using keyboard macros, algebraic formulas,
272 algebraic rewrite rules, or extended Emacs Lisp.
275 Calc tries to include a little something for everyone; as a result it is
276 large and might be intimidating to the first-time user. If you plan to
277 use Calc only as a traditional desk calculator, all you really need to
278 read is the ``Getting Started'' chapter of this manual and possibly the
279 first few sections of the tutorial. As you become more comfortable with
280 the program you can learn its additional features. Calc does not
281 have the scope and depth of a fully-functional symbolic math package,
282 but Calc has the advantages of convenience, portability, and freedom.
284 @node About This Manual, Notations Used in This Manual, What is Calc, Getting Started
285 @section About This Manual
288 This document serves as a complete description of the GNU Emacs
289 Calculator. It works both as an introduction for novices and as
290 a reference for experienced users. While it helps to have some
291 experience with GNU Emacs in order to get the most out of Calc,
292 this manual ought to be readable even if you don't know or use Emacs
295 This manual is divided into three major parts:@: the ``Getting
296 Started'' chapter you are reading now, the Calc tutorial, and the Calc
299 @c This manual has been printed in two volumes, the @dfn{Tutorial} and the
300 @c @dfn{Reference}. Both volumes include a copy of the ``Getting Started''
303 If you are in a hurry to use Calc, there is a brief ``demonstration''
304 below which illustrates the major features of Calc in just a couple of
305 pages. If you don't have time to go through the full tutorial, this
306 will show you everything you need to know to begin.
307 @xref{Demonstration of Calc}.
309 The tutorial chapter walks you through the various parts of Calc
310 with lots of hands-on examples and explanations. If you are new
311 to Calc and you have some time, try going through at least the
312 beginning of the tutorial. The tutorial includes about 70 exercises
313 with answers. These exercises give you some guided practice with
314 Calc, as well as pointing out some interesting and unusual ways
317 The reference section discusses Calc in complete depth. You can read
318 the reference from start to finish if you want to learn every aspect
319 of Calc. Or, you can look in the table of contents or the Concept
320 Index to find the parts of the manual that discuss the things you
323 @c @cindex Marginal notes
324 Every Calc keyboard command is listed in the Calc Summary, and also
325 in the Key Index. Algebraic functions, @kbd{M-x} commands, and
326 variables also have their own indices.
328 @c @infoline In the printed manual, each
329 @c paragraph that is referenced in the Key or Function Index is marked
330 @c in the margin with its index entry.
332 @c [fix-ref Help Commands]
333 You can access this manual on-line at any time within Calc by pressing
334 the @kbd{h i} key sequence. Outside of the Calc window, you can press
335 @kbd{C-x * i} to read the manual on-line. From within Calc the command
336 @kbd{h t} will jump directly to the Tutorial; from outside of Calc the
337 command @kbd{C-x * t} will jump to the Tutorial and start Calc if
338 necessary. Pressing @kbd{h s} or @kbd{C-x * s} will take you directly
339 to the Calc Summary. Within Calc, you can also go to the part of the
340 manual describing any Calc key, function, or variable using
341 @w{@kbd{h k}}, @kbd{h f}, or @kbd{h v}, respectively. @xref{Help Commands}.
344 The Calc manual can be printed, but because the manual is so large, you
345 should only make a printed copy if you really need it. To print the
346 manual, you will need the @TeX{} typesetting program (this is a free
347 program by Donald Knuth at Stanford University) as well as the
348 @file{texindex} program and @file{texinfo.tex} file, both of which can
349 be obtained from the FSF as part of the @code{texinfo} package.
350 To print the Calc manual in one huge tome, you will need the
351 source code to this manual, @file{calc.texi}, available as part of the
352 Emacs source. Once you have this file, type @kbd{texi2dvi calc.texi}.
353 Alternatively, change to the @file{man} subdirectory of the Emacs
354 source distribution, and type @kbd{make calc.dvi}. (Don't worry if you
355 get some ``overfull box'' warnings while @TeX{} runs.)
356 The result will be a device-independent output file called
357 @file{calc.dvi}, which you must print in whatever way is right
358 for your system. On many systems, the command is
371 @c Printed copies of this manual are also available from the Free Software
374 @node Notations Used in This Manual, Demonstration of Calc, About This Manual, Getting Started
375 @section Notations Used in This Manual
378 This section describes the various notations that are used
379 throughout the Calc manual.
381 In keystroke sequences, uppercase letters mean you must hold down
382 the shift key while typing the letter. Keys pressed with Control
383 held down are shown as @kbd{C-x}. Keys pressed with Meta held down
384 are shown as @kbd{M-x}. Other notations are @key{RET} for the
385 Return key, @key{SPC} for the space bar, @key{TAB} for the Tab key,
386 @key{DEL} for the Delete key, and @key{LFD} for the Line-Feed key.
387 The @key{DEL} key is called Backspace on some keyboards, it is
388 whatever key you would use to correct a simple typing error when
389 regularly using Emacs.
391 (If you don't have the @key{LFD} or @key{TAB} keys on your keyboard,
392 the @kbd{C-j} and @kbd{C-i} keys are equivalent to them, respectively.
393 If you don't have a Meta key, look for Alt or Extend Char. You can
394 also press @key{ESC} or @kbd{C-[} first to get the same effect, so
395 that @kbd{M-x}, @kbd{@key{ESC} x}, and @kbd{C-[ x} are all equivalent.)
397 Sometimes the @key{RET} key is not shown when it is ``obvious''
398 that you must press @key{RET} to proceed. For example, the @key{RET}
399 is usually omitted in key sequences like @kbd{M-x calc-keypad @key{RET}}.
401 Commands are generally shown like this: @kbd{p} (@code{calc-precision})
402 or @kbd{C-x * k} (@code{calc-keypad}). This means that the command is
403 normally used by pressing the @kbd{p} key or @kbd{C-x * k} key sequence,
404 but it also has the full-name equivalent shown, e.g., @kbd{M-x calc-precision}.
406 Commands that correspond to functions in algebraic notation
407 are written: @kbd{C} (@code{calc-cos}) [@code{cos}]. This means
408 the @kbd{C} key is equivalent to @kbd{M-x calc-cos}, and that
409 the corresponding function in an algebraic-style formula would
410 be @samp{cos(@var{x})}.
412 A few commands don't have key equivalents: @code{calc-sincos}
415 @node Demonstration of Calc, Using Calc, Notations Used in This Manual, Getting Started
416 @section A Demonstration of Calc
419 @cindex Demonstration of Calc
420 This section will show some typical small problems being solved with
421 Calc. The focus is more on demonstration than explanation, but
422 everything you see here will be covered more thoroughly in the
425 To begin, start Emacs if necessary (usually the command @code{emacs}
426 does this), and type @kbd{C-x * c} to start the
427 Calculator. (You can also use @kbd{M-x calc} if this doesn't work.
428 @xref{Starting Calc}, for various ways of starting the Calculator.)
430 Be sure to type all the sample input exactly, especially noting the
431 difference between lower-case and upper-case letters. Remember,
432 @key{RET}, @key{TAB}, @key{DEL}, and @key{SPC} are the Return, Tab,
433 Delete, and Space keys.
435 @strong{RPN calculation.} In RPN, you type the input number(s) first,
436 then the command to operate on the numbers.
439 Type @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 + Q} to compute
440 @texline @math{\sqrt{2+3} = 2.2360679775}.
441 @infoline the square root of 2+3, which is 2.2360679775.
444 Type @kbd{P 2 ^} to compute
445 @texline @math{\pi^2 = 9.86960440109}.
446 @infoline the value of `pi' squared, 9.86960440109.
449 Type @key{TAB} to exchange the order of these two results.
452 Type @kbd{- I H S} to subtract these results and compute the Inverse
453 Hyperbolic sine of the difference, 2.72996136574.
456 Type @key{DEL} to erase this result.
458 @strong{Algebraic calculation.} You can also enter calculations using
459 conventional ``algebraic'' notation. To enter an algebraic formula,
460 use the apostrophe key.
463 Type @kbd{' sqrt(2+3) @key{RET}} to compute
464 @texline @math{\sqrt{2+3}}.
465 @infoline the square root of 2+3.
468 Type @kbd{' pi^2 @key{RET}} to enter
469 @texline @math{\pi^2}.
470 @infoline `pi' squared.
471 To evaluate this symbolic formula as a number, type @kbd{=}.
474 Type @kbd{' arcsinh($ - $$) @key{RET}} to subtract the second-most-recent
475 result from the most-recent and compute the Inverse Hyperbolic sine.
477 @strong{Keypad mode.} If you are using the X window system, press
478 @w{@kbd{C-x * k}} to get Keypad mode. (If you don't use X, skip to
482 Click on the @key{2}, @key{ENTER}, @key{3}, @key{+}, and @key{SQRT}
483 ``buttons'' using your left mouse button.
486 Click on @key{PI}, @key{2}, and @tfn{y^x}.
489 Click on @key{INV}, then @key{ENTER} to swap the two results.
492 Click on @key{-}, @key{INV}, @key{HYP}, and @key{SIN}.
495 Click on @key{<-} to erase the result, then click @key{OFF} to turn
496 the Keypad Calculator off.
498 @strong{Grabbing data.} Type @kbd{C-x * x} if necessary to exit Calc.
499 Now select the following numbers as an Emacs region: ``Mark'' the
500 front of the list by typing @kbd{C-@key{SPC}} or @kbd{C-@@} there,
501 then move to the other end of the list. (Either get this list from
502 the on-line copy of this manual, accessed by @w{@kbd{C-x * i}}, or just
503 type these numbers into a scratch file.) Now type @kbd{C-x * g} to
504 ``grab'' these numbers into Calc.
515 The result @samp{[1.23, 1.97, 1.6, 2, 1.19, 1.08]} is a Calc ``vector.''
516 Type @w{@kbd{V R +}} to compute the sum of these numbers.
519 Type @kbd{U} to Undo this command, then type @kbd{V R *} to compute
520 the product of the numbers.
523 You can also grab data as a rectangular matrix. Place the cursor on
524 the upper-leftmost @samp{1} and set the mark, then move to just after
525 the lower-right @samp{8} and press @kbd{C-x * r}.
528 Type @kbd{v t} to transpose this
529 @texline @math{3\times2}
532 @texline @math{2\times3}
534 matrix. Type @w{@kbd{v u}} to unpack the rows into two separate
535 vectors. Now type @w{@kbd{V R + @key{TAB} V R +}} to compute the sums
536 of the two original columns. (There is also a special
537 grab-and-sum-columns command, @kbd{C-x * :}.)
539 @strong{Units conversion.} Units are entered algebraically.
540 Type @w{@kbd{' 43 mi/hr @key{RET}}} to enter the quantity 43 miles-per-hour.
541 Type @w{@kbd{u c km/hr @key{RET}}}. Type @w{@kbd{u c m/s @key{RET}}}.
543 @strong{Date arithmetic.} Type @kbd{t N} to get the current date and
544 time. Type @kbd{90 +} to find the date 90 days from now. Type
545 @kbd{' <25 dec 87> @key{RET}} to enter a date, then @kbd{- 7 /} to see how
546 many weeks have passed since then.
548 @strong{Algebra.} Algebraic entries can also include formulas
549 or equations involving variables. Type @kbd{@w{' [x + y} = a, x y = 1] @key{RET}}
550 to enter a pair of equations involving three variables.
551 (Note the leading apostrophe in this example; also, note that the space
552 in @samp{x y} is required.) Type @w{@kbd{a S x,y @key{RET}}} to solve
553 these equations for the variables @expr{x} and @expr{y}.
556 Type @kbd{d B} to view the solutions in more readable notation.
557 Type @w{@kbd{d C}} to view them in C language notation, @kbd{d T}
558 to view them in the notation for the @TeX{} typesetting system,
559 and @kbd{d L} to view them in the notation for the La@TeX{} typesetting
560 system. Type @kbd{d N} to return to normal notation.
563 Type @kbd{7.5}, then @kbd{s l a @key{RET}} to let @expr{a = 7.5} in these formulas.
564 (That's the letter @kbd{l}, not the numeral @kbd{1}.)
567 @strong{Help functions.} You can read about any command in the on-line
568 manual. Type @kbd{C-x * c} to return to Calc after each of these
569 commands: @kbd{h k t N} to read about the @kbd{t N} command,
570 @kbd{h f sqrt @key{RET}} to read about the @code{sqrt} function, and
571 @kbd{h s} to read the Calc summary.
574 @strong{Help functions.} You can read about any command in the on-line
575 manual. Remember to type the letter @kbd{l}, then @kbd{C-x * c}, to
576 return here after each of these commands: @w{@kbd{h k t N}} to read
577 about the @w{@kbd{t N}} command, @kbd{h f sqrt @key{RET}} to read about the
578 @code{sqrt} function, and @kbd{h s} to read the Calc summary.
581 Press @key{DEL} repeatedly to remove any leftover results from the stack.
582 To exit from Calc, press @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x * c} again.
584 @node Using Calc, History and Acknowledgements, Demonstration of Calc, Getting Started
588 Calc has several user interfaces that are specialized for
589 different kinds of tasks. As well as Calc's standard interface,
590 there are Quick mode, Keypad mode, and Embedded mode.
594 * The Standard Interface::
595 * Quick Mode Overview::
596 * Keypad Mode Overview::
597 * Standalone Operation::
598 * Embedded Mode Overview::
599 * Other C-x * Commands::
602 @node Starting Calc, The Standard Interface, Using Calc, Using Calc
603 @subsection Starting Calc
606 On most systems, you can type @kbd{C-x *} to start the Calculator.
607 The key sequence @kbd{C-x *} is bound to the command @code{calc-dispatch},
608 which can be rebound if convenient (@pxref{Customizing Calc}).
610 When you press @kbd{C-x *}, Emacs waits for you to press a second key to
611 complete the command. In this case, you will follow @kbd{C-x *} with a
612 letter (upper- or lower-case, it doesn't matter for @kbd{C-x *}) that says
613 which Calc interface you want to use.
615 To get Calc's standard interface, type @kbd{C-x * c}. To get
616 Keypad mode, type @kbd{C-x * k}. Type @kbd{C-x * ?} to get a brief
617 list of the available options, and type a second @kbd{?} to get
620 To ease typing, @kbd{C-x * *} also works to start Calc. It starts the
621 same interface (either @kbd{C-x * c} or @w{@kbd{C-x * k}}) that you last
622 used, selecting the @kbd{C-x * c} interface by default.
624 If @kbd{C-x *} doesn't work for you, you can always type explicit
625 commands like @kbd{M-x calc} (for the standard user interface) or
626 @w{@kbd{M-x calc-keypad}} (for Keypad mode). First type @kbd{M-x}
627 (that's Meta with the letter @kbd{x}), then, at the prompt,
628 type the full command (like @kbd{calc-keypad}) and press Return.
630 The same commands (like @kbd{C-x * c} or @kbd{C-x * *}) that start
631 the Calculator also turn it off if it is already on.
633 @node The Standard Interface, Quick Mode Overview, Starting Calc, Using Calc
634 @subsection The Standard Calc Interface
637 @cindex Standard user interface
638 Calc's standard interface acts like a traditional RPN calculator,
639 operated by the normal Emacs keyboard. When you type @kbd{C-x * c}
640 to start the Calculator, the Emacs screen splits into two windows
641 with the file you were editing on top and Calc on the bottom.
647 --**-Emacs: myfile (Fundamental)----All----------------------
648 --- Emacs Calculator Mode --- |Emacs Calculator Trail
656 --%*-Calc: 12 Deg (Calculator)----All----- --%*- *Calc Trail*
660 In this figure, the mode-line for @file{myfile} has moved up and the
661 ``Calculator'' window has appeared below it. As you can see, Calc
662 actually makes two windows side-by-side. The lefthand one is
663 called the @dfn{stack window} and the righthand one is called the
664 @dfn{trail window.} The stack holds the numbers involved in the
665 calculation you are currently performing. The trail holds a complete
666 record of all calculations you have done. In a desk calculator with
667 a printer, the trail corresponds to the paper tape that records what
670 In this case, the trail shows that four numbers (17.3, 3, 2, and 4)
671 were first entered into the Calculator, then the 2 and 4 were
672 multiplied to get 8, then the 3 and 8 were subtracted to get @mathit{-5}.
673 (The @samp{>} symbol shows that this was the most recent calculation.)
674 The net result is the two numbers 17.3 and @mathit{-5} sitting on the stack.
676 Most Calculator commands deal explicitly with the stack only, but
677 there is a set of commands that allow you to search back through
678 the trail and retrieve any previous result.
680 Calc commands use the digits, letters, and punctuation keys.
681 Shifted (i.e., upper-case) letters are different from lowercase
682 letters. Some letters are @dfn{prefix} keys that begin two-letter
683 commands. For example, @kbd{e} means ``enter exponent'' and shifted
684 @kbd{E} means @expr{e^x}. With the @kbd{d} (``display modes'') prefix
685 the letter ``e'' takes on very different meanings: @kbd{d e} means
686 ``engineering notation'' and @kbd{d E} means ``@dfn{eqn} language mode.''
688 There is nothing stopping you from switching out of the Calc
689 window and back into your editing window, say by using the Emacs
690 @w{@kbd{C-x o}} (@code{other-window}) command. When the cursor is
691 inside a regular window, Emacs acts just like normal. When the
692 cursor is in the Calc stack or trail windows, keys are interpreted
695 When you quit by pressing @kbd{C-x * c} a second time, the Calculator
696 windows go away but the actual Stack and Trail are not gone, just
697 hidden. When you press @kbd{C-x * c} once again you will get the
698 same stack and trail contents you had when you last used the
701 The Calculator does not remember its state between Emacs sessions.
702 Thus if you quit Emacs and start it again, @kbd{C-x * c} will give you
703 a fresh stack and trail. There is a command (@kbd{m m}) that lets
704 you save your favorite mode settings between sessions, though.
705 One of the things it saves is which user interface (standard or
706 Keypad) you last used; otherwise, a freshly started Emacs will
707 always treat @kbd{C-x * *} the same as @kbd{C-x * c}.
709 The @kbd{q} key is another equivalent way to turn the Calculator off.
711 If you type @kbd{C-x * b} first and then @kbd{C-x * c}, you get a
712 full-screen version of Calc (@code{full-calc}) in which the stack and
713 trail windows are still side-by-side but are now as tall as the whole
714 Emacs screen. When you press @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x * c} again to quit,
715 the file you were editing before reappears. The @kbd{C-x * b} key
716 switches back and forth between ``big'' full-screen mode and the
717 normal partial-screen mode.
719 Finally, @kbd{C-x * o} (@code{calc-other-window}) is like @kbd{C-x * c}
720 except that the Calc window is not selected. The buffer you were
721 editing before remains selected instead. If you are in a Calc window,
722 then @kbd{C-x * o} will switch you out of it, being careful not to
723 switch you to the Calc Trail window. So @kbd{C-x * o} is a handy
724 way to switch out of Calc momentarily to edit your file; you can then
725 type @kbd{C-x * c} to switch back into Calc when you are done.
727 @node Quick Mode Overview, Keypad Mode Overview, The Standard Interface, Using Calc
728 @subsection Quick Mode (Overview)
731 @dfn{Quick mode} is a quick way to use Calc when you don't need the
732 full complexity of the stack and trail. To use it, type @kbd{C-x * q}
733 (@code{quick-calc}) in any regular editing buffer.
735 Quick mode is very simple: It prompts you to type any formula in
736 standard algebraic notation (like @samp{4 - 2/3}) and then displays
737 the result at the bottom of the Emacs screen (@mathit{3.33333333333}
738 in this case). You are then back in the same editing buffer you
739 were in before, ready to continue editing or to type @kbd{C-x * q}
740 again to do another quick calculation. The result of the calculation
741 will also be in the Emacs ``kill ring'' so that a @kbd{C-y} command
742 at this point will yank the result into your editing buffer.
744 Calc mode settings affect Quick mode, too, though you will have to
745 go into regular Calc (with @kbd{C-x * c}) to change the mode settings.
747 @c [fix-ref Quick Calculator mode]
748 @xref{Quick Calculator}, for further information.
750 @node Keypad Mode Overview, Standalone Operation, Quick Mode Overview, Using Calc
751 @subsection Keypad Mode (Overview)
754 @dfn{Keypad mode} is a mouse-based interface to the Calculator.
755 It is designed for use with terminals that support a mouse. If you
756 don't have a mouse, you will have to operate Keypad mode with your
757 arrow keys (which is probably more trouble than it's worth).
759 Type @kbd{C-x * k} to turn Keypad mode on or off. Once again you
760 get two new windows, this time on the righthand side of the screen
761 instead of at the bottom. The upper window is the familiar Calc
762 Stack; the lower window is a picture of a typical calculator keypad.
766 \advance \dimen0 by 24\baselineskip%
767 \ifdim \dimen0>\pagegoal \vfill\eject \fi%
772 |--- Emacs Calculator Mode ---
776 |--%*-Calc: 12 Deg (Calcul
777 |----+----+--Calc---+----+----1
778 |FLR |CEIL|RND |TRNC|CLN2|FLT |
779 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
780 | LN |EXP | |ABS |IDIV|MOD |
781 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
782 |SIN |COS |TAN |SQRT|y^x |1/x |
783 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
784 | ENTER |+/- |EEX |UNDO| <- |
785 |-----+---+-+--+--+-+---++----|
786 | INV | 7 | 8 | 9 | / |
787 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
788 | HYP | 4 | 5 | 6 | * |
789 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
790 |EXEC | 1 | 2 | 3 | - |
791 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
792 | OFF | 0 | . | PI | + |
793 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
797 Keypad mode is much easier for beginners to learn, because there
798 is no need to memorize lots of obscure key sequences. But not all
799 commands in regular Calc are available on the Keypad. You can
800 always switch the cursor into the Calc stack window to use
801 standard Calc commands if you need. Serious Calc users, though,
802 often find they prefer the standard interface over Keypad mode.
804 To operate the Calculator, just click on the ``buttons'' of the
805 keypad using your left mouse button. To enter the two numbers
806 shown here you would click @w{@kbd{1 7 .@: 3 ENTER 5 +/- ENTER}}; to
807 add them together you would then click @kbd{+} (to get 12.3 on
810 If you click the right mouse button, the top three rows of the
811 keypad change to show other sets of commands, such as advanced
812 math functions, vector operations, and operations on binary
815 Because Keypad mode doesn't use the regular keyboard, Calc leaves
816 the cursor in your original editing buffer. You can type in
817 this buffer in the usual way while also clicking on the Calculator
818 keypad. One advantage of Keypad mode is that you don't need an
819 explicit command to switch between editing and calculating.
821 If you press @kbd{C-x * b} first, you get a full-screen Keypad mode
822 (@code{full-calc-keypad}) with three windows: The keypad in the lower
823 left, the stack in the lower right, and the trail on top.
825 @c [fix-ref Keypad Mode]
826 @xref{Keypad Mode}, for further information.
828 @node Standalone Operation, Embedded Mode Overview, Keypad Mode Overview, Using Calc
829 @subsection Standalone Operation
832 @cindex Standalone Operation
833 If you are not in Emacs at the moment but you wish to use Calc,
834 you must start Emacs first. If all you want is to run Calc, you
835 can give the commands:
845 emacs -f full-calc-keypad
849 which run a full-screen Calculator (as if by @kbd{C-x * b C-x * c}) or
850 a full-screen X-based Calculator (as if by @kbd{C-x * b C-x * k}).
851 In standalone operation, quitting the Calculator (by pressing
852 @kbd{q} or clicking on the keypad @key{EXIT} button) quits Emacs
855 @node Embedded Mode Overview, Other C-x * Commands, Standalone Operation, Using Calc
856 @subsection Embedded Mode (Overview)
859 @dfn{Embedded mode} is a way to use Calc directly from inside an
860 editing buffer. Suppose you have a formula written as part of a
874 and you wish to have Calc compute and format the derivative for
875 you and store this derivative in the buffer automatically. To
876 do this with Embedded mode, first copy the formula down to where
877 you want the result to be, leaving a blank line before and after the
892 Now, move the cursor onto this new formula and press @kbd{C-x * e}.
893 Calc will read the formula (using the surrounding blank lines to tell
894 how much text to read), then push this formula (invisibly) onto the Calc
895 stack. The cursor will stay on the formula in the editing buffer, but
896 the line with the formula will now appear as it would on the Calc stack
897 (in this case, it will be left-aligned) and the buffer's mode line will
898 change to look like the Calc mode line (with mode indicators like
899 @samp{12 Deg} and so on). Even though you are still in your editing
900 buffer, the keyboard now acts like the Calc keyboard, and any new result
901 you get is copied from the stack back into the buffer. To take the
902 derivative, you would type @kbd{a d x @key{RET}}.
916 (Note that by default, Calc gives division lower precedence than multiplication,
917 so that @samp{1 / ln(x) x} is equivalent to @samp{1 / (ln(x) x)}.)
919 To make this look nicer, you might want to press @kbd{d =} to center
920 the formula, and even @kbd{d B} to use Big display mode.
929 % [calc-mode: justify: center]
930 % [calc-mode: language: big]
938 Calc has added annotations to the file to help it remember the modes
939 that were used for this formula. They are formatted like comments
940 in the @TeX{} typesetting language, just in case you are using @TeX{} or
941 La@TeX{}. (In this example @TeX{} is not being used, so you might want
942 to move these comments up to the top of the file or otherwise put them
945 As an extra flourish, we can add an equation number using a
946 righthand label: Type @kbd{d @} (1) @key{RET}}.
950 % [calc-mode: justify: center]
951 % [calc-mode: language: big]
952 % [calc-mode: right-label: " (1)"]
960 To leave Embedded mode, type @kbd{C-x * e} again. The mode line
961 and keyboard will revert to the way they were before.
963 The related command @kbd{C-x * w} operates on a single word, which
964 generally means a single number, inside text. It searches for an
965 expression which ``looks'' like a number containing the point.
966 Here's an example of its use:
969 A slope of one-third corresponds to an angle of 1 degrees.
972 Place the cursor on the @samp{1}, then type @kbd{C-x * w} to enable
973 Embedded mode on that number. Now type @kbd{3 /} (to get one-third),
974 and @kbd{I T} (the Inverse Tangent converts a slope into an angle),
975 then @w{@kbd{C-x * w}} again to exit Embedded mode.
978 A slope of one-third corresponds to an angle of 18.4349488229 degrees.
981 @c [fix-ref Embedded Mode]
982 @xref{Embedded Mode}, for full details.
984 @node Other C-x * Commands, , Embedded Mode Overview, Using Calc
985 @subsection Other @kbd{C-x *} Commands
988 Two more Calc-related commands are @kbd{C-x * g} and @kbd{C-x * r},
989 which ``grab'' data from a selected region of a buffer into the
990 Calculator. The region is defined in the usual Emacs way, by
991 a ``mark'' placed at one end of the region, and the Emacs
992 cursor or ``point'' placed at the other.
994 The @kbd{C-x * g} command reads the region in the usual left-to-right,
995 top-to-bottom order. The result is packaged into a Calc vector
996 of numbers and placed on the stack. Calc (in its standard
997 user interface) is then started. Type @kbd{v u} if you want
998 to unpack this vector into separate numbers on the stack. Also,
999 @kbd{C-u C-x * g} interprets the region as a single number or
1002 The @kbd{C-x * r} command reads a rectangle, with the point and
1003 mark defining opposite corners of the rectangle. The result
1004 is a matrix of numbers on the Calculator stack.
1006 Complementary to these is @kbd{C-x * y}, which ``yanks'' the
1007 value at the top of the Calc stack back into an editing buffer.
1008 If you type @w{@kbd{C-x * y}} while in such a buffer, the value is
1009 yanked at the current position. If you type @kbd{C-x * y} while
1010 in the Calc buffer, Calc makes an educated guess as to which
1011 editing buffer you want to use. The Calc window does not have
1012 to be visible in order to use this command, as long as there
1013 is something on the Calc stack.
1015 Here, for reference, is the complete list of @kbd{C-x *} commands.
1016 The shift, control, and meta keys are ignored for the keystroke
1017 following @kbd{C-x *}.
1020 Commands for turning Calc on and off:
1024 Turn Calc on or off, employing the same user interface as last time.
1026 @item =, +, -, /, \, &, #
1027 Alternatives for @kbd{*}.
1030 Turn Calc on or off using its standard bottom-of-the-screen
1031 interface. If Calc is already turned on but the cursor is not
1032 in the Calc window, move the cursor into the window.
1035 Same as @kbd{C}, but don't select the new Calc window. If
1036 Calc is already turned on and the cursor is in the Calc window,
1037 move it out of that window.
1040 Control whether @kbd{C-x * c} and @kbd{C-x * k} use the full screen.
1043 Use Quick mode for a single short calculation.
1046 Turn Calc Keypad mode on or off.
1049 Turn Calc Embedded mode on or off at the current formula.
1052 Turn Calc Embedded mode on or off, select the interesting part.
1055 Turn Calc Embedded mode on or off at the current word (number).
1058 Turn Calc on in a user-defined way, as defined by a @kbd{Z I} command.
1061 Quit Calc; turn off standard, Keypad, or Embedded mode if on.
1062 (This is like @kbd{q} or @key{OFF} inside of Calc.)
1069 Commands for moving data into and out of the Calculator:
1073 Grab the region into the Calculator as a vector.
1076 Grab the rectangular region into the Calculator as a matrix.
1079 Grab the rectangular region and compute the sums of its columns.
1082 Grab the rectangular region and compute the sums of its rows.
1085 Yank a value from the Calculator into the current editing buffer.
1092 Commands for use with Embedded mode:
1096 ``Activate'' the current buffer. Locate all formulas that
1097 contain @samp{:=} or @samp{=>} symbols and record their locations
1098 so that they can be updated automatically as variables are changed.
1101 Duplicate the current formula immediately below and select
1105 Insert a new formula at the current point.
1108 Move the cursor to the next active formula in the buffer.
1111 Move the cursor to the previous active formula in the buffer.
1114 Update (i.e., as if by the @kbd{=} key) the formula at the current point.
1117 Edit (as if by @code{calc-edit}) the formula at the current point.
1124 Miscellaneous commands:
1128 Run the Emacs Info system to read the Calc manual.
1129 (This is the same as @kbd{h i} inside of Calc.)
1132 Run the Emacs Info system to read the Calc Tutorial.
1135 Run the Emacs Info system to read the Calc Summary.
1138 Load Calc entirely into memory. (Normally the various parts
1139 are loaded only as they are needed.)
1142 Read a region of written keystroke names (like @kbd{C-n a b c @key{RET}})
1143 and record them as the current keyboard macro.
1146 (This is the ``zero'' digit key.) Reset the Calculator to
1147 its initial state: Empty stack, and initial mode settings.
1150 @node History and Acknowledgements, , Using Calc, Getting Started
1151 @section History and Acknowledgements
1154 Calc was originally started as a two-week project to occupy a lull
1155 in the author's schedule. Basically, a friend asked if I remembered
1157 @texline @math{2^{32}}.
1158 @infoline @expr{2^32}.
1159 I didn't offhand, but I said, ``that's easy, just call up an
1160 @code{xcalc}.'' @code{Xcalc} duly reported that the answer to our
1161 question was @samp{4.294967e+09}---with no way to see the full ten
1162 digits even though we knew they were there in the program's memory! I
1163 was so annoyed, I vowed to write a calculator of my own, once and for
1166 I chose Emacs Lisp, a) because I had always been curious about it
1167 and b) because, being only a text editor extension language after
1168 all, Emacs Lisp would surely reach its limits long before the project
1169 got too far out of hand.
1171 To make a long story short, Emacs Lisp turned out to be a distressingly
1172 solid implementation of Lisp, and the humble task of calculating
1173 turned out to be more open-ended than one might have expected.
1175 Emacs Lisp didn't have built-in floating point math (now it does), so
1176 this had to be simulated in software. In fact, Emacs integers would
1177 only comfortably fit six decimal digits or so---not enough for a decent
1178 calculator. So I had to write my own high-precision integer code as
1179 well, and once I had this I figured that arbitrary-size integers were
1180 just as easy as large integers. Arbitrary floating-point precision was
1181 the logical next step. Also, since the large integer arithmetic was
1182 there anyway it seemed only fair to give the user direct access to it,
1183 which in turn made it practical to support fractions as well as floats.
1184 All these features inspired me to look around for other data types that
1185 might be worth having.
1187 Around this time, my friend Rick Koshi showed me his nifty new HP-28
1188 calculator. It allowed the user to manipulate formulas as well as
1189 numerical quantities, and it could also operate on matrices. I
1190 decided that these would be good for Calc to have, too. And once
1191 things had gone this far, I figured I might as well take a look at
1192 serious algebra systems for further ideas. Since these systems did
1193 far more than I could ever hope to implement, I decided to focus on
1194 rewrite rules and other programming features so that users could
1195 implement what they needed for themselves.
1197 Rick complained that matrices were hard to read, so I put in code to
1198 format them in a 2D style. Once these routines were in place, Big mode
1199 was obligatory. Gee, what other language modes would be useful?
1201 Scott Hemphill and Allen Knutson, two friends with a strong mathematical
1202 bent, contributed ideas and algorithms for a number of Calc features
1203 including modulo forms, primality testing, and float-to-fraction conversion.
1205 Units were added at the eager insistence of Mass Sivilotti. Later,
1206 Ulrich Mueller at CERN and Przemek Klosowski at NIST provided invaluable
1207 expert assistance with the units table. As far as I can remember, the
1208 idea of using algebraic formulas and variables to represent units dates
1209 back to an ancient article in Byte magazine about muMath, an early
1210 algebra system for microcomputers.
1212 Many people have contributed to Calc by reporting bugs and suggesting
1213 features, large and small. A few deserve special mention: Tim Peters,
1214 who helped develop the ideas that led to the selection commands, rewrite
1215 rules, and many other algebra features;
1216 @texline Fran\c{c}ois
1218 Pinard, who contributed an early prototype of the Calc Summary appendix
1219 as well as providing valuable suggestions in many other areas of Calc;
1220 Carl Witty, whose eagle eyes discovered many typographical and factual
1221 errors in the Calc manual; Tim Kay, who drove the development of
1222 Embedded mode; Ove Ewerlid, who made many suggestions relating to the
1223 algebra commands and contributed some code for polynomial operations;
1224 Randal Schwartz, who suggested the @code{calc-eval} function; Juha
1225 Sarlin, who first worked out how to split Calc into quickly-loading
1226 parts; Bob Weiner, who helped immensely with the Lucid Emacs port; and
1227 Robert J. Chassell, who suggested the Calc Tutorial and exercises as
1228 well as many other things.
1230 @cindex Bibliography
1231 @cindex Knuth, Art of Computer Programming
1232 @cindex Numerical Recipes
1233 @c Should these be expanded into more complete references?
1234 Among the books used in the development of Calc were Knuth's @emph{Art
1235 of Computer Programming} (especially volume II, @emph{Seminumerical
1236 Algorithms}); @emph{Numerical Recipes} by Press, Flannery, Teukolsky,
1237 and Vetterling; Bevington's @emph{Data Reduction and Error Analysis
1238 for the Physical Sciences}; @emph{Concrete Mathematics} by Graham,
1239 Knuth, and Patashnik; Steele's @emph{Common Lisp, the Language}; the
1240 @emph{CRC Standard Math Tables} (William H. Beyer, ed.); and
1241 Abramowitz and Stegun's venerable @emph{Handbook of Mathematical
1242 Functions}. Also, of course, Calc could not have been written without
1243 the excellent @emph{GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual}, by Bil Lewis and
1246 Final thanks go to Richard Stallman, without whose fine implementations
1247 of the Emacs editor, language, and environment, Calc would have been
1248 finished in two weeks.
1253 @c This node is accessed by the `C-x * t' command.
1254 @node Interactive Tutorial, Tutorial, Getting Started, Top
1258 Some brief instructions on using the Emacs Info system for this tutorial:
1260 Press the space bar and Delete keys to go forward and backward in a
1261 section by screenfuls (or use the regular Emacs scrolling commands
1264 Press @kbd{n} or @kbd{p} to go to the Next or Previous section.
1265 If the section has a @dfn{menu}, press a digit key like @kbd{1}
1266 or @kbd{2} to go to a sub-section from the menu. Press @kbd{u} to
1267 go back up from a sub-section to the menu it is part of.
1269 Exercises in the tutorial all have cross-references to the
1270 appropriate page of the ``answers'' section. Press @kbd{f}, then
1271 the exercise number, to see the answer to an exercise. After
1272 you have followed a cross-reference, you can press the letter
1273 @kbd{l} to return to where you were before.
1275 You can press @kbd{?} at any time for a brief summary of Info commands.
1277 Press the number @kbd{1} now to enter the first section of the Tutorial.
1283 @node Tutorial, Introduction, Interactive Tutorial, Top
1286 @node Tutorial, Introduction, Getting Started, Top
1291 This chapter explains how to use Calc and its many features, in
1292 a step-by-step, tutorial way. You are encouraged to run Calc and
1293 work along with the examples as you read (@pxref{Starting Calc}).
1294 If you are already familiar with advanced calculators, you may wish
1296 to skip on to the rest of this manual.
1298 @c to skip on to volume II of this manual, the @dfn{Calc Reference}.
1300 @c [fix-ref Embedded Mode]
1301 This tutorial describes the standard user interface of Calc only.
1302 The Quick mode and Keypad mode interfaces are fairly
1303 self-explanatory. @xref{Embedded Mode}, for a description of
1304 the Embedded mode interface.
1306 The easiest way to read this tutorial on-line is to have two windows on
1307 your Emacs screen, one with Calc and one with the Info system. Press
1308 @kbd{C-x * t} to set this up; the on-line tutorial will be opened in the
1309 current window and Calc will be started in another window. From the
1310 Info window, the command @kbd{C-x * c} can be used to switch to the Calc
1311 window and @kbd{C-x * o} can be used to switch back to the Info window.
1312 (If you have a printed copy of the manual you can use that instead; in
1313 that case you only need to press @kbd{C-x * c} to start Calc.)
1315 This tutorial is designed to be done in sequence. But the rest of this
1316 manual does not assume you have gone through the tutorial. The tutorial
1317 does not cover everything in the Calculator, but it touches on most
1321 You may wish to print out a copy of the Calc Summary and keep notes on
1322 it as you learn Calc. @xref{About This Manual}, to see how to make a
1323 printed summary. @xref{Summary}.
1326 The Calc Summary at the end of the reference manual includes some blank
1327 space for your own use. You may wish to keep notes there as you learn
1333 * Arithmetic Tutorial::
1334 * Vector/Matrix Tutorial::
1336 * Algebra Tutorial::
1337 * Programming Tutorial::
1339 * Answers to Exercises::
1342 @node Basic Tutorial, Arithmetic Tutorial, Tutorial, Tutorial
1343 @section Basic Tutorial
1346 In this section, we learn how RPN and algebraic-style calculations
1347 work, how to undo and redo an operation done by mistake, and how
1348 to control various modes of the Calculator.
1351 * RPN Tutorial:: Basic operations with the stack.
1352 * Algebraic Tutorial:: Algebraic entry; variables.
1353 * Undo Tutorial:: If you make a mistake: Undo and the trail.
1354 * Modes Tutorial:: Common mode-setting commands.
1357 @node RPN Tutorial, Algebraic Tutorial, Basic Tutorial, Basic Tutorial
1358 @subsection RPN Calculations and the Stack
1360 @cindex RPN notation
1363 Calc normally uses RPN notation. You may be familiar with the RPN
1364 system from Hewlett-Packard calculators, FORTH, or PostScript.
1365 (Reverse Polish Notation, RPN, is named after the Polish mathematician
1370 Calc normally uses RPN notation. You may be familiar with the RPN
1371 system from Hewlett-Packard calculators, FORTH, or PostScript.
1372 (Reverse Polish Notation, RPN, is named after the Polish mathematician
1376 The central component of an RPN calculator is the @dfn{stack}. A
1377 calculator stack is like a stack of dishes. New dishes (numbers) are
1378 added at the top of the stack, and numbers are normally only removed
1379 from the top of the stack.
1383 In an operation like @expr{2+3}, the 2 and 3 are called the @dfn{operands}
1384 and the @expr{+} is the @dfn{operator}. In an RPN calculator you always
1385 enter the operands first, then the operator. Each time you type a
1386 number, Calc adds or @dfn{pushes} it onto the top of the Stack.
1387 When you press an operator key like @kbd{+}, Calc @dfn{pops} the appropriate
1388 number of operands from the stack and pushes back the result.
1390 Thus we could add the numbers 2 and 3 in an RPN calculator by typing:
1391 @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} +}. (The @key{RET} key, Return, corresponds to
1392 the @key{ENTER} key on traditional RPN calculators.) Try this now if
1393 you wish; type @kbd{C-x * c} to switch into the Calc window (you can type
1394 @kbd{C-x * c} again or @kbd{C-x * o} to switch back to the Tutorial window).
1395 The first four keystrokes ``push'' the numbers 2 and 3 onto the stack.
1396 The @kbd{+} key ``pops'' the top two numbers from the stack, adds them,
1397 and pushes the result (5) back onto the stack. Here's how the stack
1398 will look at various points throughout the calculation:
1406 C-x * c 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} + @key{DEL}
1410 The @samp{.} symbol is a marker that represents the top of the stack.
1411 Note that the ``top'' of the stack is really shown at the bottom of
1412 the Stack window. This may seem backwards, but it turns out to be
1413 less distracting in regular use.
1415 @cindex Stack levels
1416 @cindex Levels of stack
1417 The numbers @samp{1:} and @samp{2:} on the left are @dfn{stack level
1418 numbers}. Old RPN calculators always had four stack levels called
1419 @expr{x}, @expr{y}, @expr{z}, and @expr{t}. Calc's stack can grow
1420 as large as you like, so it uses numbers instead of letters. Some
1421 stack-manipulation commands accept a numeric argument that says
1422 which stack level to work on. Normal commands like @kbd{+} always
1423 work on the top few levels of the stack.
1425 @c [fix-ref Truncating the Stack]
1426 The Stack buffer is just an Emacs buffer, and you can move around in
1427 it using the regular Emacs motion commands. But no matter where the
1428 cursor is, even if you have scrolled the @samp{.} marker out of
1429 view, most Calc commands always move the cursor back down to level 1
1430 before doing anything. It is possible to move the @samp{.} marker
1431 upwards through the stack, temporarily ``hiding'' some numbers from
1432 commands like @kbd{+}. This is called @dfn{stack truncation} and
1433 we will not cover it in this tutorial; @pxref{Truncating the Stack},
1434 if you are interested.
1436 You don't really need the second @key{RET} in @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3
1437 @key{RET} +}. That's because if you type any operator name or
1438 other non-numeric key when you are entering a number, the Calculator
1439 automatically enters that number and then does the requested command.
1440 Thus @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 +} will work just as well.
1442 Examples in this tutorial will often omit @key{RET} even when the
1443 stack displays shown would only happen if you did press @key{RET}:
1456 Here, after pressing @kbd{3} the stack would really show @samp{1: 2}
1457 with @samp{Calc:@: 3} in the minibuffer. In these situations, you can
1458 press the optional @key{RET} to see the stack as the figure shows.
1460 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} (This tutorial will include exercises
1461 at various points. Try them if you wish. Answers to all the exercises
1462 are located at the end of the Tutorial chapter. Each exercise will
1463 include a cross-reference to its particular answer. If you are
1464 reading with the Emacs Info system, press @kbd{f} and the
1465 exercise number to go to the answer, then the letter @kbd{l} to
1466 return to where you were.)
1469 Here's the first exercise: What will the keystrokes @kbd{1 @key{RET} 2
1470 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 4 + * -} compute? (@samp{*} is the symbol for
1471 multiplication.) Figure it out by hand, then try it with Calc to see
1472 if you're right. @xref{RPN Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
1474 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Compute
1475 @texline @math{(2\times4) + (7\times9.4) + {5\over4}}
1476 @infoline @expr{2*4 + 7*9.5 + 5/4}
1477 using the stack. @xref{RPN Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
1479 The @key{DEL} key is called Backspace on some keyboards. It is
1480 whatever key you would use to correct a simple typing error when
1481 regularly using Emacs. The @key{DEL} key pops and throws away the
1482 top value on the stack. (You can still get that value back from
1483 the Trail if you should need it later on.) There are many places
1484 in this tutorial where we assume you have used @key{DEL} to erase the
1485 results of the previous example at the beginning of a new example.
1486 In the few places where it is really important to use @key{DEL} to
1487 clear away old results, the text will remind you to do so.
1489 (It won't hurt to let things accumulate on the stack, except that
1490 whenever you give a display-mode-changing command Calc will have to
1491 spend a long time reformatting such a large stack.)
1493 Since the @kbd{-} key is also an operator (it subtracts the top two
1494 stack elements), how does one enter a negative number? Calc uses
1495 the @kbd{_} (underscore) key to act like the minus sign in a number.
1496 So, typing @kbd{-5 @key{RET}} won't work because the @kbd{-} key
1497 will try to do a subtraction, but @kbd{_5 @key{RET}} works just fine.
1499 You can also press @kbd{n}, which means ``change sign.'' It changes
1500 the number at the top of the stack (or the number being entered)
1501 from positive to negative or vice-versa: @kbd{5 n @key{RET}}.
1503 @cindex Duplicating a stack entry
1504 If you press @key{RET} when you're not entering a number, the effect
1505 is to duplicate the top number on the stack. Consider this calculation:
1509 1: 3 2: 3 1: 9 2: 9 1: 81
1513 3 @key{RET} @key{RET} * @key{RET} *
1518 (Of course, an easier way to do this would be @kbd{3 @key{RET} 4 ^},
1519 to raise 3 to the fourth power.)
1521 The space-bar key (denoted @key{SPC} here) performs the same function
1522 as @key{RET}; you could replace all three occurrences of @key{RET} in
1523 the above example with @key{SPC} and the effect would be the same.
1525 @cindex Exchanging stack entries
1526 Another stack manipulation key is @key{TAB}. This exchanges the top
1527 two stack entries. Suppose you have computed @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 +}
1528 to get 5, and then you realize what you really wanted to compute
1529 was @expr{20 / (2+3)}.
1533 1: 5 2: 5 2: 20 1: 4
1537 2 @key{RET} 3 + 20 @key{TAB} /
1542 Planning ahead, the calculation would have gone like this:
1546 1: 20 2: 20 3: 20 2: 20 1: 4
1551 20 @key{RET} 2 @key{RET} 3 + /
1555 A related stack command is @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} (hold @key{META} and type
1556 @key{TAB}). It rotates the top three elements of the stack upward,
1557 bringing the object in level 3 to the top.
1561 1: 10 2: 10 3: 10 3: 20 3: 30
1562 . 1: 20 2: 20 2: 30 2: 10
1566 10 @key{RET} 20 @key{RET} 30 @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB}
1570 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} Suppose the numbers 10, 20, and 30 are
1571 on the stack. Figure out how to add one to the number in level 2
1572 without affecting the rest of the stack. Also figure out how to add
1573 one to the number in level 3. @xref{RPN Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
1575 Operations like @kbd{+}, @kbd{-}, @kbd{*}, @kbd{/}, and @kbd{^} pop two
1576 arguments from the stack and push a result. Operations like @kbd{n} and
1577 @kbd{Q} (square root) pop a single number and push the result. You can
1578 think of them as simply operating on the top element of the stack.
1582 1: 3 1: 9 2: 9 1: 25 1: 5
1586 3 @key{RET} @key{RET} * 4 @key{RET} @key{RET} * + Q
1591 (Note that capital @kbd{Q} means to hold down the Shift key while
1592 typing @kbd{q}. Remember, plain unshifted @kbd{q} is the Quit command.)
1594 @cindex Pythagorean Theorem
1595 Here we've used the Pythagorean Theorem to determine the hypotenuse of a
1596 right triangle. Calc actually has a built-in command for that called
1597 @kbd{f h}, but let's suppose we can't remember the necessary keystrokes.
1598 We can still enter it by its full name using @kbd{M-x} notation:
1606 3 @key{RET} 4 @key{RET} M-x calc-hypot
1610 All Calculator commands begin with the word @samp{calc-}. Since it
1611 gets tiring to type this, Calc provides an @kbd{x} key which is just
1612 like the regular Emacs @kbd{M-x} key except that it types the @samp{calc-}
1621 3 @key{RET} 4 @key{RET} x hypot
1625 What happens if you take the square root of a negative number?
1629 1: 4 1: -4 1: (0, 2)
1637 The notation @expr{(a, b)} represents a complex number.
1638 Complex numbers are more traditionally written @expr{a + b i};
1639 Calc can display in this format, too, but for now we'll stick to the
1640 @expr{(a, b)} notation.
1642 If you don't know how complex numbers work, you can safely ignore this
1643 feature. Complex numbers only arise from operations that would be
1644 errors in a calculator that didn't have complex numbers. (For example,
1645 taking the square root or logarithm of a negative number produces a
1648 Complex numbers are entered in the notation shown. The @kbd{(} and
1649 @kbd{,} and @kbd{)} keys manipulate ``incomplete complex numbers.''
1653 1: ( ... 2: ( ... 1: (2, ... 1: (2, ... 1: (2, 3)
1661 You can perform calculations while entering parts of incomplete objects.
1662 However, an incomplete object cannot actually participate in a calculation:
1666 1: ( ... 2: ( ... 3: ( ... 1: ( ... 1: ( ...
1676 Adding 5 to an incomplete object makes no sense, so the last command
1677 produces an error message and leaves the stack the same.
1679 Incomplete objects can't participate in arithmetic, but they can be
1680 moved around by the regular stack commands.
1684 2: 2 3: 2 3: 3 1: ( ... 1: (2, 3)
1685 1: 3 2: 3 2: ( ... 2 .
1689 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} ( M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB} )
1694 Note that the @kbd{,} (comma) key did not have to be used here.
1695 When you press @kbd{)} all the stack entries between the incomplete
1696 entry and the top are collected, so there's never really a reason
1697 to use the comma. It's up to you.
1699 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} To enter the complex number @expr{(2, 3)},
1700 your friend Joe typed @kbd{( 2 , @key{SPC} 3 )}. What happened?
1701 (Joe thought of a clever way to correct his mistake in only two
1702 keystrokes, but it didn't quite work. Try it to find out why.)
1703 @xref{RPN Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
1705 Vectors are entered the same way as complex numbers, but with square
1706 brackets in place of parentheses. We'll meet vectors again later in
1709 Any Emacs command can be given a @dfn{numeric prefix argument} by
1710 typing a series of @key{META}-digits beforehand. If @key{META} is
1711 awkward for you, you can instead type @kbd{C-u} followed by the
1712 necessary digits. Numeric prefix arguments can be negative, as in
1713 @kbd{M-- M-3 M-5} or @w{@kbd{C-u - 3 5}}. Calc commands use numeric
1714 prefix arguments in a variety of ways. For example, a numeric prefix
1715 on the @kbd{+} operator adds any number of stack entries at once:
1719 1: 10 2: 10 3: 10 3: 10 1: 60
1720 . 1: 20 2: 20 2: 20 .
1724 10 @key{RET} 20 @key{RET} 30 @key{RET} C-u 3 +
1728 For stack manipulation commands like @key{RET}, a positive numeric
1729 prefix argument operates on the top @var{n} stack entries at once. A
1730 negative argument operates on the entry in level @var{n} only. An
1731 argument of zero operates on the entire stack. In this example, we copy
1732 the second-to-top element of the stack:
1736 1: 10 2: 10 3: 10 3: 10 4: 10
1737 . 1: 20 2: 20 2: 20 3: 20
1742 10 @key{RET} 20 @key{RET} 30 @key{RET} C-u -2 @key{RET}
1746 @cindex Clearing the stack
1747 @cindex Emptying the stack
1748 Another common idiom is @kbd{M-0 @key{DEL}}, which clears the stack.
1749 (The @kbd{M-0} numeric prefix tells @key{DEL} to operate on the
1752 @node Algebraic Tutorial, Undo Tutorial, RPN Tutorial, Basic Tutorial
1753 @subsection Algebraic-Style Calculations
1756 If you are not used to RPN notation, you may prefer to operate the
1757 Calculator in Algebraic mode, which is closer to the way
1758 non-RPN calculators work. In Algebraic mode, you enter formulas
1759 in traditional @expr{2+3} notation.
1761 @strong{Notice:} Calc gives @samp{/} lower precedence than @samp{*}, so
1762 that @samp{a/b*c} is interpreted as @samp{a/(b*c)}; this is not
1763 standard across all computer languages. See below for details.
1765 You don't really need any special ``mode'' to enter algebraic formulas.
1766 You can enter a formula at any time by pressing the apostrophe (@kbd{'})
1767 key. Answer the prompt with the desired formula, then press @key{RET}.
1768 The formula is evaluated and the result is pushed onto the RPN stack.
1769 If you don't want to think in RPN at all, you can enter your whole
1770 computation as a formula, read the result from the stack, then press
1771 @key{DEL} to delete it from the stack.
1773 Try pressing the apostrophe key, then @kbd{2+3+4}, then @key{RET}.
1774 The result should be the number 9.
1776 Algebraic formulas use the operators @samp{+}, @samp{-}, @samp{*},
1777 @samp{/}, and @samp{^}. You can use parentheses to make the order
1778 of evaluation clear. In the absence of parentheses, @samp{^} is
1779 evaluated first, then @samp{*}, then @samp{/}, then finally
1780 @samp{+} and @samp{-}. For example, the expression
1783 2 + 3*4*5 / 6*7^8 - 9
1790 2 + ((3*4*5) / (6*(7^8)) - 9
1794 or, in large mathematical notation,
1809 $$ 2 + { 3 \times 4 \times 5 \over 6 \times 7^8 } - 9 $$
1814 The result of this expression will be the number @mathit{-6.99999826533}.
1816 Calc's order of evaluation is the same as for most computer languages,
1817 except that @samp{*} binds more strongly than @samp{/}, as the above
1818 example shows. As in normal mathematical notation, the @samp{*} symbol
1819 can often be omitted: @samp{2 a} is the same as @samp{2*a}.
1821 Operators at the same level are evaluated from left to right, except
1822 that @samp{^} is evaluated from right to left. Thus, @samp{2-3-4} is
1823 equivalent to @samp{(2-3)-4} or @mathit{-5}, whereas @samp{2^3^4} is equivalent
1824 to @samp{2^(3^4)} (a very large integer; try it!).
1826 If you tire of typing the apostrophe all the time, there is
1827 Algebraic mode, where Calc automatically senses
1828 when you are about to type an algebraic expression. To enter this
1829 mode, press the two letters @w{@kbd{m a}}. (An @samp{Alg} indicator
1830 should appear in the Calc window's mode line.)
1832 Press @kbd{m a}, then @kbd{2+3+4} with no apostrophe, then @key{RET}.
1834 In Algebraic mode, when you press any key that would normally begin
1835 entering a number (such as a digit, a decimal point, or the @kbd{_}
1836 key), or if you press @kbd{(} or @kbd{[}, Calc automatically begins
1839 Functions which do not have operator symbols like @samp{+} and @samp{*}
1840 must be entered in formulas using function-call notation. For example,
1841 the function name corresponding to the square-root key @kbd{Q} is
1842 @code{sqrt}. To compute a square root in a formula, you would use
1843 the notation @samp{sqrt(@var{x})}.
1845 Press the apostrophe, then type @kbd{sqrt(5*2) - 3}. The result should
1846 be @expr{0.16227766017}.
1848 Note that if the formula begins with a function name, you need to use
1849 the apostrophe even if you are in Algebraic mode. If you type @kbd{arcsin}
1850 out of the blue, the @kbd{a r} will be taken as an Algebraic Rewrite
1851 command, and the @kbd{csin} will be taken as the name of the rewrite
1854 Some people prefer to enter complex numbers and vectors in algebraic
1855 form because they find RPN entry with incomplete objects to be too
1856 distracting, even though they otherwise use Calc as an RPN calculator.
1858 Still in Algebraic mode, type:
1862 1: (2, 3) 2: (2, 3) 1: (8, -1) 2: (8, -1) 1: (9, -1)
1863 . 1: (1, -2) . 1: 1 .
1866 (2,3) @key{RET} (1,-2) @key{RET} * 1 @key{RET} +
1870 Algebraic mode allows us to enter complex numbers without pressing
1871 an apostrophe first, but it also means we need to press @key{RET}
1872 after every entry, even for a simple number like @expr{1}.
1874 (You can type @kbd{C-u m a} to enable a special Incomplete Algebraic
1875 mode in which the @kbd{(} and @kbd{[} keys use algebraic entry even
1876 though regular numeric keys still use RPN numeric entry. There is also
1877 Total Algebraic mode, started by typing @kbd{m t}, in which all
1878 normal keys begin algebraic entry. You must then use the @key{META} key
1879 to type Calc commands: @kbd{M-m t} to get back out of Total Algebraic
1880 mode, @kbd{M-q} to quit, etc.)
1882 If you're still in Algebraic mode, press @kbd{m a} again to turn it off.
1884 Actual non-RPN calculators use a mixture of algebraic and RPN styles.
1885 In general, operators of two numbers (like @kbd{+} and @kbd{*})
1886 use algebraic form, but operators of one number (like @kbd{n} and @kbd{Q})
1887 use RPN form. Also, a non-RPN calculator allows you to see the
1888 intermediate results of a calculation as you go along. You can
1889 accomplish this in Calc by performing your calculation as a series
1890 of algebraic entries, using the @kbd{$} sign to tie them together.
1891 In an algebraic formula, @kbd{$} represents the number on the top
1892 of the stack. Here, we perform the calculation
1893 @texline @math{\sqrt{2\times4+1}},
1894 @infoline @expr{sqrt(2*4+1)},
1895 which on a traditional calculator would be done by pressing
1896 @kbd{2 * 4 + 1 =} and then the square-root key.
1903 ' 2*4 @key{RET} $+1 @key{RET} Q
1908 Notice that we didn't need to press an apostrophe for the @kbd{$+1},
1909 because the dollar sign always begins an algebraic entry.
1911 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} How could you get the same effect as
1912 pressing @kbd{Q} but using an algebraic entry instead? How about
1913 if the @kbd{Q} key on your keyboard were broken?
1914 @xref{Algebraic Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
1916 The notations @kbd{$$}, @kbd{$$$}, and so on stand for higher stack
1917 entries. For example, @kbd{' $$+$ @key{RET}} is just like typing @kbd{+}.
1919 Algebraic formulas can include @dfn{variables}. To store in a
1920 variable, press @kbd{s s}, then type the variable name, then press
1921 @key{RET}. (There are actually two flavors of store command:
1922 @kbd{s s} stores a number in a variable but also leaves the number
1923 on the stack, while @w{@kbd{s t}} removes a number from the stack and
1924 stores it in the variable.) A variable name should consist of one
1925 or more letters or digits, beginning with a letter.
1929 1: 17 . 1: a + a^2 1: 306
1932 17 s t a @key{RET} ' a+a^2 @key{RET} =
1937 The @kbd{=} key @dfn{evaluates} a formula by replacing all its
1938 variables by the values that were stored in them.
1940 For RPN calculations, you can recall a variable's value on the
1941 stack either by entering its name as a formula and pressing @kbd{=},
1942 or by using the @kbd{s r} command.
1946 1: 17 2: 17 3: 17 2: 17 1: 306
1947 . 1: 17 2: 17 1: 289 .
1951 s r a @key{RET} ' a @key{RET} = 2 ^ +
1955 If you press a single digit for a variable name (as in @kbd{s t 3}, you
1956 get one of ten @dfn{quick variables} @code{q0} through @code{q9}.
1957 They are ``quick'' simply because you don't have to type the letter
1958 @code{q} or the @key{RET} after their names. In fact, you can type
1959 simply @kbd{s 3} as a shorthand for @kbd{s s 3}, and likewise for
1960 @kbd{t 3} and @w{@kbd{r 3}}.
1962 Any variables in an algebraic formula for which you have not stored
1963 values are left alone, even when you evaluate the formula.
1967 1: 2 a + 2 b 1: 34 + 2 b
1974 Calls to function names which are undefined in Calc are also left
1975 alone, as are calls for which the value is undefined.
1979 1: 2 + log10(0) + log10(x) + log10(5, 6) + foo(3)
1982 ' log10(100) + log10(0) + log10(x) + log10(5,6) + foo(3) @key{RET}
1987 In this example, the first call to @code{log10} works, but the other
1988 calls are not evaluated. In the second call, the logarithm is
1989 undefined for that value of the argument; in the third, the argument
1990 is symbolic, and in the fourth, there are too many arguments. In the
1991 fifth case, there is no function called @code{foo}. You will see a
1992 ``Wrong number of arguments'' message referring to @samp{log10(5,6)}.
1993 Press the @kbd{w} (``why'') key to see any other messages that may
1994 have arisen from the last calculation. In this case you will get
1995 ``logarithm of zero,'' then ``number expected: @code{x}''. Calc
1996 automatically displays the first message only if the message is
1997 sufficiently important; for example, Calc considers ``wrong number
1998 of arguments'' and ``logarithm of zero'' to be important enough to
1999 report automatically, while a message like ``number expected: @code{x}''
2000 will only show up if you explicitly press the @kbd{w} key.
2002 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Joe entered the formula @samp{2 x y},
2003 stored 5 in @code{x}, pressed @kbd{=}, and got the expected result,
2004 @samp{10 y}. He then tried the same for the formula @samp{2 x (1+y)},
2005 expecting @samp{10 (1+y)}, but it didn't work. Why not?
2006 @xref{Algebraic Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
2008 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} What result would you expect
2009 @kbd{1 @key{RET} 0 /} to give? What if you then type @kbd{0 *}?
2010 @xref{Algebraic Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
2012 One interesting way to work with variables is to use the
2013 @dfn{evaluates-to} (@samp{=>}) operator. It works like this:
2014 Enter a formula algebraically in the usual way, but follow
2015 the formula with an @samp{=>} symbol. (There is also an @kbd{s =}
2016 command which builds an @samp{=>} formula using the stack.) On
2017 the stack, you will see two copies of the formula with an @samp{=>}
2018 between them. The lefthand formula is exactly like you typed it;
2019 the righthand formula has been evaluated as if by typing @kbd{=}.
2023 2: 2 + 3 => 5 2: 2 + 3 => 5
2024 1: 2 a + 2 b => 34 + 2 b 1: 2 a + 2 b => 20 + 2 b
2027 ' 2+3 => @key{RET} ' 2a+2b @key{RET} s = 10 s t a @key{RET}
2032 Notice that the instant we stored a new value in @code{a}, all
2033 @samp{=>} operators already on the stack that referred to @expr{a}
2034 were updated to use the new value. With @samp{=>}, you can push a
2035 set of formulas on the stack, then change the variables experimentally
2036 to see the effects on the formulas' values.
2038 You can also ``unstore'' a variable when you are through with it:
2043 1: 2 a + 2 b => 2 a + 2 b
2050 We will encounter formulas involving variables and functions again
2051 when we discuss the algebra and calculus features of the Calculator.
2053 @node Undo Tutorial, Modes Tutorial, Algebraic Tutorial, Basic Tutorial
2054 @subsection Undo and Redo
2057 If you make a mistake, you can usually correct it by pressing shift-@kbd{U},
2058 the ``undo'' command. First, clear the stack (@kbd{M-0 @key{DEL}}) and exit
2059 and restart Calc (@kbd{C-x * * C-x * *}) to make sure things start off
2060 with a clean slate. Now:
2064 1: 2 2: 2 1: 8 2: 2 1: 6
2072 You can undo any number of times. Calc keeps a complete record of
2073 all you have done since you last opened the Calc window. After the
2074 above example, you could type:
2086 You can also type @kbd{D} to ``redo'' a command that you have undone
2091 . 1: 2 2: 2 1: 6 1: 6
2100 It was not possible to redo past the @expr{6}, since that was placed there
2101 by something other than an undo command.
2104 You can think of undo and redo as a sort of ``time machine.'' Press
2105 @kbd{U} to go backward in time, @kbd{D} to go forward. If you go
2106 backward and do something (like @kbd{*}) then, as any science fiction
2107 reader knows, you have changed your future and you cannot go forward
2108 again. Thus, the inability to redo past the @expr{6} even though there
2109 was an earlier undo command.
2111 You can always recall an earlier result using the Trail. We've ignored
2112 the trail so far, but it has been faithfully recording everything we
2113 did since we loaded the Calculator. If the Trail is not displayed,
2114 press @kbd{t d} now to turn it on.
2116 Let's try grabbing an earlier result. The @expr{8} we computed was
2117 undone by a @kbd{U} command, and was lost even to Redo when we pressed
2118 @kbd{*}, but it's still there in the trail. There should be a little
2119 @samp{>} arrow (the @dfn{trail pointer}) resting on the last trail
2120 entry. If there isn't, press @kbd{t ]} to reset the trail pointer.
2121 Now, press @w{@kbd{t p}} to move the arrow onto the line containing
2122 @expr{8}, and press @w{@kbd{t y}} to ``yank'' that number back onto the
2125 If you press @kbd{t ]} again, you will see that even our Yank command
2126 went into the trail.
2128 Let's go further back in time. Earlier in the tutorial we computed
2129 a huge integer using the formula @samp{2^3^4}. We don't remember
2130 what it was, but the first digits were ``241''. Press @kbd{t r}
2131 (which stands for trail-search-reverse), then type @kbd{241}.
2132 The trail cursor will jump back to the next previous occurrence of
2133 the string ``241'' in the trail. This is just a regular Emacs
2134 incremental search; you can now press @kbd{C-s} or @kbd{C-r} to
2135 continue the search forwards or backwards as you like.
2137 To finish the search, press @key{RET}. This halts the incremental
2138 search and leaves the trail pointer at the thing we found. Now we
2139 can type @kbd{t y} to yank that number onto the stack. If we hadn't
2140 remembered the ``241'', we could simply have searched for @kbd{2^3^4},
2141 then pressed @kbd{@key{RET} t n} to halt and then move to the next item.
2143 You may have noticed that all the trail-related commands begin with
2144 the letter @kbd{t}. (The store-and-recall commands, on the other hand,
2145 all began with @kbd{s}.) Calc has so many commands that there aren't
2146 enough keys for all of them, so various commands are grouped into
2147 two-letter sequences where the first letter is called the @dfn{prefix}
2148 key. If you type a prefix key by accident, you can press @kbd{C-g}
2149 to cancel it. (In fact, you can press @kbd{C-g} to cancel almost
2150 anything in Emacs.) To get help on a prefix key, press that key
2151 followed by @kbd{?}. Some prefixes have several lines of help,
2152 so you need to press @kbd{?} repeatedly to see them all.
2153 You can also type @kbd{h h} to see all the help at once.
2155 Try pressing @kbd{t ?} now. You will see a line of the form,
2158 trail/time: Display; Fwd, Back; Next, Prev, Here, [, ]; Yank: [MORE] t-
2162 The word ``trail'' indicates that the @kbd{t} prefix key contains
2163 trail-related commands. Each entry on the line shows one command,
2164 with a single capital letter showing which letter you press to get
2165 that command. We have used @kbd{t n}, @kbd{t p}, @kbd{t ]}, and
2166 @kbd{t y} so far. The @samp{[MORE]} means you can press @kbd{?}
2167 again to see more @kbd{t}-prefix commands. Notice that the commands
2168 are roughly divided (by semicolons) into related groups.
2170 When you are in the help display for a prefix key, the prefix is
2171 still active. If you press another key, like @kbd{y} for example,
2172 it will be interpreted as a @kbd{t y} command. If all you wanted
2173 was to look at the help messages, press @kbd{C-g} afterwards to cancel
2176 One more way to correct an error is by editing the stack entries.
2177 The actual Stack buffer is marked read-only and must not be edited
2178 directly, but you can press @kbd{`} (the backquote or accent grave)
2179 to edit a stack entry.
2181 Try entering @samp{3.141439} now. If this is supposed to represent
2182 @cpi{}, it's got several errors. Press @kbd{`} to edit this number.
2183 Now use the normal Emacs cursor motion and editing keys to change
2184 the second 4 to a 5, and to transpose the 3 and the 9. When you
2185 press @key{RET}, the number on the stack will be replaced by your
2186 new number. This works for formulas, vectors, and all other types
2187 of values you can put on the stack. The @kbd{`} key also works
2188 during entry of a number or algebraic formula.
2190 @node Modes Tutorial, , Undo Tutorial, Basic Tutorial
2191 @subsection Mode-Setting Commands
2194 Calc has many types of @dfn{modes} that affect the way it interprets
2195 your commands or the way it displays data. We have already seen one
2196 mode, namely Algebraic mode. There are many others, too; we'll
2197 try some of the most common ones here.
2199 Perhaps the most fundamental mode in Calc is the current @dfn{precision}.
2200 Notice the @samp{12} on the Calc window's mode line:
2203 --%*-Calc: 12 Deg (Calculator)----All------
2207 Most of the symbols there are Emacs things you don't need to worry
2208 about, but the @samp{12} and the @samp{Deg} are mode indicators.
2209 The @samp{12} means that calculations should always be carried to
2210 12 significant figures. That is why, when we type @kbd{1 @key{RET} 7 /},
2211 we get @expr{0.142857142857} with exactly 12 digits, not counting
2212 leading and trailing zeros.
2214 You can set the precision to anything you like by pressing @kbd{p},
2215 then entering a suitable number. Try pressing @kbd{p 30 @key{RET}},
2216 then doing @kbd{1 @key{RET} 7 /} again:
2221 2: 0.142857142857142857142857142857
2226 Although the precision can be set arbitrarily high, Calc always
2227 has to have @emph{some} value for the current precision. After
2228 all, the true value @expr{1/7} is an infinitely repeating decimal;
2229 Calc has to stop somewhere.
2231 Of course, calculations are slower the more digits you request.
2232 Press @w{@kbd{p 12}} now to set the precision back down to the default.
2234 Calculations always use the current precision. For example, even
2235 though we have a 30-digit value for @expr{1/7} on the stack, if
2236 we use it in a calculation in 12-digit mode it will be rounded
2237 down to 12 digits before it is used. Try it; press @key{RET} to
2238 duplicate the number, then @w{@kbd{1 +}}. Notice that the @key{RET}
2239 key didn't round the number, because it doesn't do any calculation.
2240 But the instant we pressed @kbd{+}, the number was rounded down.
2245 2: 0.142857142857142857142857142857
2252 In fact, since we added a digit on the left, we had to lose one
2253 digit on the right from even the 12-digit value of @expr{1/7}.
2255 How did we get more than 12 digits when we computed @samp{2^3^4}? The
2256 answer is that Calc makes a distinction between @dfn{integers} and
2257 @dfn{floating-point} numbers, or @dfn{floats}. An integer is a number
2258 that does not contain a decimal point. There is no such thing as an
2259 ``infinitely repeating fraction integer,'' so Calc doesn't have to limit
2260 itself. If you asked for @samp{2^10000} (don't try this!), you would
2261 have to wait a long time but you would eventually get an exact answer.
2262 If you ask for @samp{2.^10000}, you will quickly get an answer which is
2263 correct only to 12 places. The decimal point tells Calc that it should
2264 use floating-point arithmetic to get the answer, not exact integer
2267 You can use the @kbd{F} (@code{calc-floor}) command to convert a
2268 floating-point value to an integer, and @kbd{c f} (@code{calc-float})
2269 to convert an integer to floating-point form.
2271 Let's try entering that last calculation:
2275 1: 2. 2: 2. 1: 1.99506311689e3010
2279 2.0 @key{RET} 10000 @key{RET} ^
2284 @cindex Scientific notation, entry of
2285 Notice the letter @samp{e} in there. It represents ``times ten to the
2286 power of,'' and is used by Calc automatically whenever writing the
2287 number out fully would introduce more extra zeros than you probably
2288 want to see. You can enter numbers in this notation, too.
2292 1: 2. 2: 2. 1: 1.99506311678e3010
2296 2.0 @key{RET} 1e4 @key{RET} ^
2300 @cindex Round-off errors
2302 Hey, the answer is different! Look closely at the middle columns
2303 of the two examples. In the first, the stack contained the
2304 exact integer @expr{10000}, but in the second it contained
2305 a floating-point value with a decimal point. When you raise a
2306 number to an integer power, Calc uses repeated squaring and
2307 multiplication to get the answer. When you use a floating-point
2308 power, Calc uses logarithms and exponentials. As you can see,
2309 a slight error crept in during one of these methods. Which
2310 one should we trust? Let's raise the precision a bit and find
2315 . 1: 2. 2: 2. 1: 1.995063116880828e3010
2319 p 16 @key{RET} 2. @key{RET} 1e4 ^ p 12 @key{RET}
2324 @cindex Guard digits
2325 Presumably, it doesn't matter whether we do this higher-precision
2326 calculation using an integer or floating-point power, since we
2327 have added enough ``guard digits'' to trust the first 12 digits
2328 no matter what. And the verdict is@dots{} Integer powers were more
2329 accurate; in fact, the result was only off by one unit in the
2332 @cindex Guard digits
2333 Calc does many of its internal calculations to a slightly higher
2334 precision, but it doesn't always bump the precision up enough.
2335 In each case, Calc added about two digits of precision during
2336 its calculation and then rounded back down to 12 digits
2337 afterward. In one case, it was enough; in the other, it
2338 wasn't. If you really need @var{x} digits of precision, it
2339 never hurts to do the calculation with a few extra guard digits.
2341 What if we want guard digits but don't want to look at them?
2342 We can set the @dfn{float format}. Calc supports four major
2343 formats for floating-point numbers, called @dfn{normal},
2344 @dfn{fixed-point}, @dfn{scientific notation}, and @dfn{engineering
2345 notation}. You get them by pressing @w{@kbd{d n}}, @kbd{d f},
2346 @kbd{d s}, and @kbd{d e}, respectively. In each case, you can
2347 supply a numeric prefix argument which says how many digits
2348 should be displayed. As an example, let's put a few numbers
2349 onto the stack and try some different display modes. First,
2350 use @kbd{M-0 @key{DEL}} to clear the stack, then enter the four
2355 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345
2356 3: 12345. 3: 12300. 3: 1.2345e4 3: 1.23e4 3: 12345.000
2357 2: 123.45 2: 123. 2: 1.2345e2 2: 1.23e2 2: 123.450
2358 1: 12.345 1: 12.3 1: 1.2345e1 1: 1.23e1 1: 12.345
2361 d n M-3 d n d s M-3 d s M-3 d f
2366 Notice that when we typed @kbd{M-3 d n}, the numbers were rounded down
2367 to three significant digits, but then when we typed @kbd{d s} all
2368 five significant figures reappeared. The float format does not
2369 affect how numbers are stored, it only affects how they are
2370 displayed. Only the current precision governs the actual rounding
2371 of numbers in the Calculator's memory.
2373 Engineering notation, not shown here, is like scientific notation
2374 except the exponent (the power-of-ten part) is always adjusted to be
2375 a multiple of three (as in ``kilo,'' ``micro,'' etc.). As a result
2376 there will be one, two, or three digits before the decimal point.
2378 Whenever you change a display-related mode, Calc redraws everything
2379 in the stack. This may be slow if there are many things on the stack,
2380 so Calc allows you to type shift-@kbd{H} before any mode command to
2381 prevent it from updating the stack. Anything Calc displays after the
2382 mode-changing command will appear in the new format.
2386 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345 4: 12345
2387 3: 12345.000 3: 12345.000 3: 12345.000 3: 1.2345e4 3: 12345.
2388 2: 123.450 2: 123.450 2: 1.2345e1 2: 1.2345e1 2: 123.45
2389 1: 12.345 1: 1.2345e1 1: 1.2345e2 1: 1.2345e2 1: 12.345
2392 H d s @key{DEL} U @key{TAB} d @key{SPC} d n
2397 Here the @kbd{H d s} command changes to scientific notation but without
2398 updating the screen. Deleting the top stack entry and undoing it back
2399 causes it to show up in the new format; swapping the top two stack
2400 entries reformats both entries. The @kbd{d @key{SPC}} command refreshes the
2401 whole stack. The @kbd{d n} command changes back to the normal float
2402 format; since it doesn't have an @kbd{H} prefix, it also updates all
2403 the stack entries to be in @kbd{d n} format.
2405 Notice that the integer @expr{12345} was not affected by any
2406 of the float formats. Integers are integers, and are always
2409 @cindex Large numbers, readability
2410 Large integers have their own problems. Let's look back at
2411 the result of @kbd{2^3^4}.
2414 2417851639229258349412352
2418 Quick---how many digits does this have? Try typing @kbd{d g}:
2421 2,417,851,639,229,258,349,412,352
2425 Now how many digits does this have? It's much easier to tell!
2426 We can actually group digits into clumps of any size. Some
2427 people prefer @kbd{M-5 d g}:
2430 24178,51639,22925,83494,12352
2433 Let's see what happens to floating-point numbers when they are grouped.
2434 First, type @kbd{p 25 @key{RET}} to make sure we have enough precision
2435 to get ourselves into trouble. Now, type @kbd{1e13 /}:
2438 24,17851,63922.9258349412352
2442 The integer part is grouped but the fractional part isn't. Now try
2443 @kbd{M-- M-5 d g} (that's meta-minus-sign, meta-five):
2446 24,17851,63922.92583,49412,352
2449 If you find it hard to tell the decimal point from the commas, try
2450 changing the grouping character to a space with @kbd{d , @key{SPC}}:
2453 24 17851 63922.92583 49412 352
2456 Type @kbd{d , ,} to restore the normal grouping character, then
2457 @kbd{d g} again to turn grouping off. Also, press @kbd{p 12} to
2458 restore the default precision.
2460 Press @kbd{U} enough times to get the original big integer back.
2461 (Notice that @kbd{U} does not undo each mode-setting command; if
2462 you want to undo a mode-setting command, you have to do it yourself.)
2463 Now, type @kbd{d r 16 @key{RET}}:
2466 16#200000000000000000000
2470 The number is now displayed in @dfn{hexadecimal}, or ``base-16'' form.
2471 Suddenly it looks pretty simple; this should be no surprise, since we
2472 got this number by computing a power of two, and 16 is a power of 2.
2473 In fact, we can use @w{@kbd{d r 2 @key{RET}}} to see it in actual binary
2477 2#1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 @dots{}
2481 We don't have enough space here to show all the zeros! They won't
2482 fit on a typical screen, either, so you will have to use horizontal
2483 scrolling to see them all. Press @kbd{<} and @kbd{>} to scroll the
2484 stack window left and right by half its width. Another way to view
2485 something large is to press @kbd{`} (back-quote) to edit the top of
2486 stack in a separate window. (Press @kbd{C-c C-c} when you are done.)
2488 You can enter non-decimal numbers using the @kbd{#} symbol, too.
2489 Let's see what the hexadecimal number @samp{5FE} looks like in
2490 binary. Type @kbd{16#5FE} (the letters can be typed in upper or
2491 lower case; they will always appear in upper case). It will also
2492 help to turn grouping on with @kbd{d g}:
2498 Notice that @kbd{d g} groups by fours by default if the display radix
2499 is binary or hexadecimal, but by threes if it is decimal, octal, or any
2502 Now let's see that number in decimal; type @kbd{d r 10}:
2508 Numbers are not @emph{stored} with any particular radix attached. They're
2509 just numbers; they can be entered in any radix, and are always displayed
2510 in whatever radix you've chosen with @kbd{d r}. The current radix applies
2511 to integers, fractions, and floats.
2513 @cindex Roundoff errors, in non-decimal numbers
2514 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Your friend Joe tried to enter one-third
2515 as @samp{3#0.1} in @kbd{d r 3} mode with a precision of 12. He got
2516 @samp{3#0.0222222...} (with 25 2's) in the display. When he multiplied
2517 that by three, he got @samp{3#0.222222...} instead of the expected
2518 @samp{3#1}. Next, Joe entered @samp{3#0.2} and, to his great relief,
2519 saw @samp{3#0.2} on the screen. But when he typed @kbd{2 /}, he got
2520 @samp{3#0.10000001} (some zeros omitted). What's going on here?
2521 @xref{Modes Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
2523 @cindex Scientific notation, in non-decimal numbers
2524 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Scientific notation works in non-decimal
2525 modes in the natural way (the exponent is a power of the radix instead of
2526 a power of ten, although the exponent itself is always written in decimal).
2527 Thus @samp{8#1.23e3 = 8#1230.0}. Suppose we have the hexadecimal number
2528 @samp{f.e8f} times 16 to the 15th power: We write @samp{16#f.e8fe15}.
2529 What is wrong with this picture? What could we write instead that would
2530 work better? @xref{Modes Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
2532 The @kbd{m} prefix key has another set of modes, relating to the way
2533 Calc interprets your inputs and does computations. Whereas @kbd{d}-prefix
2534 modes generally affect the way things look, @kbd{m}-prefix modes affect
2535 the way they are actually computed.
2537 The most popular @kbd{m}-prefix mode is the @dfn{angular mode}. Notice
2538 the @samp{Deg} indicator in the mode line. This means that if you use
2539 a command that interprets a number as an angle, it will assume the
2540 angle is measured in degrees. For example,
2544 1: 45 1: 0.707106781187 1: 0.500000000001 1: 0.5
2552 The shift-@kbd{S} command computes the sine of an angle. The sine
2554 @texline @math{\sqrt{2}/2};
2555 @infoline @expr{sqrt(2)/2};
2556 squaring this yields @expr{2/4 = 0.5}. However, there has been a slight
2557 roundoff error because the representation of
2558 @texline @math{\sqrt{2}/2}
2559 @infoline @expr{sqrt(2)/2}
2560 wasn't exact. The @kbd{c 1} command is a handy way to clean up numbers
2561 in this case; it temporarily reduces the precision by one digit while it
2562 re-rounds the number on the top of the stack.
2564 @cindex Roundoff errors, examples
2565 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} Your friend Joe computed the sine
2566 of 45 degrees as shown above, then, hoping to avoid an inexact
2567 result, he increased the precision to 16 digits before squaring.
2568 What happened? @xref{Modes Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
2570 To do this calculation in radians, we would type @kbd{m r} first.
2571 (The indicator changes to @samp{Rad}.) 45 degrees corresponds to
2572 @cpiover{4} radians. To get @cpi{}, press the @kbd{P} key. (Once
2573 again, this is a shifted capital @kbd{P}. Remember, unshifted
2574 @kbd{p} sets the precision.)
2578 1: 3.14159265359 1: 0.785398163398 1: 0.707106781187
2585 Likewise, inverse trigonometric functions generate results in
2586 either radians or degrees, depending on the current angular mode.
2590 1: 0.707106781187 1: 0.785398163398 1: 45.
2593 .5 Q m r I S m d U I S
2598 Here we compute the Inverse Sine of
2599 @texline @math{\sqrt{0.5}},
2600 @infoline @expr{sqrt(0.5)},
2601 first in radians, then in degrees.
2603 Use @kbd{c d} and @kbd{c r} to convert a number from radians to degrees
2608 1: 45 1: 0.785398163397 1: 45.
2615 Another interesting mode is @dfn{Fraction mode}. Normally,
2616 dividing two integers produces a floating-point result if the
2617 quotient can't be expressed as an exact integer. Fraction mode
2618 causes integer division to produce a fraction, i.e., a rational
2623 2: 12 1: 1.33333333333 1: 4:3
2627 12 @key{RET} 9 / m f U / m f
2632 In the first case, we get an approximate floating-point result.
2633 In the second case, we get an exact fractional result (four-thirds).
2635 You can enter a fraction at any time using @kbd{:} notation.
2636 (Calc uses @kbd{:} instead of @kbd{/} as the fraction separator
2637 because @kbd{/} is already used to divide the top two stack
2638 elements.) Calculations involving fractions will always
2639 produce exact fractional results; Fraction mode only says
2640 what to do when dividing two integers.
2642 @cindex Fractions vs. floats
2643 @cindex Floats vs. fractions
2644 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} If fractional arithmetic is exact,
2645 why would you ever use floating-point numbers instead?
2646 @xref{Modes Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
2648 Typing @kbd{m f} doesn't change any existing values in the stack.
2649 In the above example, we had to Undo the division and do it over
2650 again when we changed to Fraction mode. But if you use the
2651 evaluates-to operator you can get commands like @kbd{m f} to
2656 1: 12 / 9 => 1.33333333333 1: 12 / 9 => 1.333 1: 12 / 9 => 4:3
2659 ' 12/9 => @key{RET} p 4 @key{RET} m f
2664 In this example, the righthand side of the @samp{=>} operator
2665 on the stack is recomputed when we change the precision, then
2666 again when we change to Fraction mode. All @samp{=>} expressions
2667 on the stack are recomputed every time you change any mode that
2668 might affect their values.
2670 @node Arithmetic Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial, Basic Tutorial, Tutorial
2671 @section Arithmetic Tutorial
2674 In this section, we explore the arithmetic and scientific functions
2675 available in the Calculator.
2677 The standard arithmetic commands are @kbd{+}, @kbd{-}, @kbd{*}, @kbd{/},
2678 and @kbd{^}. Each normally takes two numbers from the top of the stack
2679 and pushes back a result. The @kbd{n} and @kbd{&} keys perform
2680 change-sign and reciprocal operations, respectively.
2684 1: 5 1: 0.2 1: 5. 1: -5. 1: 5.
2691 @cindex Binary operators
2692 You can apply a ``binary operator'' like @kbd{+} across any number of
2693 stack entries by giving it a numeric prefix. You can also apply it
2694 pairwise to several stack elements along with the top one if you use
2699 3: 2 1: 9 3: 2 4: 2 3: 12
2700 2: 3 . 2: 3 3: 3 2: 13
2701 1: 4 1: 4 2: 4 1: 14
2705 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 4 M-3 + U 10 M-- M-3 +
2709 @cindex Unary operators
2710 You can apply a ``unary operator'' like @kbd{&} to the top @var{n}
2711 stack entries with a numeric prefix, too.
2716 2: 3 2: 0.333333333333 2: 3.
2720 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 4 M-3 & M-2 &
2724 Notice that the results here are left in floating-point form.
2725 We can convert them back to integers by pressing @kbd{F}, the
2726 ``floor'' function. This function rounds down to the next lower
2727 integer. There is also @kbd{R}, which rounds to the nearest
2745 Since dividing-and-flooring (i.e., ``integer quotient'') is such a
2746 common operation, Calc provides a special command for that purpose, the
2747 backslash @kbd{\}. Another common arithmetic operator is @kbd{%}, which
2748 computes the remainder that would arise from a @kbd{\} operation, i.e.,
2749 the ``modulo'' of two numbers. For example,
2753 2: 1234 1: 12 2: 1234 1: 34
2757 1234 @key{RET} 100 \ U %
2761 These commands actually work for any real numbers, not just integers.
2765 2: 3.1415 1: 3 2: 3.1415 1: 0.1415
2769 3.1415 @key{RET} 1 \ U %
2773 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} The @kbd{\} command would appear to be a
2774 frill, since you could always do the same thing with @kbd{/ F}. Think
2775 of a situation where this is not true---@kbd{/ F} would be inadequate.
2776 Now think of a way you could get around the problem if Calc didn't
2777 provide a @kbd{\} command. @xref{Arithmetic Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
2779 We've already seen the @kbd{Q} (square root) and @kbd{S} (sine)
2780 commands. Other commands along those lines are @kbd{C} (cosine),
2781 @kbd{T} (tangent), @kbd{E} (@expr{e^x}) and @kbd{L} (natural
2782 logarithm). These can be modified by the @kbd{I} (inverse) and
2783 @kbd{H} (hyperbolic) prefix keys.
2785 Let's compute the sine and cosine of an angle, and verify the
2787 @texline @math{\sin^2x + \cos^2x = 1}.
2788 @infoline @expr{sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 = 1}.
2789 We'll arbitrarily pick @mathit{-64} degrees as a good value for @expr{x}.
2790 With the angular mode set to degrees (type @w{@kbd{m d}}), do:
2794 2: -64 2: -64 2: -0.89879 2: -0.89879 1: 1.
2795 1: -64 1: -0.89879 1: -64 1: 0.43837 .
2798 64 n @key{RET} @key{RET} S @key{TAB} C f h
2803 (For brevity, we're showing only five digits of the results here.
2804 You can of course do these calculations to any precision you like.)
2806 Remember, @kbd{f h} is the @code{calc-hypot}, or square-root of sum
2807 of squares, command.
2810 @texline @math{\displaystyle\tan x = {\sin x \over \cos x}}.
2811 @infoline @expr{tan(x) = sin(x) / cos(x)}.
2815 2: -0.89879 1: -2.0503 1: -64.
2823 A physical interpretation of this calculation is that if you move
2824 @expr{0.89879} units downward and @expr{0.43837} units to the right,
2825 your direction of motion is @mathit{-64} degrees from horizontal. Suppose
2826 we move in the opposite direction, up and to the left:
2830 2: -0.89879 2: 0.89879 1: -2.0503 1: -64.
2831 1: 0.43837 1: -0.43837 . .
2839 How can the angle be the same? The answer is that the @kbd{/} operation
2840 loses information about the signs of its inputs. Because the quotient
2841 is negative, we know exactly one of the inputs was negative, but we
2842 can't tell which one. There is an @kbd{f T} [@code{arctan2}] function which
2843 computes the inverse tangent of the quotient of a pair of numbers.
2844 Since you feed it the two original numbers, it has enough information
2845 to give you a full 360-degree answer.
2849 2: 0.89879 1: 116. 3: 116. 2: 116. 1: 180.
2850 1: -0.43837 . 2: -0.89879 1: -64. .
2854 U U f T M-@key{RET} M-2 n f T -
2859 The resulting angles differ by 180 degrees; in other words, they
2860 point in opposite directions, just as we would expect.
2862 The @key{META}-@key{RET} we used in the third step is the
2863 ``last-arguments'' command. It is sort of like Undo, except that it
2864 restores the arguments of the last command to the stack without removing
2865 the command's result. It is useful in situations like this one,
2866 where we need to do several operations on the same inputs. We could
2867 have accomplished the same thing by using @kbd{M-2 @key{RET}} to duplicate
2868 the top two stack elements right after the @kbd{U U}, then a pair of
2869 @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} commands to cycle the 116 up around the duplicates.
2871 A similar identity is supposed to hold for hyperbolic sines and cosines,
2872 except that it is the @emph{difference}
2873 @texline @math{\cosh^2x - \sinh^2x}
2874 @infoline @expr{cosh(x)^2 - sinh(x)^2}
2875 that always equals one. Let's try to verify this identity.
2879 2: -64 2: -64 2: -64 2: 9.7192e54 2: 9.7192e54
2880 1: -64 1: -3.1175e27 1: 9.7192e54 1: -64 1: 9.7192e54
2883 64 n @key{RET} @key{RET} H C 2 ^ @key{TAB} H S 2 ^
2888 @cindex Roundoff errors, examples
2889 Something's obviously wrong, because when we subtract these numbers
2890 the answer will clearly be zero! But if you think about it, if these
2891 numbers @emph{did} differ by one, it would be in the 55th decimal
2892 place. The difference we seek has been lost entirely to roundoff
2895 We could verify this hypothesis by doing the actual calculation with,
2896 say, 60 decimal places of precision. This will be slow, but not
2897 enormously so. Try it if you wish; sure enough, the answer is
2898 0.99999, reasonably close to 1.
2900 Of course, a more reasonable way to verify the identity is to use
2901 a more reasonable value for @expr{x}!
2903 @cindex Common logarithm
2904 Some Calculator commands use the Hyperbolic prefix for other purposes.
2905 The logarithm and exponential functions, for example, work to the base
2906 @expr{e} normally but use base-10 instead if you use the Hyperbolic
2911 1: 1000 1: 6.9077 1: 1000 1: 3
2919 First, we mistakenly compute a natural logarithm. Then we undo
2920 and compute a common logarithm instead.
2922 The @kbd{B} key computes a general base-@var{b} logarithm for any
2927 2: 1000 1: 3 1: 1000. 2: 1000. 1: 6.9077
2928 1: 10 . . 1: 2.71828 .
2931 1000 @key{RET} 10 B H E H P B
2936 Here we first use @kbd{B} to compute the base-10 logarithm, then use
2937 the ``hyperbolic'' exponential as a cheap hack to recover the number
2938 1000, then use @kbd{B} again to compute the natural logarithm. Note
2939 that @kbd{P} with the hyperbolic prefix pushes the constant @expr{e}
2942 You may have noticed that both times we took the base-10 logarithm
2943 of 1000, we got an exact integer result. Calc always tries to give
2944 an exact rational result for calculations involving rational numbers
2945 where possible. But when we used @kbd{H E}, the result was a
2946 floating-point number for no apparent reason. In fact, if we had
2947 computed @kbd{10 @key{RET} 3 ^} we @emph{would} have gotten an
2948 exact integer 1000. But the @kbd{H E} command is rigged to generate
2949 a floating-point result all of the time so that @kbd{1000 H E} will
2950 not waste time computing a thousand-digit integer when all you
2951 probably wanted was @samp{1e1000}.
2953 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Find a pair of integer inputs to
2954 the @kbd{B} command for which Calc could find an exact rational
2955 result but doesn't. @xref{Arithmetic Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
2957 The Calculator also has a set of functions relating to combinatorics
2958 and statistics. You may be familiar with the @dfn{factorial} function,
2959 which computes the product of all the integers up to a given number.
2963 1: 100 1: 93326215443... 1: 100. 1: 9.3326e157
2971 Recall, the @kbd{c f} command converts the integer or fraction at the
2972 top of the stack to floating-point format. If you take the factorial
2973 of a floating-point number, you get a floating-point result
2974 accurate to the current precision. But if you give @kbd{!} an
2975 exact integer, you get an exact integer result (158 digits long
2978 If you take the factorial of a non-integer, Calc uses a generalized
2979 factorial function defined in terms of Euler's Gamma function
2980 @texline @math{\Gamma(n)}
2981 @infoline @expr{gamma(n)}
2982 (which is itself available as the @kbd{f g} command).
2986 3: 4. 3: 24. 1: 5.5 1: 52.342777847
2987 2: 4.5 2: 52.3427777847 . .
2991 M-3 ! M-0 @key{DEL} 5.5 f g
2996 Here we verify the identity
2997 @texline @math{n! = \Gamma(n+1)}.
2998 @infoline @expr{@var{n}!@: = gamma(@var{n}+1)}.
3000 The binomial coefficient @var{n}-choose-@var{m}
3001 @texline or @math{\displaystyle {n \choose m}}
3003 @texline @math{\displaystyle {n! \over m! \, (n-m)!}}
3004 @infoline @expr{n!@: / m!@: (n-m)!}
3005 for all reals @expr{n} and @expr{m}. The intermediate results in this
3006 formula can become quite large even if the final result is small; the
3007 @kbd{k c} command computes a binomial coefficient in a way that avoids
3008 large intermediate values.
3010 The @kbd{k} prefix key defines several common functions out of
3011 combinatorics and number theory. Here we compute the binomial
3012 coefficient 30-choose-20, then determine its prime factorization.
3016 2: 30 1: 30045015 1: [3, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 23, 29]
3020 30 @key{RET} 20 k c k f
3025 You can verify these prime factors by using @kbd{V R *} to multiply
3026 together the elements of this vector. The result is the original
3030 Suppose a program you are writing needs a hash table with at least
3031 10000 entries. It's best to use a prime number as the actual size
3032 of a hash table. Calc can compute the next prime number after 10000:
3036 1: 10000 1: 10007 1: 9973
3044 Just for kicks we've also computed the next prime @emph{less} than
3047 @c [fix-ref Financial Functions]
3048 @xref{Financial Functions}, for a description of the Calculator
3049 commands that deal with business and financial calculations (functions
3050 like @code{pv}, @code{rate}, and @code{sln}).
3052 @c [fix-ref Binary Number Functions]
3053 @xref{Binary Functions}, to read about the commands for operating
3054 on binary numbers (like @code{and}, @code{xor}, and @code{lsh}).
3056 @node Vector/Matrix Tutorial, Types Tutorial, Arithmetic Tutorial, Tutorial
3057 @section Vector/Matrix Tutorial
3060 A @dfn{vector} is a list of numbers or other Calc data objects.
3061 Calc provides a large set of commands that operate on vectors. Some
3062 are familiar operations from vector analysis. Others simply treat
3063 a vector as a list of objects.
3066 * Vector Analysis Tutorial::
3071 @node Vector Analysis Tutorial, Matrix Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial
3072 @subsection Vector Analysis
3075 If you add two vectors, the result is a vector of the sums of the
3076 elements, taken pairwise.
3080 1: [1, 2, 3] 2: [1, 2, 3] 1: [8, 8, 3]
3084 [1,2,3] s 1 [7 6 0] s 2 +
3089 Note that we can separate the vector elements with either commas or
3090 spaces. This is true whether we are using incomplete vectors or
3091 algebraic entry. The @kbd{s 1} and @kbd{s 2} commands save these
3092 vectors so we can easily reuse them later.
3094 If you multiply two vectors, the result is the sum of the products
3095 of the elements taken pairwise. This is called the @dfn{dot product}
3109 The dot product of two vectors is equal to the product of their
3110 lengths times the cosine of the angle between them. (Here the vector
3111 is interpreted as a line from the origin @expr{(0,0,0)} to the
3112 specified point in three-dimensional space.) The @kbd{A}
3113 (absolute value) command can be used to compute the length of a
3118 3: 19 3: 19 1: 0.550782 1: 56.579
3119 2: [1, 2, 3] 2: 3.741657 . .
3120 1: [7, 6, 0] 1: 9.219544
3123 M-@key{RET} M-2 A * / I C
3128 First we recall the arguments to the dot product command, then
3129 we compute the absolute values of the top two stack entries to
3130 obtain the lengths of the vectors, then we divide the dot product
3131 by the product of the lengths to get the cosine of the angle.
3132 The inverse cosine finds that the angle between the vectors
3133 is about 56 degrees.
3135 @cindex Cross product
3136 @cindex Perpendicular vectors
3137 The @dfn{cross product} of two vectors is a vector whose length
3138 is the product of the lengths of the inputs times the sine of the
3139 angle between them, and whose direction is perpendicular to both
3140 input vectors. Unlike the dot product, the cross product is
3141 defined only for three-dimensional vectors. Let's double-check
3142 our computation of the angle using the cross product.
3146 2: [1, 2, 3] 3: [-18, 21, -8] 1: [-0.52, 0.61, -0.23] 1: 56.579
3147 1: [7, 6, 0] 2: [1, 2, 3] . .
3151 r 1 r 2 V C s 3 M-@key{RET} M-2 A * / A I S
3156 First we recall the original vectors and compute their cross product,
3157 which we also store for later reference. Now we divide the vector
3158 by the product of the lengths of the original vectors. The length of
3159 this vector should be the sine of the angle; sure enough, it is!
3161 @c [fix-ref General Mode Commands]
3162 Vector-related commands generally begin with the @kbd{v} prefix key.
3163 Some are uppercase letters and some are lowercase. To make it easier
3164 to type these commands, the shift-@kbd{V} prefix key acts the same as
3165 the @kbd{v} key. (@xref{General Mode Commands}, for a way to make all
3166 prefix keys have this property.)
3168 If we take the dot product of two perpendicular vectors we expect
3169 to get zero, since the cosine of 90 degrees is zero. Let's check
3170 that the cross product is indeed perpendicular to both inputs:
3174 2: [1, 2, 3] 1: 0 2: [7, 6, 0] 1: 0
3175 1: [-18, 21, -8] . 1: [-18, 21, -8] .
3178 r 1 r 3 * @key{DEL} r 2 r 3 *
3182 @cindex Normalizing a vector
3183 @cindex Unit vectors
3184 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Given a vector on the top of the
3185 stack, what keystrokes would you use to @dfn{normalize} the
3186 vector, i.e., to reduce its length to one without changing its
3187 direction? @xref{Vector Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
3189 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Suppose a certain particle can be
3190 at any of several positions along a ruler. You have a list of
3191 those positions in the form of a vector, and another list of the
3192 probabilities for the particle to be at the corresponding positions.
3193 Find the average position of the particle.
3194 @xref{Vector Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
3196 @node Matrix Tutorial, List Tutorial, Vector Analysis Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial
3197 @subsection Matrices
3200 A @dfn{matrix} is just a vector of vectors, all the same length.
3201 This means you can enter a matrix using nested brackets. You can
3202 also use the semicolon character to enter a matrix. We'll show
3207 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ]
3208 [ 4, 5, 6 ] ] [ 4, 5, 6 ] ]
3211 [[1 2 3] [4 5 6]] ' [1 2 3; 4 5 6] @key{RET}
3216 We'll be using this matrix again, so type @kbd{s 4} to save it now.
3218 Note that semicolons work with incomplete vectors, but they work
3219 better in algebraic entry. That's why we use the apostrophe in
3222 When two matrices are multiplied, the lefthand matrix must have
3223 the same number of columns as the righthand matrix has rows.
3224 Row @expr{i}, column @expr{j} of the result is effectively the
3225 dot product of row @expr{i} of the left matrix by column @expr{j}
3226 of the right matrix.
3228 If we try to duplicate this matrix and multiply it by itself,
3229 the dimensions are wrong and the multiplication cannot take place:
3233 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] * [ [ 1, 2, 3 ]
3234 [ 4, 5, 6 ] ] [ 4, 5, 6 ] ]
3242 Though rather hard to read, this is a formula which shows the product
3243 of two matrices. The @samp{*} function, having invalid arguments, has
3244 been left in symbolic form.
3246 We can multiply the matrices if we @dfn{transpose} one of them first.
3250 2: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [ [ 14, 32 ] 1: [ [ 17, 22, 27 ]
3251 [ 4, 5, 6 ] ] [ 32, 77 ] ] [ 22, 29, 36 ]
3252 1: [ [ 1, 4 ] . [ 27, 36, 45 ] ]
3257 U v t * U @key{TAB} *
3261 Matrix multiplication is not commutative; indeed, switching the
3262 order of the operands can even change the dimensions of the result
3263 matrix, as happened here!
3265 If you multiply a plain vector by a matrix, it is treated as a
3266 single row or column depending on which side of the matrix it is
3267 on. The result is a plain vector which should also be interpreted
3268 as a row or column as appropriate.
3272 2: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [14, 32]
3281 Multiplying in the other order wouldn't work because the number of
3282 rows in the matrix is different from the number of elements in the
3285 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Use @samp{*} to sum along the rows
3287 @texline @math{2\times3}
3289 matrix to get @expr{[6, 15]}. Now use @samp{*} to sum along the columns
3290 to get @expr{[5, 7, 9]}.
3291 @xref{Matrix Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
3293 @cindex Identity matrix
3294 An @dfn{identity matrix} is a square matrix with ones along the
3295 diagonal and zeros elsewhere. It has the property that multiplication
3296 by an identity matrix, on the left or on the right, always produces
3297 the original matrix.
3301 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 2: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ]
3302 [ 4, 5, 6 ] ] [ 4, 5, 6 ] ] [ 4, 5, 6 ] ]
3303 . 1: [ [ 1, 0, 0 ] .
3308 r 4 v i 3 @key{RET} *
3312 If a matrix is square, it is often possible to find its @dfn{inverse},
3313 that is, a matrix which, when multiplied by the original matrix, yields
3314 an identity matrix. The @kbd{&} (reciprocal) key also computes the
3315 inverse of a matrix.
3319 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [ [ -2.4, 1.2, -0.2 ]
3320 [ 4, 5, 6 ] [ 2.8, -1.4, 0.4 ]
3321 [ 7, 6, 0 ] ] [ -0.73333, 0.53333, -0.2 ] ]
3329 The vertical bar @kbd{|} @dfn{concatenates} numbers, vectors, and
3330 matrices together. Here we have used it to add a new row onto
3331 our matrix to make it square.
3333 We can multiply these two matrices in either order to get an identity.
3337 1: [ [ 1., 0., 0. ] 1: [ [ 1., 0., 0. ]
3338 [ 0., 1., 0. ] [ 0., 1., 0. ]
3339 [ 0., 0., 1. ] ] [ 0., 0., 1. ] ]
3342 M-@key{RET} * U @key{TAB} *
3346 @cindex Systems of linear equations
3347 @cindex Linear equations, systems of
3348 Matrix inverses are related to systems of linear equations in algebra.
3349 Suppose we had the following set of equations:
3363 $$ \openup1\jot \tabskip=0pt plus1fil
3364 \halign to\displaywidth{\tabskip=0pt
3365 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
3366 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
3367 $\hfil#$&${}#\hfil$\tabskip=0pt plus1fil\cr
3376 This can be cast into the matrix equation,
3381 [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] [ [ a ] [ [ 6 ]
3382 [ 4, 5, 6 ] * [ b ] = [ 2 ]
3383 [ 7, 6, 0 ] ] [ c ] ] [ 3 ] ]
3390 $$ \pmatrix{ 1 & 2 & 3 \cr 4 & 5 & 6 \cr 7 & 6 & 0 }
3392 \pmatrix{ a \cr b \cr c } = \pmatrix{ 6 \cr 2 \cr 3 }
3397 We can solve this system of equations by multiplying both sides by the
3398 inverse of the matrix. Calc can do this all in one step:
3402 2: [6, 2, 3] 1: [-12.6, 15.2, -3.93333]
3413 The result is the @expr{[a, b, c]} vector that solves the equations.
3414 (Dividing by a square matrix is equivalent to multiplying by its
3417 Let's verify this solution:
3421 2: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 1: [6., 2., 3.]
3424 1: [-12.6, 15.2, -3.93333]
3432 Note that we had to be careful about the order in which we multiplied
3433 the matrix and vector. If we multiplied in the other order, Calc would
3434 assume the vector was a row vector in order to make the dimensions
3435 come out right, and the answer would be incorrect. If you
3436 don't feel safe letting Calc take either interpretation of your
3437 vectors, use explicit
3438 @texline @math{N\times1}
3441 @texline @math{1\times N}
3443 matrices instead. In this case, you would enter the original column
3444 vector as @samp{[[6], [2], [3]]} or @samp{[6; 2; 3]}.
3446 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Algebraic entry allows you to make
3447 vectors and matrices that include variables. Solve the following
3448 system of equations to get expressions for @expr{x} and @expr{y}
3449 in terms of @expr{a} and @expr{b}.
3462 $$ \eqalign{ x &+ a y = 6 \cr
3469 @xref{Matrix Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
3471 @cindex Least-squares for over-determined systems
3472 @cindex Over-determined systems of equations
3473 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} A system of equations is ``over-determined''
3474 if it has more equations than variables. It is often the case that
3475 there are no values for the variables that will satisfy all the
3476 equations at once, but it is still useful to find a set of values
3477 which ``nearly'' satisfy all the equations. In terms of matrix equations,
3478 you can't solve @expr{A X = B} directly because the matrix @expr{A}
3479 is not square for an over-determined system. Matrix inversion works
3480 only for square matrices. One common trick is to multiply both sides
3481 on the left by the transpose of @expr{A}:
3483 @samp{trn(A)*A*X = trn(A)*B}.
3487 $A^T A \, X = A^T B$, where $A^T$ is the transpose \samp{trn(A)}.
3490 @texline @math{A^T A}
3491 @infoline @expr{trn(A)*A}
3492 is a square matrix so a solution is possible. It turns out that the
3493 @expr{X} vector you compute in this way will be a ``least-squares''
3494 solution, which can be regarded as the ``closest'' solution to the set
3495 of equations. Use Calc to solve the following over-determined
3511 $$ \openup1\jot \tabskip=0pt plus1fil
3512 \halign to\displaywidth{\tabskip=0pt
3513 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
3514 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
3515 $\hfil#$&${}#\hfil$\tabskip=0pt plus1fil\cr
3519 2a&+&4b&+&6c&=11 \cr}
3525 @xref{Matrix Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
3527 @node List Tutorial, , Matrix Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial
3528 @subsection Vectors as Lists
3532 Although Calc has a number of features for manipulating vectors and
3533 matrices as mathematical objects, you can also treat vectors as
3534 simple lists of values. For example, we saw that the @kbd{k f}
3535 command returns a vector which is a list of the prime factors of a
3538 You can pack and unpack stack entries into vectors:
3542 3: 10 1: [10, 20, 30] 3: 10
3551 You can also build vectors out of consecutive integers, or out
3552 of many copies of a given value:
3556 1: [1, 2, 3, 4] 2: [1, 2, 3, 4] 2: [1, 2, 3, 4]
3557 . 1: 17 1: [17, 17, 17, 17]
3560 v x 4 @key{RET} 17 v b 4 @key{RET}
3564 You can apply an operator to every element of a vector using the
3569 1: [17, 34, 51, 68] 1: [289, 1156, 2601, 4624] 1: [17, 34, 51, 68]
3577 In the first step, we multiply the vector of integers by the vector
3578 of 17's elementwise. In the second step, we raise each element to
3579 the power two. (The general rule is that both operands must be
3580 vectors of the same length, or else one must be a vector and the
3581 other a plain number.) In the final step, we take the square root
3584 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Compute a vector of powers of two
3586 @texline @math{2^{-4}}
3587 @infoline @expr{2^-4}
3588 to @expr{2^4}. @xref{List Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
3590 You can also @dfn{reduce} a binary operator across a vector.
3591 For example, reducing @samp{*} computes the product of all the
3592 elements in the vector:
3596 1: 123123 1: [3, 7, 11, 13, 41] 1: 123123
3604 In this example, we decompose 123123 into its prime factors, then
3605 multiply those factors together again to yield the original number.
3607 We could compute a dot product ``by hand'' using mapping and
3612 2: [1, 2, 3] 1: [7, 12, 0] 1: 19
3621 Recalling two vectors from the previous section, we compute the
3622 sum of pairwise products of the elements to get the same answer
3623 for the dot product as before.
3625 A slight variant of vector reduction is the @dfn{accumulate} operation,
3626 @kbd{V U}. This produces a vector of the intermediate results from
3627 a corresponding reduction. Here we compute a table of factorials:
3631 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] 1: [1, 2, 6, 24, 120, 720]
3634 v x 6 @key{RET} V U *
3638 Calc allows vectors to grow as large as you like, although it gets
3639 rather slow if vectors have more than about a hundred elements.
3640 Actually, most of the time is spent formatting these large vectors
3641 for display, not calculating on them. Try the following experiment
3642 (if your computer is very fast you may need to substitute a larger
3647 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, ... 1: [2, 3, 4, 5, ...
3650 v x 500 @key{RET} 1 V M +
3654 Now press @kbd{v .} (the letter @kbd{v}, then a period) and try the
3655 experiment again. In @kbd{v .} mode, long vectors are displayed
3656 ``abbreviated'' like this:
3660 1: [1, 2, 3, ..., 500] 1: [2, 3, 4, ..., 501]
3663 v x 500 @key{RET} 1 V M +
3668 (where now the @samp{...} is actually part of the Calc display).
3669 You will find both operations are now much faster. But notice that
3670 even in @w{@kbd{v .}} mode, the full vectors are still shown in the Trail.
3671 Type @w{@kbd{t .}} to cause the trail to abbreviate as well, and try the
3672 experiment one more time. Operations on long vectors are now quite
3673 fast! (But of course if you use @kbd{t .} you will lose the ability
3674 to get old vectors back using the @kbd{t y} command.)
3676 An easy way to view a full vector when @kbd{v .} mode is active is
3677 to press @kbd{`} (back-quote) to edit the vector; editing always works
3678 with the full, unabbreviated value.
3680 @cindex Least-squares for fitting a straight line
3681 @cindex Fitting data to a line
3682 @cindex Line, fitting data to
3683 @cindex Data, extracting from buffers
3684 @cindex Columns of data, extracting
3685 As a larger example, let's try to fit a straight line to some data,
3686 using the method of least squares. (Calc has a built-in command for
3687 least-squares curve fitting, but we'll do it by hand here just to
3688 practice working with vectors.) Suppose we have the following list
3689 of values in a file we have loaded into Emacs:
3716 If you are reading this tutorial in printed form, you will find it
3717 easiest to press @kbd{C-x * i} to enter the on-line Info version of
3718 the manual and find this table there. (Press @kbd{g}, then type
3719 @kbd{List Tutorial}, to jump straight to this section.)
3721 Position the cursor at the upper-left corner of this table, just
3722 to the left of the @expr{1.34}. Press @kbd{C-@@} to set the mark.
3723 (On your system this may be @kbd{C-2}, @kbd{C-@key{SPC}}, or @kbd{NUL}.)
3724 Now position the cursor to the lower-right, just after the @expr{1.354}.
3725 You have now defined this region as an Emacs ``rectangle.'' Still
3726 in the Info buffer, type @kbd{C-x * r}. This command
3727 (@code{calc-grab-rectangle}) will pop you back into the Calculator, with
3728 the contents of the rectangle you specified in the form of a matrix.
3732 1: [ [ 1.34, 0.234 ]
3739 (You may wish to use @kbd{v .} mode to abbreviate the display of this
3742 We want to treat this as a pair of lists. The first step is to
3743 transpose this matrix into a pair of rows. Remember, a matrix is
3744 just a vector of vectors. So we can unpack the matrix into a pair
3745 of row vectors on the stack.
3749 1: [ [ 1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ] 2: [1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ]
3750 [ 0.234, 0.298, 0.402, ... ] ] 1: [0.234, 0.298, 0.402, ... ]
3758 Let's store these in quick variables 1 and 2, respectively.
3762 1: [1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ] .
3770 (Recall that @kbd{t 2} is a variant of @kbd{s 2} that removes the
3771 stored value from the stack.)
3773 In a least squares fit, the slope @expr{m} is given by the formula
3777 m = (N sum(x y) - sum(x) sum(y)) / (N sum(x^2) - sum(x)^2)
3783 $$ m = {N \sum x y - \sum x \sum y \over
3784 N \sum x^2 - \left( \sum x \right)^2} $$
3790 @texline @math{\sum x}
3791 @infoline @expr{sum(x)}
3792 represents the sum of all the values of @expr{x}. While there is an
3793 actual @code{sum} function in Calc, it's easier to sum a vector using a
3794 simple reduction. First, let's compute the four different sums that
3802 r 1 V R + t 3 r 1 2 V M ^ V R + t 4
3809 1: 13.613 1: 33.36554
3812 r 2 V R + t 5 r 1 r 2 V M * V R + t 6
3818 These are @samp{sum(x)}, @samp{sum(x^2)}, @samp{sum(y)}, and @samp{sum(x y)},
3819 respectively. (We could have used @kbd{*} to compute @samp{sum(x^2)} and
3824 These are $\sum x$, $\sum x^2$, $\sum y$, and $\sum x y$,
3825 respectively. (We could have used \kbd{*} to compute $\sum x^2$ and
3829 Finally, we also need @expr{N}, the number of data points. This is just
3830 the length of either of our lists.
3842 (That's @kbd{v} followed by a lower-case @kbd{l}.)
3844 Now we grind through the formula:
3848 1: 633.94526 2: 633.94526 1: 67.23607
3852 r 7 r 6 * r 3 r 5 * -
3859 2: 67.23607 3: 67.23607 2: 67.23607 1: 0.52141679
3860 1: 1862.0057 2: 1862.0057 1: 128.9488 .
3864 r 7 r 4 * r 3 2 ^ - / t 8
3868 That gives us the slope @expr{m}. The y-intercept @expr{b} can now
3869 be found with the simple formula,
3873 b = (sum(y) - m sum(x)) / N
3879 $$ b = {\sum y - m \sum x \over N} $$
3886 1: 13.613 2: 13.613 1: -8.09358 1: -0.425978
3890 r 5 r 8 r 3 * - r 7 / t 9
3894 Let's ``plot'' this straight line approximation,
3895 @texline @math{y \approx m x + b},
3896 @infoline @expr{m x + b},
3897 and compare it with the original data.
3901 1: [0.699, 0.735, ... ] 1: [0.273, 0.309, ... ]
3909 Notice that multiplying a vector by a constant, and adding a constant
3910 to a vector, can be done without mapping commands since these are
3911 common operations from vector algebra. As far as Calc is concerned,
3912 we've just been doing geometry in 19-dimensional space!
3914 We can subtract this vector from our original @expr{y} vector to get
3915 a feel for the error of our fit. Let's find the maximum error:
3919 1: [0.0387, 0.0112, ... ] 1: [0.0387, 0.0112, ... ] 1: 0.0897
3927 First we compute a vector of differences, then we take the absolute
3928 values of these differences, then we reduce the @code{max} function
3929 across the vector. (The @code{max} function is on the two-key sequence
3930 @kbd{f x}; because it is so common to use @code{max} in a vector
3931 operation, the letters @kbd{X} and @kbd{N} are also accepted for
3932 @code{max} and @code{min} in this context. In general, you answer
3933 the @kbd{V M} or @kbd{V R} prompt with the actual key sequence that
3934 invokes the function you want. You could have typed @kbd{V R f x} or
3935 even @kbd{V R x max @key{RET}} if you had preferred.)
3937 If your system has the GNUPLOT program, you can see graphs of your
3938 data and your straight line to see how well they match. (If you have
3939 GNUPLOT 3.0 or higher, the following instructions will work regardless
3940 of the kind of display you have. Some GNUPLOT 2.0, non-X-windows systems
3941 may require additional steps to view the graphs.)
3943 Let's start by plotting the original data. Recall the ``@var{x}'' and ``@var{y}''
3944 vectors onto the stack and press @kbd{g f}. This ``fast'' graphing
3945 command does everything you need to do for simple, straightforward
3950 2: [1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ]
3951 1: [0.234, 0.298, 0.402, ... ]
3958 If all goes well, you will shortly get a new window containing a graph
3959 of the data. (If not, contact your GNUPLOT or Calc installer to find
3960 out what went wrong.) In the X window system, this will be a separate
3961 graphics window. For other kinds of displays, the default is to
3962 display the graph in Emacs itself using rough character graphics.
3963 Press @kbd{q} when you are done viewing the character graphics.
3965 Next, let's add the line we got from our least-squares fit.
3967 (If you are reading this tutorial on-line while running Calc, typing
3968 @kbd{g a} may cause the tutorial to disappear from its window and be
3969 replaced by a buffer named @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*}. The tutorial
3970 will reappear when you terminate GNUPLOT by typing @kbd{g q}.)
3975 2: [1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ]
3976 1: [0.273, 0.309, 0.351, ... ]
3979 @key{DEL} r 0 g a g p
3983 It's not very useful to get symbols to mark the data points on this
3984 second curve; you can type @kbd{g S g p} to remove them. Type @kbd{g q}
3985 when you are done to remove the X graphics window and terminate GNUPLOT.
3987 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} An earlier exercise showed how to do
3988 least squares fitting to a general system of equations. Our 19 data
3989 points are really 19 equations of the form @expr{y_i = m x_i + b} for
3990 different pairs of @expr{(x_i,y_i)}. Use the matrix-transpose method
3991 to solve for @expr{m} and @expr{b}, duplicating the above result.
3992 @xref{List Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
3994 @cindex Geometric mean
3995 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} If the input data do not form a
3996 rectangle, you can use @w{@kbd{C-x * g}} (@code{calc-grab-region})
3997 to grab the data the way Emacs normally works with regions---it reads
3998 left-to-right, top-to-bottom, treating line breaks the same as spaces.
3999 Use this command to find the geometric mean of the following numbers.
4000 (The geometric mean is the @var{n}th root of the product of @var{n} numbers.)
4009 The @kbd{C-x * g} command accepts numbers separated by spaces or commas,
4010 with or without surrounding vector brackets.
4011 @xref{List Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
4014 As another example, a theorem about binomial coefficients tells
4015 us that the alternating sum of binomial coefficients
4016 @var{n}-choose-0 minus @var{n}-choose-1 plus @var{n}-choose-2, and so
4017 on up to @var{n}-choose-@var{n},
4018 always comes out to zero. Let's verify this
4022 As another example, a theorem about binomial coefficients tells
4023 us that the alternating sum of binomial coefficients
4024 ${n \choose 0} - {n \choose 1} + {n \choose 2} - \cdots \pm {n \choose n}$
4025 always comes out to zero. Let's verify this
4031 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] 1: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
4041 1: [1, -6, 15, -20, 15, -6, 1] 1: 0
4044 V M ' (-1)^$ choose(6,$) @key{RET} V R +
4048 The @kbd{V M '} command prompts you to enter any algebraic expression
4049 to define the function to map over the vector. The symbol @samp{$}
4050 inside this expression represents the argument to the function.
4051 The Calculator applies this formula to each element of the vector,
4052 substituting each element's value for the @samp{$} sign(s) in turn.
4054 To define a two-argument function, use @samp{$$} for the first
4055 argument and @samp{$} for the second: @kbd{V M ' $$-$ @key{RET}} is
4056 equivalent to @kbd{V M -}. This is analogous to regular algebraic
4057 entry, where @samp{$$} would refer to the next-to-top stack entry
4058 and @samp{$} would refer to the top stack entry, and @kbd{' $$-$ @key{RET}}
4059 would act exactly like @kbd{-}.
4061 Notice that the @kbd{V M '} command has recorded two things in the
4062 trail: The result, as usual, and also a funny-looking thing marked
4063 @samp{oper} that represents the operator function you typed in.
4064 The function is enclosed in @samp{< >} brackets, and the argument is
4065 denoted by a @samp{#} sign. If there were several arguments, they
4066 would be shown as @samp{#1}, @samp{#2}, and so on. (For example,
4067 @kbd{V M ' $$-$} will put the function @samp{<#1 - #2>} on the
4068 trail.) This object is a ``nameless function''; you can use nameless
4069 @w{@samp{< >}} notation to answer the @kbd{V M '} prompt if you like.
4070 Nameless function notation has the interesting, occasionally useful
4071 property that a nameless function is not actually evaluated until
4072 it is used. For example, @kbd{V M ' $+random(2.0)} evaluates
4073 @samp{random(2.0)} once and adds that random number to all elements
4074 of the vector, but @kbd{V M ' <#+random(2.0)>} evaluates the
4075 @samp{random(2.0)} separately for each vector element.
4077 Another group of operators that are often useful with @kbd{V M} are
4078 the relational operators: @kbd{a =}, for example, compares two numbers
4079 and gives the result 1 if they are equal, or 0 if not. Similarly,
4080 @w{@kbd{a <}} checks for one number being less than another.
4082 Other useful vector operations include @kbd{v v}, to reverse a
4083 vector end-for-end; @kbd{V S}, to sort the elements of a vector
4084 into increasing order; and @kbd{v r} and @w{@kbd{v c}}, to extract
4085 one row or column of a matrix, or (in both cases) to extract one
4086 element of a plain vector. With a negative argument, @kbd{v r}
4087 and @kbd{v c} instead delete one row, column, or vector element.
4089 @cindex Divisor functions
4090 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} The @expr{k}th @dfn{divisor function}
4094 is the sum of the @expr{k}th powers of all the divisors of an
4095 integer @expr{n}. Figure out a method for computing the divisor
4096 function for reasonably small values of @expr{n}. As a test,
4097 the 0th and 1st divisor functions of 30 are 8 and 72, respectively.
4098 @xref{List Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
4100 @cindex Square-free numbers
4101 @cindex Duplicate values in a list
4102 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 5.} The @kbd{k f} command produces a
4103 list of prime factors for a number. Sometimes it is important to
4104 know that a number is @dfn{square-free}, i.e., that no prime occurs
4105 more than once in its list of prime factors. Find a sequence of
4106 keystrokes to tell if a number is square-free; your method should
4107 leave 1 on the stack if it is, or 0 if it isn't.
4108 @xref{List Answer 5, 5}. (@bullet{})
4110 @cindex Triangular lists
4111 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 6.} Build a list of lists that looks
4112 like the following diagram. (You may wish to use the @kbd{v /}
4113 command to enable multi-line display of vectors.)
4122 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] ]
4127 @xref{List Answer 6, 6}. (@bullet{})
4129 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 7.} Build the following list of lists.
4137 [10, 11, 12, 13, 14],
4138 [15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20] ]
4143 @xref{List Answer 7, 7}. (@bullet{})
4145 @cindex Maximizing a function over a list of values
4146 @c [fix-ref Numerical Solutions]
4147 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 8.} Compute a list of values of Bessel's
4148 @texline @math{J_1(x)}
4150 function @samp{besJ(1,x)} for @expr{x} from 0 to 5 in steps of 0.25.
4151 Find the value of @expr{x} (from among the above set of values) for
4152 which @samp{besJ(1,x)} is a maximum. Use an ``automatic'' method,
4153 i.e., just reading along the list by hand to find the largest value
4154 is not allowed! (There is an @kbd{a X} command which does this kind
4155 of thing automatically; @pxref{Numerical Solutions}.)
4156 @xref{List Answer 8, 8}. (@bullet{})
4158 @cindex Digits, vectors of
4159 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 9.} You are given an integer in the range
4160 @texline @math{0 \le N < 10^m}
4161 @infoline @expr{0 <= N < 10^m}
4162 for @expr{m=12} (i.e., an integer of less than
4163 twelve digits). Convert this integer into a vector of @expr{m}
4164 digits, each in the range from 0 to 9. In vector-of-digits notation,
4165 add one to this integer to produce a vector of @expr{m+1} digits
4166 (since there could be a carry out of the most significant digit).
4167 Convert this vector back into a regular integer. A good integer
4168 to try is 25129925999. @xref{List Answer 9, 9}. (@bullet{})
4170 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 10.} Your friend Joe tried to use
4171 @kbd{V R a =} to test if all numbers in a list were equal. What
4172 happened? How would you do this test? @xref{List Answer 10, 10}. (@bullet{})
4174 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 11.} The area of a circle of radius one
4175 is @cpi{}. The area of the
4176 @texline @math{2\times2}
4178 square that encloses that circle is 4. So if we throw @var{n} darts at
4179 random points in the square, about @cpiover{4} of them will land inside
4180 the circle. This gives us an entertaining way to estimate the value of
4181 @cpi{}. The @w{@kbd{k r}}
4182 command picks a random number between zero and the value on the stack.
4183 We could get a random floating-point number between @mathit{-1} and 1 by typing
4184 @w{@kbd{2.0 k r 1 -}}. Build a vector of 100 random @expr{(x,y)} points in
4185 this square, then use vector mapping and reduction to count how many
4186 points lie inside the unit circle. Hint: Use the @kbd{v b} command.
4187 @xref{List Answer 11, 11}. (@bullet{})
4189 @cindex Matchstick problem
4190 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 12.} The @dfn{matchstick problem} provides
4191 another way to calculate @cpi{}. Say you have an infinite field
4192 of vertical lines with a spacing of one inch. Toss a one-inch matchstick
4193 onto the field. The probability that the matchstick will land crossing
4194 a line turns out to be
4195 @texline @math{2/\pi}.
4196 @infoline @expr{2/pi}.
4197 Toss 100 matchsticks to estimate @cpi{}. (If you want still more fun,
4198 the probability that the GCD (@w{@kbd{k g}}) of two large integers is
4200 @texline @math{6/\pi^2}.
4201 @infoline @expr{6/pi^2}.
4202 That provides yet another way to estimate @cpi{}.)
4203 @xref{List Answer 12, 12}. (@bullet{})
4205 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 13.} An algebraic entry of a string in
4206 double-quote marks, @samp{"hello"}, creates a vector of the numerical
4207 (ASCII) codes of the characters (here, @expr{[104, 101, 108, 108, 111]}).
4208 Sometimes it is convenient to compute a @dfn{hash code} of a string,
4209 which is just an integer that represents the value of that string.
4210 Two equal strings have the same hash code; two different strings
4211 @dfn{probably} have different hash codes. (For example, Calc has
4212 over 400 function names, but Emacs can quickly find the definition for
4213 any given name because it has sorted the functions into ``buckets'' by
4214 their hash codes. Sometimes a few names will hash into the same bucket,
4215 but it is easier to search among a few names than among all the names.)
4216 One popular hash function is computed as follows: First set @expr{h = 0}.
4217 Then, for each character from the string in turn, set @expr{h = 3h + c_i}
4218 where @expr{c_i} is the character's ASCII code. If we have 511 buckets,
4219 we then take the hash code modulo 511 to get the bucket number. Develop a
4220 simple command or commands for converting string vectors into hash codes.
4221 The hash code for @samp{"Testing, 1, 2, 3"} is 1960915098, which modulo
4222 511 is 121. @xref{List Answer 13, 13}. (@bullet{})
4224 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 14.} The @kbd{H V R} and @kbd{H V U}
4225 commands do nested function evaluations. @kbd{H V U} takes a starting
4226 value and a number of steps @var{n} from the stack; it then applies the
4227 function you give to the starting value 0, 1, 2, up to @var{n} times
4228 and returns a vector of the results. Use this command to create a
4229 ``random walk'' of 50 steps. Start with the two-dimensional point
4230 @expr{(0,0)}; then take one step a random distance between @mathit{-1} and 1
4231 in both @expr{x} and @expr{y}; then take another step, and so on. Use the
4232 @kbd{g f} command to display this random walk. Now modify your random
4233 walk to walk a unit distance, but in a random direction, at each step.
4234 (Hint: The @code{sincos} function returns a vector of the cosine and
4235 sine of an angle.) @xref{List Answer 14, 14}. (@bullet{})
4237 @node Types Tutorial, Algebra Tutorial, Vector/Matrix Tutorial, Tutorial
4238 @section Types Tutorial
4241 Calc understands a variety of data types as well as simple numbers.
4242 In this section, we'll experiment with each of these types in turn.
4244 The numbers we've been using so far have mainly been either @dfn{integers}
4245 or @dfn{floats}. We saw that floats are usually a good approximation to
4246 the mathematical concept of real numbers, but they are only approximations
4247 and are susceptible to roundoff error. Calc also supports @dfn{fractions},
4248 which can exactly represent any rational number.
4252 1: 3628800 2: 3628800 1: 518400:7 1: 518414:7 1: 7:518414
4256 10 ! 49 @key{RET} : 2 + &
4261 The @kbd{:} command divides two integers to get a fraction; @kbd{/}
4262 would normally divide integers to get a floating-point result.
4263 Notice we had to type @key{RET} between the @kbd{49} and the @kbd{:}
4264 since the @kbd{:} would otherwise be interpreted as part of a
4265 fraction beginning with 49.
4267 You can convert between floating-point and fractional format using
4268 @kbd{c f} and @kbd{c F}:
4272 1: 1.35027217629e-5 1: 7:518414
4279 The @kbd{c F} command replaces a floating-point number with the
4280 ``simplest'' fraction whose floating-point representation is the
4281 same, to within the current precision.
4285 1: 3.14159265359 1: 1146408:364913 1: 3.1416 1: 355:113
4288 P c F @key{DEL} p 5 @key{RET} P c F
4292 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} A calculation has produced the
4293 result 1.26508260337. You suspect it is the square root of the
4294 product of @cpi{} and some rational number. Is it? (Be sure
4295 to allow for roundoff error!) @xref{Types Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
4297 @dfn{Complex numbers} can be stored in both rectangular and polar form.
4301 1: -9 1: (0, 3) 1: (3; 90.) 1: (6; 90.) 1: (2.4495; 45.)
4309 The square root of @mathit{-9} is by default rendered in rectangular form
4310 (@w{@expr{0 + 3i}}), but we can convert it to polar form (3 with a
4311 phase angle of 90 degrees). All the usual arithmetic and scientific
4312 operations are defined on both types of complex numbers.
4314 Another generalized kind of number is @dfn{infinity}. Infinity
4315 isn't really a number, but it can sometimes be treated like one.
4316 Calc uses the symbol @code{inf} to represent positive infinity,
4317 i.e., a value greater than any real number. Naturally, you can
4318 also write @samp{-inf} for minus infinity, a value less than any
4319 real number. The word @code{inf} can only be input using
4324 2: inf 2: -inf 2: -inf 2: -inf 1: nan
4325 1: -17 1: -inf 1: -inf 1: inf .
4328 ' inf @key{RET} 17 n * @key{RET} 72 + A +
4333 Since infinity is infinitely large, multiplying it by any finite
4334 number (like @mathit{-17}) has no effect, except that since @mathit{-17}
4335 is negative, it changes a plus infinity to a minus infinity.
4336 (``A huge positive number, multiplied by @mathit{-17}, yields a huge
4337 negative number.'') Adding any finite number to infinity also
4338 leaves it unchanged. Taking an absolute value gives us plus
4339 infinity again. Finally, we add this plus infinity to the minus
4340 infinity we had earlier. If you work it out, you might expect
4341 the answer to be @mathit{-72} for this. But the 72 has been completely
4342 lost next to the infinities; by the time we compute @w{@samp{inf - inf}}
4343 the finite difference between them, if any, is undetectable.
4344 So we say the result is @dfn{indeterminate}, which Calc writes
4345 with the symbol @code{nan} (for Not A Number).
4347 Dividing by zero is normally treated as an error, but you can get
4348 Calc to write an answer in terms of infinity by pressing @kbd{m i}
4349 to turn on Infinite mode.
4353 3: nan 2: nan 2: nan 2: nan 1: nan
4354 2: 1 1: 1 / 0 1: uinf 1: uinf .
4358 1 @key{RET} 0 / m i U / 17 n * +
4363 Dividing by zero normally is left unevaluated, but after @kbd{m i}
4364 it instead gives an infinite result. The answer is actually
4365 @code{uinf}, ``undirected infinity.'' If you look at a graph of
4366 @expr{1 / x} around @w{@expr{x = 0}}, you'll see that it goes toward
4367 plus infinity as you approach zero from above, but toward minus
4368 infinity as you approach from below. Since we said only @expr{1 / 0},
4369 Calc knows that the answer is infinite but not in which direction.
4370 That's what @code{uinf} means. Notice that multiplying @code{uinf}
4371 by a negative number still leaves plain @code{uinf}; there's no
4372 point in saying @samp{-uinf} because the sign of @code{uinf} is
4373 unknown anyway. Finally, we add @code{uinf} to our @code{nan},
4374 yielding @code{nan} again. It's easy to see that, because
4375 @code{nan} means ``totally unknown'' while @code{uinf} means
4376 ``unknown sign but known to be infinite,'' the more mysterious
4377 @code{nan} wins out when it is combined with @code{uinf}, or, for
4378 that matter, with anything else.
4380 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Predict what Calc will answer
4381 for each of these formulas: @samp{inf / inf}, @samp{exp(inf)},
4382 @samp{exp(-inf)}, @samp{sqrt(-inf)}, @samp{sqrt(uinf)},
4383 @samp{abs(uinf)}, @samp{ln(0)}.
4384 @xref{Types Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
4386 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} We saw that @samp{inf - inf = nan},
4387 which stands for an unknown value. Can @code{nan} stand for
4388 a complex number? Can it stand for infinity?
4389 @xref{Types Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
4391 @dfn{HMS forms} represent a value in terms of hours, minutes, and
4396 1: 2@@ 30' 0" 1: 3@@ 30' 0" 2: 3@@ 30' 0" 1: 2.
4397 . . 1: 1@@ 45' 0." .
4400 2@@ 30' @key{RET} 1 + @key{RET} 2 / /
4404 HMS forms can also be used to hold angles in degrees, minutes, and
4409 1: 0.5 1: 26.56505 1: 26@@ 33' 54.18" 1: 0.44721
4417 First we convert the inverse tangent of 0.5 to degrees-minutes-seconds
4418 form, then we take the sine of that angle. Note that the trigonometric
4419 functions will accept HMS forms directly as input.
4422 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} The Beatles' @emph{Abbey Road} is
4423 47 minutes and 26 seconds long, and contains 17 songs. What is the
4424 average length of a song on @emph{Abbey Road}? If the Extended Disco
4425 Version of @emph{Abbey Road} added 20 seconds to the length of each
4426 song, how long would the album be? @xref{Types Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
4428 A @dfn{date form} represents a date, or a date and time. Dates must
4429 be entered using algebraic entry. Date forms are surrounded by
4430 @samp{< >} symbols; most standard formats for dates are recognized.
4434 2: <Sun Jan 13, 1991> 1: 2.25
4435 1: <6:00pm Thu Jan 10, 1991> .
4438 ' <13 Jan 1991>, <1/10/91, 6pm> @key{RET} -
4443 In this example, we enter two dates, then subtract to find the
4444 number of days between them. It is also possible to add an
4445 HMS form or a number (of days) to a date form to get another
4450 1: <4:45:59pm Mon Jan 14, 1991> 1: <2:50:59am Thu Jan 17, 1991>
4457 @c [fix-ref Date Arithmetic]
4459 The @kbd{t N} (``now'') command pushes the current date and time on the
4460 stack; then we add two days, ten hours and five minutes to the date and
4461 time. Other date-and-time related commands include @kbd{t J}, which
4462 does Julian day conversions, @kbd{t W}, which finds the beginning of
4463 the week in which a date form lies, and @kbd{t I}, which increments a
4464 date by one or several months. @xref{Date Arithmetic}, for more.
4466 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 5.} How many days until the next
4467 Friday the 13th? @xref{Types Answer 5, 5}. (@bullet{})
4469 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 6.} How many leap years will there be
4470 between now and the year 10001 A.D.? @xref{Types Answer 6, 6}. (@bullet{})
4472 @cindex Slope and angle of a line
4473 @cindex Angle and slope of a line
4474 An @dfn{error form} represents a mean value with an attached standard
4475 deviation, or error estimate. Suppose our measurements indicate that
4476 a certain telephone pole is about 30 meters away, with an estimated
4477 error of 1 meter, and 8 meters tall, with an estimated error of 0.2
4478 meters. What is the slope of a line from here to the top of the
4479 pole, and what is the equivalent angle in degrees?
4483 1: 8 +/- 0.2 2: 8 +/- 0.2 1: 0.266 +/- 0.011 1: 14.93 +/- 0.594
4487 8 p .2 @key{RET} 30 p 1 / I T
4492 This means that the angle is about 15 degrees, and, assuming our
4493 original error estimates were valid standard deviations, there is about
4494 a 60% chance that the result is correct within 0.59 degrees.
4496 @cindex Torus, volume of
4497 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 7.} The volume of a torus (a donut shape) is
4498 @texline @math{2 \pi^2 R r^2}
4499 @infoline @w{@expr{2 pi^2 R r^2}}
4500 where @expr{R} is the radius of the circle that
4501 defines the center of the tube and @expr{r} is the radius of the tube
4502 itself. Suppose @expr{R} is 20 cm and @expr{r} is 4 cm, each known to
4503 within 5 percent. What is the volume and the relative uncertainty of
4504 the volume? @xref{Types Answer 7, 7}. (@bullet{})
4506 An @dfn{interval form} represents a range of values. While an
4507 error form is best for making statistical estimates, intervals give
4508 you exact bounds on an answer. Suppose we additionally know that
4509 our telephone pole is definitely between 28 and 31 meters away,
4510 and that it is between 7.7 and 8.1 meters tall.
4514 1: [7.7 .. 8.1] 2: [7.7 .. 8.1] 1: [0.24 .. 0.28] 1: [13.9 .. 16.1]
4518 [ 7.7 .. 8.1 ] [ 28 .. 31 ] / I T
4523 If our bounds were correct, then the angle to the top of the pole
4524 is sure to lie in the range shown.
4526 The square brackets around these intervals indicate that the endpoints
4527 themselves are allowable values. In other words, the distance to the
4528 telephone pole is between 28 and 31, @emph{inclusive}. You can also
4529 make an interval that is exclusive of its endpoints by writing
4530 parentheses instead of square brackets. You can even make an interval
4531 which is inclusive (``closed'') on one end and exclusive (``open'') on
4536 1: [1 .. 10) 1: (0.1 .. 1] 2: (0.1 .. 1] 1: (0.2 .. 3)
4540 [ 1 .. 10 ) & [ 2 .. 3 ) *
4545 The Calculator automatically keeps track of which end values should
4546 be open and which should be closed. You can also make infinite or
4547 semi-infinite intervals by using @samp{-inf} or @samp{inf} for one
4550 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 8.} What answer would you expect from
4551 @samp{@w{1 /} @w{(0 .. 10)}}? What about @samp{@w{1 /} @w{(-10 .. 0)}}? What
4552 about @samp{@w{1 /} @w{[0 .. 10]}} (where the interval actually includes
4553 zero)? What about @samp{@w{1 /} @w{(-10 .. 10)}}?
4554 @xref{Types Answer 8, 8}. (@bullet{})
4556 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 9.} Two easy ways of squaring a number
4557 are @kbd{@key{RET} *} and @w{@kbd{2 ^}}. Normally these produce the same
4558 answer. Would you expect this still to hold true for interval forms?
4559 If not, which of these will result in a larger interval?
4560 @xref{Types Answer 9, 9}. (@bullet{})
4562 A @dfn{modulo form} is used for performing arithmetic modulo @var{m}.
4563 For example, arithmetic involving time is generally done modulo 12
4568 1: 17 mod 24 1: 3 mod 24 1: 21 mod 24 1: 9 mod 24
4571 17 M 24 @key{RET} 10 + n 5 /
4576 In this last step, Calc has divided by 5 modulo 24; i.e., it has found a
4577 new number which, when multiplied by 5 modulo 24, produces the original
4578 number, 21. If @var{m} is prime and the divisor is not a multiple of
4579 @var{m}, it is always possible to find such a number. For non-prime
4580 @var{m} like 24, it is only sometimes possible.
4584 1: 10 mod 24 1: 16 mod 24 1: 1000000... 1: 16
4587 10 M 24 @key{RET} 100 ^ 10 @key{RET} 100 ^ 24 %
4592 These two calculations get the same answer, but the first one is
4593 much more efficient because it avoids the huge intermediate value
4594 that arises in the second one.
4596 @cindex Fermat, primality test of
4597 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 10.} A theorem of Pierre de Fermat
4599 @texline @w{@math{x^{n-1} \bmod n = 1}}
4600 @infoline @expr{x^(n-1) mod n = 1}
4601 if @expr{n} is a prime number and @expr{x} is an integer less than
4602 @expr{n}. If @expr{n} is @emph{not} a prime number, this will
4603 @emph{not} be true for most values of @expr{x}. Thus we can test
4604 informally if a number is prime by trying this formula for several
4605 values of @expr{x}. Use this test to tell whether the following numbers
4606 are prime: 811749613, 15485863. @xref{Types Answer 10, 10}. (@bullet{})
4608 It is possible to use HMS forms as parts of error forms, intervals,
4609 modulo forms, or as the phase part of a polar complex number.
4610 For example, the @code{calc-time} command pushes the current time
4611 of day on the stack as an HMS/modulo form.
4615 1: 17@@ 34' 45" mod 24@@ 0' 0" 1: 6@@ 22' 15" mod 24@@ 0' 0"
4623 This calculation tells me it is six hours and 22 minutes until midnight.
4625 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 11.} A rule of thumb is that one year
4627 @texline @math{\pi \times 10^7}
4628 @infoline @w{@expr{pi * 10^7}}
4629 seconds. What time will it be that many seconds from right now?
4630 @xref{Types Answer 11, 11}. (@bullet{})
4632 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 12.} You are preparing to order packaging
4633 for the CD release of the Extended Disco Version of @emph{Abbey Road}.
4634 You are told that the songs will actually be anywhere from 20 to 60
4635 seconds longer than the originals. One CD can hold about 75 minutes
4636 of music. Should you order single or double packages?
4637 @xref{Types Answer 12, 12}. (@bullet{})
4639 Another kind of data the Calculator can manipulate is numbers with
4640 @dfn{units}. This isn't strictly a new data type; it's simply an
4641 application of algebraic expressions, where we use variables with
4642 suggestive names like @samp{cm} and @samp{in} to represent units
4643 like centimeters and inches.
4647 1: 2 in 1: 5.08 cm 1: 0.027778 fath 1: 0.0508 m
4650 ' 2in @key{RET} u c cm @key{RET} u c fath @key{RET} u b
4655 We enter the quantity ``2 inches'' (actually an algebraic expression
4656 which means two times the variable @samp{in}), then we convert it
4657 first to centimeters, then to fathoms, then finally to ``base'' units,
4658 which in this case means meters.
4662 1: 9 acre 1: 3 sqrt(acre) 1: 190.84 m 1: 190.84 m + 30 cm
4665 ' 9 acre @key{RET} Q u s ' $+30 cm @key{RET}
4672 1: 191.14 m 1: 36536.3046 m^2 1: 365363046 cm^2
4680 Since units expressions are really just formulas, taking the square
4681 root of @samp{acre} is undefined. After all, @code{acre} might be an
4682 algebraic variable that you will someday assign a value. We use the
4683 ``units-simplify'' command to simplify the expression with variables
4684 being interpreted as unit names.
4686 In the final step, we have converted not to a particular unit, but to a
4687 units system. The ``cgs'' system uses centimeters instead of meters
4688 as its standard unit of length.
4690 There is a wide variety of units defined in the Calculator.
4694 1: 55 mph 1: 88.5139 kph 1: 88.5139 km / hr 1: 8.201407e-8 c
4697 ' 55 mph @key{RET} u c kph @key{RET} u c km/hr @key{RET} u c c @key{RET}
4702 We express a speed first in miles per hour, then in kilometers per
4703 hour, then again using a slightly more explicit notation, then
4704 finally in terms of fractions of the speed of light.
4706 Temperature conversions are a bit more tricky. There are two ways to
4707 interpret ``20 degrees Fahrenheit''---it could mean an actual
4708 temperature, or it could mean a change in temperature. For normal
4709 units there is no difference, but temperature units have an offset
4710 as well as a scale factor and so there must be two explicit commands
4715 1: 20 degF 1: 11.1111 degC 1: -20:3 degC 1: -6.666 degC
4718 ' 20 degF @key{RET} u c degC @key{RET} U u t degC @key{RET} c f
4723 First we convert a change of 20 degrees Fahrenheit into an equivalent
4724 change in degrees Celsius (or Centigrade). Then, we convert the
4725 absolute temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit into Celsius. Since
4726 this comes out as an exact fraction, we then convert to floating-point
4727 for easier comparison with the other result.
4729 For simple unit conversions, you can put a plain number on the stack.
4730 Then @kbd{u c} and @kbd{u t} will prompt for both old and new units.
4731 When you use this method, you're responsible for remembering which
4732 numbers are in which units:
4736 1: 55 1: 88.5139 1: 8.201407e-8
4739 55 u c mph @key{RET} kph @key{RET} u c km/hr @key{RET} c @key{RET}
4743 To see a complete list of built-in units, type @kbd{u v}. Press
4744 @w{@kbd{C-x * c}} again to re-enter the Calculator when you're done looking
4747 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 13.} How many seconds are there really
4748 in a year? @xref{Types Answer 13, 13}. (@bullet{})
4750 @cindex Speed of light
4751 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 14.} Supercomputer designs are limited by
4752 the speed of light (and of electricity, which is nearly as fast).
4753 Suppose a computer has a 4.1 ns (nanosecond) clock cycle, and its
4754 cabinet is one meter across. Is speed of light going to be a
4755 significant factor in its design? @xref{Types Answer 14, 14}. (@bullet{})
4757 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 15.} Sam the Slug normally travels about
4758 five yards in an hour. He has obtained a supply of Power Pills; each
4759 Power Pill he eats doubles his speed. How many Power Pills can he
4760 swallow and still travel legally on most US highways?
4761 @xref{Types Answer 15, 15}. (@bullet{})
4763 @node Algebra Tutorial, Programming Tutorial, Types Tutorial, Tutorial
4764 @section Algebra and Calculus Tutorial
4767 This section shows how to use Calc's algebra facilities to solve
4768 equations, do simple calculus problems, and manipulate algebraic
4772 * Basic Algebra Tutorial::
4773 * Rewrites Tutorial::
4776 @node Basic Algebra Tutorial, Rewrites Tutorial, Algebra Tutorial, Algebra Tutorial
4777 @subsection Basic Algebra
4780 If you enter a formula in Algebraic mode that refers to variables,
4781 the formula itself is pushed onto the stack. You can manipulate
4782 formulas as regular data objects.
4786 1: 2 x^2 - 6 1: 6 - 2 x^2 1: (6 - 2 x^2) (3 x^2 + y)
4789 ' 2x^2-6 @key{RET} n ' 3x^2+y @key{RET} *
4793 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Do @kbd{' x @key{RET} Q 2 ^} and
4794 @kbd{' x @key{RET} 2 ^ Q} both wind up with the same result (@samp{x})?
4795 Why or why not? @xref{Algebra Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
4797 There are also commands for doing common algebraic operations on
4798 formulas. Continuing with the formula from the last example,
4802 1: 18 x^2 + 6 y - 6 x^4 - 2 x^2 y 1: (18 - 2 y) x^2 - 6 x^4 + 6 y
4810 First we ``expand'' using the distributive law, then we ``collect''
4811 terms involving like powers of @expr{x}.
4813 Let's find the value of this expression when @expr{x} is 2 and @expr{y}
4818 1: 17 x^2 - 6 x^4 + 3 1: -25
4821 1:2 s l y @key{RET} 2 s l x @key{RET}
4826 The @kbd{s l} command means ``let''; it takes a number from the top of
4827 the stack and temporarily assigns it as the value of the variable
4828 you specify. It then evaluates (as if by the @kbd{=} key) the
4829 next expression on the stack. After this command, the variable goes
4830 back to its original value, if any.
4832 (An earlier exercise in this tutorial involved storing a value in the
4833 variable @code{x}; if this value is still there, you will have to
4834 unstore it with @kbd{s u x @key{RET}} before the above example will work
4837 @cindex Maximum of a function using Calculus
4838 Let's find the maximum value of our original expression when @expr{y}
4839 is one-half and @expr{x} ranges over all possible values. We can
4840 do this by taking the derivative with respect to @expr{x} and examining
4841 values of @expr{x} for which the derivative is zero. If the second
4842 derivative of the function at that value of @expr{x} is negative,
4843 the function has a local maximum there.
4847 1: 17 x^2 - 6 x^4 + 3 1: 34 x - 24 x^3
4850 U @key{DEL} s 1 a d x @key{RET} s 2
4855 Well, the derivative is clearly zero when @expr{x} is zero. To find
4856 the other root(s), let's divide through by @expr{x} and then solve:
4860 1: (34 x - 24 x^3) / x 1: 34 x / x - 24 x^3 / x 1: 34 - 24 x^2
4863 ' x @key{RET} / a x a s
4870 1: 34 - 24 x^2 = 0 1: x = 1.19023
4873 0 a = s 3 a S x @key{RET}
4878 Notice the use of @kbd{a s} to ``simplify'' the formula. When the
4879 default algebraic simplifications don't do enough, you can use
4880 @kbd{a s} to tell Calc to spend more time on the job.
4882 Now we compute the second derivative and plug in our values of @expr{x}:
4886 1: 1.19023 2: 1.19023 2: 1.19023
4887 . 1: 34 x - 24 x^3 1: 34 - 72 x^2
4890 a . r 2 a d x @key{RET} s 4
4895 (The @kbd{a .} command extracts just the righthand side of an equation.
4896 Another method would have been to use @kbd{v u} to unpack the equation
4897 @w{@samp{x = 1.19}} to @samp{x} and @samp{1.19}, then use @kbd{M-- M-2 @key{DEL}}
4898 to delete the @samp{x}.)
4902 2: 34 - 72 x^2 1: -68. 2: 34 - 72 x^2 1: 34
4906 @key{TAB} s l x @key{RET} U @key{DEL} 0 s l x @key{RET}
4911 The first of these second derivatives is negative, so we know the function
4912 has a maximum value at @expr{x = 1.19023}. (The function also has a
4913 local @emph{minimum} at @expr{x = 0}.)
4915 When we solved for @expr{x}, we got only one value even though
4916 @expr{34 - 24 x^2 = 0} is a quadratic equation that ought to have
4917 two solutions. The reason is that @w{@kbd{a S}} normally returns a
4918 single ``principal'' solution. If it needs to come up with an
4919 arbitrary sign (as occurs in the quadratic formula) it picks @expr{+}.
4920 If it needs an arbitrary integer, it picks zero. We can get a full
4921 solution by pressing @kbd{H} (the Hyperbolic flag) before @kbd{a S}.
4925 1: 34 - 24 x^2 = 0 1: x = 1.19023 s1 1: x = -1.19023
4928 r 3 H a S x @key{RET} s 5 1 n s l s1 @key{RET}
4933 Calc has invented the variable @samp{s1} to represent an unknown sign;
4934 it is supposed to be either @mathit{+1} or @mathit{-1}. Here we have used
4935 the ``let'' command to evaluate the expression when the sign is negative.
4936 If we plugged this into our second derivative we would get the same,
4937 negative, answer, so @expr{x = -1.19023} is also a maximum.
4939 To find the actual maximum value, we must plug our two values of @expr{x}
4940 into the original formula.
4944 2: 17 x^2 - 6 x^4 + 3 1: 24.08333 s1^2 - 12.04166 s1^4 + 3
4948 r 1 r 5 s l @key{RET}
4953 (Here we see another way to use @kbd{s l}; if its input is an equation
4954 with a variable on the lefthand side, then @kbd{s l} treats the equation
4955 like an assignment to that variable if you don't give a variable name.)
4957 It's clear that this will have the same value for either sign of
4958 @code{s1}, but let's work it out anyway, just for the exercise:
4962 2: [-1, 1] 1: [15.04166, 15.04166]
4963 1: 24.08333 s1^2 ... .
4966 [ 1 n , 1 ] @key{TAB} V M $ @key{RET}
4971 Here we have used a vector mapping operation to evaluate the function
4972 at several values of @samp{s1} at once. @kbd{V M $} is like @kbd{V M '}
4973 except that it takes the formula from the top of the stack. The
4974 formula is interpreted as a function to apply across the vector at the
4975 next-to-top stack level. Since a formula on the stack can't contain
4976 @samp{$} signs, Calc assumes the variables in the formula stand for
4977 different arguments. It prompts you for an @dfn{argument list}, giving
4978 the list of all variables in the formula in alphabetical order as the
4979 default list. In this case the default is @samp{(s1)}, which is just
4980 what we want so we simply press @key{RET} at the prompt.
4982 If there had been several different values, we could have used
4983 @w{@kbd{V R X}} to find the global maximum.
4985 Calc has a built-in @kbd{a P} command that solves an equation using
4986 @w{@kbd{H a S}} and returns a vector of all the solutions. It simply
4987 automates the job we just did by hand. Applied to our original
4988 cubic polynomial, it would produce the vector of solutions
4989 @expr{[1.19023, -1.19023, 0]}. (There is also an @kbd{a X} command
4990 which finds a local maximum of a function. It uses a numerical search
4991 method rather than examining the derivatives, and thus requires you
4992 to provide some kind of initial guess to show it where to look.)
4994 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Given a vector of the roots of a
4995 polynomial (such as the output of an @kbd{a P} command), what
4996 sequence of commands would you use to reconstruct the original
4997 polynomial? (The answer will be unique to within a constant
4998 multiple; choose the solution where the leading coefficient is one.)
4999 @xref{Algebra Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
5001 The @kbd{m s} command enables Symbolic mode, in which formulas
5002 like @samp{sqrt(5)} that can't be evaluated exactly are left in
5003 symbolic form rather than giving a floating-point approximate answer.
5004 Fraction mode (@kbd{m f}) is also useful when doing algebra.
5008 2: 34 x - 24 x^3 2: 34 x - 24 x^3
5009 1: 34 x - 24 x^3 1: [sqrt(51) / 6, sqrt(51) / -6, 0]
5012 r 2 @key{RET} m s m f a P x @key{RET}
5016 One more mode that makes reading formulas easier is Big mode.
5025 1: [-----, -----, 0]
5034 Here things like powers, square roots, and quotients and fractions
5035 are displayed in a two-dimensional pictorial form. Calc has other
5036 language modes as well, such as C mode, FORTRAN mode, @TeX{} mode
5041 2: 34*x - 24*pow(x, 3) 2: 34*x - 24*x**3
5042 1: @{sqrt(51) / 6, sqrt(51) / -6, 0@} 1: /sqrt(51) / 6, sqrt(51) / -6, 0/
5053 2: [@{\sqrt@{51@} \over 6@}, @{\sqrt@{51@} \over -6@}, 0]
5054 1: @{2 \over 3@} \sqrt@{5@}
5057 d T ' 2 \sqrt@{5@} \over 3 @key{RET}
5062 As you can see, language modes affect both entry and display of
5063 formulas. They affect such things as the names used for built-in
5064 functions, the set of arithmetic operators and their precedences,
5065 and notations for vectors and matrices.
5067 Notice that @samp{sqrt(51)} may cause problems with older
5068 implementations of C and FORTRAN, which would require something more
5069 like @samp{sqrt(51.0)}. It is always wise to check over the formulas
5070 produced by the various language modes to make sure they are fully
5073 Type @kbd{m s}, @kbd{m f}, and @kbd{d N} to reset these modes. (You
5074 may prefer to remain in Big mode, but all the examples in the tutorial
5075 are shown in normal mode.)
5077 @cindex Area under a curve
5078 What is the area under the portion of this curve from @expr{x = 1} to @expr{2}?
5079 This is simply the integral of the function:
5083 1: 17 x^2 - 6 x^4 + 3 1: 5.6666 x^3 - 1.2 x^5 + 3 x
5091 We want to evaluate this at our two values for @expr{x} and subtract.
5092 One way to do it is again with vector mapping and reduction:
5096 2: [2, 1] 1: [12.93333, 7.46666] 1: 5.46666
5097 1: 5.6666 x^3 ... . .
5099 [ 2 , 1 ] @key{TAB} V M $ @key{RET} V R -
5103 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} Find the integral from 1 to @expr{y}
5105 @texline @math{x \sin \pi x}
5106 @infoline @w{@expr{x sin(pi x)}}
5107 (where the sine is calculated in radians). Find the values of the
5108 integral for integers @expr{y} from 1 to 5. @xref{Algebra Answer 3,
5111 Calc's integrator can do many simple integrals symbolically, but many
5112 others are beyond its capabilities. Suppose we wish to find the area
5114 @texline @math{\sin x \ln x}
5115 @infoline @expr{sin(x) ln(x)}
5116 over the same range of @expr{x}. If you entered this formula and typed
5117 @kbd{a i x @key{RET}} (don't bother to try this), Calc would work for a
5118 long time but would be unable to find a solution. In fact, there is no
5119 closed-form solution to this integral. Now what do we do?
5121 @cindex Integration, numerical
5122 @cindex Numerical integration
5123 One approach would be to do the integral numerically. It is not hard
5124 to do this by hand using vector mapping and reduction. It is rather
5125 slow, though, since the sine and logarithm functions take a long time.
5126 We can save some time by reducing the working precision.
5130 3: 10 1: [1, 1.1, 1.2, ... , 1.8, 1.9]
5135 10 @key{RET} 1 @key{RET} .1 @key{RET} C-u v x
5140 (Note that we have used the extended version of @kbd{v x}; we could
5141 also have used plain @kbd{v x} as follows: @kbd{v x 10 @key{RET} 9 + .1 *}.)
5145 2: [1, 1.1, ... ] 1: [0., 0.084941, 0.16993, ... ]
5149 ' sin(x) ln(x) @key{RET} s 1 m r p 5 @key{RET} V M $ @key{RET}
5164 (If you got wildly different results, did you remember to switch
5167 Here we have divided the curve into ten segments of equal width;
5168 approximating these segments as rectangular boxes (i.e., assuming
5169 the curve is nearly flat at that resolution), we compute the areas
5170 of the boxes (height times width), then sum the areas. (It is
5171 faster to sum first, then multiply by the width, since the width
5172 is the same for every box.)
5174 The true value of this integral turns out to be about 0.374, so
5175 we're not doing too well. Let's try another approach.
5179 1: sin(x) ln(x) 1: 0.84147 x - 0.84147 + 0.11957 (x - 1)^2 - ...
5182 r 1 a t x=1 @key{RET} 4 @key{RET}
5187 Here we have computed the Taylor series expansion of the function
5188 about the point @expr{x=1}. We can now integrate this polynomial
5189 approximation, since polynomials are easy to integrate.
5193 1: 0.42074 x^2 + ... 1: [-0.0446, -0.42073] 1: 0.3761
5196 a i x @key{RET} [ 2 , 1 ] @key{TAB} V M $ @key{RET} V R -
5201 Better! By increasing the precision and/or asking for more terms
5202 in the Taylor series, we can get a result as accurate as we like.
5203 (Taylor series converge better away from singularities in the
5204 function such as the one at @code{ln(0)}, so it would also help to
5205 expand the series about the points @expr{x=2} or @expr{x=1.5} instead
5208 @cindex Simpson's rule
5209 @cindex Integration by Simpson's rule
5210 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} Our first method approximated the
5211 curve by stairsteps of width 0.1; the total area was then the sum
5212 of the areas of the rectangles under these stairsteps. Our second
5213 method approximated the function by a polynomial, which turned out
5214 to be a better approximation than stairsteps. A third method is
5215 @dfn{Simpson's rule}, which is like the stairstep method except
5216 that the steps are not required to be flat. Simpson's rule boils
5217 down to the formula,
5221 (h/3) * (f(a) + 4 f(a+h) + 2 f(a+2h) + 4 f(a+3h) + ...
5222 + 2 f(a+(n-2)*h) + 4 f(a+(n-1)*h) + f(a+n*h))
5229 \qquad {h \over 3} (f(a) + 4 f(a+h) + 2 f(a+2h) + 4 f(a+3h) + \cdots
5230 \hfill \cr \hfill {} + 2 f(a+(n-2)h) + 4 f(a+(n-1)h) + f(a+n h)) \qquad
5236 where @expr{n} (which must be even) is the number of slices and @expr{h}
5237 is the width of each slice. These are 10 and 0.1 in our example.
5238 For reference, here is the corresponding formula for the stairstep
5243 h * (f(a) + f(a+h) + f(a+2h) + f(a+3h) + ...
5244 + f(a+(n-2)*h) + f(a+(n-1)*h))
5250 $$ h (f(a) + f(a+h) + f(a+2h) + f(a+3h) + \cdots
5251 + f(a+(n-2)h) + f(a+(n-1)h)) $$
5255 Compute the integral from 1 to 2 of
5256 @texline @math{\sin x \ln x}
5257 @infoline @expr{sin(x) ln(x)}
5258 using Simpson's rule with 10 slices.
5259 @xref{Algebra Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
5261 Calc has a built-in @kbd{a I} command for doing numerical integration.
5262 It uses @dfn{Romberg's method}, which is a more sophisticated cousin
5263 of Simpson's rule. In particular, it knows how to keep refining the
5264 result until the current precision is satisfied.
5266 @c [fix-ref Selecting Sub-Formulas]
5267 Aside from the commands we've seen so far, Calc also provides a
5268 large set of commands for operating on parts of formulas. You
5269 indicate the desired sub-formula by placing the cursor on any part
5270 of the formula before giving a @dfn{selection} command. Selections won't
5271 be covered in the tutorial; @pxref{Selecting Subformulas}, for
5272 details and examples.
5274 @c hard exercise: simplify (2^(n r) - 2^(r*(n - 1))) / (2^r - 1) 2^(n - 1)
5275 @c to 2^((n-1)*(r-1)).
5277 @node Rewrites Tutorial, , Basic Algebra Tutorial, Algebra Tutorial
5278 @subsection Rewrite Rules
5281 No matter how many built-in commands Calc provided for doing algebra,
5282 there would always be something you wanted to do that Calc didn't have
5283 in its repertoire. So Calc also provides a @dfn{rewrite rule} system
5284 that you can use to define your own algebraic manipulations.
5286 Suppose we want to simplify this trigonometric formula:
5290 1: 2 / cos(x)^2 - 2 tan(x)^2
5293 ' 2/cos(x)^2 - 2tan(x)^2 @key{RET} s 1
5298 If we were simplifying this by hand, we'd probably replace the
5299 @samp{tan} with a @samp{sin/cos} first, then combine over a common
5300 denominator. The @kbd{I a s} command will do the former and the @kbd{a n}
5301 algebra command will do the latter, but we'll do both with rewrite
5302 rules just for practice.
5304 Rewrite rules are written with the @samp{:=} symbol.
5308 1: 2 / cos(x)^2 - 2 sin(x)^2 / cos(x)^2
5311 a r tan(a) := sin(a)/cos(a) @key{RET}
5316 (The ``assignment operator'' @samp{:=} has several uses in Calc. All
5317 by itself the formula @samp{tan(a) := sin(a)/cos(a)} doesn't do anything,
5318 but when it is given to the @kbd{a r} command, that command interprets
5319 it as a rewrite rule.)
5321 The lefthand side, @samp{tan(a)}, is called the @dfn{pattern} of the
5322 rewrite rule. Calc searches the formula on the stack for parts that
5323 match the pattern. Variables in a rewrite pattern are called
5324 @dfn{meta-variables}, and when matching the pattern each meta-variable
5325 can match any sub-formula. Here, the meta-variable @samp{a} matched
5326 the actual variable @samp{x}.
5328 When the pattern part of a rewrite rule matches a part of the formula,
5329 that part is replaced by the righthand side with all the meta-variables
5330 substituted with the things they matched. So the result is
5331 @samp{sin(x) / cos(x)}. Calc's normal algebraic simplifications then
5332 mix this in with the rest of the original formula.
5334 To merge over a common denominator, we can use another simple rule:
5338 1: (2 - 2 sin(x)^2) / cos(x)^2
5341 a r a/x + b/x := (a+b)/x @key{RET}
5345 This rule points out several interesting features of rewrite patterns.
5346 First, if a meta-variable appears several times in a pattern, it must
5347 match the same thing everywhere. This rule detects common denominators
5348 because the same meta-variable @samp{x} is used in both of the
5351 Second, meta-variable names are independent from variables in the
5352 target formula. Notice that the meta-variable @samp{x} here matches
5353 the subformula @samp{cos(x)^2}; Calc never confuses the two meanings of
5356 And third, rewrite patterns know a little bit about the algebraic
5357 properties of formulas. The pattern called for a sum of two quotients;
5358 Calc was able to match a difference of two quotients by matching
5359 @samp{a = 2}, @samp{b = -2 sin(x)^2}, and @samp{x = cos(x)^2}.
5361 @c [fix-ref Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules]
5362 We could just as easily have written @samp{a/x - b/x := (a-b)/x} for
5363 the rule. It would have worked just the same in all cases. (If we
5364 really wanted the rule to apply only to @samp{+} or only to @samp{-},
5365 we could have used the @code{plain} symbol. @xref{Algebraic Properties
5366 of Rewrite Rules}, for some examples of this.)
5368 One more rewrite will complete the job. We want to use the identity
5369 @samp{sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 = 1}, but of course we must first rearrange
5370 the identity in a way that matches our formula. The obvious rule
5371 would be @samp{@w{2 - 2 sin(x)^2} := 2 cos(x)^2}, but a little thought shows
5372 that the rule @samp{sin(x)^2 := 1 - cos(x)^2} will also work. The
5373 latter rule has a more general pattern so it will work in many other
5378 1: (2 + 2 cos(x)^2 - 2) / cos(x)^2 1: 2
5381 a r sin(x)^2 := 1 - cos(x)^2 @key{RET} a s
5385 You may ask, what's the point of using the most general rule if you
5386 have to type it in every time anyway? The answer is that Calc allows
5387 you to store a rewrite rule in a variable, then give the variable
5388 name in the @kbd{a r} command. In fact, this is the preferred way to
5389 use rewrites. For one, if you need a rule once you'll most likely
5390 need it again later. Also, if the rule doesn't work quite right you
5391 can simply Undo, edit the variable, and run the rule again without
5392 having to retype it.
5396 ' tan(x) := sin(x)/cos(x) @key{RET} s t tsc @key{RET}
5397 ' a/x + b/x := (a+b)/x @key{RET} s t merge @key{RET}
5398 ' sin(x)^2 := 1 - cos(x)^2 @key{RET} s t sinsqr @key{RET}
5400 1: 2 / cos(x)^2 - 2 tan(x)^2 1: 2
5403 r 1 a r tsc @key{RET} a r merge @key{RET} a r sinsqr @key{RET} a s
5407 To edit a variable, type @kbd{s e} and the variable name, use regular
5408 Emacs editing commands as necessary, then type @kbd{C-c C-c} to store
5409 the edited value back into the variable.
5410 You can also use @w{@kbd{s e}} to create a new variable if you wish.
5412 Notice that the first time you use each rule, Calc puts up a ``compiling''
5413 message briefly. The pattern matcher converts rules into a special
5414 optimized pattern-matching language rather than using them directly.
5415 This allows @kbd{a r} to apply even rather complicated rules very
5416 efficiently. If the rule is stored in a variable, Calc compiles it
5417 only once and stores the compiled form along with the variable. That's
5418 another good reason to store your rules in variables rather than
5419 entering them on the fly.
5421 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} Type @kbd{m s} to get Symbolic
5422 mode, then enter the formula @samp{@w{(2 + sqrt(2))} / @w{(1 + sqrt(2))}}.
5423 Using a rewrite rule, simplify this formula by multiplying the top and
5424 bottom by the conjugate @w{@samp{1 - sqrt(2)}}. The result will have
5425 to be expanded by the distributive law; do this with another
5426 rewrite. @xref{Rewrites Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
5428 The @kbd{a r} command can also accept a vector of rewrite rules, or
5429 a variable containing a vector of rules.
5433 1: [tsc, merge, sinsqr] 1: [tan(x) := sin(x) / cos(x), ... ]
5436 ' [tsc,merge,sinsqr] @key{RET} =
5443 1: 1 / cos(x) - sin(x) tan(x) 1: cos(x)
5446 s t trig @key{RET} r 1 a r trig @key{RET} a s
5450 @c [fix-ref Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules]
5451 Calc tries all the rules you give against all parts of the formula,
5452 repeating until no further change is possible. (The exact order in
5453 which things are tried is rather complex, but for simple rules like
5454 the ones we've used here the order doesn't really matter.
5455 @xref{Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules}.)
5457 Calc actually repeats only up to 100 times, just in case your rule set
5458 has gotten into an infinite loop. You can give a numeric prefix argument
5459 to @kbd{a r} to specify any limit. In particular, @kbd{M-1 a r} does
5460 only one rewrite at a time.
5464 1: 1 / cos(x) - sin(x)^2 / cos(x) 1: (1 - sin(x)^2) / cos(x)
5467 r 1 M-1 a r trig @key{RET} M-1 a r trig @key{RET}
5471 You can type @kbd{M-0 a r} if you want no limit at all on the number
5472 of rewrites that occur.
5474 Rewrite rules can also be @dfn{conditional}. Simply follow the rule
5475 with a @samp{::} symbol and the desired condition. For example,
5479 1: exp(2 pi i) + exp(3 pi i) + exp(4 pi i)
5482 ' exp(2 pi i) + exp(3 pi i) + exp(4 pi i) @key{RET}
5489 1: 1 + exp(3 pi i) + 1
5492 a r exp(k pi i) := 1 :: k % 2 = 0 @key{RET}
5497 (Recall, @samp{k % 2} is the remainder from dividing @samp{k} by 2,
5498 which will be zero only when @samp{k} is an even integer.)
5500 An interesting point is that the variables @samp{pi} and @samp{i}
5501 were matched literally rather than acting as meta-variables.
5502 This is because they are special-constant variables. The special
5503 constants @samp{e}, @samp{phi}, and so on also match literally.
5504 A common error with rewrite
5505 rules is to write, say, @samp{f(a,b,c,d,e) := g(a+b+c+d+e)}, expecting
5506 to match any @samp{f} with five arguments but in fact matching
5507 only when the fifth argument is literally @samp{e}!
5509 @cindex Fibonacci numbers
5514 Rewrite rules provide an interesting way to define your own functions.
5515 Suppose we want to define @samp{fib(n)} to produce the @var{n}th
5516 Fibonacci number. The first two Fibonacci numbers are each 1;
5517 later numbers are formed by summing the two preceding numbers in
5518 the sequence. This is easy to express in a set of three rules:
5522 ' [fib(1) := 1, fib(2) := 1, fib(n) := fib(n-1) + fib(n-2)] @key{RET} s t fib
5527 ' fib(7) @key{RET} a r fib @key{RET}
5531 One thing that is guaranteed about the order that rewrites are tried
5532 is that, for any given subformula, earlier rules in the rule set will
5533 be tried for that subformula before later ones. So even though the
5534 first and third rules both match @samp{fib(1)}, we know the first will
5535 be used preferentially.
5537 This rule set has one dangerous bug: Suppose we apply it to the
5538 formula @samp{fib(x)}? (Don't actually try this.) The third rule
5539 will match @samp{fib(x)} and replace it with @w{@samp{fib(x-1) + fib(x-2)}}.
5540 Each of these will then be replaced to get @samp{fib(x-2) + 2 fib(x-3) +
5541 fib(x-4)}, and so on, expanding forever. What we really want is to apply
5542 the third rule only when @samp{n} is an integer greater than two. Type
5543 @w{@kbd{s e fib @key{RET}}}, then edit the third rule to:
5546 fib(n) := fib(n-1) + fib(n-2) :: integer(n) :: n > 2
5554 1: fib(6) + fib(x) + fib(0) 1: 8 + fib(x) + fib(0)
5557 ' fib(6)+fib(x)+fib(0) @key{RET} a r fib @key{RET}
5562 We've created a new function, @code{fib}, and a new command,
5563 @w{@kbd{a r fib @key{RET}}}, which means ``evaluate all @code{fib} calls in
5564 this formula.'' To make things easier still, we can tell Calc to
5565 apply these rules automatically by storing them in the special
5566 variable @code{EvalRules}.
5570 1: [fib(1) := ...] . 1: [8, 13]
5573 s r fib @key{RET} s t EvalRules @key{RET} ' [fib(6), fib(7)] @key{RET}
5577 It turns out that this rule set has the problem that it does far
5578 more work than it needs to when @samp{n} is large. Consider the
5579 first few steps of the computation of @samp{fib(6)}:
5585 fib(4) + fib(3) + fib(3) + fib(2) =
5586 fib(3) + fib(2) + fib(2) + fib(1) + fib(2) + fib(1) + 1 = ...
5591 Note that @samp{fib(3)} appears three times here. Unless Calc's
5592 algebraic simplifier notices the multiple @samp{fib(3)}s and combines
5593 them (and, as it happens, it doesn't), this rule set does lots of
5594 needless recomputation. To cure the problem, type @code{s e EvalRules}
5595 to edit the rules (or just @kbd{s E}, a shorthand command for editing
5596 @code{EvalRules}) and add another condition:
5599 fib(n) := fib(n-1) + fib(n-2) :: integer(n) :: n > 2 :: remember
5603 If a @samp{:: remember} condition appears anywhere in a rule, then if
5604 that rule succeeds Calc will add another rule that describes that match
5605 to the front of the rule set. (Remembering works in any rule set, but
5606 for technical reasons it is most effective in @code{EvalRules}.) For
5607 example, if the rule rewrites @samp{fib(7)} to something that evaluates
5608 to 13, then the rule @samp{fib(7) := 13} will be added to the rule set.
5610 Type @kbd{' fib(8) @key{RET}} to compute the eighth Fibonacci number, then
5611 type @kbd{s E} again to see what has happened to the rule set.
5613 With the @code{remember} feature, our rule set can now compute
5614 @samp{fib(@var{n})} in just @var{n} steps. In the process it builds
5615 up a table of all Fibonacci numbers up to @var{n}. After we have
5616 computed the result for a particular @var{n}, we can get it back
5617 (and the results for all smaller @var{n}) later in just one step.
5619 All Calc operations will run somewhat slower whenever @code{EvalRules}
5620 contains any rules. You should type @kbd{s u EvalRules @key{RET}} now to
5621 un-store the variable.
5623 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Sometimes it is possible to reformulate
5624 a problem to reduce the amount of recursion necessary to solve it.
5625 Create a rule that, in about @var{n} simple steps and without recourse
5626 to the @code{remember} option, replaces @samp{fib(@var{n}, 1, 1)} with
5627 @samp{fib(1, @var{x}, @var{y})} where @var{x} and @var{y} are the
5628 @var{n}th and @var{n+1}st Fibonacci numbers, respectively. This rule is
5629 rather clunky to use, so add a couple more rules to make the ``user
5630 interface'' the same as for our first version: enter @samp{fib(@var{n})},
5631 get back a plain number. @xref{Rewrites Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
5633 There are many more things that rewrites can do. For example, there
5634 are @samp{&&&} and @samp{|||} pattern operators that create ``and''
5635 and ``or'' combinations of rules. As one really simple example, we
5636 could combine our first two Fibonacci rules thusly:
5639 [fib(1 ||| 2) := 1, fib(n) := ... ]
5643 That means ``@code{fib} of something matching either 1 or 2 rewrites
5646 You can also make meta-variables optional by enclosing them in @code{opt}.
5647 For example, the pattern @samp{a + b x} matches @samp{2 + 3 x} but not
5648 @samp{2 + x} or @samp{3 x} or @samp{x}. The pattern @samp{opt(a) + opt(b) x}
5649 matches all of these forms, filling in a default of zero for @samp{a}
5650 and one for @samp{b}.
5652 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} Your friend Joe had @samp{2 + 3 x}
5653 on the stack and tried to use the rule
5654 @samp{opt(a) + opt(b) x := f(a, b, x)}. What happened?
5655 @xref{Rewrites Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
5657 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} Starting with a positive integer @expr{a},
5658 divide @expr{a} by two if it is even, otherwise compute @expr{3 a + 1}.
5659 Now repeat this step over and over. A famous unproved conjecture
5660 is that for any starting @expr{a}, the sequence always eventually
5661 reaches 1. Given the formula @samp{seq(@var{a}, 0)}, write a set of
5662 rules that convert this into @samp{seq(1, @var{n})} where @var{n}
5663 is the number of steps it took the sequence to reach the value 1.
5664 Now enhance the rules to accept @samp{seq(@var{a})} as a starting
5665 configuration, and to stop with just the number @var{n} by itself.
5666 Now make the result be a vector of values in the sequence, from @var{a}
5667 to 1. (The formula @samp{@var{x}|@var{y}} appends the vectors @var{x}
5668 and @var{y}.) For example, rewriting @samp{seq(6)} should yield the
5669 vector @expr{[6, 3, 10, 5, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1]}.
5670 @xref{Rewrites Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
5672 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 5.} Define, using rewrite rules, a function
5673 @samp{nterms(@var{x})} that returns the number of terms in the sum
5674 @var{x}, or 1 if @var{x} is not a sum. (A @dfn{sum} for our purposes
5675 is one or more non-sum terms separated by @samp{+} or @samp{-} signs,
5676 so that @expr{2 - 3 (x + y) + x y} is a sum of three terms.)
5677 @xref{Rewrites Answer 5, 5}. (@bullet{})
5679 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 6.} A Taylor series for a function is an
5680 infinite series that exactly equals the value of that function at
5681 values of @expr{x} near zero.
5685 cos(x) = 1 - x^2 / 2! + x^4 / 4! - x^6 / 6! + ...
5691 $$ \cos x = 1 - {x^2 \over 2!} + {x^4 \over 4!} - {x^6 \over 6!} + \cdots $$
5695 The @kbd{a t} command produces a @dfn{truncated Taylor series} which
5696 is obtained by dropping all the terms higher than, say, @expr{x^2}.
5697 Calc represents the truncated Taylor series as a polynomial in @expr{x}.
5698 Mathematicians often write a truncated series using a ``big-O'' notation
5699 that records what was the lowest term that was truncated.
5703 cos(x) = 1 - x^2 / 2! + O(x^3)
5709 $$ \cos x = 1 - {x^2 \over 2!} + O(x^3) $$
5714 The meaning of @expr{O(x^3)} is ``a quantity which is negligibly small
5715 if @expr{x^3} is considered negligibly small as @expr{x} goes to zero.''
5717 The exercise is to create rewrite rules that simplify sums and products of
5718 power series represented as @samp{@var{polynomial} + O(@var{var}^@var{n})}.
5719 For example, given @samp{1 - x^2 / 2 + O(x^3)} and @samp{x - x^3 / 6 + O(x^4)}
5720 on the stack, we want to be able to type @kbd{*} and get the result
5721 @samp{x - 2:3 x^3 + O(x^4)}. Don't worry if the terms of the sum are
5722 rearranged or if @kbd{a s} needs to be typed after rewriting. (This one
5723 is rather tricky; the solution at the end of this chapter uses 6 rewrite
5724 rules. Hint: The @samp{constant(x)} condition tests whether @samp{x} is
5725 a number.) @xref{Rewrites Answer 6, 6}. (@bullet{})
5727 Just for kicks, try adding the rule @code{2+3 := 6} to @code{EvalRules}.
5728 What happens? (Be sure to remove this rule afterward, or you might get
5729 a nasty surprise when you use Calc to balance your checkbook!)
5731 @xref{Rewrite Rules}, for the whole story on rewrite rules.
5733 @node Programming Tutorial, Answers to Exercises, Algebra Tutorial, Tutorial
5734 @section Programming Tutorial
5737 The Calculator is written entirely in Emacs Lisp, a highly extensible
5738 language. If you know Lisp, you can program the Calculator to do
5739 anything you like. Rewrite rules also work as a powerful programming
5740 system. But Lisp and rewrite rules take a while to master, and often
5741 all you want to do is define a new function or repeat a command a few
5742 times. Calc has features that allow you to do these things easily.
5744 One very limited form of programming is defining your own functions.
5745 Calc's @kbd{Z F} command allows you to define a function name and
5746 key sequence to correspond to any formula. Programming commands use
5747 the shift-@kbd{Z} prefix; the user commands they create use the lower
5748 case @kbd{z} prefix.
5752 1: 1 + x + x^2 / 2 + x^3 / 6 1: 1 + x + x^2 / 2 + x^3 / 6
5755 ' 1 + x + x^2/2! + x^3/3! @key{RET} Z F e myexp @key{RET} @key{RET} @key{RET} y
5759 This polynomial is a Taylor series approximation to @samp{exp(x)}.
5760 The @kbd{Z F} command asks a number of questions. The above answers
5761 say that the key sequence for our function should be @kbd{z e}; the
5762 @kbd{M-x} equivalent should be @code{calc-myexp}; the name of the
5763 function in algebraic formulas should also be @code{myexp}; the
5764 default argument list @samp{(x)} is acceptable; and finally @kbd{y}
5765 answers the question ``leave it in symbolic form for non-constant
5770 1: 1.3495 2: 1.3495 3: 1.3495
5771 . 1: 1.34986 2: 1.34986
5775 .3 z e .3 E ' a+1 @key{RET} z e
5780 First we call our new @code{exp} approximation with 0.3 as an
5781 argument, and compare it with the true @code{exp} function. Then
5782 we note that, as requested, if we try to give @kbd{z e} an
5783 argument that isn't a plain number, it leaves the @code{myexp}
5784 function call in symbolic form. If we had answered @kbd{n} to the
5785 final question, @samp{myexp(a + 1)} would have evaluated by plugging
5786 in @samp{a + 1} for @samp{x} in the defining formula.
5788 @cindex Sine integral Si(x)
5793 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 1.} The ``sine integral'' function
5794 @texline @math{{\rm Si}(x)}
5795 @infoline @expr{Si(x)}
5796 is defined as the integral of @samp{sin(t)/t} for
5797 @expr{t = 0} to @expr{x} in radians. (It was invented because this
5798 integral has no solution in terms of basic functions; if you give it
5799 to Calc's @kbd{a i} command, it will ponder it for a long time and then
5800 give up.) We can use the numerical integration command, however,
5801 which in algebraic notation is written like @samp{ninteg(f(t), t, 0, x)}
5802 with any integrand @samp{f(t)}. Define a @kbd{z s} command and
5803 @code{Si} function that implement this. You will need to edit the
5804 default argument list a bit. As a test, @samp{Si(1)} should return
5805 0.946083. (If you don't get this answer, you might want to check that
5806 Calc is in Radians mode. Also, @code{ninteg} will run a lot faster if
5807 you reduce the precision to, say, six digits beforehand.)
5808 @xref{Programming Answer 1, 1}. (@bullet{})
5810 The simplest way to do real ``programming'' of Emacs is to define a
5811 @dfn{keyboard macro}. A keyboard macro is simply a sequence of
5812 keystrokes which Emacs has stored away and can play back on demand.
5813 For example, if you find yourself typing @kbd{H a S x @key{RET}} often,
5814 you may wish to program a keyboard macro to type this for you.
5818 1: y = sqrt(x) 1: x = y^2
5821 ' y=sqrt(x) @key{RET} C-x ( H a S x @key{RET} C-x )
5823 1: y = cos(x) 1: x = s1 arccos(y) + 2 pi n1
5826 ' y=cos(x) @key{RET} X
5831 When you type @kbd{C-x (}, Emacs begins recording. But it is also
5832 still ready to execute your keystrokes, so you're really ``training''
5833 Emacs by walking it through the procedure once. When you type
5834 @w{@kbd{C-x )}}, the macro is recorded. You can now type @kbd{X} to
5835 re-execute the same keystrokes.
5837 You can give a name to your macro by typing @kbd{Z K}.
5841 1: . 1: y = x^4 1: x = s2 sqrt(s1 sqrt(y))
5844 Z K x @key{RET} ' y=x^4 @key{RET} z x
5849 Notice that we use shift-@kbd{Z} to define the command, and lower-case
5850 @kbd{z} to call it up.
5852 Keyboard macros can call other macros.
5856 1: abs(x) 1: x = s1 y 1: 2 / x 1: x = 2 / y
5859 ' abs(x) @key{RET} C-x ( ' y @key{RET} a = z x C-x ) ' 2/x @key{RET} X
5863 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 2.} Define a keyboard macro to negate
5864 the item in level 3 of the stack, without disturbing the rest of
5865 the stack. @xref{Programming Answer 2, 2}. (@bullet{})
5867 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 3.} Define keyboard macros to compute
5868 the following functions:
5873 @texline @math{\displaystyle{\sin x \over x}},
5874 @infoline @expr{sin(x) / x},
5875 where @expr{x} is the number on the top of the stack.
5878 Compute the base-@expr{b} logarithm, just like the @kbd{B} key except
5879 the arguments are taken in the opposite order.
5882 Produce a vector of integers from 1 to the integer on the top of
5886 @xref{Programming Answer 3, 3}. (@bullet{})
5888 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 4.} Define a keyboard macro to compute
5889 the average (mean) value of a list of numbers.
5890 @xref{Programming Answer 4, 4}. (@bullet{})
5892 In many programs, some of the steps must execute several times.
5893 Calc has @dfn{looping} commands that allow this. Loops are useful
5894 inside keyboard macros, but actually work at any time.
5898 1: x^6 2: x^6 1: 360 x^2
5902 ' x^6 @key{RET} 4 Z < a d x @key{RET} Z >
5907 Here we have computed the fourth derivative of @expr{x^6} by
5908 enclosing a derivative command in a ``repeat loop'' structure.
5909 This structure pops a repeat count from the stack, then
5910 executes the body of the loop that many times.
5912 If you make a mistake while entering the body of the loop,
5913 type @w{@kbd{Z C-g}} to cancel the loop command.
5915 @cindex Fibonacci numbers
5916 Here's another example:
5925 1 @key{RET} @key{RET} 20 Z < @key{TAB} C-j + Z >
5930 The numbers in levels 2 and 1 should be the 21st and 22nd Fibonacci
5931 numbers, respectively. (To see what's going on, try a few repetitions
5932 of the loop body by hand; @kbd{C-j}, also on the Line-Feed or @key{LFD}
5933 key if you have one, makes a copy of the number in level 2.)
5935 @cindex Golden ratio
5936 @cindex Phi, golden ratio
5937 A fascinating property of the Fibonacci numbers is that the @expr{n}th
5938 Fibonacci number can be found directly by computing
5939 @texline @math{\phi^n / \sqrt{5}}
5940 @infoline @expr{phi^n / sqrt(5)}
5941 and then rounding to the nearest integer, where
5942 @texline @math{\phi} (``phi''),
5943 @infoline @expr{phi},
5944 the ``golden ratio,'' is
5945 @texline @math{(1 + \sqrt{5}) / 2}.
5946 @infoline @expr{(1 + sqrt(5)) / 2}.
5947 (For convenience, this constant is available from the @code{phi}
5948 variable, or the @kbd{I H P} command.)
5952 1: 1.61803 1: 24476.0000409 1: 10945.9999817 1: 10946
5959 @cindex Continued fractions
5960 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 5.} The @dfn{continued fraction}
5962 @texline @math{\phi}
5963 @infoline @expr{phi}
5965 @texline @math{1 + 1/(1 + 1/(1 + 1/( \ldots )))}.
5966 @infoline @expr{1 + 1/(1 + 1/(1 + 1/( ...@: )))}.
5967 We can compute an approximate value by carrying this however far
5968 and then replacing the innermost
5969 @texline @math{1/( \ldots )}
5970 @infoline @expr{1/( ...@: )}
5972 @texline @math{\phi}
5973 @infoline @expr{phi}
5974 using a twenty-term continued fraction.
5975 @xref{Programming Answer 5, 5}. (@bullet{})
5977 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 6.} Linear recurrences like the one for
5978 Fibonacci numbers can be expressed in terms of matrices. Given a
5979 vector @w{@expr{[a, b]}} determine a matrix which, when multiplied by this
5980 vector, produces the vector @expr{[b, c]}, where @expr{a}, @expr{b} and
5981 @expr{c} are three successive Fibonacci numbers. Now write a program
5982 that, given an integer @expr{n}, computes the @expr{n}th Fibonacci number
5983 using matrix arithmetic. @xref{Programming Answer 6, 6}. (@bullet{})
5985 @cindex Harmonic numbers
5986 A more sophisticated kind of loop is the @dfn{for} loop. Suppose
5987 we wish to compute the 20th ``harmonic'' number, which is equal to
5988 the sum of the reciprocals of the integers from 1 to 20.
5997 0 @key{RET} 1 @key{RET} 20 Z ( & + 1 Z )
6002 The ``for'' loop pops two numbers, the lower and upper limits, then
6003 repeats the body of the loop as an internal counter increases from
6004 the lower limit to the upper one. Just before executing the loop
6005 body, it pushes the current loop counter. When the loop body
6006 finishes, it pops the ``step,'' i.e., the amount by which to
6007 increment the loop counter. As you can see, our loop always
6010 This harmonic number function uses the stack to hold the running
6011 total as well as for the various loop housekeeping functions. If
6012 you find this disorienting, you can sum in a variable instead:
6016 1: 0 2: 1 . 1: 3.597739
6020 0 t 7 1 @key{RET} 20 Z ( & s + 7 1 Z ) r 7
6025 The @kbd{s +} command adds the top-of-stack into the value in a
6026 variable (and removes that value from the stack).
6028 It's worth noting that many jobs that call for a ``for'' loop can
6029 also be done more easily by Calc's high-level operations. Two
6030 other ways to compute harmonic numbers are to use vector mapping
6031 and reduction (@kbd{v x 20}, then @w{@kbd{V M &}}, then @kbd{V R +}),
6032 or to use the summation command @kbd{a +}. Both of these are
6033 probably easier than using loops. However, there are some
6034 situations where loops really are the way to go:
6036 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 7.} Use a ``for'' loop to find the first
6037 harmonic number which is greater than 4.0.
6038 @xref{Programming Answer 7, 7}. (@bullet{})
6040 Of course, if we're going to be using variables in our programs,
6041 we have to worry about the programs clobbering values that the
6042 caller was keeping in those same variables. This is easy to
6047 . 1: 0.6667 1: 0.6667 3: 0.6667
6052 Z ` p 4 @key{RET} 2 @key{RET} 3 / s 7 s s a @key{RET} Z ' r 7 s r a @key{RET}
6057 When we type @kbd{Z `} (that's a back-quote character), Calc saves
6058 its mode settings and the contents of the ten ``quick variables''
6059 for later reference. When we type @kbd{Z '} (that's an apostrophe
6060 now), Calc restores those saved values. Thus the @kbd{p 4} and
6061 @kbd{s 7} commands have no effect outside this sequence. Wrapping
6062 this around the body of a keyboard macro ensures that it doesn't
6063 interfere with what the user of the macro was doing. Notice that
6064 the contents of the stack, and the values of named variables,
6065 survive past the @kbd{Z '} command.
6067 @cindex Bernoulli numbers, approximate
6068 The @dfn{Bernoulli numbers} are a sequence with the interesting
6069 property that all of the odd Bernoulli numbers are zero, and the
6070 even ones, while difficult to compute, can be roughly approximated
6072 @texline @math{\displaystyle{2 n! \over (2 \pi)^n}}.
6073 @infoline @expr{2 n!@: / (2 pi)^n}.
6074 Let's write a keyboard macro to compute (approximate) Bernoulli numbers.
6075 (Calc has a command, @kbd{k b}, to compute exact Bernoulli numbers, but
6076 this command is very slow for large @expr{n} since the higher Bernoulli
6077 numbers are very large fractions.)
6084 10 C-x ( @key{RET} 2 % Z [ @key{DEL} 0 Z : ' 2 $! / (2 pi)^$ @key{RET} = Z ] C-x )
6089 You can read @kbd{Z [} as ``then,'' @kbd{Z :} as ``else,'' and
6090 @kbd{Z ]} as ``end-if.'' There is no need for an explicit ``if''
6091 command. For the purposes of @w{@kbd{Z [}}, the condition is ``true''
6092 if the value it pops from the stack is a nonzero number, or ``false''
6093 if it pops zero or something that is not a number (like a formula).
6094 Here we take our integer argument modulo 2; this will be nonzero
6095 if we're asking for an odd Bernoulli number.
6097 The actual tenth Bernoulli number is @expr{5/66}.
6101 3: 0.0756823 1: 0 1: 0.25305 1: 0 1: 1.16659
6106 10 k b @key{RET} c f M-0 @key{DEL} 11 X @key{DEL} 12 X @key{DEL} 13 X @key{DEL} 14 X
6110 Just to exercise loops a bit more, let's compute a table of even
6115 3: [] 1: [0.10132, 0.03079, 0.02340, 0.033197, ...]
6120 [ ] 2 @key{RET} 30 Z ( X | 2 Z )
6125 The vertical-bar @kbd{|} is the vector-concatenation command. When
6126 we execute it, the list we are building will be in stack level 2
6127 (initially this is an empty list), and the next Bernoulli number
6128 will be in level 1. The effect is to append the Bernoulli number
6129 onto the end of the list. (To create a table of exact fractional
6130 Bernoulli numbers, just replace @kbd{X} with @kbd{k b} in the above
6131 sequence of keystrokes.)
6133 With loops and conditionals, you can program essentially anything
6134 in Calc. One other command that makes looping easier is @kbd{Z /},
6135 which takes a condition from the stack and breaks out of the enclosing
6136 loop if the condition is true (non-zero). You can use this to make
6137 ``while'' and ``until'' style loops.
6139 If you make a mistake when entering a keyboard macro, you can edit
6140 it using @kbd{Z E}. First, you must attach it to a key with @kbd{Z K}.
6141 One technique is to enter a throwaway dummy definition for the macro,
6142 then enter the real one in the edit command.
6146 1: 3 1: 3 Calc Macro Edit Mode.
6147 . . Original keys: 1 <return> 2 +
6154 C-x ( 1 @key{RET} 2 + C-x ) Z K h @key{RET} Z E h
6159 A keyboard macro is stored as a pure keystroke sequence. The
6160 @file{edmacro} package (invoked by @kbd{Z E}) scans along the
6161 macro and tries to decode it back into human-readable steps.
6162 Descriptions of the keystrokes are given as comments, which begin with
6163 @samp{;;}, and which are ignored when the edited macro is saved.
6164 Spaces and line breaks are also ignored when the edited macro is saved.
6165 To enter a space into the macro, type @code{SPC}. All the special
6166 characters @code{RET}, @code{LFD}, @code{TAB}, @code{SPC}, @code{DEL},
6167 and @code{NUL} must be written in all uppercase, as must the prefixes
6168 @code{C-} and @code{M-}.
6170 Let's edit in a new definition, for computing harmonic numbers.
6171 First, erase the four lines of the old definition. Then, type
6172 in the new definition (or use Emacs @kbd{M-w} and @kbd{C-y} commands
6173 to copy it from this page of the Info file; you can of course skip
6174 typing the comments, which begin with @samp{;;}).
6177 Z` ;; calc-kbd-push (Save local values)
6178 0 ;; calc digits (Push a zero onto the stack)
6179 st ;; calc-store-into (Store it in the following variable)
6180 1 ;; calc quick variable (Quick variable q1)
6181 1 ;; calc digits (Initial value for the loop)
6182 TAB ;; calc-roll-down (Swap initial and final)
6183 Z( ;; calc-kbd-for (Begin the "for" loop)
6184 & ;; calc-inv (Take the reciprocal)
6185 s+ ;; calc-store-plus (Add to the following variable)
6186 1 ;; calc quick variable (Quick variable q1)
6187 1 ;; calc digits (The loop step is 1)
6188 Z) ;; calc-kbd-end-for (End the "for" loop)
6189 sr ;; calc-recall (Recall the final accumulated value)
6190 1 ;; calc quick variable (Quick variable q1)
6191 Z' ;; calc-kbd-pop (Restore values)
6195 Press @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish editing and return to the Calculator.
6206 The @file{edmacro} package defines a handy @code{read-kbd-macro} command
6207 which reads the current region of the current buffer as a sequence of
6208 keystroke names, and defines that sequence on the @kbd{X}
6209 (and @kbd{C-x e}) key. Because this is so useful, Calc puts this
6210 command on the @kbd{C-x * m} key. Try reading in this macro in the
6211 following form: Press @kbd{C-@@} (or @kbd{C-@key{SPC}}) at
6212 one end of the text below, then type @kbd{C-x * m} at the other.
6224 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 8.} A general algorithm for solving
6225 equations numerically is @dfn{Newton's Method}. Given the equation
6226 @expr{f(x) = 0} for any function @expr{f}, and an initial guess
6227 @expr{x_0} which is reasonably close to the desired solution, apply
6228 this formula over and over:
6232 new_x = x - f(x)/f'(x)
6237 $$ x_{\rm new} = x - {f(x) \over f'(x)} $$
6242 where @expr{f'(x)} is the derivative of @expr{f}. The @expr{x}
6243 values will quickly converge to a solution, i.e., eventually
6244 @texline @math{x_{\rm new}}
6245 @infoline @expr{new_x}
6246 and @expr{x} will be equal to within the limits
6247 of the current precision. Write a program which takes a formula
6248 involving the variable @expr{x}, and an initial guess @expr{x_0},
6249 on the stack, and produces a value of @expr{x} for which the formula
6250 is zero. Use it to find a solution of
6251 @texline @math{\sin(\cos x) = 0.5}
6252 @infoline @expr{sin(cos(x)) = 0.5}
6253 near @expr{x = 4.5}. (Use angles measured in radians.) Note that
6254 the built-in @w{@kbd{a R}} (@code{calc-find-root}) command uses Newton's
6255 method when it is able. @xref{Programming Answer 8, 8}. (@bullet{})
6257 @cindex Digamma function
6258 @cindex Gamma constant, Euler's
6259 @cindex Euler's gamma constant
6260 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 9.} The @dfn{digamma} function
6261 @texline @math{\psi(z) (``psi'')}
6262 @infoline @expr{psi(z)}
6263 is defined as the derivative of
6264 @texline @math{\ln \Gamma(z)}.
6265 @infoline @expr{ln(gamma(z))}.
6266 For large values of @expr{z}, it can be approximated by the infinite sum
6270 psi(z) ~= ln(z) - 1/2z - sum(bern(2 n) / 2 n z^(2 n), n, 1, inf)
6275 $$ \psi(z) \approx \ln z - {1\over2z} -
6276 \sum_{n=1}^\infty {\code{bern}(2 n) \over 2 n z^{2n}}
6283 @texline @math{\sum}
6284 @infoline @expr{sum}
6285 represents the sum over @expr{n} from 1 to infinity
6286 (or to some limit high enough to give the desired accuracy), and
6287 the @code{bern} function produces (exact) Bernoulli numbers.
6288 While this sum is not guaranteed to converge, in practice it is safe.
6289 An interesting mathematical constant is Euler's gamma, which is equal
6290 to about 0.5772. One way to compute it is by the formula,
6291 @texline @math{\gamma = -\psi(1)}.
6292 @infoline @expr{gamma = -psi(1)}.
6293 Unfortunately, 1 isn't a large enough argument
6294 for the above formula to work (5 is a much safer value for @expr{z}).
6295 Fortunately, we can compute
6296 @texline @math{\psi(1)}
6297 @infoline @expr{psi(1)}
6299 @texline @math{\psi(5)}
6300 @infoline @expr{psi(5)}
6301 using the recurrence
6302 @texline @math{\psi(z+1) = \psi(z) + {1 \over z}}.
6303 @infoline @expr{psi(z+1) = psi(z) + 1/z}.
6304 Your task: Develop a program to compute
6305 @texline @math{\psi(z)};
6306 @infoline @expr{psi(z)};
6307 it should ``pump up'' @expr{z}
6308 if necessary to be greater than 5, then use the above summation
6309 formula. Use looping commands to compute the sum. Use your function
6311 @texline @math{\gamma}
6312 @infoline @expr{gamma}
6313 to twelve decimal places. (Calc has a built-in command
6314 for Euler's constant, @kbd{I P}, which you can use to check your answer.)
6315 @xref{Programming Answer 9, 9}. (@bullet{})
6317 @cindex Polynomial, list of coefficients
6318 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 10.} Given a polynomial in @expr{x} and
6319 a number @expr{m} on the stack, where the polynomial is of degree
6320 @expr{m} or less (i.e., does not have any terms higher than @expr{x^m}),
6321 write a program to convert the polynomial into a list-of-coefficients
6322 notation. For example, @expr{5 x^4 + (x + 1)^2} with @expr{m = 6}
6323 should produce the list @expr{[1, 2, 1, 0, 5, 0, 0]}. Also develop
6324 a way to convert from this form back to the standard algebraic form.
6325 @xref{Programming Answer 10, 10}. (@bullet{})
6328 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 11.} The @dfn{Stirling numbers of the
6329 first kind} are defined by the recurrences,
6333 s(n,n) = 1 for n >= 0,
6334 s(n,0) = 0 for n > 0,
6335 s(n+1,m) = s(n,m-1) - n s(n,m) for n >= m >= 1.
6341 $$ \eqalign{ s(n,n) &= 1 \qquad \hbox{for } n \ge 0, \cr
6342 s(n,0) &= 0 \qquad \hbox{for } n > 0, \cr
6343 s(n+1,m) &= s(n,m-1) - n \, s(n,m) \qquad
6344 \hbox{for } n \ge m \ge 1.}
6348 (These numbers are also sometimes written $\displaystyle{n \brack m}$.)
6351 This can be implemented using a @dfn{recursive} program in Calc; the
6352 program must invoke itself in order to calculate the two righthand
6353 terms in the general formula. Since it always invokes itself with
6354 ``simpler'' arguments, it's easy to see that it must eventually finish
6355 the computation. Recursion is a little difficult with Emacs keyboard
6356 macros since the macro is executed before its definition is complete.
6357 So here's the recommended strategy: Create a ``dummy macro'' and assign
6358 it to a key with, e.g., @kbd{Z K s}. Now enter the true definition,
6359 using the @kbd{z s} command to call itself recursively, then assign it
6360 to the same key with @kbd{Z K s}. Now the @kbd{z s} command will run
6361 the complete recursive program. (Another way is to use @w{@kbd{Z E}}
6362 or @kbd{C-x * m} (@code{read-kbd-macro}) to read the whole macro at once,
6363 thus avoiding the ``training'' phase.) The task: Write a program
6364 that computes Stirling numbers of the first kind, given @expr{n} and
6365 @expr{m} on the stack. Test it with @emph{small} inputs like
6366 @expr{s(4,2)}. (There is a built-in command for Stirling numbers,
6367 @kbd{k s}, which you can use to check your answers.)
6368 @xref{Programming Answer 11, 11}. (@bullet{})
6370 The programming commands we've seen in this part of the tutorial
6371 are low-level, general-purpose operations. Often you will find
6372 that a higher-level function, such as vector mapping or rewrite
6373 rules, will do the job much more easily than a detailed, step-by-step
6376 (@bullet{}) @strong{Exercise 12.} Write another program for
6377 computing Stirling numbers of the first kind, this time using
6378 rewrite rules. Once again, @expr{n} and @expr{m} should be taken
6379 from the stack. @xref{Programming Answer 12, 12}. (@bullet{})
6384 This ends the tutorial section of the Calc manual. Now you know enough
6385 about Calc to use it effectively for many kinds of calculations. But
6386 Calc has many features that were not even touched upon in this tutorial.
6388 The rest of this manual tells the whole story.
6390 @c Volume II of this manual, the @dfn{Calc Reference}, tells the whole story.
6393 @node Answers to Exercises, , Programming Tutorial, Tutorial
6394 @section Answers to Exercises
6397 This section includes answers to all the exercises in the Calc tutorial.
6400 * RPN Answer 1:: 1 @key{RET} 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 4 + * -
6401 * RPN Answer 2:: 2*4 + 7*9.5 + 5/4
6402 * RPN Answer 3:: Operating on levels 2 and 3
6403 * RPN Answer 4:: Joe's complex problems
6404 * Algebraic Answer 1:: Simulating Q command
6405 * Algebraic Answer 2:: Joe's algebraic woes
6406 * Algebraic Answer 3:: 1 / 0
6407 * Modes Answer 1:: 3#0.1 = 3#0.0222222?
6408 * Modes Answer 2:: 16#f.e8fe15
6409 * Modes Answer 3:: Joe's rounding bug
6410 * Modes Answer 4:: Why floating point?
6411 * Arithmetic Answer 1:: Why the \ command?
6412 * Arithmetic Answer 2:: Tripping up the B command
6413 * Vector Answer 1:: Normalizing a vector
6414 * Vector Answer 2:: Average position
6415 * Matrix Answer 1:: Row and column sums
6416 * Matrix Answer 2:: Symbolic system of equations
6417 * Matrix Answer 3:: Over-determined system
6418 * List Answer 1:: Powers of two
6419 * List Answer 2:: Least-squares fit with matrices
6420 * List Answer 3:: Geometric mean
6421 * List Answer 4:: Divisor function
6422 * List Answer 5:: Duplicate factors
6423 * List Answer 6:: Triangular list
6424 * List Answer 7:: Another triangular list
6425 * List Answer 8:: Maximum of Bessel function
6426 * List Answer 9:: Integers the hard way
6427 * List Answer 10:: All elements equal
6428 * List Answer 11:: Estimating pi with darts
6429 * List Answer 12:: Estimating pi with matchsticks
6430 * List Answer 13:: Hash codes
6431 * List Answer 14:: Random walk
6432 * Types Answer 1:: Square root of pi times rational
6433 * Types Answer 2:: Infinities
6434 * Types Answer 3:: What can "nan" be?
6435 * Types Answer 4:: Abbey Road
6436 * Types Answer 5:: Friday the 13th
6437 * Types Answer 6:: Leap years
6438 * Types Answer 7:: Erroneous donut
6439 * Types Answer 8:: Dividing intervals
6440 * Types Answer 9:: Squaring intervals
6441 * Types Answer 10:: Fermat's primality test
6442 * Types Answer 11:: pi * 10^7 seconds
6443 * Types Answer 12:: Abbey Road on CD
6444 * Types Answer 13:: Not quite pi * 10^7 seconds
6445 * Types Answer 14:: Supercomputers and c
6446 * Types Answer 15:: Sam the Slug
6447 * Algebra Answer 1:: Squares and square roots
6448 * Algebra Answer 2:: Building polynomial from roots
6449 * Algebra Answer 3:: Integral of x sin(pi x)
6450 * Algebra Answer 4:: Simpson's rule
6451 * Rewrites Answer 1:: Multiplying by conjugate
6452 * Rewrites Answer 2:: Alternative fib rule
6453 * Rewrites Answer 3:: Rewriting opt(a) + opt(b) x
6454 * Rewrites Answer 4:: Sequence of integers
6455 * Rewrites Answer 5:: Number of terms in sum
6456 * Rewrites Answer 6:: Truncated Taylor series
6457 * Programming Answer 1:: Fresnel's C(x)
6458 * Programming Answer 2:: Negate third stack element
6459 * Programming Answer 3:: Compute sin(x) / x, etc.
6460 * Programming Answer 4:: Average value of a list
6461 * Programming Answer 5:: Continued fraction phi
6462 * Programming Answer 6:: Matrix Fibonacci numbers
6463 * Programming Answer 7:: Harmonic number greater than 4
6464 * Programming Answer 8:: Newton's method
6465 * Programming Answer 9:: Digamma function
6466 * Programming Answer 10:: Unpacking a polynomial
6467 * Programming Answer 11:: Recursive Stirling numbers
6468 * Programming Answer 12:: Stirling numbers with rewrites
6471 @c The following kludgery prevents the individual answers from
6472 @c being entered on the table of contents.
6474 \global\let\oldwrite=\write
6475 \gdef\skipwrite#1#2{\let\write=\oldwrite}
6476 \global\let\oldchapternofonts=\chapternofonts
6477 \gdef\chapternofonts{\let\write=\skipwrite\oldchapternofonts}
6480 @node RPN Answer 1, RPN Answer 2, Answers to Exercises, Answers to Exercises
6481 @subsection RPN Tutorial Exercise 1
6484 @kbd{1 @key{RET} 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 4 + * -}
6487 @texline @math{1 - (2 \times (3 + 4)) = -13}.
6488 @infoline @expr{1 - (2 * (3 + 4)) = -13}.
6490 @node RPN Answer 2, RPN Answer 3, RPN Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6491 @subsection RPN Tutorial Exercise 2
6494 @texline @math{2\times4 + 7\times9.5 + {5\over4} = 75.75}
6495 @infoline @expr{2*4 + 7*9.5 + 5/4 = 75.75}
6497 After computing the intermediate term
6498 @texline @math{2\times4 = 8},
6499 @infoline @expr{2*4 = 8},
6500 you can leave that result on the stack while you compute the second
6501 term. With both of these results waiting on the stack you can then
6502 compute the final term, then press @kbd{+ +} to add everything up.
6511 2 @key{RET} 4 * 7 @key{RET} 9.5 *
6518 4: 8 3: 8 2: 8 1: 75.75
6519 3: 66.5 2: 66.5 1: 67.75 .
6528 Alternatively, you could add the first two terms before going on
6529 with the third term.
6533 2: 8 1: 74.5 3: 74.5 2: 74.5 1: 75.75
6534 1: 66.5 . 2: 5 1: 1.25 .
6538 ... + 5 @key{RET} 4 / +
6542 On an old-style RPN calculator this second method would have the
6543 advantage of using only three stack levels. But since Calc's stack
6544 can grow arbitrarily large this isn't really an issue. Which method
6545 you choose is purely a matter of taste.
6547 @node RPN Answer 3, RPN Answer 4, RPN Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6548 @subsection RPN Tutorial Exercise 3
6551 The @key{TAB} key provides a way to operate on the number in level 2.
6555 3: 10 3: 10 4: 10 3: 10 3: 10
6556 2: 20 2: 30 3: 30 2: 30 2: 21
6557 1: 30 1: 20 2: 20 1: 21 1: 30
6561 @key{TAB} 1 + @key{TAB}
6565 Similarly, @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} gives you access to the number in level 3.
6569 3: 10 3: 21 3: 21 3: 30 3: 11
6570 2: 21 2: 30 2: 30 2: 11 2: 21
6571 1: 30 1: 10 1: 11 1: 21 1: 30
6574 M-@key{TAB} 1 + M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB}
6578 @node RPN Answer 4, Algebraic Answer 1, RPN Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
6579 @subsection RPN Tutorial Exercise 4
6582 Either @kbd{( 2 , 3 )} or @kbd{( 2 @key{SPC} 3 )} would have worked,
6583 but using both the comma and the space at once yields:
6587 1: ( ... 2: ( ... 1: (2, ... 2: (2, ... 2: (2, ...
6588 . 1: 2 . 1: (2, ... 1: (2, 3)
6595 Joe probably tried to type @kbd{@key{TAB} @key{DEL}} to swap the
6596 extra incomplete object to the top of the stack and delete it.
6597 But a feature of Calc is that @key{DEL} on an incomplete object
6598 deletes just one component out of that object, so he had to press
6599 @key{DEL} twice to finish the job.
6603 2: (2, ... 2: (2, 3) 2: (2, 3) 1: (2, 3)
6604 1: (2, 3) 1: (2, ... 1: ( ... .
6607 @key{TAB} @key{DEL} @key{DEL}
6611 (As it turns out, deleting the second-to-top stack entry happens often
6612 enough that Calc provides a special key, @kbd{M-@key{DEL}}, to do just that.
6613 @kbd{M-@key{DEL}} is just like @kbd{@key{TAB} @key{DEL}}, except that it doesn't exhibit
6614 the ``feature'' that tripped poor Joe.)
6616 @node Algebraic Answer 1, Algebraic Answer 2, RPN Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
6617 @subsection Algebraic Entry Tutorial Exercise 1
6620 Type @kbd{' sqrt($) @key{RET}}.
6622 If the @kbd{Q} key is broken, you could use @kbd{' $^0.5 @key{RET}}.
6623 Or, RPN style, @kbd{0.5 ^}.
6625 (Actually, @samp{$^1:2}, using the fraction one-half as the power, is
6626 a closer equivalent, since @samp{9^0.5} yields @expr{3.0} whereas
6627 @samp{sqrt(9)} and @samp{9^1:2} yield the exact integer @expr{3}.)
6629 @node Algebraic Answer 2, Algebraic Answer 3, Algebraic Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6630 @subsection Algebraic Entry Tutorial Exercise 2
6633 In the formula @samp{2 x (1+y)}, @samp{x} was interpreted as a function
6634 name with @samp{1+y} as its argument. Assigning a value to a variable
6635 has no relation to a function by the same name. Joe needed to use an
6636 explicit @samp{*} symbol here: @samp{2 x*(1+y)}.
6638 @node Algebraic Answer 3, Modes Answer 1, Algebraic Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6639 @subsection Algebraic Entry Tutorial Exercise 3
6642 The result from @kbd{1 @key{RET} 0 /} will be the formula @expr{1 / 0}.
6643 The ``function'' @samp{/} cannot be evaluated when its second argument
6644 is zero, so it is left in symbolic form. When you now type @kbd{0 *},
6645 the result will be zero because Calc uses the general rule that ``zero
6646 times anything is zero.''
6648 @c [fix-ref Infinities]
6649 The @kbd{m i} command enables an @dfn{Infinite mode} in which @expr{1 / 0}
6650 results in a special symbol that represents ``infinity.'' If you
6651 multiply infinity by zero, Calc uses another special new symbol to
6652 show that the answer is ``indeterminate.'' @xref{Infinities}, for
6653 further discussion of infinite and indeterminate values.
6655 @node Modes Answer 1, Modes Answer 2, Algebraic Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
6656 @subsection Modes Tutorial Exercise 1
6659 Calc always stores its numbers in decimal, so even though one-third has
6660 an exact base-3 representation (@samp{3#0.1}), it is still stored as
6661 0.3333333 (chopped off after 12 or however many decimal digits) inside
6662 the calculator's memory. When this inexact number is converted back
6663 to base 3 for display, it may still be slightly inexact. When we
6664 multiply this number by 3, we get 0.999999, also an inexact value.
6666 When Calc displays a number in base 3, it has to decide how many digits
6667 to show. If the current precision is 12 (decimal) digits, that corresponds
6668 to @samp{12 / log10(3) = 25.15} base-3 digits. Because 25.15 is not an
6669 exact integer, Calc shows only 25 digits, with the result that stored
6670 numbers carry a little bit of extra information that may not show up on
6671 the screen. When Joe entered @samp{3#0.2}, the stored number 0.666666
6672 happened to round to a pleasing value when it lost that last 0.15 of a
6673 digit, but it was still inexact in Calc's memory. When he divided by 2,
6674 he still got the dreaded inexact value 0.333333. (Actually, he divided
6675 0.666667 by 2 to get 0.333334, which is why he got something a little
6676 higher than @code{3#0.1} instead of a little lower.)
6678 If Joe didn't want to be bothered with all this, he could have typed
6679 @kbd{M-24 d n} to display with one less digit than the default. (If
6680 you give @kbd{d n} a negative argument, it uses default-minus-that,
6681 so @kbd{M-- d n} would be an easier way to get the same effect.) Those
6682 inexact results would still be lurking there, but they would now be
6683 rounded to nice, natural-looking values for display purposes. (Remember,
6684 @samp{0.022222} in base 3 is like @samp{0.099999} in base 10; rounding
6685 off one digit will round the number up to @samp{0.1}.) Depending on the
6686 nature of your work, this hiding of the inexactness may be a benefit or
6687 a danger. With the @kbd{d n} command, Calc gives you the choice.
6689 Incidentally, another consequence of all this is that if you type
6690 @kbd{M-30 d n} to display more digits than are ``really there,''
6691 you'll see garbage digits at the end of the number. (In decimal
6692 display mode, with decimally-stored numbers, these garbage digits are
6693 always zero so they vanish and you don't notice them.) Because Calc
6694 rounds off that 0.15 digit, there is the danger that two numbers could
6695 be slightly different internally but still look the same. If you feel
6696 uneasy about this, set the @kbd{d n} precision to be a little higher
6697 than normal; you'll get ugly garbage digits, but you'll always be able
6698 to tell two distinct numbers apart.
6700 An interesting side note is that most computers store their
6701 floating-point numbers in binary, and convert to decimal for display.
6702 Thus everyday programs have the same problem: Decimal 0.1 cannot be
6703 represented exactly in binary (try it: @kbd{0.1 d 2}), so @samp{0.1 * 10}
6704 comes out as an inexact approximation to 1 on some machines (though
6705 they generally arrange to hide it from you by rounding off one digit as
6706 we did above). Because Calc works in decimal instead of binary, you can
6707 be sure that numbers that look exact @emph{are} exact as long as you stay
6708 in decimal display mode.
6710 It's not hard to show that any number that can be represented exactly
6711 in binary, octal, or hexadecimal is also exact in decimal, so the kinds
6712 of problems we saw in this exercise are likely to be severe only when
6713 you use a relatively unusual radix like 3.
6715 @node Modes Answer 2, Modes Answer 3, Modes Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6716 @subsection Modes Tutorial Exercise 2
6718 If the radix is 15 or higher, we can't use the letter @samp{e} to mark
6719 the exponent because @samp{e} is interpreted as a digit. When Calc
6720 needs to display scientific notation in a high radix, it writes
6721 @samp{16#F.E8F*16.^15}. You can enter a number like this as an
6722 algebraic entry. Also, pressing @kbd{e} without any digits before it
6723 normally types @kbd{1e}, but in a high radix it types @kbd{16.^} and
6724 puts you in algebraic entry: @kbd{16#f.e8f @key{RET} e 15 @key{RET} *} is another
6725 way to enter this number.
6727 The reason Calc puts a decimal point in the @samp{16.^} is to prevent
6728 huge integers from being generated if the exponent is large (consider
6729 @samp{16#1.23*16^1000}, where we compute @samp{16^1000} as a giant
6730 exact integer and then throw away most of the digits when we multiply
6731 it by the floating-point @samp{16#1.23}). While this wouldn't normally
6732 matter for display purposes, it could give you a nasty surprise if you
6733 copied that number into a file and later moved it back into Calc.
6735 @node Modes Answer 3, Modes Answer 4, Modes Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6736 @subsection Modes Tutorial Exercise 3
6739 The answer he got was @expr{0.5000000000006399}.
6741 The problem is not that the square operation is inexact, but that the
6742 sine of 45 that was already on the stack was accurate to only 12 places.
6743 Arbitrary-precision calculations still only give answers as good as
6746 The real problem is that there is no 12-digit number which, when
6747 squared, comes out to 0.5 exactly. The @kbd{f [} and @kbd{f ]}
6748 commands decrease or increase a number by one unit in the last
6749 place (according to the current precision). They are useful for
6750 determining facts like this.
6754 1: 0.707106781187 1: 0.500000000001
6764 1: 0.707106781187 1: 0.707106781186 1: 0.499999999999
6771 A high-precision calculation must be carried out in high precision
6772 all the way. The only number in the original problem which was known
6773 exactly was the quantity 45 degrees, so the precision must be raised
6774 before anything is done after the number 45 has been entered in order
6775 for the higher precision to be meaningful.
6777 @node Modes Answer 4, Arithmetic Answer 1, Modes Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
6778 @subsection Modes Tutorial Exercise 4
6781 Many calculations involve real-world quantities, like the width and
6782 height of a piece of wood or the volume of a jar. Such quantities
6783 can't be measured exactly anyway, and if the data that is input to
6784 a calculation is inexact, doing exact arithmetic on it is a waste
6787 Fractions become unwieldy after too many calculations have been
6788 done with them. For example, the sum of the reciprocals of the
6789 integers from 1 to 10 is 7381:2520. The sum from 1 to 30 is
6790 9304682830147:2329089562800. After a point it will take a long
6791 time to add even one more term to this sum, but a floating-point
6792 calculation of the sum will not have this problem.
6794 Also, rational numbers cannot express the results of all calculations.
6795 There is no fractional form for the square root of two, so if you type
6796 @w{@kbd{2 Q}}, Calc has no choice but to give you a floating-point answer.
6798 @node Arithmetic Answer 1, Arithmetic Answer 2, Modes Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
6799 @subsection Arithmetic Tutorial Exercise 1
6802 Dividing two integers that are larger than the current precision may
6803 give a floating-point result that is inaccurate even when rounded
6804 down to an integer. Consider @expr{123456789 / 2} when the current
6805 precision is 6 digits. The true answer is @expr{61728394.5}, but
6806 with a precision of 6 this will be rounded to
6807 @texline @math{12345700.0/2.0 = 61728500.0}.
6808 @infoline @expr{12345700.@: / 2.@: = 61728500.}.
6809 The result, when converted to an integer, will be off by 106.
6811 Here are two solutions: Raise the precision enough that the
6812 floating-point round-off error is strictly to the right of the
6813 decimal point. Or, convert to Fraction mode so that @expr{123456789 / 2}
6814 produces the exact fraction @expr{123456789:2}, which can be rounded
6815 down by the @kbd{F} command without ever switching to floating-point
6818 @node Arithmetic Answer 2, Vector Answer 1, Arithmetic Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6819 @subsection Arithmetic Tutorial Exercise 2
6822 @kbd{27 @key{RET} 9 B} could give the exact result @expr{3:2}, but it
6823 does a floating-point calculation instead and produces @expr{1.5}.
6825 Calc will find an exact result for a logarithm if the result is an integer
6826 or (when in Fraction mode) the reciprocal of an integer. But there is
6827 no efficient way to search the space of all possible rational numbers
6828 for an exact answer, so Calc doesn't try.
6830 @node Vector Answer 1, Vector Answer 2, Arithmetic Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6831 @subsection Vector Tutorial Exercise 1
6834 Duplicate the vector, compute its length, then divide the vector
6835 by its length: @kbd{@key{RET} A /}.
6839 1: [1, 2, 3] 2: [1, 2, 3] 1: [0.27, 0.53, 0.80] 1: 1.
6840 . 1: 3.74165738677 . .
6847 The final @kbd{A} command shows that the normalized vector does
6848 indeed have unit length.
6850 @node Vector Answer 2, Matrix Answer 1, Vector Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6851 @subsection Vector Tutorial Exercise 2
6854 The average position is equal to the sum of the products of the
6855 positions times their corresponding probabilities. This is the
6856 definition of the dot product operation. So all you need to do
6857 is to put the two vectors on the stack and press @kbd{*}.
6859 @node Matrix Answer 1, Matrix Answer 2, Vector Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6860 @subsection Matrix Tutorial Exercise 1
6863 The trick is to multiply by a vector of ones. Use @kbd{r 4 [1 1 1] *} to
6864 get the row sum. Similarly, use @kbd{[1 1] r 4 *} to get the column sum.
6866 @node Matrix Answer 2, Matrix Answer 3, Matrix Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
6867 @subsection Matrix Tutorial Exercise 2
6880 $$ \eqalign{ x &+ a y = 6 \cr
6886 Just enter the righthand side vector, then divide by the lefthand side
6891 1: [6, 10] 2: [6, 10] 1: [6 - 4 a / (b - a), 4 / (b - a) ]
6896 ' [6 10] @key{RET} ' [1 a; 1 b] @key{RET} /
6900 This can be made more readable using @kbd{d B} to enable Big display
6906 1: [6 - -----, -----]
6911 Type @kbd{d N} to return to Normal display mode afterwards.
6913 @node Matrix Answer 3, List Answer 1, Matrix Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
6914 @subsection Matrix Tutorial Exercise 3
6918 @texline @math{A^T A \, X = A^T B},
6919 @infoline @expr{trn(A) * A * X = trn(A) * B},
6921 @texline @math{A' = A^T A}
6922 @infoline @expr{A2 = trn(A) * A}
6924 @texline @math{B' = A^T B};
6925 @infoline @expr{B2 = trn(A) * B};
6926 now, we have a system
6927 @texline @math{A' X = B'}
6928 @infoline @expr{A2 * X = B2}
6929 which we can solve using Calc's @samp{/} command.
6944 $$ \openup1\jot \tabskip=0pt plus1fil
6945 \halign to\displaywidth{\tabskip=0pt
6946 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
6947 $\hfil#$&$\hfil{}#{}$&
6948 $\hfil#$&${}#\hfil$\tabskip=0pt plus1fil\cr
6952 2a&+&4b&+&6c&=11 \cr}
6957 The first step is to enter the coefficient matrix. We'll store it in
6958 quick variable number 7 for later reference. Next, we compute the
6965 1: [ [ 1, 2, 3 ] 2: [ [ 1, 4, 7, 2 ] 1: [57, 84, 96]
6966 [ 4, 5, 6 ] [ 2, 5, 6, 4 ] .
6967 [ 7, 6, 0 ] [ 3, 6, 0, 6 ] ]
6968 [ 2, 4, 6 ] ] 1: [6, 2, 3, 11]
6971 ' [1 2 3; 4 5 6; 7 6 0; 2 4 6] @key{RET} s 7 v t [6 2 3 11] *
6976 Now we compute the matrix
6983 2: [57, 84, 96] 1: [-11.64, 14.08, -3.64]
6984 1: [ [ 70, 72, 39 ] .
6994 (The actual computed answer will be slightly inexact due to
6997 Notice that the answers are similar to those for the
6998 @texline @math{3\times3}
7000 system solved in the text. That's because the fourth equation that was
7001 added to the system is almost identical to the first one multiplied
7002 by two. (If it were identical, we would have gotten the exact same
7004 @texline @math{4\times3}
7006 system would be equivalent to the original
7007 @texline @math{3\times3}
7011 Since the first and fourth equations aren't quite equivalent, they
7012 can't both be satisfied at once. Let's plug our answers back into
7013 the original system of equations to see how well they match.
7017 2: [-11.64, 14.08, -3.64] 1: [5.6, 2., 3., 11.2]
7029 This is reasonably close to our original @expr{B} vector,
7030 @expr{[6, 2, 3, 11]}.
7032 @node List Answer 1, List Answer 2, Matrix Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
7033 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 1
7036 We can use @kbd{v x} to build a vector of integers. This needs to be
7037 adjusted to get the range of integers we desire. Mapping @samp{-}
7038 across the vector will accomplish this, although it turns out the
7039 plain @samp{-} key will work just as well.
7044 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] 1: [-4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4]
7047 2 v x 9 @key{RET} 5 V M - or 5 -
7052 Now we use @kbd{V M ^} to map the exponentiation operator across the
7057 1: [0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16]
7064 @node List Answer 2, List Answer 3, List Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
7065 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 2
7068 Given @expr{x} and @expr{y} vectors in quick variables 1 and 2 as before,
7069 the first job is to form the matrix that describes the problem.
7079 $$ m \times x + b \times 1 = y $$
7084 @texline @math{19\times2}
7086 matrix with our @expr{x} vector as one column and
7087 ones as the other column. So, first we build the column of ones, then
7088 we combine the two columns to form our @expr{A} matrix.
7092 2: [1.34, 1.41, 1.49, ... ] 1: [ [ 1.34, 1 ]
7093 1: [1, 1, 1, ...] [ 1.41, 1 ]
7097 r 1 1 v b 19 @key{RET} M-2 v p v t s 3
7103 @texline @math{A^T y}
7104 @infoline @expr{trn(A) * y}
7106 @texline @math{A^T A}
7107 @infoline @expr{trn(A) * A}
7112 1: [33.36554, 13.613] 2: [33.36554, 13.613]
7113 . 1: [ [ 98.0003, 41.63 ]
7117 v t r 2 * r 3 v t r 3 *
7122 (Hey, those numbers look familiar!)
7126 1: [0.52141679, -0.425978]
7133 Since we were solving equations of the form
7134 @texline @math{m \times x + b \times 1 = y},
7135 @infoline @expr{m*x + b*1 = y},
7136 these numbers should be @expr{m} and @expr{b}, respectively. Sure
7137 enough, they agree exactly with the result computed using @kbd{V M} and
7140 The moral of this story: @kbd{V M} and @kbd{V R} will probably solve
7141 your problem, but there is often an easier way using the higher-level
7142 arithmetic functions!
7144 @c [fix-ref Curve Fitting]
7145 In fact, there is a built-in @kbd{a F} command that does least-squares
7146 fits. @xref{Curve Fitting}.
7148 @node List Answer 3, List Answer 4, List Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
7149 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 3
7152 Move to one end of the list and press @kbd{C-@@} (or @kbd{C-@key{SPC}} or
7153 whatever) to set the mark, then move to the other end of the list
7154 and type @w{@kbd{C-x * g}}.
7158 1: [2.3, 6, 22, 15.1, 7, 15, 14, 7.5, 2.5]
7163 To make things interesting, let's assume we don't know at a glance
7164 how many numbers are in this list. Then we could type:
7168 2: [2.3, 6, 22, ... ] 2: [2.3, 6, 22, ... ]
7169 1: [2.3, 6, 22, ... ] 1: 126356422.5
7179 2: 126356422.5 2: 126356422.5 1: 7.94652913734
7180 1: [2.3, 6, 22, ... ] 1: 9 .
7188 (The @kbd{I ^} command computes the @var{n}th root of a number.
7189 You could also type @kbd{& ^} to take the reciprocal of 9 and
7190 then raise the number to that power.)
7192 @node List Answer 4, List Answer 5, List Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
7193 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 4
7196 A number @expr{j} is a divisor of @expr{n} if
7197 @texline @math{n \mathbin{\hbox{\code{\%}}} j = 0}.
7198 @infoline @samp{n % j = 0}.
7199 The first step is to get a vector that identifies the divisors.
7203 2: 30 2: [0, 0, 0, 2, ...] 1: [1, 1, 1, 0, ...]
7204 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, ...] 1: 0 .
7207 30 @key{RET} v x 30 @key{RET} s 1 V M % 0 V M a = s 2
7212 This vector has 1's marking divisors of 30 and 0's marking non-divisors.
7214 The zeroth divisor function is just the total number of divisors.
7215 The first divisor function is the sum of the divisors.
7220 2: [1, 2, 3, 4, ...] 1: [1, 2, 3, 0, ...] 1: 72
7221 1: [1, 1, 1, 0, ...] . .
7224 V R + r 1 r 2 V M * V R +
7229 Once again, the last two steps just compute a dot product for which
7230 a simple @kbd{*} would have worked equally well.
7232 @node List Answer 5, List Answer 6, List Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
7233 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 5
7236 The obvious first step is to obtain the list of factors with @kbd{k f}.
7237 This list will always be in sorted order, so if there are duplicates
7238 they will be right next to each other. A suitable method is to compare
7239 the list with a copy of itself shifted over by one.
7243 1: [3, 7, 7, 7, 19] 2: [3, 7, 7, 7, 19] 2: [3, 7, 7, 7, 19, 0]
7244 . 1: [3, 7, 7, 7, 19, 0] 1: [0, 3, 7, 7, 7, 19]
7247 19551 k f @key{RET} 0 | @key{TAB} 0 @key{TAB} |
7254 1: [0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0] 1: 2 1: 0
7262 Note that we have to arrange for both vectors to have the same length
7263 so that the mapping operation works; no prime factor will ever be
7264 zero, so adding zeros on the left and right is safe. From then on
7265 the job is pretty straightforward.
7267 Incidentally, Calc provides the
7268 @texline @dfn{M@"obius} @math{\mu}
7269 @infoline @dfn{Moebius mu}
7270 function which is zero if and only if its argument is square-free. It
7271 would be a much more convenient way to do the above test in practice.
7273 @node List Answer 6, List Answer 7, List Answer 5, Answers to Exercises
7274 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 6
7277 First use @kbd{v x 6 @key{RET}} to get a list of integers, then @kbd{V M v x}
7278 to get a list of lists of integers!
7280 @node List Answer 7, List Answer 8, List Answer 6, Answers to Exercises
7281 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 7
7284 Here's one solution. First, compute the triangular list from the previous
7285 exercise and type @kbd{1 -} to subtract one from all the elements.
7298 The numbers down the lefthand edge of the list we desire are called
7299 the ``triangular numbers'' (now you know why!). The @expr{n}th
7300 triangular number is the sum of the integers from 1 to @expr{n}, and
7301 can be computed directly by the formula
7302 @texline @math{n (n+1) \over 2}.
7303 @infoline @expr{n * (n+1) / 2}.
7307 2: [ [0], [0, 1], ... ] 2: [ [0], [0, 1], ... ]
7308 1: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 1: [0, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15]
7311 v x 6 @key{RET} 1 - V M ' $ ($+1)/2 @key{RET}
7316 Adding this list to the above list of lists produces the desired
7325 [10, 11, 12, 13, 14],
7326 [15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20] ]
7333 If we did not know the formula for triangular numbers, we could have
7334 computed them using a @kbd{V U +} command. We could also have
7335 gotten them the hard way by mapping a reduction across the original
7340 2: [ [0], [0, 1], ... ] 2: [ [0], [0, 1], ... ]
7341 1: [ [0], [0, 1], ... ] 1: [0, 1, 3, 6, 10, 15]
7349 (This means ``map a @kbd{V R +} command across the vector,'' and
7350 since each element of the main vector is itself a small vector,
7351 @kbd{V R +} computes the sum of its elements.)
7353 @node List Answer 8, List Answer 9, List Answer 7, Answers to Exercises
7354 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 8
7357 The first step is to build a list of values of @expr{x}.
7361 1: [1, 2, 3, ..., 21] 1: [0, 1, 2, ..., 20] 1: [0, 0.25, 0.5, ..., 5]
7364 v x 21 @key{RET} 1 - 4 / s 1
7368 Next, we compute the Bessel function values.
7372 1: [0., 0.124, 0.242, ..., -0.328]
7375 V M ' besJ(1,$) @key{RET}
7380 (Another way to do this would be @kbd{1 @key{TAB} V M f j}.)
7382 A way to isolate the maximum value is to compute the maximum using
7383 @kbd{V R X}, then compare all the Bessel values with that maximum.
7387 2: [0., 0.124, 0.242, ... ] 1: [0, 0, 0, ... ] 2: [0, 0, 0, ... ]
7391 @key{RET} V R X V M a = @key{RET} V R + @key{DEL}
7396 It's a good idea to verify, as in the last step above, that only
7397 one value is equal to the maximum. (After all, a plot of
7398 @texline @math{\sin x}
7399 @infoline @expr{sin(x)}
7400 might have many points all equal to the maximum value, 1.)
7402 The vector we have now has a single 1 in the position that indicates
7403 the maximum value of @expr{x}. Now it is a simple matter to convert
7404 this back into the corresponding value itself.
7408 2: [0, 0, 0, ... ] 1: [0, 0., 0., ... ] 1: 1.75
7409 1: [0, 0.25, 0.5, ... ] . .
7416 If @kbd{a =} had produced more than one @expr{1} value, this method
7417 would have given the sum of all maximum @expr{x} values; not very
7418 useful! In this case we could have used @kbd{v m} (@code{calc-mask-vector})
7419 instead. This command deletes all elements of a ``data'' vector that
7420 correspond to zeros in a ``mask'' vector, leaving us with, in this
7421 example, a vector of maximum @expr{x} values.
7423 The built-in @kbd{a X} command maximizes a function using more
7424 efficient methods. Just for illustration, let's use @kbd{a X}
7425 to maximize @samp{besJ(1,x)} over this same interval.
7429 2: besJ(1, x) 1: [1.84115, 0.581865]
7433 ' besJ(1,x), [0..5] @key{RET} a X x @key{RET}
7438 The output from @kbd{a X} is a vector containing the value of @expr{x}
7439 that maximizes the function, and the function's value at that maximum.
7440 As you can see, our simple search got quite close to the right answer.
7442 @node List Answer 9, List Answer 10, List Answer 8, Answers to Exercises
7443 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 9
7446 Step one is to convert our integer into vector notation.
7450 1: 25129925999 3: 25129925999
7452 1: [11, 10, 9, ..., 1, 0]
7455 25129925999 @key{RET} 10 @key{RET} 12 @key{RET} v x 12 @key{RET} -
7462 1: 25129925999 1: [0, 2, 25, 251, 2512, ... ]
7463 2: [100000000000, ... ] .
7471 (Recall, the @kbd{\} command computes an integer quotient.)
7475 1: [0, 2, 5, 1, 2, 9, 9, 2, 5, 9, 9, 9]
7482 Next we must increment this number. This involves adding one to
7483 the last digit, plus handling carries. There is a carry to the
7484 left out of a digit if that digit is a nine and all the digits to
7485 the right of it are nines.
7489 1: [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1] 1: [1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, ... ]
7499 1: [1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, ... ] 1: [0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1]
7507 Accumulating @kbd{*} across a vector of ones and zeros will preserve
7508 only the initial run of ones. These are the carries into all digits
7509 except the rightmost digit. Concatenating a one on the right takes
7510 care of aligning the carries properly, and also adding one to the
7515 2: [0, 0, 0, 0, ... ] 1: [0, 0, 2, 5, 1, 2, 9, 9, 2, 6, 0, 0, 0]
7516 1: [0, 0, 2, 5, ... ] .
7519 0 r 2 | V M + 10 V M %
7524 Here we have concatenated 0 to the @emph{left} of the original number;
7525 this takes care of shifting the carries by one with respect to the
7526 digits that generated them.
7528 Finally, we must convert this list back into an integer.
7532 3: [0, 0, 2, 5, ... ] 2: [0, 0, 2, 5, ... ]
7533 2: 1000000000000 1: [1000000000000, 100000000000, ... ]
7534 1: [100000000000, ... ] .
7537 10 @key{RET} 12 ^ r 1 |
7544 1: [0, 0, 20000000000, 5000000000, ... ] 1: 25129926000
7552 Another way to do this final step would be to reduce the formula
7553 @w{@samp{10 $$ + $}} across the vector of digits.
7557 1: [0, 0, 2, 5, ... ] 1: 25129926000
7560 V R ' 10 $$ + $ @key{RET}
7564 @node List Answer 10, List Answer 11, List Answer 9, Answers to Exercises
7565 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 10
7568 For the list @expr{[a, b, c, d]}, the result is @expr{((a = b) = c) = d},
7569 which will compare @expr{a} and @expr{b} to produce a 1 or 0, which is
7570 then compared with @expr{c} to produce another 1 or 0, which is then
7571 compared with @expr{d}. This is not at all what Joe wanted.
7573 Here's a more correct method:
7577 1: [7, 7, 7, 8, 7] 2: [7, 7, 7, 8, 7]
7581 ' [7,7,7,8,7] @key{RET} @key{RET} v r 1 @key{RET}
7588 1: [1, 1, 1, 0, 1] 1: 0
7595 @node List Answer 11, List Answer 12, List Answer 10, Answers to Exercises
7596 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 11
7599 The circle of unit radius consists of those points @expr{(x,y)} for which
7600 @expr{x^2 + y^2 < 1}. We start by generating a vector of @expr{x^2}
7601 and a vector of @expr{y^2}.
7603 We can make this go a bit faster by using the @kbd{v .} and @kbd{t .}
7608 2: [2., 2., ..., 2.] 2: [2., 2., ..., 2.]
7609 1: [2., 2., ..., 2.] 1: [1.16, 1.98, ..., 0.81]
7612 v . t . 2. v b 100 @key{RET} @key{RET} V M k r
7619 2: [2., 2., ..., 2.] 1: [0.026, 0.96, ..., 0.036]
7620 1: [0.026, 0.96, ..., 0.036] 2: [0.53, 0.81, ..., 0.094]
7623 1 - 2 V M ^ @key{TAB} V M k r 1 - 2 V M ^
7627 Now we sum the @expr{x^2} and @expr{y^2} values, compare with 1 to
7628 get a vector of 1/0 truth values, then sum the truth values.
7632 1: [0.56, 1.78, ..., 0.13] 1: [1, 0, ..., 1] 1: 84
7640 The ratio @expr{84/100} should approximate the ratio @cpiover{4}.
7644 1: 0.84 1: 3.36 2: 3.36 1: 1.0695
7652 Our estimate, 3.36, is off by about 7%. We could get a better estimate
7653 by taking more points (say, 1000), but it's clear that this method is
7656 (Naturally, since this example uses random numbers your own answer
7657 will be slightly different from the one shown here!)
7659 If you typed @kbd{v .} and @kbd{t .} before, type them again to
7660 return to full-sized display of vectors.
7662 @node List Answer 12, List Answer 13, List Answer 11, Answers to Exercises
7663 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 12
7666 This problem can be made a lot easier by taking advantage of some
7667 symmetries. First of all, after some thought it's clear that the
7668 @expr{y} axis can be ignored altogether. Just pick a random @expr{x}
7669 component for one end of the match, pick a random direction
7670 @texline @math{\theta},
7671 @infoline @expr{theta},
7672 and see if @expr{x} and
7673 @texline @math{x + \cos \theta}
7674 @infoline @expr{x + cos(theta)}
7675 (which is the @expr{x} coordinate of the other endpoint) cross a line.
7676 The lines are at integer coordinates, so this happens when the two
7677 numbers surround an integer.
7679 Since the two endpoints are equivalent, we may as well choose the leftmost
7680 of the two endpoints as @expr{x}. Then @expr{theta} is an angle pointing
7681 to the right, in the range -90 to 90 degrees. (We could use radians, but
7682 it would feel like cheating to refer to @cpiover{2} radians while trying
7683 to estimate @cpi{}!)
7685 In fact, since the field of lines is infinite we can choose the
7686 coordinates 0 and 1 for the lines on either side of the leftmost
7687 endpoint. The rightmost endpoint will be between 0 and 1 if the
7688 match does not cross a line, or between 1 and 2 if it does. So:
7689 Pick random @expr{x} and
7690 @texline @math{\theta},
7691 @infoline @expr{theta},
7693 @texline @math{x + \cos \theta},
7694 @infoline @expr{x + cos(theta)},
7695 and count how many of the results are greater than one. Simple!
7697 We can make this go a bit faster by using the @kbd{v .} and @kbd{t .}
7702 1: [0.52, 0.71, ..., 0.72] 2: [0.52, 0.71, ..., 0.72]
7703 . 1: [78.4, 64.5, ..., -42.9]
7706 v . t . 1. v b 100 @key{RET} V M k r 180. v b 100 @key{RET} V M k r 90 -
7711 (The next step may be slow, depending on the speed of your computer.)
7715 2: [0.52, 0.71, ..., 0.72] 1: [0.72, 1.14, ..., 1.45]
7716 1: [0.20, 0.43, ..., 0.73] .
7726 1: [0, 1, ..., 1] 1: 0.64 1: 3.125
7729 1 V M a > V R + 100 / 2 @key{TAB} /
7733 Let's try the third method, too. We'll use random integers up to
7734 one million. The @kbd{k r} command with an integer argument picks
7739 2: [1000000, 1000000, ..., 1000000] 2: [78489, 527587, ..., 814975]
7740 1: [1000000, 1000000, ..., 1000000] 1: [324014, 358783, ..., 955450]
7743 1000000 v b 100 @key{RET} @key{RET} V M k r @key{TAB} V M k r
7750 1: [1, 1, ..., 25] 1: [1, 1, ..., 0] 1: 0.56
7753 V M k g 1 V M a = V R + 100 /
7767 For a proof of this property of the GCD function, see section 4.5.2,
7768 exercise 10, of Knuth's @emph{Art of Computer Programming}, volume II.
7770 If you typed @kbd{v .} and @kbd{t .} before, type them again to
7771 return to full-sized display of vectors.
7773 @node List Answer 13, List Answer 14, List Answer 12, Answers to Exercises
7774 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 13
7777 First, we put the string on the stack as a vector of ASCII codes.
7781 1: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51]
7784 "Testing, 1, 2, 3 @key{RET}
7789 Note that the @kbd{"} key, like @kbd{$}, initiates algebraic entry so
7790 there was no need to type an apostrophe. Also, Calc didn't mind that
7791 we omitted the closing @kbd{"}. (The same goes for all closing delimiters
7792 like @kbd{)} and @kbd{]} at the end of a formula.
7794 We'll show two different approaches here. In the first, we note that
7795 if the input vector is @expr{[a, b, c, d]}, then the hash code is
7796 @expr{3 (3 (3a + b) + c) + d = 27a + 9b + 3c + d}. In other words,
7797 it's a sum of descending powers of three times the ASCII codes.
7801 2: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51] 2: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51]
7802 1: 16 1: [15, 14, 13, ..., 0]
7805 @key{RET} v l v x 16 @key{RET} -
7812 2: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51] 1: 1960915098 1: 121
7813 1: [14348907, ..., 1] . .
7816 3 @key{TAB} V M ^ * 511 %
7821 Once again, @kbd{*} elegantly summarizes most of the computation.
7822 But there's an even more elegant approach: Reduce the formula
7823 @kbd{3 $$ + $} across the vector. Recall that this represents a
7824 function of two arguments that computes its first argument times three
7825 plus its second argument.
7829 1: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51] 1: 1960915098
7832 "Testing, 1, 2, 3 @key{RET} V R ' 3$$+$ @key{RET}
7837 If you did the decimal arithmetic exercise, this will be familiar.
7838 Basically, we're turning a base-3 vector of digits into an integer,
7839 except that our ``digits'' are much larger than real digits.
7841 Instead of typing @kbd{511 %} again to reduce the result, we can be
7842 cleverer still and notice that rather than computing a huge integer
7843 and taking the modulo at the end, we can take the modulo at each step
7844 without affecting the result. While this means there are more
7845 arithmetic operations, the numbers we operate on remain small so
7846 the operations are faster.
7850 1: [84, 101, 115, ..., 51] 1: 121
7853 "Testing, 1, 2, 3 @key{RET} V R ' (3$$+$)%511 @key{RET}
7857 Why does this work? Think about a two-step computation:
7858 @w{@expr{3 (3a + b) + c}}. Taking a result modulo 511 basically means
7859 subtracting off enough 511's to put the result in the desired range.
7860 So the result when we take the modulo after every step is,
7864 3 (3 a + b - 511 m) + c - 511 n
7870 $$ 3 (3 a + b - 511 m) + c - 511 n $$
7875 for some suitable integers @expr{m} and @expr{n}. Expanding out by
7876 the distributive law yields
7880 9 a + 3 b + c - 511*3 m - 511 n
7886 $$ 9 a + 3 b + c - 511\times3 m - 511 n $$
7891 The @expr{m} term in the latter formula is redundant because any
7892 contribution it makes could just as easily be made by the @expr{n}
7893 term. So we can take it out to get an equivalent formula with
7898 9 a + 3 b + c - 511 n'
7904 $$ 9 a + 3 b + c - 511 n' $$
7909 which is just the formula for taking the modulo only at the end of
7910 the calculation. Therefore the two methods are essentially the same.
7912 Later in the tutorial we will encounter @dfn{modulo forms}, which
7913 basically automate the idea of reducing every intermediate result
7914 modulo some value @var{m}.
7916 @node List Answer 14, Types Answer 1, List Answer 13, Answers to Exercises
7917 @subsection List Tutorial Exercise 14
7919 We want to use @kbd{H V U} to nest a function which adds a random
7920 step to an @expr{(x,y)} coordinate. The function is a bit long, but
7921 otherwise the problem is quite straightforward.
7925 2: [0, 0] 1: [ [ 0, 0 ]
7926 1: 50 [ 0.4288, -0.1695 ]
7927 . [ -0.4787, -0.9027 ]
7930 [0,0] 50 H V U ' <# + [random(2.0)-1, random(2.0)-1]> @key{RET}
7934 Just as the text recommended, we used @samp{< >} nameless function
7935 notation to keep the two @code{random} calls from being evaluated
7936 before nesting even begins.
7938 We now have a vector of @expr{[x, y]} sub-vectors, which by Calc's
7939 rules acts like a matrix. We can transpose this matrix and unpack
7940 to get a pair of vectors, @expr{x} and @expr{y}, suitable for graphing.
7944 2: [ 0, 0.4288, -0.4787, ... ]
7945 1: [ 0, -0.1696, -0.9027, ... ]
7952 Incidentally, because the @expr{x} and @expr{y} are completely
7953 independent in this case, we could have done two separate commands
7954 to create our @expr{x} and @expr{y} vectors of numbers directly.
7956 To make a random walk of unit steps, we note that @code{sincos} of
7957 a random direction exactly gives us an @expr{[x, y]} step of unit
7958 length; in fact, the new nesting function is even briefer, though
7959 we might want to lower the precision a bit for it.
7963 2: [0, 0] 1: [ [ 0, 0 ]
7964 1: 50 [ 0.1318, 0.9912 ]
7965 . [ -0.5965, 0.3061 ]
7968 [0,0] 50 m d p 6 @key{RET} H V U ' <# + sincos(random(360.0))> @key{RET}
7972 Another @kbd{v t v u g f} sequence will graph this new random walk.
7974 An interesting twist on these random walk functions would be to use
7975 complex numbers instead of 2-vectors to represent points on the plane.
7976 In the first example, we'd use something like @samp{random + random*(0,1)},
7977 and in the second we could use polar complex numbers with random phase
7978 angles. (This exercise was first suggested in this form by Randal
7981 @node Types Answer 1, Types Answer 2, List Answer 14, Answers to Exercises
7982 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 1
7985 If the number is the square root of @cpi{} times a rational number,
7986 then its square, divided by @cpi{}, should be a rational number.
7990 1: 1.26508260337 1: 0.509433962268 1: 2486645810:4881193627
7998 Technically speaking this is a rational number, but not one that is
7999 likely to have arisen in the original problem. More likely, it just
8000 happens to be the fraction which most closely represents some
8001 irrational number to within 12 digits.
8003 But perhaps our result was not quite exact. Let's reduce the
8004 precision slightly and try again:
8008 1: 0.509433962268 1: 27:53
8011 U p 10 @key{RET} c F
8016 Aha! It's unlikely that an irrational number would equal a fraction
8017 this simple to within ten digits, so our original number was probably
8018 @texline @math{\sqrt{27 \pi / 53}}.
8019 @infoline @expr{sqrt(27 pi / 53)}.
8021 Notice that we didn't need to re-round the number when we reduced the
8022 precision. Remember, arithmetic operations always round their inputs
8023 to the current precision before they begin.
8025 @node Types Answer 2, Types Answer 3, Types Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
8026 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 2
8029 @samp{inf / inf = nan}. Perhaps @samp{1} is the ``obvious'' answer.
8030 But if @w{@samp{17 inf = inf}}, then @samp{17 inf / inf = inf / inf = 17}, too.
8032 @samp{exp(inf) = inf}. It's tempting to say that the exponential
8033 of infinity must be ``bigger'' than ``regular'' infinity, but as
8034 far as Calc is concerned all infinities are the same size.
8035 In other words, as @expr{x} goes to infinity, @expr{e^x} also goes
8036 to infinity, but the fact the @expr{e^x} grows much faster than
8037 @expr{x} is not relevant here.
8039 @samp{exp(-inf) = 0}. Here we have a finite answer even though
8040 the input is infinite.
8042 @samp{sqrt(-inf) = (0, 1) inf}. Remember that @expr{(0, 1)}
8043 represents the imaginary number @expr{i}. Here's a derivation:
8044 @samp{sqrt(-inf) = @w{sqrt((-1) * inf)} = sqrt(-1) * sqrt(inf)}.
8045 The first part is, by definition, @expr{i}; the second is @code{inf}
8046 because, once again, all infinities are the same size.
8048 @samp{sqrt(uinf) = uinf}. In fact, we do know something about the
8049 direction because @code{sqrt} is defined to return a value in the
8050 right half of the complex plane. But Calc has no notation for this,
8051 so it settles for the conservative answer @code{uinf}.
8053 @samp{abs(uinf) = inf}. No matter which direction @expr{x} points,
8054 @samp{abs(x)} always points along the positive real axis.
8056 @samp{ln(0) = -inf}. Here we have an infinite answer to a finite
8057 input. As in the @expr{1 / 0} case, Calc will only use infinities
8058 here if you have turned on Infinite mode. Otherwise, it will
8059 treat @samp{ln(0)} as an error.
8061 @node Types Answer 3, Types Answer 4, Types Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
8062 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 3
8065 We can make @samp{inf - inf} be any real number we like, say,
8066 @expr{a}, just by claiming that we added @expr{a} to the first
8067 infinity but not to the second. This is just as true for complex
8068 values of @expr{a}, so @code{nan} can stand for a complex number.
8069 (And, similarly, @code{uinf} can stand for an infinity that points
8070 in any direction in the complex plane, such as @samp{(0, 1) inf}).
8072 In fact, we can multiply the first @code{inf} by two. Surely
8073 @w{@samp{2 inf - inf = inf}}, but also @samp{2 inf - inf = inf - inf = nan}.
8074 So @code{nan} can even stand for infinity. Obviously it's just
8075 as easy to make it stand for minus infinity as for plus infinity.
8077 The moral of this story is that ``infinity'' is a slippery fish
8078 indeed, and Calc tries to handle it by having a very simple model
8079 for infinities (only the direction counts, not the ``size''); but
8080 Calc is careful to write @code{nan} any time this simple model is
8081 unable to tell what the true answer is.
8083 @node Types Answer 4, Types Answer 5, Types Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
8084 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 4
8088 2: 0@@ 47' 26" 1: 0@@ 2' 47.411765"
8092 0@@ 47' 26" @key{RET} 17 /
8097 The average song length is two minutes and 47.4 seconds.
8101 2: 0@@ 2' 47.411765" 1: 0@@ 3' 7.411765" 1: 0@@ 53' 6.000005"
8110 The album would be 53 minutes and 6 seconds long.
8112 @node Types Answer 5, Types Answer 6, Types Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
8113 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 5
8116 Let's suppose it's January 14, 1991. The easiest thing to do is
8117 to keep trying 13ths of months until Calc reports a Friday.
8118 We can do this by manually entering dates, or by using @kbd{t I}:
8122 1: <Wed Feb 13, 1991> 1: <Wed Mar 13, 1991> 1: <Sat Apr 13, 1991>
8125 ' <2/13> @key{RET} @key{DEL} ' <3/13> @key{RET} t I
8130 (Calc assumes the current year if you don't say otherwise.)
8132 This is getting tedious---we can keep advancing the date by typing
8133 @kbd{t I} over and over again, but let's automate the job by using
8134 vector mapping. The @kbd{t I} command actually takes a second
8135 ``how-many-months'' argument, which defaults to one. This
8136 argument is exactly what we want to map over:
8140 2: <Sat Apr 13, 1991> 1: [<Mon May 13, 1991>, <Thu Jun 13, 1991>,
8141 1: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] <Sat Jul 13, 1991>, <Tue Aug 13, 1991>,
8142 . <Fri Sep 13, 1991>, <Sun Oct 13, 1991>]
8145 v x 6 @key{RET} V M t I
8150 Et voil@`a, September 13, 1991 is a Friday.
8157 ' <sep 13> - <jan 14> @key{RET}
8162 And the answer to our original question: 242 days to go.
8164 @node Types Answer 6, Types Answer 7, Types Answer 5, Answers to Exercises
8165 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 6
8168 The full rule for leap years is that they occur in every year divisible
8169 by four, except that they don't occur in years divisible by 100, except
8170 that they @emph{do} in years divisible by 400. We could work out the
8171 answer by carefully counting the years divisible by four and the
8172 exceptions, but there is a much simpler way that works even if we
8173 don't know the leap year rule.
8175 Let's assume the present year is 1991. Years have 365 days, except
8176 that leap years (whenever they occur) have 366 days. So let's count
8177 the number of days between now and then, and compare that to the
8178 number of years times 365. The number of extra days we find must be
8179 equal to the number of leap years there were.
8183 1: <Mon Jan 1, 10001> 2: <Mon Jan 1, 10001> 1: 2925593
8184 . 1: <Tue Jan 1, 1991> .
8187 ' <jan 1 10001> @key{RET} ' <jan 1 1991> @key{RET} -
8194 3: 2925593 2: 2925593 2: 2925593 1: 1943
8195 2: 10001 1: 8010 1: 2923650 .
8199 10001 @key{RET} 1991 - 365 * -
8203 @c [fix-ref Date Forms]
8205 There will be 1943 leap years before the year 10001. (Assuming,
8206 of course, that the algorithm for computing leap years remains
8207 unchanged for that long. @xref{Date Forms}, for some interesting
8208 background information in that regard.)
8210 @node Types Answer 7, Types Answer 8, Types Answer 6, Answers to Exercises
8211 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 7
8214 The relative errors must be converted to absolute errors so that
8215 @samp{+/-} notation may be used.
8223 20 @key{RET} .05 * 4 @key{RET} .05 *
8227 Now we simply chug through the formula.
8231 1: 19.7392088022 1: 394.78 +/- 19.739 1: 6316.5 +/- 706.21
8234 2 P 2 ^ * 20 p 1 * 4 p .2 @key{RET} 2 ^ *
8238 It turns out the @kbd{v u} command will unpack an error form as
8239 well as a vector. This saves us some retyping of numbers.
8243 3: 6316.5 +/- 706.21 2: 6316.5 +/- 706.21
8248 @key{RET} v u @key{TAB} /
8253 Thus the volume is 6316 cubic centimeters, within about 11 percent.
8255 @node Types Answer 8, Types Answer 9, Types Answer 7, Answers to Exercises
8256 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 8
8259 The first answer is pretty simple: @samp{1 / (0 .. 10) = (0.1 .. inf)}.
8260 Since a number in the interval @samp{(0 .. 10)} can get arbitrarily
8261 close to zero, its reciprocal can get arbitrarily large, so the answer
8262 is an interval that effectively means, ``any number greater than 0.1''
8263 but with no upper bound.
8265 The second answer, similarly, is @samp{1 / (-10 .. 0) = (-inf .. -0.1)}.
8267 Calc normally treats division by zero as an error, so that the formula
8268 @w{@samp{1 / 0}} is left unsimplified. Our third problem,
8269 @w{@samp{1 / [0 .. 10]}}, also (potentially) divides by zero because zero
8270 is now a member of the interval. So Calc leaves this one unevaluated, too.
8272 If you turn on Infinite mode by pressing @kbd{m i}, you will
8273 instead get the answer @samp{[0.1 .. inf]}, which includes infinity
8274 as a possible value.
8276 The fourth calculation, @samp{1 / (-10 .. 10)}, has the same problem.
8277 Zero is buried inside the interval, but it's still a possible value.
8278 It's not hard to see that the actual result of @samp{1 / (-10 .. 10)}
8279 will be either greater than @mathit{0.1}, or less than @mathit{-0.1}. Thus
8280 the interval goes from minus infinity to plus infinity, with a ``hole''
8281 in it from @mathit{-0.1} to @mathit{0.1}. Calc doesn't have any way to
8282 represent this, so it just reports @samp{[-inf .. inf]} as the answer.
8283 It may be disappointing to hear ``the answer lies somewhere between
8284 minus infinity and plus infinity, inclusive,'' but that's the best
8285 that interval arithmetic can do in this case.
8287 @node Types Answer 9, Types Answer 10, Types Answer 8, Answers to Exercises
8288 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 9
8292 1: [-3 .. 3] 2: [-3 .. 3] 2: [0 .. 9]
8293 . 1: [0 .. 9] 1: [-9 .. 9]
8296 [ 3 n .. 3 ] @key{RET} 2 ^ @key{TAB} @key{RET} *
8301 In the first case the result says, ``if a number is between @mathit{-3} and
8302 3, its square is between 0 and 9.'' The second case says, ``the product
8303 of two numbers each between @mathit{-3} and 3 is between @mathit{-9} and 9.''
8305 An interval form is not a number; it is a symbol that can stand for
8306 many different numbers. Two identical-looking interval forms can stand
8307 for different numbers.
8309 The same issue arises when you try to square an error form.
8311 @node Types Answer 10, Types Answer 11, Types Answer 9, Answers to Exercises
8312 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 10
8315 Testing the first number, we might arbitrarily choose 17 for @expr{x}.
8319 1: 17 mod 811749613 2: 17 mod 811749613 1: 533694123 mod 811749613
8323 17 M 811749613 @key{RET} 811749612 ^
8328 Since 533694123 is (considerably) different from 1, the number 811749613
8331 It's awkward to type the number in twice as we did above. There are
8332 various ways to avoid this, and algebraic entry is one. In fact, using
8333 a vector mapping operation we can perform several tests at once. Let's
8334 use this method to test the second number.
8338 2: [17, 42, 100000] 1: [1 mod 15485863, 1 mod ... ]
8342 [17 42 100000] 15485863 @key{RET} V M ' ($$ mod $)^($-1) @key{RET}
8347 The result is three ones (modulo @expr{n}), so it's very probable that
8348 15485863 is prime. (In fact, this number is the millionth prime.)
8350 Note that the functions @samp{($$^($-1)) mod $} or @samp{$$^($-1) % $}
8351 would have been hopelessly inefficient, since they would have calculated
8352 the power using full integer arithmetic.
8354 Calc has a @kbd{k p} command that does primality testing. For small
8355 numbers it does an exact test; for large numbers it uses a variant
8356 of the Fermat test we used here. You can use @kbd{k p} repeatedly
8357 to prove that a large integer is prime with any desired probability.
8359 @node Types Answer 11, Types Answer 12, Types Answer 10, Answers to Exercises
8360 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 11
8363 There are several ways to insert a calculated number into an HMS form.
8364 One way to convert a number of seconds to an HMS form is simply to
8365 multiply the number by an HMS form representing one second:
8369 1: 31415926.5359 2: 31415926.5359 1: 8726@@ 38' 46.5359"
8380 2: 8726@@ 38' 46.5359" 1: 6@@ 6' 2.5359" mod 24@@ 0' 0"
8381 1: 15@@ 27' 16" mod 24@@ 0' 0" .
8389 It will be just after six in the morning.
8391 The algebraic @code{hms} function can also be used to build an
8396 1: hms(0, 0, 10000000. pi) 1: 8726@@ 38' 46.5359"
8399 ' hms(0, 0, 1e7 pi) @key{RET} =
8404 The @kbd{=} key is necessary to evaluate the symbol @samp{pi} to
8405 the actual number 3.14159...
8407 @node Types Answer 12, Types Answer 13, Types Answer 11, Answers to Exercises
8408 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 12
8411 As we recall, there are 17 songs of about 2 minutes and 47 seconds
8416 2: 0@@ 2' 47" 1: [0@@ 3' 7" .. 0@@ 3' 47"]
8417 1: [0@@ 0' 20" .. 0@@ 1' 0"] .
8420 [ 0@@ 20" .. 0@@ 1' ] +
8427 1: [0@@ 52' 59." .. 1@@ 4' 19."]
8435 No matter how long it is, the album will fit nicely on one CD.
8437 @node Types Answer 13, Types Answer 14, Types Answer 12, Answers to Exercises
8438 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 13
8441 Type @kbd{' 1 yr @key{RET} u c s @key{RET}}. The answer is 31557600 seconds.
8443 @node Types Answer 14, Types Answer 15, Types Answer 13, Answers to Exercises
8444 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 14
8447 How long will it take for a signal to get from one end of the computer
8452 1: m / c 1: 3.3356 ns
8455 ' 1 m / c @key{RET} u c ns @key{RET}
8460 (Recall, @samp{c} is a ``unit'' corresponding to the speed of light.)
8464 1: 3.3356 ns 1: 0.81356 ns / ns 1: 0.81356
8468 ' 4.1 ns @key{RET} / u s
8473 Thus a signal could take up to 81 percent of a clock cycle just to
8474 go from one place to another inside the computer, assuming the signal
8475 could actually attain the full speed of light. Pretty tight!
8477 @node Types Answer 15, Algebra Answer 1, Types Answer 14, Answers to Exercises
8478 @subsection Types Tutorial Exercise 15
8481 The speed limit is 55 miles per hour on most highways. We want to
8482 find the ratio of Sam's speed to the US speed limit.
8486 1: 55 mph 2: 55 mph 3: 11 hr mph / yd
8490 ' 55 mph @key{RET} ' 5 yd/hr @key{RET} /
8494 The @kbd{u s} command cancels out these units to get a plain
8495 number. Now we take the logarithm base two to find the final
8496 answer, assuming that each successive pill doubles his speed.
8500 1: 19360. 2: 19360. 1: 14.24
8509 Thus Sam can take up to 14 pills without a worry.
8511 @node Algebra Answer 1, Algebra Answer 2, Types Answer 15, Answers to Exercises
8512 @subsection Algebra Tutorial Exercise 1
8515 @c [fix-ref Declarations]
8516 The result @samp{sqrt(x)^2} is simplified back to @expr{x} by the
8517 Calculator, but @samp{sqrt(x^2)} is not. (Consider what happens
8518 if @w{@expr{x = -4}}.) If @expr{x} is real, this formula could be
8519 simplified to @samp{abs(x)}, but for general complex arguments even
8520 that is not safe. (@xref{Declarations}, for a way to tell Calc
8521 that @expr{x} is known to be real.)
8523 @node Algebra Answer 2, Algebra Answer 3, Algebra Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
8524 @subsection Algebra Tutorial Exercise 2
8527 Suppose our roots are @expr{[a, b, c]}. We want a polynomial which
8528 is zero when @expr{x} is any of these values. The trivial polynomial
8529 @expr{x-a} is zero when @expr{x=a}, so the product @expr{(x-a)(x-b)(x-c)}
8530 will do the job. We can use @kbd{a c x} to write this in a more
8535 1: 34 x - 24 x^3 1: [1.19023, -1.19023, 0]
8545 1: [x - 1.19023, x + 1.19023, x] 1: (x - 1.19023) (x + 1.19023) x
8548 V M ' x-$ @key{RET} V R *
8555 1: x^3 - 1.41666 x 1: 34 x - 24 x^3
8558 a c x @key{RET} 24 n * a x
8563 Sure enough, our answer (multiplied by a suitable constant) is the
8564 same as the original polynomial.
8566 @node Algebra Answer 3, Algebra Answer 4, Algebra Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
8567 @subsection Algebra Tutorial Exercise 3
8571 1: x sin(pi x) 1: (sin(pi x) - pi x cos(pi x)) / pi^2
8574 ' x sin(pi x) @key{RET} m r a i x @key{RET}
8582 2: (sin(pi x) - pi x cos(pi x)) / pi^2
8585 ' [y,1] @key{RET} @key{TAB}
8592 1: [(sin(pi y) - pi y cos(pi y)) / pi^2, (sin(pi) - pi cos(pi)) / pi^2]
8602 1: (sin(pi y) - pi y cos(pi y)) / pi^2 + (pi cos(pi) - sin(pi)) / pi^2
8612 1: (sin(3.14159 y) - 3.14159 y cos(3.14159 y)) / 9.8696 - 0.3183
8622 1: [0., -0.95493, 0.63662, -1.5915, 1.2732]
8625 v x 5 @key{RET} @key{TAB} V M $ @key{RET}
8629 @node Algebra Answer 4, Rewrites Answer 1, Algebra Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
8630 @subsection Algebra Tutorial Exercise 4
8633 The hard part is that @kbd{V R +} is no longer sufficient to add up all
8634 the contributions from the slices, since the slices have varying
8635 coefficients. So first we must come up with a vector of these
8636 coefficients. Here's one way:
8640 2: -1 2: 3 1: [4, 2, ..., 4]
8641 1: [1, 2, ..., 9] 1: [-1, 1, ..., -1] .
8644 1 n v x 9 @key{RET} V M ^ 3 @key{TAB} -
8651 1: [4, 2, ..., 4, 1] 1: [1, 4, 2, ..., 4, 1]
8659 Now we compute the function values. Note that for this method we need
8660 eleven values, including both endpoints of the desired interval.
8664 2: [1, 4, 2, ..., 4, 1]
8665 1: [1, 1.1, 1.2, ... , 1.8, 1.9, 2.]
8668 11 @key{RET} 1 @key{RET} .1 @key{RET} C-u v x
8675 2: [1, 4, 2, ..., 4, 1]
8676 1: [0., 0.084941, 0.16993, ... ]
8679 ' sin(x) ln(x) @key{RET} m r p 5 @key{RET} V M $ @key{RET}
8684 Once again this calls for @kbd{V M * V R +}; a simple @kbd{*} does the
8689 1: 11.22 1: 1.122 1: 0.374
8697 Wow! That's even better than the result from the Taylor series method.
8699 @node Rewrites Answer 1, Rewrites Answer 2, Algebra Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
8700 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 1
8703 We'll use Big mode to make the formulas more readable.
8709 1: (2 + sqrt(2)) / (1 + sqrt(2)) 1: --------
8715 ' (2+sqrt(2)) / (1+sqrt(2)) @key{RET} d B
8720 Multiplying by the conjugate helps because @expr{(a+b) (a-b) = a^2 - b^2}.
8725 1: (2 + V 2 ) (V 2 - 1)
8728 a r a/(b+c) := a*(b-c) / (b^2-c^2) @key{RET}
8736 1: 2 + V 2 - 2 1: V 2
8739 a r a*(b+c) := a*b + a*c a s
8744 (We could have used @kbd{a x} instead of a rewrite rule for the
8747 The multiply-by-conjugate rule turns out to be useful in many
8748 different circumstances, such as when the denominator involves
8749 sines and cosines or the imaginary constant @code{i}.
8751 @node Rewrites Answer 2, Rewrites Answer 3, Rewrites Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
8752 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 2
8755 Here is the rule set:
8759 [ fib(n) := fib(n, 1, 1) :: integer(n) :: n >= 1,
8761 fib(n, x, y) := fib(n-1, y, x+y) ]
8766 The first rule turns a one-argument @code{fib} that people like to write
8767 into a three-argument @code{fib} that makes computation easier. The
8768 second rule converts back from three-argument form once the computation
8769 is done. The third rule does the computation itself. It basically
8770 says that if @expr{x} and @expr{y} are two consecutive Fibonacci numbers,
8771 then @expr{y} and @expr{x+y} are the next (overlapping) pair of Fibonacci
8774 Notice that because the number @expr{n} was ``validated'' by the
8775 conditions on the first rule, there is no need to put conditions on
8776 the other rules because the rule set would never get that far unless
8777 the input were valid. That further speeds computation, since no
8778 extra conditions need to be checked at every step.
8780 Actually, a user with a nasty sense of humor could enter a bad
8781 three-argument @code{fib} call directly, say, @samp{fib(0, 1, 1)},
8782 which would get the rules into an infinite loop. One thing that would
8783 help keep this from happening by accident would be to use something like
8784 @samp{ZzFib} instead of @code{fib} as the name of the three-argument
8787 @node Rewrites Answer 3, Rewrites Answer 4, Rewrites Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
8788 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 3
8791 He got an infinite loop. First, Calc did as expected and rewrote
8792 @w{@samp{2 + 3 x}} to @samp{f(2, 3, x)}. Then it looked for ways to
8793 apply the rule again, and found that @samp{f(2, 3, x)} looks like
8794 @samp{a + b x} with @w{@samp{a = 0}} and @samp{b = 1}, so it rewrote to
8795 @samp{f(0, 1, f(2, 3, x))}. It then wrapped another @samp{f(0, 1, ...)}
8796 around that, and so on, ad infinitum. Joe should have used @kbd{M-1 a r}
8797 to make sure the rule applied only once.
8799 (Actually, even the first step didn't work as he expected. What Calc
8800 really gives for @kbd{M-1 a r} in this situation is @samp{f(3 x, 1, 2)},
8801 treating 2 as the ``variable,'' and @samp{3 x} as a constant being added
8802 to it. While this may seem odd, it's just as valid a solution as the
8803 ``obvious'' one. One way to fix this would be to add the condition
8804 @samp{:: variable(x)} to the rule, to make sure the thing that matches
8805 @samp{x} is indeed a variable, or to change @samp{x} to @samp{quote(x)}
8806 on the lefthand side, so that the rule matches the actual variable
8807 @samp{x} rather than letting @samp{x} stand for something else.)
8809 @node Rewrites Answer 4, Rewrites Answer 5, Rewrites Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
8810 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 4
8817 Here is a suitable set of rules to solve the first part of the problem:
8821 [ seq(n, c) := seq(n/2, c+1) :: n%2 = 0,
8822 seq(n, c) := seq(3n+1, c+1) :: n%2 = 1 :: n > 1 ]
8826 Given the initial formula @samp{seq(6, 0)}, application of these
8827 rules produces the following sequence of formulas:
8841 whereupon neither of the rules match, and rewriting stops.
8843 We can pretty this up a bit with a couple more rules:
8847 [ seq(n) := seq(n, 0),
8854 Now, given @samp{seq(6)} as the starting configuration, we get 8
8857 The change to return a vector is quite simple:
8861 [ seq(n) := seq(n, []) :: integer(n) :: n > 0,
8863 seq(n, v) := seq(n/2, v | n) :: n%2 = 0,
8864 seq(n, v) := seq(3n+1, v | n) :: n%2 = 1 ]
8869 Given @samp{seq(6)}, the result is @samp{[6, 3, 10, 5, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1]}.
8871 Notice that the @expr{n > 1} guard is no longer necessary on the last
8872 rule since the @expr{n = 1} case is now detected by another rule.
8873 But a guard has been added to the initial rule to make sure the
8874 initial value is suitable before the computation begins.
8876 While still a good idea, this guard is not as vitally important as it
8877 was for the @code{fib} function, since calling, say, @samp{seq(x, [])}
8878 will not get into an infinite loop. Calc will not be able to prove
8879 the symbol @samp{x} is either even or odd, so none of the rules will
8880 apply and the rewrites will stop right away.
8882 @node Rewrites Answer 5, Rewrites Answer 6, Rewrites Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
8883 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 5
8890 If @expr{x} is the sum @expr{a + b}, then `@tfn{nterms(}@var{x}@tfn{)}' must
8891 be `@tfn{nterms(}@var{a}@tfn{)}' plus `@tfn{nterms(}@var{b}@tfn{)}'. If @expr{x}
8892 is not a sum, then `@tfn{nterms(}@var{x}@tfn{)}' = 1.
8896 [ nterms(a + b) := nterms(a) + nterms(b),
8902 Here we have taken advantage of the fact that earlier rules always
8903 match before later rules; @samp{nterms(x)} will only be tried if we
8904 already know that @samp{x} is not a sum.
8906 @node Rewrites Answer 6, Programming Answer 1, Rewrites Answer 5, Answers to Exercises
8907 @subsection Rewrites Tutorial Exercise 6
8910 Here is a rule set that will do the job:
8914 [ a*(b + c) := a*b + a*c,
8915 opt(a) O(x^n) + opt(b) O(x^m) := O(x^n) :: n <= m
8916 :: constant(a) :: constant(b),
8917 opt(a) O(x^n) + opt(b) x^m := O(x^n) :: n <= m
8918 :: constant(a) :: constant(b),
8919 a O(x^n) := O(x^n) :: constant(a),
8920 x^opt(m) O(x^n) := O(x^(n+m)),
8921 O(x^n) O(x^m) := O(x^(n+m)) ]
8925 If we really want the @kbd{+} and @kbd{*} keys to operate naturally
8926 on power series, we should put these rules in @code{EvalRules}. For
8927 testing purposes, it is better to put them in a different variable,
8928 say, @code{O}, first.
8930 The first rule just expands products of sums so that the rest of the
8931 rules can assume they have an expanded-out polynomial to work with.
8932 Note that this rule does not mention @samp{O} at all, so it will
8933 apply to any product-of-sum it encounters---this rule may surprise
8934 you if you put it into @code{EvalRules}!
8936 In the second rule, the sum of two O's is changed to the smaller O.
8937 The optional constant coefficients are there mostly so that
8938 @samp{O(x^2) - O(x^3)} and @samp{O(x^3) - O(x^2)} are handled
8939 as well as @samp{O(x^2) + O(x^3)}.
8941 The third rule absorbs higher powers of @samp{x} into O's.
8943 The fourth rule says that a constant times a negligible quantity
8944 is still negligible. (This rule will also match @samp{O(x^3) / 4},
8945 with @samp{a = 1/4}.)
8947 The fifth rule rewrites, for example, @samp{x^2 O(x^3)} to @samp{O(x^5)}.
8948 (It is easy to see that if one of these forms is negligible, the other
8949 is, too.) Notice the @samp{x^opt(m)} to pick up terms like
8950 @w{@samp{x O(x^3)}}. Optional powers will match @samp{x} as @samp{x^1}
8951 but not 1 as @samp{x^0}. This turns out to be exactly what we want here.
8953 The sixth rule is the corresponding rule for products of two O's.
8955 Another way to solve this problem would be to create a new ``data type''
8956 that represents truncated power series. We might represent these as
8957 function calls @samp{series(@var{coefs}, @var{x})} where @var{coefs} is
8958 a vector of coefficients for @expr{x^0}, @expr{x^1}, @expr{x^2}, and so
8959 on. Rules would exist for sums and products of such @code{series}
8960 objects, and as an optional convenience could also know how to combine a
8961 @code{series} object with a normal polynomial. (With this, and with a
8962 rule that rewrites @samp{O(x^n)} to the equivalent @code{series} form,
8963 you could still enter power series in exactly the same notation as
8964 before.) Operations on such objects would probably be more efficient,
8965 although the objects would be a bit harder to read.
8967 @c [fix-ref Compositions]
8968 Some other symbolic math programs provide a power series data type
8969 similar to this. Mathematica, for example, has an object that looks
8970 like @samp{PowerSeries[@var{x}, @var{x0}, @var{coefs}, @var{nmin},
8971 @var{nmax}, @var{den}]}, where @var{x0} is the point about which the
8972 power series is taken (we've been assuming this was always zero),
8973 and @var{nmin}, @var{nmax}, and @var{den} allow pseudo-power-series
8974 with fractional or negative powers. Also, the @code{PowerSeries}
8975 objects have a special display format that makes them look like
8976 @samp{2 x^2 + O(x^4)} when they are printed out. (@xref{Compositions},
8977 for a way to do this in Calc, although for something as involved as
8978 this it would probably be better to write the formatting routine
8981 @node Programming Answer 1, Programming Answer 2, Rewrites Answer 6, Answers to Exercises
8982 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 1
8985 Just enter the formula @samp{ninteg(sin(t)/t, t, 0, x)}, type
8986 @kbd{Z F}, and answer the questions. Since this formula contains two
8987 variables, the default argument list will be @samp{(t x)}. We want to
8988 change this to @samp{(x)} since @expr{t} is really a dummy variable
8989 to be used within @code{ninteg}.
8991 The exact keystrokes are @kbd{Z F s Si @key{RET} @key{RET} C-b C-b @key{DEL} @key{DEL} @key{RET} y}.
8992 (The @kbd{C-b C-b @key{DEL} @key{DEL}} are what fix the argument list.)
8994 @node Programming Answer 2, Programming Answer 3, Programming Answer 1, Answers to Exercises
8995 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 2
8998 One way is to move the number to the top of the stack, operate on
8999 it, then move it back: @kbd{C-x ( M-@key{TAB} n M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB} C-x )}.
9001 Another way is to negate the top three stack entries, then negate
9002 again the top two stack entries: @kbd{C-x ( M-3 n M-2 n C-x )}.
9004 Finally, it turns out that a negative prefix argument causes a
9005 command like @kbd{n} to operate on the specified stack entry only,
9006 which is just what we want: @kbd{C-x ( M-- 3 n C-x )}.
9008 Just for kicks, let's also do it algebraically:
9009 @w{@kbd{C-x ( ' -$$$, $$, $ @key{RET} C-x )}}.
9011 @node Programming Answer 3, Programming Answer 4, Programming Answer 2, Answers to Exercises
9012 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 3
9015 Each of these functions can be computed using the stack, or using
9016 algebraic entry, whichever way you prefer:
9020 @texline @math{\displaystyle{\sin x \over x}}:
9021 @infoline @expr{sin(x) / x}:
9023 Using the stack: @kbd{C-x ( @key{RET} S @key{TAB} / C-x )}.
9025 Using algebraic entry: @kbd{C-x ( ' sin($)/$ @key{RET} C-x )}.
9028 Computing the logarithm:
9030 Using the stack: @kbd{C-x ( @key{TAB} B C-x )}
9032 Using algebraic entry: @kbd{C-x ( ' log($,$$) @key{RET} C-x )}.
9035 Computing the vector of integers:
9037 Using the stack: @kbd{C-x ( 1 @key{RET} 1 C-u v x C-x )}. (Recall that
9038 @kbd{C-u v x} takes the vector size, starting value, and increment
9041 Alternatively: @kbd{C-x ( ~ v x C-x )}. (The @kbd{~} key pops a
9042 number from the stack and uses it as the prefix argument for the
9045 Using algebraic entry: @kbd{C-x ( ' index($) @key{RET} C-x )}.
9047 @node Programming Answer 4, Programming Answer 5, Programming Answer 3, Answers to Exercises
9048 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 4
9051 Here's one way: @kbd{C-x ( @key{RET} V R + @key{TAB} v l / C-x )}.
9053 @node Programming Answer 5, Programming Answer 6, Programming Answer 4, Answers to Exercises
9054 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 5
9058 2: 1 1: 1.61803398502 2: 1.61803398502
9059 1: 20 . 1: 1.61803398875
9062 1 @key{RET} 20 Z < & 1 + Z > I H P
9067 This answer is quite accurate.
9069 @node Programming Answer 6, Programming Answer 7, Programming Answer 5, Answers to Exercises
9070 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 6
9076 [ [ 0, 1 ] * [a, b] = [b, a + b]
9081 Thus @samp{[0, 1; 1, 1]^n * [1, 1]} computes Fibonacci numbers @expr{n+1}
9082 and @expr{n+2}. Here's one program that does the job:
9085 C-x ( ' [0, 1; 1, 1] ^ ($-1) * [1, 1] @key{RET} v u @key{DEL} C-x )
9089 This program is quite efficient because Calc knows how to raise a
9090 matrix (or other value) to the power @expr{n} in only
9091 @texline @math{\log_2 n}
9092 @infoline @expr{log(n,2)}
9093 steps. For example, this program can compute the 1000th Fibonacci
9094 number (a 209-digit integer!) in about 10 steps; even though the
9095 @kbd{Z < ... Z >} solution had much simpler steps, it would have
9096 required so many steps that it would not have been practical.
9098 @node Programming Answer 7, Programming Answer 8, Programming Answer 6, Answers to Exercises
9099 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 7
9102 The trick here is to compute the harmonic numbers differently, so that
9103 the loop counter itself accumulates the sum of reciprocals. We use
9104 a separate variable to hold the integer counter.
9112 1 t 1 1 @key{RET} 4 Z ( t 2 r 1 1 + s 1 & Z )
9117 The body of the loop goes as follows: First save the harmonic sum
9118 so far in variable 2. Then delete it from the stack; the for loop
9119 itself will take care of remembering it for us. Next, recall the
9120 count from variable 1, add one to it, and feed its reciprocal to
9121 the for loop to use as the step value. The for loop will increase
9122 the ``loop counter'' by that amount and keep going until the
9123 loop counter exceeds 4.
9128 1: 3.99498713092 2: 3.99498713092
9132 r 1 r 2 @key{RET} 31 & +
9136 Thus we find that the 30th harmonic number is 3.99, and the 31st
9137 harmonic number is 4.02.
9139 @node Programming Answer 8, Programming Answer 9, Programming Answer 7, Answers to Exercises
9140 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 8
9143 The first step is to compute the derivative @expr{f'(x)} and thus
9145 @texline @math{\displaystyle{x - {f(x) \over f'(x)}}}.
9146 @infoline @expr{x - f(x)/f'(x)}.
9148 (Because this definition is long, it will be repeated in concise form
9149 below. You can use @w{@kbd{C-x * m}} to load it from there. While you are
9150 entering a @kbd{Z ` Z '} body in a macro, Calc simply collects
9151 keystrokes without executing them. In the following diagrams we'll
9152 pretend Calc actually executed the keystrokes as you typed them,
9153 just for purposes of illustration.)
9157 2: sin(cos(x)) - 0.5 3: 4.5
9158 1: 4.5 2: sin(cos(x)) - 0.5
9159 . 1: -(sin(x) cos(cos(x)))
9162 ' sin(cos(x))-0.5 @key{RET} 4.5 m r C-x ( Z ` @key{TAB} @key{RET} a d x @key{RET}
9170 1: x + (sin(cos(x)) - 0.5) / sin(x) cos(cos(x))
9173 / ' x @key{RET} @key{TAB} - t 1
9177 Now, we enter the loop. We'll use a repeat loop with a 20-repetition
9178 limit just in case the method fails to converge for some reason.
9179 (Normally, the @w{@kbd{Z /}} command will stop the loop before all 20
9180 repetitions are done.)
9184 1: 4.5 3: 4.5 2: 4.5
9185 . 2: x + (sin(cos(x)) ... 1: 5.24196456928
9189 20 Z < @key{RET} r 1 @key{TAB} s l x @key{RET}
9193 This is the new guess for @expr{x}. Now we compare it with the
9194 old one to see if we've converged.
9198 3: 5.24196 2: 5.24196 1: 5.24196 1: 5.26345856348
9203 @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} a = Z / Z > Z ' C-x )
9207 The loop converges in just a few steps to this value. To check
9208 the result, we can simply substitute it back into the equation.
9216 @key{RET} ' sin(cos($)) @key{RET}
9220 Let's test the new definition again:
9228 ' x^2-9 @key{RET} 1 X
9232 Once again, here's the full Newton's Method definition:
9236 C-x ( Z ` @key{TAB} @key{RET} a d x @key{RET} / ' x @key{RET} @key{TAB} - t 1
9237 20 Z < @key{RET} r 1 @key{TAB} s l x @key{RET}
9238 @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} a = Z /
9245 @c [fix-ref Nesting and Fixed Points]
9246 It turns out that Calc has a built-in command for applying a formula
9247 repeatedly until it converges to a number. @xref{Nesting and Fixed Points},
9248 to see how to use it.
9250 @c [fix-ref Root Finding]
9251 Also, of course, @kbd{a R} is a built-in command that uses Newton's
9252 method (among others) to look for numerical solutions to any equation.
9253 @xref{Root Finding}.
9255 @node Programming Answer 9, Programming Answer 10, Programming Answer 8, Answers to Exercises
9256 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 9
9259 The first step is to adjust @expr{z} to be greater than 5. A simple
9260 ``for'' loop will do the job here. If @expr{z} is less than 5, we
9261 reduce the problem using
9262 @texline @math{\psi(z) = \psi(z+1) - 1/z}.
9263 @infoline @expr{psi(z) = psi(z+1) - 1/z}. We go
9265 @texline @math{\psi(z+1)},
9266 @infoline @expr{psi(z+1)},
9267 and remember to add back a factor of @expr{-1/z} when we're done. This
9268 step is repeated until @expr{z > 5}.
9270 (Because this definition is long, it will be repeated in concise form
9271 below. You can use @w{@kbd{C-x * m}} to load it from there. While you are
9272 entering a @kbd{Z ` Z '} body in a macro, Calc simply collects
9273 keystrokes without executing them. In the following diagrams we'll
9274 pretend Calc actually executed the keystrokes as you typed them,
9275 just for purposes of illustration.)
9282 1.0 @key{RET} C-x ( Z ` s 1 0 t 2
9286 Here, variable 1 holds @expr{z} and variable 2 holds the adjustment
9287 factor. If @expr{z < 5}, we use a loop to increase it.
9289 (By the way, we started with @samp{1.0} instead of the integer 1 because
9290 otherwise the calculation below will try to do exact fractional arithmetic,
9291 and will never converge because fractions compare equal only if they
9292 are exactly equal, not just equal to within the current precision.)
9301 @key{RET} 5 a < Z [ 5 Z ( & s + 2 1 s + 1 1 Z ) r 1 Z ]
9305 Now we compute the initial part of the sum:
9306 @texline @math{\ln z - {1 \over 2z}}
9307 @infoline @expr{ln(z) - 1/2z}
9308 minus the adjustment factor.
9312 2: 1.79175946923 2: 1.7084261359 1: -0.57490719743
9313 1: 0.0833333333333 1: 2.28333333333 .
9320 Now we evaluate the series. We'll use another ``for'' loop counting
9321 up the value of @expr{2 n}. (Calc does have a summation command,
9322 @kbd{a +}, but we'll use loops just to get more practice with them.)
9326 3: -0.5749 3: -0.5749 4: -0.5749 2: -0.5749
9327 2: 2 2: 1:6 3: 1:6 1: 2.3148e-3
9332 2 @key{RET} 40 Z ( @key{RET} k b @key{TAB} @key{RET} r 1 @key{TAB} ^ * /
9339 3: -0.5749 3: -0.5772 2: -0.5772 1: -0.577215664892
9340 2: -0.5749 2: -0.5772 1: 0 .
9341 1: 2.3148e-3 1: -0.5749 .
9344 @key{TAB} @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} - @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} a = Z / 2 Z ) Z ' C-x )
9348 This is the value of
9349 @texline @math{-\gamma},
9350 @infoline @expr{- gamma},
9351 with a slight bit of roundoff error. To get a full 12 digits, let's use
9356 2: -0.577215664892 2: -0.577215664892
9357 1: 1. 1: -0.577215664901532
9359 1. @key{RET} p 16 @key{RET} X
9363 Here's the complete sequence of keystrokes:
9368 @key{RET} 5 a < Z [ 5 Z ( & s + 2 1 s + 1 1 Z ) r 1 Z ]
9370 2 @key{RET} 40 Z ( @key{RET} k b @key{TAB} @key{RET} r 1 @key{TAB} ^ * /
9371 @key{TAB} @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} - @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} a = Z /
9378 @node Programming Answer 10, Programming Answer 11, Programming Answer 9, Answers to Exercises
9379 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 10
9382 Taking the derivative of a term of the form @expr{x^n} will produce
9384 @texline @math{n x^{n-1}}.
9385 @infoline @expr{n x^(n-1)}.
9386 Taking the derivative of a constant
9387 produces zero. From this it is easy to see that the @expr{n}th
9388 derivative of a polynomial, evaluated at @expr{x = 0}, will equal the
9389 coefficient on the @expr{x^n} term times @expr{n!}.
9391 (Because this definition is long, it will be repeated in concise form
9392 below. You can use @w{@kbd{C-x * m}} to load it from there. While you are
9393 entering a @kbd{Z ` Z '} body in a macro, Calc simply collects
9394 keystrokes without executing them. In the following diagrams we'll
9395 pretend Calc actually executed the keystrokes as you typed them,
9396 just for purposes of illustration.)
9400 2: 5 x^4 + (x + 1)^2 3: 5 x^4 + (x + 1)^2
9405 ' 5 x^4 + (x+1)^2 @key{RET} 6 C-x ( Z ` [ ] t 1 0 @key{TAB}
9410 Variable 1 will accumulate the vector of coefficients.
9414 2: 0 3: 0 2: 5 x^4 + ...
9415 1: 5 x^4 + ... 2: 5 x^4 + ... 1: 1
9419 Z ( @key{TAB} @key{RET} 0 s l x @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} ! / s | 1
9424 Note that @kbd{s | 1} appends the top-of-stack value to the vector
9425 in a variable; it is completely analogous to @kbd{s + 1}. We could
9426 have written instead, @kbd{r 1 @key{TAB} | t 1}.
9430 1: 20 x^3 + 2 x + 2 1: 0 1: [1, 2, 1, 0, 5, 0, 0]
9433 a d x @key{RET} 1 Z ) @key{DEL} r 1 Z ' C-x )
9437 To convert back, a simple method is just to map the coefficients
9438 against a table of powers of @expr{x}.
9442 2: [1, 2, 1, 0, 5, 0, 0] 2: [1, 2, 1, 0, 5, 0, 0]
9443 1: 6 1: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
9446 6 @key{RET} 1 + 0 @key{RET} 1 C-u v x
9453 2: [1, 2, 1, 0, 5, 0, 0] 2: 1 + 2 x + x^2 + 5 x^4
9454 1: [1, x, x^2, x^3, ... ] .
9457 ' x @key{RET} @key{TAB} V M ^ *
9461 Once again, here are the whole polynomial to/from vector programs:
9465 C-x ( Z ` [ ] t 1 0 @key{TAB}
9466 Z ( @key{TAB} @key{RET} 0 s l x @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} ! / s | 1
9472 C-x ( 1 + 0 @key{RET} 1 C-u v x ' x @key{RET} @key{TAB} V M ^ * C-x )
9476 @node Programming Answer 11, Programming Answer 12, Programming Answer 10, Answers to Exercises
9477 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 11
9480 First we define a dummy program to go on the @kbd{z s} key. The true
9481 @w{@kbd{z s}} key is supposed to take two numbers from the stack and
9482 return one number, so @key{DEL} as a dummy definition will make
9483 sure the stack comes out right.
9491 4 @key{RET} 2 C-x ( @key{DEL} C-x ) Z K s @key{RET} 2
9495 The last step replaces the 2 that was eaten during the creation
9496 of the dummy @kbd{z s} command. Now we move on to the real
9497 definition. The recurrence needs to be rewritten slightly,
9498 to the form @expr{s(n,m) = s(n-1,m-1) - (n-1) s(n-1,m)}.
9500 (Because this definition is long, it will be repeated in concise form
9501 below. You can use @kbd{C-x * m} to load it from there.)
9511 C-x ( M-2 @key{RET} a = Z [ @key{DEL} @key{DEL} 1 Z :
9518 4: 4 2: 4 2: 3 4: 3 4: 3 3: 3
9519 3: 2 1: 2 1: 2 3: 2 3: 2 2: 2
9520 2: 2 . . 2: 3 2: 3 1: 3
9524 @key{RET} 0 a = Z [ @key{DEL} @key{DEL} 0 Z : @key{TAB} 1 - @key{TAB} M-2 @key{RET} 1 - z s
9529 (Note that the value 3 that our dummy @kbd{z s} produces is not correct;
9530 it is merely a placeholder that will do just as well for now.)
9534 3: 3 4: 3 3: 3 2: 3 1: -6
9535 2: 3 3: 3 2: 3 1: 9 .
9540 M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB} @key{TAB} @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} z s * -
9547 1: -6 2: 4 1: 11 2: 11
9551 Z ] Z ] C-x ) Z K s @key{RET} @key{DEL} 4 @key{RET} 2 z s M-@key{RET} k s
9555 Even though the result that we got during the definition was highly
9556 bogus, once the definition is complete the @kbd{z s} command gets
9559 Here's the full program once again:
9563 C-x ( M-2 @key{RET} a =
9564 Z [ @key{DEL} @key{DEL} 1
9566 Z [ @key{DEL} @key{DEL} 0
9567 Z : @key{TAB} 1 - @key{TAB} M-2 @key{RET} 1 - z s
9568 M-@key{TAB} M-@key{TAB} @key{TAB} @key{RET} M-@key{TAB} z s * -
9575 You can read this definition using @kbd{C-x * m} (@code{read-kbd-macro})
9576 followed by @kbd{Z K s}, without having to make a dummy definition
9577 first, because @code{read-kbd-macro} doesn't need to execute the
9578 definition as it reads it in. For this reason, @code{C-x * m} is often
9579 the easiest way to create recursive programs in Calc.
9581 @node Programming Answer 12, , Programming Answer 11, Answers to Exercises
9582 @subsection Programming Tutorial Exercise 12
9585 This turns out to be a much easier way to solve the problem. Let's
9586 denote Stirling numbers as calls of the function @samp{s}.
9588 First, we store the rewrite rules corresponding to the definition of
9589 Stirling numbers in a convenient variable:
9592 s e StirlingRules @key{RET}
9593 [ s(n,n) := 1 :: n >= 0,
9594 s(n,0) := 0 :: n > 0,
9595 s(n,m) := s(n-1,m-1) - (n-1) s(n-1,m) :: n >= m :: m >= 1 ]
9599 Now, it's just a matter of applying the rules:
9603 2: 4 1: s(4, 2) 1: 11
9607 4 @key{RET} 2 C-x ( ' s($$,$) @key{RET} a r StirlingRules @key{RET} C-x )
9611 As in the case of the @code{fib} rules, it would be useful to put these
9612 rules in @code{EvalRules} and to add a @samp{:: remember} condition to
9615 @c This ends the table-of-contents kludge from above:
9617 \global\let\chapternofonts=\oldchapternofonts
9622 @node Introduction, Data Types, Tutorial, Top
9623 @chapter Introduction
9626 This chapter is the beginning of the Calc reference manual.
9627 It covers basic concepts such as the stack, algebraic and
9628 numeric entry, undo, numeric prefix arguments, etc.
9631 @c (Chapter 2, the Tutorial, has been printed in a separate volume.)
9639 * Quick Calculator::
9640 * Prefix Arguments::
9643 * Multiple Calculators::
9644 * Troubleshooting Commands::
9647 @node Basic Commands, Help Commands, Introduction, Introduction
9648 @section Basic Commands
9653 @cindex Starting the Calculator
9654 @cindex Running the Calculator
9655 To start the Calculator in its standard interface, type @kbd{M-x calc}.
9656 By default this creates a pair of small windows, @samp{*Calculator*}
9657 and @samp{*Calc Trail*}. The former displays the contents of the
9658 Calculator stack and is manipulated exclusively through Calc commands.
9659 It is possible (though not usually necessary) to create several Calc
9660 mode buffers each of which has an independent stack, undo list, and
9661 mode settings. There is exactly one Calc Trail buffer; it records a
9662 list of the results of all calculations that have been done. The
9663 Calc Trail buffer uses a variant of Calc mode, so Calculator commands
9664 still work when the trail buffer's window is selected. It is possible
9665 to turn the trail window off, but the @samp{*Calc Trail*} buffer itself
9666 still exists and is updated silently. @xref{Trail Commands}.
9673 In most installations, the @kbd{C-x * c} key sequence is a more
9674 convenient way to start the Calculator. Also, @kbd{C-x * *}
9675 is a synonym for @kbd{C-x * c} unless you last used Calc
9680 @pindex calc-execute-extended-command
9681 Most Calc commands use one or two keystrokes. Lower- and upper-case
9682 letters are distinct. Commands may also be entered in full @kbd{M-x} form;
9683 for some commands this is the only form. As a convenience, the @kbd{x}
9684 key (@code{calc-execute-extended-command})
9685 is like @kbd{M-x} except that it enters the initial string @samp{calc-}
9686 for you. For example, the following key sequences are equivalent:
9687 @kbd{S}, @kbd{M-x calc-sin @key{RET}}, @kbd{x sin @key{RET}}.
9689 Although Calc is designed to be used from the keyboard, some of
9690 Calc's more common commands are available from a menu. In the menu, the
9691 arguments to the functions are given by referring to their stack level
9694 @cindex Extensions module
9695 @cindex @file{calc-ext} module
9696 The Calculator exists in many parts. When you type @kbd{C-x * c}, the
9697 Emacs ``auto-load'' mechanism will bring in only the first part, which
9698 contains the basic arithmetic functions. The other parts will be
9699 auto-loaded the first time you use the more advanced commands like trig
9700 functions or matrix operations. This is done to improve the response time
9701 of the Calculator in the common case when all you need to do is a
9702 little arithmetic. If for some reason the Calculator fails to load an
9703 extension module automatically, you can force it to load all the
9704 extensions by using the @kbd{C-x * L} (@code{calc-load-everything})
9705 command. @xref{Mode Settings}.
9707 If you type @kbd{M-x calc} or @kbd{C-x * c} with any numeric prefix argument,
9708 the Calculator is loaded if necessary, but it is not actually started.
9709 If the argument is positive, the @file{calc-ext} extensions are also
9710 loaded if necessary. User-written Lisp code that wishes to make use
9711 of Calc's arithmetic routines can use @samp{(calc 0)} or @samp{(calc 1)}
9712 to auto-load the Calculator.
9716 If you type @kbd{C-x * b}, then next time you use @kbd{C-x * c} you
9717 will get a Calculator that uses the full height of the Emacs screen.
9718 When full-screen mode is on, @kbd{C-x * c} runs the @code{full-calc}
9719 command instead of @code{calc}. From the Unix shell you can type
9720 @samp{emacs -f full-calc} to start a new Emacs specifically for use
9721 as a calculator. When Calc is started from the Emacs command line
9722 like this, Calc's normal ``quit'' commands actually quit Emacs itself.
9725 @pindex calc-other-window
9726 The @kbd{C-x * o} command is like @kbd{C-x * c} except that the Calc
9727 window is not actually selected. If you are already in the Calc
9728 window, @kbd{C-x * o} switches you out of it. (The regular Emacs
9729 @kbd{C-x o} command would also work for this, but it has a
9730 tendency to drop you into the Calc Trail window instead, which
9731 @kbd{C-x * o} takes care not to do.)
9736 For one quick calculation, you can type @kbd{C-x * q} (@code{quick-calc})
9737 which prompts you for a formula (like @samp{2+3/4}). The result is
9738 displayed at the bottom of the Emacs screen without ever creating
9739 any special Calculator windows. @xref{Quick Calculator}.
9744 Finally, if you are using the X window system you may want to try
9745 @kbd{C-x * k} (@code{calc-keypad}) which runs Calc with a
9746 ``calculator keypad'' picture as well as a stack display. Click on
9747 the keys with the mouse to operate the calculator. @xref{Keypad Mode}.
9751 @cindex Quitting the Calculator
9752 @cindex Exiting the Calculator
9753 The @kbd{q} key (@code{calc-quit}) exits Calc mode and closes the
9754 Calculator's window(s). It does not delete the Calculator buffers.
9755 If you type @kbd{M-x calc} again, the Calculator will reappear with the
9756 contents of the stack intact. Typing @kbd{C-x * c} or @kbd{C-x * *}
9757 again from inside the Calculator buffer is equivalent to executing
9758 @code{calc-quit}; you can think of @kbd{C-x * *} as toggling the
9759 Calculator on and off.
9762 The @kbd{C-x * x} command also turns the Calculator off, no matter which
9763 user interface (standard, Keypad, or Embedded) is currently active.
9764 It also cancels @code{calc-edit} mode if used from there.
9767 @pindex calc-refresh
9768 @cindex Refreshing a garbled display
9769 @cindex Garbled displays, refreshing
9770 The @kbd{d @key{SPC}} key sequence (@code{calc-refresh}) redraws the contents
9771 of the Calculator buffer from memory. Use this if the contents of the
9772 buffer have been damaged somehow.
9777 The @kbd{o} key (@code{calc-realign}) moves the cursor back to its
9778 ``home'' position at the bottom of the Calculator buffer.
9782 @pindex calc-scroll-left
9783 @pindex calc-scroll-right
9784 @cindex Horizontal scrolling
9786 @cindex Wide text, scrolling
9787 The @kbd{<} and @kbd{>} keys are bound to @code{calc-scroll-left} and
9788 @code{calc-scroll-right}. These are just like the normal horizontal
9789 scrolling commands except that they scroll one half-screen at a time by
9790 default. (Calc formats its output to fit within the bounds of the
9791 window whenever it can.)
9795 @pindex calc-scroll-down
9796 @pindex calc-scroll-up
9797 @cindex Vertical scrolling
9798 The @kbd{@{} and @kbd{@}} keys are bound to @code{calc-scroll-down}
9799 and @code{calc-scroll-up}. They scroll up or down by one-half the
9800 height of the Calc window.
9804 The @kbd{C-x * 0} command (@code{calc-reset}; that's @kbd{C-x *} followed
9805 by a zero) resets the Calculator to its initial state. This clears
9806 the stack, resets all the modes to their initial values (the values
9807 that were saved with @kbd{m m} (@code{calc-save-modes})), clears the
9808 caches (@pxref{Caches}), and so on. (It does @emph{not} erase the
9809 values of any variables.) With an argument of 0, Calc will be reset to
9810 its default state; namely, the modes will be given their default values.
9811 With a positive prefix argument, @kbd{C-x * 0} preserves the contents of
9812 the stack but resets everything else to its initial state; with a
9813 negative prefix argument, @kbd{C-x * 0} preserves the contents of the
9814 stack but resets everything else to its default state.
9816 @node Help Commands, Stack Basics, Basic Commands, Introduction
9817 @section Help Commands
9820 @cindex Help commands
9840 The @kbd{?} key (@code{calc-help}) displays a series of brief help messages.
9841 Some keys (such as @kbd{b} and @kbd{d}) are prefix keys, like Emacs'
9842 @key{ESC} and @kbd{C-x} prefixes. You can type
9843 @kbd{?} after a prefix to see a list of commands beginning with that
9844 prefix. (If the message includes @samp{[MORE]}, press @kbd{?} again
9845 to see additional commands for that prefix.)
9848 @pindex calc-full-help
9849 The @kbd{h h} (@code{calc-full-help}) command displays all the @kbd{?}
9850 responses at once. When printed, this makes a nice, compact (three pages)
9851 summary of Calc keystrokes.
9853 In general, the @kbd{h} key prefix introduces various commands that
9854 provide help within Calc. Many of the @kbd{h} key functions are
9855 Calc-specific analogues to the @kbd{C-h} functions for Emacs help.
9861 The @kbd{h i} (@code{calc-info}) command runs the Emacs Info system
9862 to read this manual on-line. This is basically the same as typing
9863 @kbd{C-h i} (the regular way to run the Info system), then, if Info
9864 is not already in the Calc manual, selecting the beginning of the
9865 manual. The @kbd{C-x * i} command is another way to read the Calc
9866 manual; it is different from @kbd{h i} in that it works any time,
9867 not just inside Calc. The plain @kbd{i} key is also equivalent to
9868 @kbd{h i}, though this key is obsolete and may be replaced with a
9869 different command in a future version of Calc.
9873 @pindex calc-tutorial
9874 The @kbd{h t} (@code{calc-tutorial}) command runs the Info system on
9875 the Tutorial section of the Calc manual. It is like @kbd{h i},
9876 except that it selects the starting node of the tutorial rather
9877 than the beginning of the whole manual. (It actually selects the
9878 node ``Interactive Tutorial'' which tells a few things about
9879 using the Info system before going on to the actual tutorial.)
9880 The @kbd{C-x * t} key is equivalent to @kbd{h t} (but it works at
9885 @pindex calc-info-summary
9886 The @kbd{h s} (@code{calc-info-summary}) command runs the Info system
9887 on the Summary node of the Calc manual. @xref{Summary}. The @kbd{C-x * s}
9888 key is equivalent to @kbd{h s}.
9891 @pindex calc-describe-key
9892 The @kbd{h k} (@code{calc-describe-key}) command looks up a key
9893 sequence in the Calc manual. For example, @kbd{h k H a S} looks
9894 up the documentation on the @kbd{H a S} (@code{calc-solve-for})
9895 command. This works by looking up the textual description of
9896 the key(s) in the Key Index of the manual, then jumping to the
9897 node indicated by the index.
9899 Most Calc commands do not have traditional Emacs documentation
9900 strings, since the @kbd{h k} command is both more convenient and
9901 more instructive. This means the regular Emacs @kbd{C-h k}
9902 (@code{describe-key}) command will not be useful for Calc keystrokes.
9905 @pindex calc-describe-key-briefly
9906 The @kbd{h c} (@code{calc-describe-key-briefly}) command reads a
9907 key sequence and displays a brief one-line description of it at
9908 the bottom of the screen. It looks for the key sequence in the
9909 Summary node of the Calc manual; if it doesn't find the sequence
9910 there, it acts just like its regular Emacs counterpart @kbd{C-h c}
9911 (@code{describe-key-briefly}). For example, @kbd{h c H a S}
9912 gives the description:
9915 H a S runs calc-solve-for: a `H a S' v => fsolve(a,v) (?=notes)
9919 which means the command @kbd{H a S} or @kbd{H M-x calc-solve-for}
9920 takes a value @expr{a} from the stack, prompts for a value @expr{v},
9921 then applies the algebraic function @code{fsolve} to these values.
9922 The @samp{?=notes} message means you can now type @kbd{?} to see
9923 additional notes from the summary that apply to this command.
9926 @pindex calc-describe-function
9927 The @kbd{h f} (@code{calc-describe-function}) command looks up an
9928 algebraic function or a command name in the Calc manual. Enter an
9929 algebraic function name to look up that function in the Function
9930 Index or enter a command name beginning with @samp{calc-} to look it
9931 up in the Command Index. This command will also look up operator
9932 symbols that can appear in algebraic formulas, like @samp{%} and
9936 @pindex calc-describe-variable
9937 The @kbd{h v} (@code{calc-describe-variable}) command looks up a
9938 variable in the Calc manual. Enter a variable name like @code{pi} or
9942 @pindex describe-bindings
9943 The @kbd{h b} (@code{calc-describe-bindings}) command is just like
9944 @kbd{C-h b}, except that only local (Calc-related) key bindings are
9948 The @kbd{h n} or @kbd{h C-n} (@code{calc-view-news}) command displays
9949 the ``news'' or change history of Calc. This is kept in the file
9950 @file{README}, which Calc looks for in the same directory as the Calc
9956 The @kbd{h C-c}, @kbd{h C-d}, and @kbd{h C-w} keys display copying,
9957 distribution, and warranty information about Calc. These work by
9958 pulling up the appropriate parts of the ``Copying'' or ``Reporting
9959 Bugs'' sections of the manual.
9961 @node Stack Basics, Numeric Entry, Help Commands, Introduction
9962 @section Stack Basics
9965 @cindex Stack basics
9966 @c [fix-tut RPN Calculations and the Stack]
9967 Calc uses RPN notation. If you are not familiar with RPN, @pxref{RPN
9970 To add the numbers 1 and 2 in Calc you would type the keys:
9971 @kbd{1 @key{RET} 2 +}.
9972 (@key{RET} corresponds to the @key{ENTER} key on most calculators.)
9973 The first three keystrokes ``push'' the numbers 1 and 2 onto the stack. The
9974 @kbd{+} key always ``pops'' the top two numbers from the stack, adds them,
9975 and pushes the result (3) back onto the stack. This number is ready for
9976 further calculations: @kbd{5 -} pushes 5 onto the stack, then pops the
9977 3 and 5, subtracts them, and pushes the result (@mathit{-2}).
9979 Note that the ``top'' of the stack actually appears at the @emph{bottom}
9980 of the buffer. A line containing a single @samp{.} character signifies
9981 the end of the buffer; Calculator commands operate on the number(s)
9982 directly above this line. The @kbd{d t} (@code{calc-truncate-stack})
9983 command allows you to move the @samp{.} marker up and down in the stack;
9984 @pxref{Truncating the Stack}.
9987 @pindex calc-line-numbering
9988 Stack elements are numbered consecutively, with number 1 being the top of
9989 the stack. These line numbers are ordinarily displayed on the lefthand side
9990 of the window. The @kbd{d l} (@code{calc-line-numbering}) command controls
9991 whether these numbers appear. (Line numbers may be turned off since they
9992 slow the Calculator down a bit and also clutter the display.)
9995 @pindex calc-realign
9996 The unshifted letter @kbd{o} (@code{calc-realign}) command repositions
9997 the cursor to its top-of-stack ``home'' position. It also undoes any
9998 horizontal scrolling in the window. If you give it a numeric prefix
9999 argument, it instead moves the cursor to the specified stack element.
10001 The @key{RET} (or equivalent @key{SPC}) key is only required to separate
10002 two consecutive numbers.
10003 (After all, if you typed @kbd{1 2} by themselves the Calculator
10004 would enter the number 12.) If you press @key{RET} or @key{SPC} @emph{not}
10005 right after typing a number, the key duplicates the number on the top of
10006 the stack. @kbd{@key{RET} *} is thus a handy way to square a number.
10008 The @key{DEL} key pops and throws away the top number on the stack.
10009 The @key{TAB} key swaps the top two objects on the stack.
10010 @xref{Stack and Trail}, for descriptions of these and other stack-related
10013 @node Numeric Entry, Algebraic Entry, Stack Basics, Introduction
10014 @section Numeric Entry
10020 @cindex Numeric entry
10021 @cindex Entering numbers
10022 Pressing a digit or other numeric key begins numeric entry using the
10023 minibuffer. The number is pushed on the stack when you press the @key{RET}
10024 or @key{SPC} keys. If you press any other non-numeric key, the number is
10025 pushed onto the stack and the appropriate operation is performed. If
10026 you press a numeric key which is not valid, the key is ignored.
10028 @cindex Minus signs
10029 @cindex Negative numbers, entering
10031 There are three different concepts corresponding to the word ``minus,''
10032 typified by @expr{a-b} (subtraction), @expr{-x}
10033 (change-sign), and @expr{-5} (negative number). Calc uses three
10034 different keys for these operations, respectively:
10035 @kbd{-}, @kbd{n}, and @kbd{_} (the underscore). The @kbd{-} key subtracts
10036 the two numbers on the top of the stack. The @kbd{n} key changes the sign
10037 of the number on the top of the stack or the number currently being entered.
10038 The @kbd{_} key begins entry of a negative number or changes the sign of
10039 the number currently being entered. The following sequences all enter the
10040 number @mathit{-5} onto the stack: @kbd{0 @key{RET} 5 -}, @kbd{5 n @key{RET}},
10041 @kbd{5 @key{RET} n}, @kbd{_ 5 @key{RET}}, @kbd{5 _ @key{RET}}.
10043 Some other keys are active during numeric entry, such as @kbd{#} for
10044 non-decimal numbers, @kbd{:} for fractions, and @kbd{@@} for HMS forms.
10045 These notations are described later in this manual with the corresponding
10046 data types. @xref{Data Types}.
10048 During numeric entry, the only editing key available is @key{DEL}.
10050 @node Algebraic Entry, Quick Calculator, Numeric Entry, Introduction
10051 @section Algebraic Entry
10055 @pindex calc-algebraic-entry
10056 @cindex Algebraic notation
10057 @cindex Formulas, entering
10058 The @kbd{'} (@code{calc-algebraic-entry}) command can be used to enter
10059 calculations in algebraic form. This is accomplished by typing the
10060 apostrophe key, ', followed by the expression in standard format:
10068 @texline @math{2+(3\times4) = 14}
10069 @infoline @expr{2+(3*4) = 14}
10070 and push it on the stack. If you wish you can
10071 ignore the RPN aspect of Calc altogether and simply enter algebraic
10072 expressions in this way. You may want to use @key{DEL} every so often to
10073 clear previous results off the stack.
10075 You can press the apostrophe key during normal numeric entry to switch
10076 the half-entered number into Algebraic entry mode. One reason to do
10077 this would be to fix a typo, as the full Emacs cursor motion and editing
10078 keys are available during algebraic entry but not during numeric entry.
10080 In the same vein, during either numeric or algebraic entry you can
10081 press @kbd{`} (backquote) to switch to @code{calc-edit} mode, where
10082 you complete your half-finished entry in a separate buffer.
10083 @xref{Editing Stack Entries}.
10086 @pindex calc-algebraic-mode
10087 @cindex Algebraic Mode
10088 If you prefer algebraic entry, you can use the command @kbd{m a}
10089 (@code{calc-algebraic-mode}) to set Algebraic mode. In this mode,
10090 digits and other keys that would normally start numeric entry instead
10091 start full algebraic entry; as long as your formula begins with a digit
10092 you can omit the apostrophe. Open parentheses and square brackets also
10093 begin algebraic entry. You can still do RPN calculations in this mode,
10094 but you will have to press @key{RET} to terminate every number:
10095 @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} * 4 @key{RET} +} would accomplish the same
10096 thing as @kbd{2*3+4 @key{RET}}.
10098 @cindex Incomplete Algebraic Mode
10099 If you give a numeric prefix argument like @kbd{C-u} to the @kbd{m a}
10100 command, it enables Incomplete Algebraic mode; this is like regular
10101 Algebraic mode except that it applies to the @kbd{(} and @kbd{[} keys
10102 only. Numeric keys still begin a numeric entry in this mode.
10105 @pindex calc-total-algebraic-mode
10106 @cindex Total Algebraic Mode
10107 The @kbd{m t} (@code{calc-total-algebraic-mode}) gives you an even
10108 stronger algebraic-entry mode, in which @emph{all} regular letter and
10109 punctuation keys begin algebraic entry. Use this if you prefer typing
10110 @w{@kbd{sqrt( )}} instead of @kbd{Q}, @w{@kbd{factor( )}} instead of
10111 @kbd{a f}, and so on. To type regular Calc commands when you are in
10112 Total Algebraic mode, hold down the @key{META} key. Thus @kbd{M-q}
10113 is the command to quit Calc, @kbd{M-p} sets the precision, and
10114 @kbd{M-m t} (or @kbd{M-m M-t}, if you prefer) turns Total Algebraic
10115 mode back off again. Meta keys also terminate algebraic entry, so
10116 that @kbd{2+3 M-S} is equivalent to @kbd{2+3 @key{RET} M-S}. The symbol
10117 @samp{Alg*} will appear in the mode line whenever you are in this mode.
10119 Pressing @kbd{'} (the apostrophe) a second time re-enters the previous
10120 algebraic formula. You can then use the normal Emacs editing keys to
10121 modify this formula to your liking before pressing @key{RET}.
10124 @cindex Formulas, referring to stack
10125 Within a formula entered from the keyboard, the symbol @kbd{$}
10126 represents the number on the top of the stack. If an entered formula
10127 contains any @kbd{$} characters, the Calculator replaces the top of
10128 stack with that formula rather than simply pushing the formula onto the
10129 stack. Thus, @kbd{' 1+2 @key{RET}} pushes 3 on the stack, and @kbd{$*2
10130 @key{RET}} replaces it with 6. Note that the @kbd{$} key always
10131 initiates algebraic entry; the @kbd{'} is unnecessary if @kbd{$} is the
10132 first character in the new formula.
10134 Higher stack elements can be accessed from an entered formula with the
10135 symbols @kbd{$$}, @kbd{$$$}, and so on. The number of stack elements
10136 removed (to be replaced by the entered values) equals the number of dollar
10137 signs in the longest such symbol in the formula. For example, @samp{$$+$$$}
10138 adds the second and third stack elements, replacing the top three elements
10139 with the answer. (All information about the top stack element is thus lost
10140 since no single @samp{$} appears in this formula.)
10142 A slightly different way to refer to stack elements is with a dollar
10143 sign followed by a number: @samp{$1}, @samp{$2}, and so on are much
10144 like @samp{$}, @samp{$$}, etc., except that stack entries referred
10145 to numerically are not replaced by the algebraic entry. That is, while
10146 @samp{$+1} replaces 5 on the stack with 6, @samp{$1+1} leaves the 5
10147 on the stack and pushes an additional 6.
10149 If a sequence of formulas are entered separated by commas, each formula
10150 is pushed onto the stack in turn. For example, @samp{1,2,3} pushes
10151 those three numbers onto the stack (leaving the 3 at the top), and
10152 @samp{$+1,$-1} replaces a 5 on the stack with 4 followed by 6. Also,
10153 @samp{$,$$} exchanges the top two elements of the stack, just like the
10156 You can finish an algebraic entry with @kbd{M-=} or @kbd{M-@key{RET}} instead
10157 of @key{RET}. This uses @kbd{=} to evaluate the variables in each
10158 formula that goes onto the stack. (Thus @kbd{' pi @key{RET}} pushes
10159 the variable @samp{pi}, but @kbd{' pi M-@key{RET}} pushes 3.1415.)
10161 If you finish your algebraic entry by pressing @key{LFD} (or @kbd{C-j})
10162 instead of @key{RET}, Calc disables the default simplifications
10163 (as if by @kbd{m O}; @pxref{Simplification Modes}) while the entry
10164 is being pushed on the stack. Thus @kbd{' 1+2 @key{RET}} pushes 3
10165 on the stack, but @kbd{' 1+2 @key{LFD}} pushes the formula @expr{1+2};
10166 you might then press @kbd{=} when it is time to evaluate this formula.
10168 @node Quick Calculator, Prefix Arguments, Algebraic Entry, Introduction
10169 @section ``Quick Calculator'' Mode
10174 @cindex Quick Calculator
10175 There is another way to invoke the Calculator if all you need to do
10176 is make one or two quick calculations. Type @kbd{C-x * q} (or
10177 @kbd{M-x quick-calc}), then type any formula as an algebraic entry.
10178 The Calculator will compute the result and display it in the echo
10179 area, without ever actually putting up a Calc window.
10181 You can use the @kbd{$} character in a Quick Calculator formula to
10182 refer to the previous Quick Calculator result. Older results are
10183 not retained; the Quick Calculator has no effect on the full
10184 Calculator's stack or trail. If you compute a result and then
10185 forget what it was, just run @code{C-x * q} again and enter
10186 @samp{$} as the formula.
10188 If this is the first time you have used the Calculator in this Emacs
10189 session, the @kbd{C-x * q} command will create the @code{*Calculator*}
10190 buffer and perform all the usual initializations; it simply will
10191 refrain from putting that buffer up in a new window. The Quick
10192 Calculator refers to the @code{*Calculator*} buffer for all mode
10193 settings. Thus, for example, to set the precision that the Quick
10194 Calculator uses, simply run the full Calculator momentarily and use
10195 the regular @kbd{p} command.
10197 If you use @code{C-x * q} from inside the Calculator buffer, the
10198 effect is the same as pressing the apostrophe key (algebraic entry).
10200 The result of a Quick calculation is placed in the Emacs ``kill ring''
10201 as well as being displayed. A subsequent @kbd{C-y} command will
10202 yank the result into the editing buffer. You can also use this
10203 to yank the result into the next @kbd{C-x * q} input line as a more
10204 explicit alternative to @kbd{$} notation, or to yank the result
10205 into the Calculator stack after typing @kbd{C-x * c}.
10207 If you finish your formula by typing @key{LFD} (or @kbd{C-j}) instead
10208 of @key{RET}, the result is inserted immediately into the current
10209 buffer rather than going into the kill ring.
10211 Quick Calculator results are actually evaluated as if by the @kbd{=}
10212 key (which replaces variable names by their stored values, if any).
10213 If the formula you enter is an assignment to a variable using the
10214 @samp{:=} operator, say, @samp{foo := 2 + 3} or @samp{foo := foo + 1},
10215 then the result of the evaluation is stored in that Calc variable.
10216 @xref{Store and Recall}.
10218 If the result is an integer and the current display radix is decimal,
10219 the number will also be displayed in hex, octal and binary formats. If
10220 the integer is in the range from 1 to 126, it will also be displayed as
10221 an ASCII character.
10223 For example, the quoted character @samp{"x"} produces the vector
10224 result @samp{[120]} (because 120 is the ASCII code of the lower-case
10225 `x'; @pxref{Strings}). Since this is a vector, not an integer, it
10226 is displayed only according to the current mode settings. But
10227 running Quick Calc again and entering @samp{120} will produce the
10228 result @samp{120 (16#78, 8#170, x)} which shows the number in its
10229 decimal, hexadecimal, octal, and ASCII forms.
10231 Please note that the Quick Calculator is not any faster at loading
10232 or computing the answer than the full Calculator; the name ``quick''
10233 merely refers to the fact that it's much less hassle to use for
10234 small calculations.
10236 @node Prefix Arguments, Undo, Quick Calculator, Introduction
10237 @section Numeric Prefix Arguments
10240 Many Calculator commands use numeric prefix arguments. Some, such as
10241 @kbd{d s} (@code{calc-sci-notation}), set a parameter to the value of
10242 the prefix argument or use a default if you don't use a prefix.
10243 Others (like @kbd{d f} (@code{calc-fix-notation})) require an argument
10244 and prompt for a number if you don't give one as a prefix.
10246 As a rule, stack-manipulation commands accept a numeric prefix argument
10247 which is interpreted as an index into the stack. A positive argument
10248 operates on the top @var{n} stack entries; a negative argument operates
10249 on the @var{n}th stack entry in isolation; and a zero argument operates
10250 on the entire stack.
10252 Most commands that perform computations (such as the arithmetic and
10253 scientific functions) accept a numeric prefix argument that allows the
10254 operation to be applied across many stack elements. For unary operations
10255 (that is, functions of one argument like absolute value or complex
10256 conjugate), a positive prefix argument applies that function to the top
10257 @var{n} stack entries simultaneously, and a negative argument applies it
10258 to the @var{n}th stack entry only. For binary operations (functions of
10259 two arguments like addition, GCD, and vector concatenation), a positive
10260 prefix argument ``reduces'' the function across the top @var{n}
10261 stack elements (for example, @kbd{C-u 5 +} sums the top 5 stack entries;
10262 @pxref{Reducing and Mapping}), and a negative argument maps the next-to-top
10263 @var{n} stack elements with the top stack element as a second argument
10264 (for example, @kbd{7 c-u -5 +} adds 7 to the top 5 stack elements).
10265 This feature is not available for operations which use the numeric prefix
10266 argument for some other purpose.
10268 Numeric prefixes are specified the same way as always in Emacs: Press
10269 a sequence of @key{META}-digits, or press @key{ESC} followed by digits,
10270 or press @kbd{C-u} followed by digits. Some commands treat plain
10271 @kbd{C-u} (without any actual digits) specially.
10274 @pindex calc-num-prefix
10275 You can type @kbd{~} (@code{calc-num-prefix}) to pop an integer from the
10276 top of the stack and enter it as the numeric prefix for the next command.
10277 For example, @kbd{C-u 16 p} sets the precision to 16 digits; an alternate
10278 (silly) way to do this would be @kbd{2 @key{RET} 4 ^ ~ p}, i.e., compute 2
10279 to the fourth power and set the precision to that value.
10281 Conversely, if you have typed a numeric prefix argument the @kbd{~} key
10282 pushes it onto the stack in the form of an integer.
10284 @node Undo, Error Messages, Prefix Arguments, Introduction
10285 @section Undoing Mistakes
10291 @cindex Mistakes, undoing
10292 @cindex Undoing mistakes
10293 @cindex Errors, undoing
10294 The shift-@kbd{U} key (@code{calc-undo}) undoes the most recent operation.
10295 If that operation added or dropped objects from the stack, those objects
10296 are removed or restored. If it was a ``store'' operation, you are
10297 queried whether or not to restore the variable to its original value.
10298 The @kbd{U} key may be pressed any number of times to undo successively
10299 farther back in time; with a numeric prefix argument it undoes a
10300 specified number of operations. When the Calculator is quit, as with
10301 the @kbd{q} (@code{calc-quit}) command, the undo history will be
10302 truncated to the length of the customizable variable
10303 @code{calc-undo-length} (@pxref{Customizing Calc}), which by default
10304 is @expr{100}. (Recall that @kbd{C-x * c} is synonymous with
10305 @code{calc-quit} while inside the Calculator; this also truncates the
10308 Currently the mode-setting commands (like @code{calc-precision}) are not
10309 undoable. You can undo past a point where you changed a mode, but you
10310 will need to reset the mode yourself.
10314 @cindex Redoing after an Undo
10315 The shift-@kbd{D} key (@code{calc-redo}) redoes an operation that was
10316 mistakenly undone. Pressing @kbd{U} with a negative prefix argument is
10317 equivalent to executing @code{calc-redo}. You can redo any number of
10318 times, up to the number of recent consecutive undo commands. Redo
10319 information is cleared whenever you give any command that adds new undo
10320 information, i.e., if you undo, then enter a number on the stack or make
10321 any other change, then it will be too late to redo.
10323 @kindex M-@key{RET}
10324 @pindex calc-last-args
10325 @cindex Last-arguments feature
10326 @cindex Arguments, restoring
10327 The @kbd{M-@key{RET}} key (@code{calc-last-args}) is like undo in that
10328 it restores the arguments of the most recent command onto the stack;
10329 however, it does not remove the result of that command. Given a numeric
10330 prefix argument, this command applies to the @expr{n}th most recent
10331 command which removed items from the stack; it pushes those items back
10334 The @kbd{K} (@code{calc-keep-args}) command provides a related function
10335 to @kbd{M-@key{RET}}. @xref{Stack and Trail}.
10337 It is also possible to recall previous results or inputs using the trail.
10338 @xref{Trail Commands}.
10340 The standard Emacs @kbd{C-_} undo key is recognized as a synonym for @kbd{U}.
10342 @node Error Messages, Multiple Calculators, Undo, Introduction
10343 @section Error Messages
10348 @cindex Errors, messages
10349 @cindex Why did an error occur?
10350 Many situations that would produce an error message in other calculators
10351 simply create unsimplified formulas in the Emacs Calculator. For example,
10352 @kbd{1 @key{RET} 0 /} pushes the formula @expr{1 / 0}; @w{@kbd{0 L}} pushes
10353 the formula @samp{ln(0)}. Floating-point overflow and underflow are also
10354 reasons for this to happen.
10356 When a function call must be left in symbolic form, Calc usually
10357 produces a message explaining why. Messages that are probably
10358 surprising or indicative of user errors are displayed automatically.
10359 Other messages are simply kept in Calc's memory and are displayed only
10360 if you type @kbd{w} (@code{calc-why}). You can also press @kbd{w} if
10361 the same computation results in several messages. (The first message
10362 will end with @samp{[w=more]} in this case.)
10365 @pindex calc-auto-why
10366 The @kbd{d w} (@code{calc-auto-why}) command controls when error messages
10367 are displayed automatically. (Calc effectively presses @kbd{w} for you
10368 after your computation finishes.) By default, this occurs only for
10369 ``important'' messages. The other possible modes are to report
10370 @emph{all} messages automatically, or to report none automatically (so
10371 that you must always press @kbd{w} yourself to see the messages).
10373 @node Multiple Calculators, Troubleshooting Commands, Error Messages, Introduction
10374 @section Multiple Calculators
10377 @pindex another-calc
10378 It is possible to have any number of Calc mode buffers at once.
10379 Usually this is done by executing @kbd{M-x another-calc}, which
10380 is similar to @kbd{C-x * c} except that if a @samp{*Calculator*}
10381 buffer already exists, a new, independent one with a name of the
10382 form @samp{*Calculator*<@var{n}>} is created. You can also use the
10383 command @code{calc-mode} to put any buffer into Calculator mode, but
10384 this would ordinarily never be done.
10386 The @kbd{q} (@code{calc-quit}) command does not destroy a Calculator buffer;
10387 it only closes its window. Use @kbd{M-x kill-buffer} to destroy a
10390 Each Calculator buffer keeps its own stack, undo list, and mode settings
10391 such as precision, angular mode, and display formats. In Emacs terms,
10392 variables such as @code{calc-stack} are buffer-local variables. The
10393 global default values of these variables are used only when a new
10394 Calculator buffer is created. The @code{calc-quit} command saves
10395 the stack and mode settings of the buffer being quit as the new defaults.
10397 There is only one trail buffer, @samp{*Calc Trail*}, used by all
10398 Calculator buffers.
10400 @node Troubleshooting Commands, , Multiple Calculators, Introduction
10401 @section Troubleshooting Commands
10404 This section describes commands you can use in case a computation
10405 incorrectly fails or gives the wrong answer.
10407 @xref{Reporting Bugs}, if you find a problem that appears to be due
10408 to a bug or deficiency in Calc.
10411 * Autoloading Problems::
10412 * Recursion Depth::
10417 @node Autoloading Problems, Recursion Depth, Troubleshooting Commands, Troubleshooting Commands
10418 @subsection Autoloading Problems
10421 The Calc program is split into many component files; components are
10422 loaded automatically as you use various commands that require them.
10423 Occasionally Calc may lose track of when a certain component is
10424 necessary; typically this means you will type a command and it won't
10425 work because some function you've never heard of was undefined.
10428 @pindex calc-load-everything
10429 If this happens, the easiest workaround is to type @kbd{C-x * L}
10430 (@code{calc-load-everything}) to force all the parts of Calc to be
10431 loaded right away. This will cause Emacs to take up a lot more
10432 memory than it would otherwise, but it's guaranteed to fix the problem.
10434 @node Recursion Depth, Caches, Autoloading Problems, Troubleshooting Commands
10435 @subsection Recursion Depth
10440 @pindex calc-more-recursion-depth
10441 @pindex calc-less-recursion-depth
10442 @cindex Recursion depth
10443 @cindex ``Computation got stuck'' message
10444 @cindex @code{max-lisp-eval-depth}
10445 @cindex @code{max-specpdl-size}
10446 Calc uses recursion in many of its calculations. Emacs Lisp keeps a
10447 variable @code{max-lisp-eval-depth} which limits the amount of recursion
10448 possible in an attempt to recover from program bugs. If a calculation
10449 ever halts incorrectly with the message ``Computation got stuck or
10450 ran too long,'' use the @kbd{M} command (@code{calc-more-recursion-depth})
10451 to increase this limit. (Of course, this will not help if the
10452 calculation really did get stuck due to some problem inside Calc.)
10454 The limit is always increased (multiplied) by a factor of two. There
10455 is also an @kbd{I M} (@code{calc-less-recursion-depth}) command which
10456 decreases this limit by a factor of two, down to a minimum value of 200.
10457 The default value is 1000.
10459 These commands also double or halve @code{max-specpdl-size}, another
10460 internal Lisp recursion limit. The minimum value for this limit is 600.
10462 @node Caches, Debugging Calc, Recursion Depth, Troubleshooting Commands
10467 @cindex Flushing caches
10468 Calc saves certain values after they have been computed once. For
10469 example, the @kbd{P} (@code{calc-pi}) command initially ``knows'' the
10470 constant @cpi{} to about 20 decimal places; if the current precision
10471 is greater than this, it will recompute @cpi{} using a series
10472 approximation. This value will not need to be recomputed ever again
10473 unless you raise the precision still further. Many operations such as
10474 logarithms and sines make use of similarly cached values such as
10476 @texline @math{\ln 2}.
10477 @infoline @expr{ln(2)}.
10478 The visible effect of caching is that
10479 high-precision computations may seem to do extra work the first time.
10480 Other things cached include powers of two (for the binary arithmetic
10481 functions), matrix inverses and determinants, symbolic integrals, and
10482 data points computed by the graphing commands.
10484 @pindex calc-flush-caches
10485 If you suspect a Calculator cache has become corrupt, you can use the
10486 @code{calc-flush-caches} command to reset all caches to the empty state.
10487 (This should only be necessary in the event of bugs in the Calculator.)
10488 The @kbd{C-x * 0} (with the zero key) command also resets caches along
10489 with all other aspects of the Calculator's state.
10491 @node Debugging Calc, , Caches, Troubleshooting Commands
10492 @subsection Debugging Calc
10495 A few commands exist to help in the debugging of Calc commands.
10496 @xref{Programming}, to see the various ways that you can write
10497 your own Calc commands.
10500 @pindex calc-timing
10501 The @kbd{Z T} (@code{calc-timing}) command turns on and off a mode
10502 in which the timing of slow commands is reported in the Trail.
10503 Any Calc command that takes two seconds or longer writes a line
10504 to the Trail showing how many seconds it took. This value is
10505 accurate only to within one second.
10507 All steps of executing a command are included; in particular, time
10508 taken to format the result for display in the stack and trail is
10509 counted. Some prompts also count time taken waiting for them to
10510 be answered, while others do not; this depends on the exact
10511 implementation of the command. For best results, if you are timing
10512 a sequence that includes prompts or multiple commands, define a
10513 keyboard macro to run the whole sequence at once. Calc's @kbd{X}
10514 command (@pxref{Keyboard Macros}) will then report the time taken
10515 to execute the whole macro.
10517 Another advantage of the @kbd{X} command is that while it is
10518 executing, the stack and trail are not updated from step to step.
10519 So if you expect the output of your test sequence to leave a result
10520 that may take a long time to format and you don't wish to count
10521 this formatting time, end your sequence with a @key{DEL} keystroke
10522 to clear the result from the stack. When you run the sequence with
10523 @kbd{X}, Calc will never bother to format the large result.
10525 Another thing @kbd{Z T} does is to increase the Emacs variable
10526 @code{gc-cons-threshold} to a much higher value (two million; the
10527 usual default in Calc is 250,000) for the duration of each command.
10528 This generally prevents garbage collection during the timing of
10529 the command, though it may cause your Emacs process to grow
10530 abnormally large. (Garbage collection time is a major unpredictable
10531 factor in the timing of Emacs operations.)
10533 Another command that is useful when debugging your own Lisp
10534 extensions to Calc is @kbd{M-x calc-pass-errors}, which disables
10535 the error handler that changes the ``@code{max-lisp-eval-depth}
10536 exceeded'' message to the much more friendly ``Computation got
10537 stuck or ran too long.'' This handler interferes with the Emacs
10538 Lisp debugger's @code{debug-on-error} mode. Errors are reported
10539 in the handler itself rather than at the true location of the
10540 error. After you have executed @code{calc-pass-errors}, Lisp
10541 errors will be reported correctly but the user-friendly message
10544 @node Data Types, Stack and Trail, Introduction, Top
10545 @chapter Data Types
10548 This chapter discusses the various types of objects that can be placed
10549 on the Calculator stack, how they are displayed, and how they are
10550 entered. (@xref{Data Type Formats}, for information on how these data
10551 types are represented as underlying Lisp objects.)
10553 Integers, fractions, and floats are various ways of describing real
10554 numbers. HMS forms also for many purposes act as real numbers. These
10555 types can be combined to form complex numbers, modulo forms, error forms,
10556 or interval forms. (But these last four types cannot be combined
10557 arbitrarily:@: error forms may not contain modulo forms, for example.)
10558 Finally, all these types of numbers may be combined into vectors,
10559 matrices, or algebraic formulas.
10562 * Integers:: The most basic data type.
10563 * Fractions:: This and above are called @dfn{rationals}.
10564 * Floats:: This and above are called @dfn{reals}.
10565 * Complex Numbers:: This and above are called @dfn{numbers}.
10567 * Vectors and Matrices::
10574 * Incomplete Objects::
10579 @node Integers, Fractions, Data Types, Data Types
10584 The Calculator stores integers to arbitrary precision. Addition,
10585 subtraction, and multiplication of integers always yields an exact
10586 integer result. (If the result of a division or exponentiation of
10587 integers is not an integer, it is expressed in fractional or
10588 floating-point form according to the current Fraction mode.
10589 @xref{Fraction Mode}.)
10591 A decimal integer is represented as an optional sign followed by a
10592 sequence of digits. Grouping (@pxref{Grouping Digits}) can be used to
10593 insert a comma at every third digit for display purposes, but you
10594 must not type commas during the entry of numbers.
10597 A non-decimal integer is represented as an optional sign, a radix
10598 between 2 and 36, a @samp{#} symbol, and one or more digits. For radix 11
10599 and above, the letters A through Z (upper- or lower-case) count as
10600 digits and do not terminate numeric entry mode. @xref{Radix Modes}, for how
10601 to set the default radix for display of integers. Numbers of any radix
10602 may be entered at any time. If you press @kbd{#} at the beginning of a
10603 number, the current display radix is used.
10605 @node Fractions, Floats, Integers, Data Types
10610 A @dfn{fraction} is a ratio of two integers. Fractions are traditionally
10611 written ``2/3'' but Calc uses the notation @samp{2:3}. (The @kbd{/} key
10612 performs RPN division; the following two sequences push the number
10613 @samp{2:3} on the stack: @kbd{2 :@: 3 @key{RET}}, or @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 /}
10614 assuming Fraction mode has been enabled.)
10615 When the Calculator produces a fractional result it always reduces it to
10616 simplest form, which may in fact be an integer.
10618 Fractions may also be entered in a three-part form, where @samp{2:3:4}
10619 represents two-and-three-quarters. @xref{Fraction Formats}, for fraction
10622 Non-decimal fractions are entered and displayed as
10623 @samp{@var{radix}#@var{num}:@var{denom}} (or in the analogous three-part
10624 form). The numerator and denominator always use the same radix.
10626 @node Floats, Complex Numbers, Fractions, Data Types
10630 @cindex Floating-point numbers
10631 A floating-point number or @dfn{float} is a number stored in scientific
10632 notation. The number of significant digits in the fractional part is
10633 governed by the current floating precision (@pxref{Precision}). The
10634 range of acceptable values is from
10635 @texline @math{10^{-3999999}}
10636 @infoline @expr{10^-3999999}
10638 @texline @math{10^{4000000}}
10639 @infoline @expr{10^4000000}
10640 (exclusive), plus the corresponding negative values and zero.
10642 Calculations that would exceed the allowable range of values (such
10643 as @samp{exp(exp(20))}) are left in symbolic form by Calc. The
10644 messages ``floating-point overflow'' or ``floating-point underflow''
10645 indicate that during the calculation a number would have been produced
10646 that was too large or too close to zero, respectively, to be represented
10647 by Calc. This does not necessarily mean the final result would have
10648 overflowed, just that an overflow occurred while computing the result.
10649 (In fact, it could report an underflow even though the final result
10650 would have overflowed!)
10652 If a rational number and a float are mixed in a calculation, the result
10653 will in general be expressed as a float. Commands that require an integer
10654 value (such as @kbd{k g} [@code{gcd}]) will also accept integer-valued
10655 floats, i.e., floating-point numbers with nothing after the decimal point.
10657 Floats are identified by the presence of a decimal point and/or an
10658 exponent. In general a float consists of an optional sign, digits
10659 including an optional decimal point, and an optional exponent consisting
10660 of an @samp{e}, an optional sign, and up to seven exponent digits.
10661 For example, @samp{23.5e-2} is 23.5 times ten to the minus-second power,
10664 Floating-point numbers are normally displayed in decimal notation with
10665 all significant figures shown. Exceedingly large or small numbers are
10666 displayed in scientific notation. Various other display options are
10667 available. @xref{Float Formats}.
10669 @cindex Accuracy of calculations
10670 Floating-point numbers are stored in decimal, not binary. The result
10671 of each operation is rounded to the nearest value representable in the
10672 number of significant digits specified by the current precision,
10673 rounding away from zero in the case of a tie. Thus (in the default
10674 display mode) what you see is exactly what you get. Some operations such
10675 as square roots and transcendental functions are performed with several
10676 digits of extra precision and then rounded down, in an effort to make the
10677 final result accurate to the full requested precision. However,
10678 accuracy is not rigorously guaranteed. If you suspect the validity of a
10679 result, try doing the same calculation in a higher precision. The
10680 Calculator's arithmetic is not intended to be IEEE-conformant in any
10683 While floats are always @emph{stored} in decimal, they can be entered
10684 and displayed in any radix just like integers and fractions. Since a
10685 float that is entered in a radix other that 10 will be converted to
10686 decimal, the number that Calc stores may not be exactly the number that
10687 was entered, it will be the closest decimal approximation given the
10688 current precison. The notation @samp{@var{radix}#@var{ddd}.@var{ddd}}
10689 is a floating-point number whose digits are in the specified radix.
10690 Note that the @samp{.} is more aptly referred to as a ``radix point''
10691 than as a decimal point in this case. The number @samp{8#123.4567} is
10692 defined as @samp{8#1234567 * 8^-4}. If the radix is 14 or less, you can
10693 use @samp{e} notation to write a non-decimal number in scientific
10694 notation. The exponent is written in decimal, and is considered to be a
10695 power of the radix: @samp{8#1234567e-4}. If the radix is 15 or above,
10696 the letter @samp{e} is a digit, so scientific notation must be written
10697 out, e.g., @samp{16#123.4567*16^2}. The first two exercises of the
10698 Modes Tutorial explore some of the properties of non-decimal floats.
10700 @node Complex Numbers, Infinities, Floats, Data Types
10701 @section Complex Numbers
10704 @cindex Complex numbers
10705 There are two supported formats for complex numbers: rectangular and
10706 polar. The default format is rectangular, displayed in the form
10707 @samp{(@var{real},@var{imag})} where @var{real} is the real part and
10708 @var{imag} is the imaginary part, each of which may be any real number.
10709 Rectangular complex numbers can also be displayed in @samp{@var{a}+@var{b}i}
10710 notation; @pxref{Complex Formats}.
10712 Polar complex numbers are displayed in the form
10713 @texline `@tfn{(}@var{r}@tfn{;}@math{\theta}@tfn{)}'
10714 @infoline `@tfn{(}@var{r}@tfn{;}@var{theta}@tfn{)}'
10715 where @var{r} is the nonnegative magnitude and
10716 @texline @math{\theta}
10717 @infoline @var{theta}
10718 is the argument or phase angle. The range of
10719 @texline @math{\theta}
10720 @infoline @var{theta}
10721 depends on the current angular mode (@pxref{Angular Modes}); it is
10722 generally between @mathit{-180} and @mathit{+180} degrees or the equivalent range
10725 Complex numbers are entered in stages using incomplete objects.
10726 @xref{Incomplete Objects}.
10728 Operations on rectangular complex numbers yield rectangular complex
10729 results, and similarly for polar complex numbers. Where the two types
10730 are mixed, or where new complex numbers arise (as for the square root of
10731 a negative real), the current @dfn{Polar mode} is used to determine the
10732 type. @xref{Polar Mode}.
10734 A complex result in which the imaginary part is zero (or the phase angle
10735 is 0 or 180 degrees or @cpi{} radians) is automatically converted to a real
10738 @node Infinities, Vectors and Matrices, Complex Numbers, Data Types
10739 @section Infinities
10743 @cindex @code{inf} variable
10744 @cindex @code{uinf} variable
10745 @cindex @code{nan} variable
10749 The word @code{inf} represents the mathematical concept of @dfn{infinity}.
10750 Calc actually has three slightly different infinity-like values:
10751 @code{inf}, @code{uinf}, and @code{nan}. These are just regular
10752 variable names (@pxref{Variables}); you should avoid using these
10753 names for your own variables because Calc gives them special
10754 treatment. Infinities, like all variable names, are normally
10755 entered using algebraic entry.
10757 Mathematically speaking, it is not rigorously correct to treat
10758 ``infinity'' as if it were a number, but mathematicians often do
10759 so informally. When they say that @samp{1 / inf = 0}, what they
10760 really mean is that @expr{1 / x}, as @expr{x} becomes larger and
10761 larger, becomes arbitrarily close to zero. So you can imagine
10762 that if @expr{x} got ``all the way to infinity,'' then @expr{1 / x}
10763 would go all the way to zero. Similarly, when they say that
10764 @samp{exp(inf) = inf}, they mean that
10765 @texline @math{e^x}
10766 @infoline @expr{exp(x)}
10767 grows without bound as @expr{x} grows. The symbol @samp{-inf} likewise
10768 stands for an infinitely negative real value; for example, we say that
10769 @samp{exp(-inf) = 0}. You can have an infinity pointing in any
10770 direction on the complex plane: @samp{sqrt(-inf) = i inf}.
10772 The same concept of limits can be used to define @expr{1 / 0}. We
10773 really want the value that @expr{1 / x} approaches as @expr{x}
10774 approaches zero. But if all we have is @expr{1 / 0}, we can't
10775 tell which direction @expr{x} was coming from. If @expr{x} was
10776 positive and decreasing toward zero, then we should say that
10777 @samp{1 / 0 = inf}. But if @expr{x} was negative and increasing
10778 toward zero, the answer is @samp{1 / 0 = -inf}. In fact, @expr{x}
10779 could be an imaginary number, giving the answer @samp{i inf} or
10780 @samp{-i inf}. Calc uses the special symbol @samp{uinf} to mean
10781 @dfn{undirected infinity}, i.e., a value which is infinitely
10782 large but with an unknown sign (or direction on the complex plane).
10784 Calc actually has three modes that say how infinities are handled.
10785 Normally, infinities never arise from calculations that didn't
10786 already have them. Thus, @expr{1 / 0} is treated simply as an
10787 error and left unevaluated. The @kbd{m i} (@code{calc-infinite-mode})
10788 command (@pxref{Infinite Mode}) enables a mode in which
10789 @expr{1 / 0} evaluates to @code{uinf} instead. There is also
10790 an alternative type of infinite mode which says to treat zeros
10791 as if they were positive, so that @samp{1 / 0 = inf}. While this
10792 is less mathematically correct, it may be the answer you want in
10795 Since all infinities are ``as large'' as all others, Calc simplifies,
10796 e.g., @samp{5 inf} to @samp{inf}. Another example is
10797 @samp{5 - inf = -inf}, where the @samp{-inf} is so large that
10798 adding a finite number like five to it does not affect it.
10799 Note that @samp{a - inf} also results in @samp{-inf}; Calc assumes
10800 that variables like @code{a} always stand for finite quantities.
10801 Just to show that infinities really are all the same size,
10802 note that @samp{sqrt(inf) = inf^2 = exp(inf) = inf} in Calc's
10805 It's not so easy to define certain formulas like @samp{0 * inf} and
10806 @samp{inf / inf}. Depending on where these zeros and infinities
10807 came from, the answer could be literally anything. The latter
10808 formula could be the limit of @expr{x / x} (giving a result of one),
10809 or @expr{2 x / x} (giving two), or @expr{x^2 / x} (giving @code{inf}),
10810 or @expr{x / x^2} (giving zero). Calc uses the symbol @code{nan}
10811 to represent such an @dfn{indeterminate} value. (The name ``nan''
10812 comes from analogy with the ``NAN'' concept of IEEE standard
10813 arithmetic; it stands for ``Not A Number.'' This is somewhat of a
10814 misnomer, since @code{nan} @emph{does} stand for some number or
10815 infinity, it's just that @emph{which} number it stands for
10816 cannot be determined.) In Calc's notation, @samp{0 * inf = nan}
10817 and @samp{inf / inf = nan}. A few other common indeterminate
10818 expressions are @samp{inf - inf} and @samp{inf ^ 0}. Also,
10819 @samp{0 / 0 = nan} if you have turned on Infinite mode
10820 (as described above).
10822 Infinities are especially useful as parts of @dfn{intervals}.
10823 @xref{Interval Forms}.
10825 @node Vectors and Matrices, Strings, Infinities, Data Types
10826 @section Vectors and Matrices
10830 @cindex Plain vectors
10832 The @dfn{vector} data type is flexible and general. A vector is simply a
10833 list of zero or more data objects. When these objects are numbers, the
10834 whole is a vector in the mathematical sense. When these objects are
10835 themselves vectors of equal (nonzero) length, the whole is a @dfn{matrix}.
10836 A vector which is not a matrix is referred to here as a @dfn{plain vector}.
10838 A vector is displayed as a list of values separated by commas and enclosed
10839 in square brackets: @samp{[1, 2, 3]}. Thus the following is a 2 row by
10840 3 column matrix: @samp{[[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6]]}. Vectors, like complex
10841 numbers, are entered as incomplete objects. @xref{Incomplete Objects}.
10842 During algebraic entry, vectors are entered all at once in the usual
10843 brackets-and-commas form. Matrices may be entered algebraically as nested
10844 vectors, or using the shortcut notation @w{@samp{[1, 2, 3; 4, 5, 6]}},
10845 with rows separated by semicolons. The commas may usually be omitted
10846 when entering vectors: @samp{[1 2 3]}. Curly braces may be used in
10847 place of brackets: @samp{@{1, 2, 3@}}, but the commas are required in
10850 Traditional vector and matrix arithmetic is also supported;
10851 @pxref{Basic Arithmetic} and @pxref{Matrix Functions}.
10852 Many other operations are applied to vectors element-wise. For example,
10853 the complex conjugate of a vector is a vector of the complex conjugates
10860 Algebraic functions for building vectors include @samp{vec(a, b, c)}
10861 to build @samp{[a, b, c]}, @samp{cvec(a, n, m)} to build an
10862 @texline @math{n\times m}
10863 @infoline @var{n}x@var{m}
10864 matrix of @samp{a}s, and @samp{index(n)} to build a vector of integers
10865 from 1 to @samp{n}.
10867 @node Strings, HMS Forms, Vectors and Matrices, Data Types
10873 @cindex Character strings
10874 Character strings are not a special data type in the Calculator.
10875 Rather, a string is represented simply as a vector all of whose
10876 elements are integers in the range 0 to 255 (ASCII codes). You can
10877 enter a string at any time by pressing the @kbd{"} key. Quotation
10878 marks and backslashes are written @samp{\"} and @samp{\\}, respectively,
10879 inside strings. Other notations introduced by backslashes are:
10895 Finally, a backslash followed by three octal digits produces any
10896 character from its ASCII code.
10899 @pindex calc-display-strings
10900 Strings are normally displayed in vector-of-integers form. The
10901 @w{@kbd{d "}} (@code{calc-display-strings}) command toggles a mode in
10902 which any vectors of small integers are displayed as quoted strings
10905 The backslash notations shown above are also used for displaying
10906 strings. Characters 128 and above are not translated by Calc; unless
10907 you have an Emacs modified for 8-bit fonts, these will show up in
10908 backslash-octal-digits notation. For characters below 32, and
10909 for character 127, Calc uses the backslash-letter combination if
10910 there is one, or otherwise uses a @samp{\^} sequence.
10912 The only Calc feature that uses strings is @dfn{compositions};
10913 @pxref{Compositions}. Strings also provide a convenient
10914 way to do conversions between ASCII characters and integers.
10920 There is a @code{string} function which provides a different display
10921 format for strings. Basically, @samp{string(@var{s})}, where @var{s}
10922 is a vector of integers in the proper range, is displayed as the
10923 corresponding string of characters with no surrounding quotation
10924 marks or other modifications. Thus @samp{string("ABC")} (or
10925 @samp{string([65 66 67])}) will look like @samp{ABC} on the stack.
10926 This happens regardless of whether @w{@kbd{d "}} has been used. The
10927 only way to turn it off is to use @kbd{d U} (unformatted language
10928 mode) which will display @samp{string("ABC")} instead.
10930 Control characters are displayed somewhat differently by @code{string}.
10931 Characters below 32, and character 127, are shown using @samp{^} notation
10932 (same as shown above, but without the backslash). The quote and
10933 backslash characters are left alone, as are characters 128 and above.
10939 The @code{bstring} function is just like @code{string} except that
10940 the resulting string is breakable across multiple lines if it doesn't
10941 fit all on one line. Potential break points occur at every space
10942 character in the string.
10944 @node HMS Forms, Date Forms, Strings, Data Types
10948 @cindex Hours-minutes-seconds forms
10949 @cindex Degrees-minutes-seconds forms
10950 @dfn{HMS} stands for Hours-Minutes-Seconds; when used as an angular
10951 argument, the interpretation is Degrees-Minutes-Seconds. All functions
10952 that operate on angles accept HMS forms. These are interpreted as
10953 degrees regardless of the current angular mode. It is also possible to
10954 use HMS as the angular mode so that calculated angles are expressed in
10955 degrees, minutes, and seconds.
10961 @kindex ' (HMS forms)
10965 @kindex " (HMS forms)
10969 @kindex h (HMS forms)
10973 @kindex o (HMS forms)
10977 @kindex m (HMS forms)
10981 @kindex s (HMS forms)
10982 The default format for HMS values is
10983 @samp{@var{hours}@@ @var{mins}' @var{secs}"}. During entry, the letters
10984 @samp{h} (for ``hours'') or
10985 @samp{o} (approximating the ``degrees'' symbol) are accepted as well as
10986 @samp{@@}, @samp{m} is accepted in place of @samp{'}, and @samp{s} is
10987 accepted in place of @samp{"}.
10988 The @var{hours} value is an integer (or integer-valued float).
10989 The @var{mins} value is an integer or integer-valued float between 0 and 59.
10990 The @var{secs} value is a real number between 0 (inclusive) and 60
10991 (exclusive). A positive HMS form is interpreted as @var{hours} +
10992 @var{mins}/60 + @var{secs}/3600. A negative HMS form is interpreted
10993 as @mathit{- @var{hours}} @mathit{-} @var{mins}/60 @mathit{-} @var{secs}/3600.
10994 Display format for HMS forms is quite flexible. @xref{HMS Formats}.
10996 HMS forms can be added and subtracted. When they are added to numbers,
10997 the numbers are interpreted according to the current angular mode. HMS
10998 forms can also be multiplied and divided by real numbers. Dividing
10999 two HMS forms produces a real-valued ratio of the two angles.
11002 @cindex Time of day
11003 Just for kicks, @kbd{M-x calc-time} pushes the current time of day on
11004 the stack as an HMS form.
11006 @node Date Forms, Modulo Forms, HMS Forms, Data Types
11007 @section Date Forms
11011 A @dfn{date form} represents a date and possibly an associated time.
11012 Simple date arithmetic is supported: Adding a number to a date
11013 produces a new date shifted by that many days; adding an HMS form to
11014 a date shifts it by that many hours. Subtracting two date forms
11015 computes the number of days between them (represented as a simple
11016 number). Many other operations, such as multiplying two date forms,
11017 are nonsensical and are not allowed by Calc.
11019 Date forms are entered and displayed enclosed in @samp{< >} brackets.
11020 The default format is, e.g., @samp{<Wed Jan 9, 1991>} for dates,
11021 or @samp{<3:32:20pm Wed Jan 9, 1991>} for dates with times.
11022 Input is flexible; date forms can be entered in any of the usual
11023 notations for dates and times. @xref{Date Formats}.
11025 Date forms are stored internally as numbers, specifically the number
11026 of days since midnight on the morning of January 1 of the year 1 AD.
11027 If the internal number is an integer, the form represents a date only;
11028 if the internal number is a fraction or float, the form represents
11029 a date and time. For example, @samp{<6:00am Wed Jan 9, 1991>}
11030 is represented by the number 726842.25. The standard precision of
11031 12 decimal digits is enough to ensure that a (reasonable) date and
11032 time can be stored without roundoff error.
11034 If the current precision is greater than 12, date forms will keep
11035 additional digits in the seconds position. For example, if the
11036 precision is 15, the seconds will keep three digits after the
11037 decimal point. Decreasing the precision below 12 may cause the
11038 time part of a date form to become inaccurate. This can also happen
11039 if astronomically high years are used, though this will not be an
11040 issue in everyday (or even everymillennium) use. Note that date
11041 forms without times are stored as exact integers, so roundoff is
11042 never an issue for them.
11044 You can use the @kbd{v p} (@code{calc-pack}) and @kbd{v u}
11045 (@code{calc-unpack}) commands to get at the numerical representation
11046 of a date form. @xref{Packing and Unpacking}.
11048 Date forms can go arbitrarily far into the future or past. Negative
11049 year numbers represent years BC. Calc uses a combination of the
11050 Gregorian and Julian calendars, following the history of Great
11051 Britain and the British colonies. This is the same calendar that
11052 is used by the @code{cal} program in most Unix implementations.
11054 @cindex Julian calendar
11055 @cindex Gregorian calendar
11056 Some historical background: The Julian calendar was created by
11057 Julius Caesar in the year 46 BC as an attempt to fix the gradual
11058 drift caused by the lack of leap years in the calendar used
11059 until that time. The Julian calendar introduced an extra day in
11060 all years divisible by four. After some initial confusion, the
11061 calendar was adopted around the year we call 8 AD. Some centuries
11062 later it became apparent that the Julian year of 365.25 days was
11063 itself not quite right. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII introduced the
11064 Gregorian calendar, which added the new rule that years divisible
11065 by 100, but not by 400, were not to be considered leap years
11066 despite being divisible by four. Many countries delayed adoption
11067 of the Gregorian calendar because of religious differences;
11068 in Britain it was put off until the year 1752, by which time
11069 the Julian calendar had fallen eleven days behind the true
11070 seasons. So the switch to the Gregorian calendar in early
11071 September 1752 introduced a discontinuity: The day after
11072 Sep 2, 1752 is Sep 14, 1752. Calc follows this convention.
11073 To take another example, Russia waited until 1918 before
11074 adopting the new calendar, and thus needed to remove thirteen
11075 days (between Feb 1, 1918 and Feb 14, 1918). This means that
11076 Calc's reckoning will be inconsistent with Russian history between
11077 1752 and 1918, and similarly for various other countries.
11079 Today's timekeepers introduce an occasional ``leap second'' as
11080 well, but Calc does not take these minor effects into account.
11081 (If it did, it would have to report a non-integer number of days
11082 between, say, @samp{<12:00am Mon Jan 1, 1900>} and
11083 @samp{<12:00am Sat Jan 1, 2000>}.)
11085 Calc uses the Julian calendar for all dates before the year 1752,
11086 including dates BC when the Julian calendar technically had not
11087 yet been invented. Thus the claim that day number @mathit{-10000} is
11088 called ``August 16, 28 BC'' should be taken with a grain of salt.
11090 Please note that there is no ``year 0''; the day before
11091 @samp{<Sat Jan 1, +1>} is @samp{<Fri Dec 31, -1>}. These are
11092 days 0 and @mathit{-1} respectively in Calc's internal numbering scheme.
11094 @cindex Julian day counting
11095 Another day counting system in common use is, confusingly, also called
11096 ``Julian.'' The Julian day number is the numbers of days since
11097 12:00 noon (GMT) on Jan 1, 4713 BC, which in Calc's scheme (in GMT)
11098 is @mathit{-1721423.5} (recall that Calc starts at midnight instead
11099 of noon). Thus to convert a Calc date code obtained by unpacking a
11100 date form into a Julian day number, simply add 1721423.5 after
11101 compensating for the time zone difference. The built-in @kbd{t J}
11102 command performs this conversion for you.
11104 The Julian day number is based on the Julian cycle, which was invented
11105 in 1583 by Joseph Justus Scaliger. Scaliger named it the Julian cycle
11106 since it involves the Julian calendar, but some have suggested that
11107 Scaliger named it in honor of his father, Julius Caesar Scaliger. The
11108 Julian cycle is based on three other cycles: the indiction cycle, the
11109 Metonic cycle, and the solar cycle. The indiction cycle is a 15 year
11110 cycle originally used by the Romans for tax purposes but later used to
11111 date medieval documents. The Metonic cycle is a 19 year cycle; 19
11112 years is close to being a common multiple of a solar year and a lunar
11113 month, and so every 19 years the phases of the moon will occur on the
11114 same days of the year. The solar cycle is a 28 year cycle; the Julian
11115 calendar repeats itself every 28 years. The smallest time period
11116 which contains multiples of all three cycles is the least common
11117 multiple of 15 years, 19 years and 28 years, which (since they're
11118 pairwise relatively prime) is
11119 @texline @math{15\times 19\times 28 = 7980} years.
11120 @infoline 15*19*28 = 7980 years.
11121 This is the length of a Julian cycle. Working backwards, the previous
11122 year in which all three cycles began was 4713 BC, and so Scalinger
11123 chose that year as the beginning of a Julian cycle. Since at the time
11124 there were no historical records from before 4713 BC, using this year
11125 as a starting point had the advantage of avoiding negative year
11126 numbers. In 1849, the astronomer John Herschel (son of William
11127 Herschel) suggested using the number of days since the beginning of
11128 the Julian cycle as an astronomical dating system; this idea was taken
11129 up by other astronomers. (At the time, noon was the start of the
11130 astronomical day. Herschel originally suggested counting the days
11131 since Jan 1, 4713 BC at noon Alexandria time; this was later amended to
11132 noon GMT.) Julian day numbering is largely used in astronomy.
11134 @cindex Unix time format
11135 The Unix operating system measures time as an integer number of
11136 seconds since midnight, Jan 1, 1970. To convert a Calc date
11137 value into a Unix time stamp, first subtract 719164 (the code
11138 for @samp{<Jan 1, 1970>}), then multiply by 86400 (the number of
11139 seconds in a day) and press @kbd{R} to round to the nearest
11140 integer. If you have a date form, you can simply subtract the
11141 day @samp{<Jan 1, 1970>} instead of unpacking and subtracting
11142 719164. Likewise, divide by 86400 and add @samp{<Jan 1, 1970>}
11143 to convert from Unix time to a Calc date form. (Note that
11144 Unix normally maintains the time in the GMT time zone; you may
11145 need to subtract five hours to get New York time, or eight hours
11146 for California time. The same is usually true of Julian day
11147 counts.) The built-in @kbd{t U} command performs these
11150 @node Modulo Forms, Error Forms, Date Forms, Data Types
11151 @section Modulo Forms
11154 @cindex Modulo forms
11155 A @dfn{modulo form} is a real number which is taken modulo (i.e., within
11156 an integer multiple of) some value @var{M}. Arithmetic modulo @var{M}
11157 often arises in number theory. Modulo forms are written
11158 `@var{a} @tfn{mod} @var{M}',
11159 where @var{a} and @var{M} are real numbers or HMS forms, and
11160 @texline @math{0 \le a < M}.
11161 @infoline @expr{0 <= a < @var{M}}.
11162 In many applications @expr{a} and @expr{M} will be
11163 integers but this is not required.
11168 @kindex M (modulo forms)
11172 @tindex mod (operator)
11173 To create a modulo form during numeric entry, press the shift-@kbd{M}
11174 key to enter the word @samp{mod}. As a special convenience, pressing
11175 shift-@kbd{M} a second time automatically enters the value of @expr{M}
11176 that was most recently used before. During algebraic entry, either
11177 type @samp{mod} by hand or press @kbd{M-m} (that's @kbd{@key{META}-m}).
11178 Once again, pressing this a second time enters the current modulo.
11180 Modulo forms are not to be confused with the modulo operator @samp{%}.
11181 The expression @samp{27 % 10} means to compute 27 modulo 10 to produce
11182 the result 7. Further computations treat this 7 as just a regular integer.
11183 The expression @samp{27 mod 10} produces the result @samp{7 mod 10};
11184 further computations with this value are again reduced modulo 10 so that
11185 the result always lies in the desired range.
11187 When two modulo forms with identical @expr{M}'s are added or multiplied,
11188 the Calculator simply adds or multiplies the values, then reduces modulo
11189 @expr{M}. If one argument is a modulo form and the other a plain number,
11190 the plain number is treated like a compatible modulo form. It is also
11191 possible to raise modulo forms to powers; the result is the value raised
11192 to the power, then reduced modulo @expr{M}. (When all values involved
11193 are integers, this calculation is done much more efficiently than
11194 actually computing the power and then reducing.)
11196 @cindex Modulo division
11197 Two modulo forms `@var{a} @tfn{mod} @var{M}' and `@var{b} @tfn{mod} @var{M}'
11198 can be divided if @expr{a}, @expr{b}, and @expr{M} are all
11199 integers. The result is the modulo form which, when multiplied by
11200 `@var{b} @tfn{mod} @var{M}', produces `@var{a} @tfn{mod} @var{M}'. If
11201 there is no solution to this equation (which can happen only when
11202 @expr{M} is non-prime), or if any of the arguments are non-integers, the
11203 division is left in symbolic form. Other operations, such as square
11204 roots, are not yet supported for modulo forms. (Note that, although
11205 @w{`@tfn{(}@var{a} @tfn{mod} @var{M}@tfn{)^.5}'} will compute a ``modulo square root''
11206 in the sense of reducing
11207 @texline @math{\sqrt a}
11208 @infoline @expr{sqrt(a)}
11209 modulo @expr{M}, this is not a useful definition from the
11210 number-theoretical point of view.)
11212 It is possible to mix HMS forms and modulo forms. For example, an
11213 HMS form modulo 24 could be used to manipulate clock times; an HMS
11214 form modulo 360 would be suitable for angles. Making the modulo @expr{M}
11215 also be an HMS form eliminates troubles that would arise if the angular
11216 mode were inadvertently set to Radians, in which case
11217 @w{@samp{2@@ 0' 0" mod 24}} would be interpreted as two degrees modulo
11220 Modulo forms cannot have variables or formulas for components. If you
11221 enter the formula @samp{(x + 2) mod 5}, Calc propagates the modulus
11222 to each of the coefficients: @samp{(1 mod 5) x + (2 mod 5)}.
11224 You can use @kbd{v p} and @kbd{%} to modify modulo forms.
11225 @xref{Packing and Unpacking}. @xref{Basic Arithmetic}.
11231 The algebraic function @samp{makemod(a, m)} builds the modulo form
11232 @w{@samp{a mod m}}.
11234 @node Error Forms, Interval Forms, Modulo Forms, Data Types
11235 @section Error Forms
11238 @cindex Error forms
11239 @cindex Standard deviations
11240 An @dfn{error form} is a number with an associated standard
11241 deviation, as in @samp{2.3 +/- 0.12}. The notation
11242 @texline `@var{x} @tfn{+/-} @math{\sigma}'
11243 @infoline `@var{x} @tfn{+/-} sigma'
11244 stands for an uncertain value which follows
11245 a normal or Gaussian distribution of mean @expr{x} and standard
11246 deviation or ``error''
11247 @texline @math{\sigma}.
11248 @infoline @expr{sigma}.
11249 Both the mean and the error can be either numbers or
11250 formulas. Generally these are real numbers but the mean may also be
11251 complex. If the error is negative or complex, it is changed to its
11252 absolute value. An error form with zero error is converted to a
11253 regular number by the Calculator.
11255 All arithmetic and transcendental functions accept error forms as input.
11256 Operations on the mean-value part work just like operations on regular
11257 numbers. The error part for any function @expr{f(x)} (such as
11258 @texline @math{\sin x}
11259 @infoline @expr{sin(x)})
11260 is defined by the error of @expr{x} times the derivative of @expr{f}
11261 evaluated at the mean value of @expr{x}. For a two-argument function
11262 @expr{f(x,y)} (such as addition) the error is the square root of the sum
11263 of the squares of the errors due to @expr{x} and @expr{y}.
11266 f(x \hbox{\code{ +/- }} \sigma)
11267 &= f(x) \hbox{\code{ +/- }} \sigma \left| {df(x) \over dx} \right| \cr
11268 f(x \hbox{\code{ +/- }} \sigma_x, y \hbox{\code{ +/- }} \sigma_y)
11269 &= f(x,y) \hbox{\code{ +/- }}
11270 \sqrt{\left(\sigma_x \left| {\partial f(x,y) \over \partial x}
11272 +\left(\sigma_y \left| {\partial f(x,y) \over \partial y}
11273 \right| \right)^2 } \cr
11277 definition assumes the errors in @expr{x} and @expr{y} are uncorrelated.
11278 A side effect of this definition is that @samp{(2 +/- 1) * (2 +/- 1)}
11279 is not the same as @samp{(2 +/- 1)^2}; the former represents the product
11280 of two independent values which happen to have the same probability
11281 distributions, and the latter is the product of one random value with itself.
11282 The former will produce an answer with less error, since on the average
11283 the two independent errors can be expected to cancel out.
11285 Consult a good text on error analysis for a discussion of the proper use
11286 of standard deviations. Actual errors often are neither Gaussian-distributed
11287 nor uncorrelated, and the above formulas are valid only when errors
11288 are small. As an example, the error arising from
11289 @texline `@tfn{sin(}@var{x} @tfn{+/-} @math{\sigma}@tfn{)}'
11290 @infoline `@tfn{sin(}@var{x} @tfn{+/-} @var{sigma}@tfn{)}'
11292 @texline `@math{\sigma} @tfn{abs(cos(}@var{x}@tfn{))}'.
11293 @infoline `@var{sigma} @tfn{abs(cos(}@var{x}@tfn{))}'.
11294 When @expr{x} is close to zero,
11295 @texline @math{\cos x}
11296 @infoline @expr{cos(x)}
11297 is close to one so the error in the sine is close to
11298 @texline @math{\sigma};
11299 @infoline @expr{sigma};
11300 this makes sense, since
11301 @texline @math{\sin x}
11302 @infoline @expr{sin(x)}
11303 is approximately @expr{x} near zero, so a given error in @expr{x} will
11304 produce about the same error in the sine. Likewise, near 90 degrees
11305 @texline @math{\cos x}
11306 @infoline @expr{cos(x)}
11307 is nearly zero and so the computed error is
11308 small: The sine curve is nearly flat in that region, so an error in @expr{x}
11309 has relatively little effect on the value of
11310 @texline @math{\sin x}.
11311 @infoline @expr{sin(x)}.
11312 However, consider @samp{sin(90 +/- 1000)}. The cosine of 90 is zero, so
11313 Calc will report zero error! We get an obviously wrong result because
11314 we have violated the small-error approximation underlying the error
11315 analysis. If the error in @expr{x} had been small, the error in
11316 @texline @math{\sin x}
11317 @infoline @expr{sin(x)}
11318 would indeed have been negligible.
11323 @kindex p (error forms)
11325 To enter an error form during regular numeric entry, use the @kbd{p}
11326 (``plus-or-minus'') key to type the @samp{+/-} symbol. (If you try actually
11327 typing @samp{+/-} the @kbd{+} key will be interpreted as the Calculator's
11328 @kbd{+} command!) Within an algebraic formula, you can press @kbd{M-+} to
11329 type the @samp{+/-} symbol, or type it out by hand.
11331 Error forms and complex numbers can be mixed; the formulas shown above
11332 are used for complex numbers, too; note that if the error part evaluates
11333 to a complex number its absolute value (or the square root of the sum of
11334 the squares of the absolute values of the two error contributions) is
11335 used. Mathematically, this corresponds to a radially symmetric Gaussian
11336 distribution of numbers on the complex plane. However, note that Calc
11337 considers an error form with real components to represent a real number,
11338 not a complex distribution around a real mean.
11340 Error forms may also be composed of HMS forms. For best results, both
11341 the mean and the error should be HMS forms if either one is.
11347 The algebraic function @samp{sdev(a, b)} builds the error form @samp{a +/- b}.
11349 @node Interval Forms, Incomplete Objects, Error Forms, Data Types
11350 @section Interval Forms
11353 @cindex Interval forms
11354 An @dfn{interval} is a subset of consecutive real numbers. For example,
11355 the interval @samp{[2 ..@: 4]} represents all the numbers from 2 to 4,
11356 inclusive. If you multiply it by the interval @samp{[0.5 ..@: 2]} you
11357 obtain @samp{[1 ..@: 8]}. This calculation represents the fact that if
11358 you multiply some number in the range @samp{[2 ..@: 4]} by some other
11359 number in the range @samp{[0.5 ..@: 2]}, your result will lie in the range
11360 from 1 to 8. Interval arithmetic is used to get a worst-case estimate
11361 of the possible range of values a computation will produce, given the
11362 set of possible values of the input.
11365 Calc supports several varieties of intervals, including @dfn{closed}
11366 intervals of the type shown above, @dfn{open} intervals such as
11367 @samp{(2 ..@: 4)}, which represents the range of numbers from 2 to 4
11368 @emph{exclusive}, and @dfn{semi-open} intervals in which one end
11369 uses a round parenthesis and the other a square bracket. In mathematical
11371 @samp{[2 ..@: 4]} means @expr{2 <= x <= 4}, whereas
11372 @samp{[2 ..@: 4)} represents @expr{2 <= x < 4},
11373 @samp{(2 ..@: 4]} represents @expr{2 < x <= 4}, and
11374 @samp{(2 ..@: 4)} represents @expr{2 < x < 4}.
11377 Calc supports several varieties of intervals, including \dfn{closed}
11378 intervals of the type shown above, \dfn{open} intervals such as
11379 \samp{(2 ..\: 4)}, which represents the range of numbers from 2 to 4
11380 \emph{exclusive}, and \dfn{semi-open} intervals in which one end
11381 uses a round parenthesis and the other a square bracket. In mathematical
11384 [2 \hbox{\cite{..}} 4] &\quad\hbox{means}\quad 2 \le x \le 4 \cr
11385 [2 \hbox{\cite{..}} 4) &\quad\hbox{means}\quad 2 \le x < 4 \cr
11386 (2 \hbox{\cite{..}} 4] &\quad\hbox{means}\quad 2 < x \le 4 \cr
11387 (2 \hbox{\cite{..}} 4) &\quad\hbox{means}\quad 2 < x < 4 \cr
11391 The lower and upper limits of an interval must be either real numbers
11392 (or HMS or date forms), or symbolic expressions which are assumed to be
11393 real-valued, or @samp{-inf} and @samp{inf}. In general the lower limit
11394 must be less than the upper limit. A closed interval containing only
11395 one value, @samp{[3 ..@: 3]}, is converted to a plain number (3)
11396 automatically. An interval containing no values at all (such as
11397 @samp{[3 ..@: 2]} or @samp{[2 ..@: 2)}) can be represented but is not
11398 guaranteed to behave well when used in arithmetic. Note that the
11399 interval @samp{[3 .. inf)} represents all real numbers greater than
11400 or equal to 3, and @samp{(-inf .. inf)} represents all real numbers.
11401 In fact, @samp{[-inf .. inf]} represents all real numbers including
11402 the real infinities.
11404 Intervals are entered in the notation shown here, either as algebraic
11405 formulas, or using incomplete forms. (@xref{Incomplete Objects}.)
11406 In algebraic formulas, multiple periods in a row are collected from
11407 left to right, so that @samp{1...1e2} is interpreted as @samp{1.0 ..@: 1e2}
11408 rather than @samp{1 ..@: 0.1e2}. Add spaces or zeros if you want to
11409 get the other interpretation. If you omit the lower or upper limit,
11410 a default of @samp{-inf} or @samp{inf} (respectively) is furnished.
11412 Infinite mode also affects operations on intervals
11413 (@pxref{Infinities}). Calc will always introduce an open infinity,
11414 as in @samp{1 / (0 .. 2] = [0.5 .. inf)}. But closed infinities,
11415 @w{@samp{1 / [0 .. 2] = [0.5 .. inf]}}, arise only in Infinite mode;
11416 otherwise they are left unevaluated. Note that the ``direction'' of
11417 a zero is not an issue in this case since the zero is always assumed
11418 to be continuous with the rest of the interval. For intervals that
11419 contain zero inside them Calc is forced to give the result,
11420 @samp{1 / (-2 .. 2) = [-inf .. inf]}.
11422 While it may seem that intervals and error forms are similar, they are
11423 based on entirely different concepts of inexact quantities. An error
11425 @texline `@var{x} @tfn{+/-} @math{\sigma}'
11426 @infoline `@var{x} @tfn{+/-} @var{sigma}'
11427 means a variable is random, and its value could
11428 be anything but is ``probably'' within one
11429 @texline @math{\sigma}
11430 @infoline @var{sigma}
11431 of the mean value @expr{x}. An interval
11432 `@tfn{[}@var{a} @tfn{..@:} @var{b}@tfn{]}' means a
11433 variable's value is unknown, but guaranteed to lie in the specified
11434 range. Error forms are statistical or ``average case'' approximations;
11435 interval arithmetic tends to produce ``worst case'' bounds on an
11438 Intervals may not contain complex numbers, but they may contain
11439 HMS forms or date forms.
11441 @xref{Set Operations}, for commands that interpret interval forms
11442 as subsets of the set of real numbers.
11448 The algebraic function @samp{intv(n, a, b)} builds an interval form
11449 from @samp{a} to @samp{b}; @samp{n} is an integer code which must
11450 be 0 for @samp{(..)}, 1 for @samp{(..]}, 2 for @samp{[..)}, or
11453 Please note that in fully rigorous interval arithmetic, care would be
11454 taken to make sure that the computation of the lower bound rounds toward
11455 minus infinity, while upper bound computations round toward plus
11456 infinity. Calc's arithmetic always uses a round-to-nearest mode,
11457 which means that roundoff errors could creep into an interval
11458 calculation to produce intervals slightly smaller than they ought to
11459 be. For example, entering @samp{[1..2]} and pressing @kbd{Q 2 ^}
11460 should yield the interval @samp{[1..2]} again, but in fact it yields the
11461 (slightly too small) interval @samp{[1..1.9999999]} due to roundoff
11464 @node Incomplete Objects, Variables, Interval Forms, Data Types
11465 @section Incomplete Objects
11485 @cindex Incomplete vectors
11486 @cindex Incomplete complex numbers
11487 @cindex Incomplete interval forms
11488 When @kbd{(} or @kbd{[} is typed to begin entering a complex number or
11489 vector, respectively, the effect is to push an @dfn{incomplete} complex
11490 number or vector onto the stack. The @kbd{,} key adds the value(s) at
11491 the top of the stack onto the current incomplete object. The @kbd{)}
11492 and @kbd{]} keys ``close'' the incomplete object after adding any values
11493 on the top of the stack in front of the incomplete object.
11495 As a result, the sequence of keystrokes @kbd{[ 2 , 3 @key{RET} 2 * , 9 ]}
11496 pushes the vector @samp{[2, 6, 9]} onto the stack. Likewise, @kbd{( 1 , 2 Q )}
11497 pushes the complex number @samp{(1, 1.414)} (approximately).
11499 If several values lie on the stack in front of the incomplete object,
11500 all are collected and appended to the object. Thus the @kbd{,} key
11501 is redundant: @kbd{[ 2 @key{RET} 3 @key{RET} 2 * 9 ]}. Some people
11502 prefer the equivalent @key{SPC} key to @key{RET}.
11504 As a special case, typing @kbd{,} immediately after @kbd{(}, @kbd{[}, or
11505 @kbd{,} adds a zero or duplicates the preceding value in the list being
11506 formed. Typing @key{DEL} during incomplete entry removes the last item
11510 The @kbd{;} key is used in the same way as @kbd{,} to create polar complex
11511 numbers: @kbd{( 1 ; 2 )}. When entering a vector, @kbd{;} is useful for
11512 creating a matrix. In particular, @kbd{[ [ 1 , 2 ; 3 , 4 ; 5 , 6 ] ]} is
11513 equivalent to @kbd{[ [ 1 , 2 ] , [ 3 , 4 ] , [ 5 , 6 ] ]}.
11517 Incomplete entry is also used to enter intervals. For example,
11518 @kbd{[ 2 ..@: 4 )} enters a semi-open interval. Note that when you type
11519 the first period, it will be interpreted as a decimal point, but when
11520 you type a second period immediately afterward, it is re-interpreted as
11521 part of the interval symbol. Typing @kbd{..} corresponds to executing
11522 the @code{calc-dots} command.
11524 If you find incomplete entry distracting, you may wish to enter vectors
11525 and complex numbers as algebraic formulas by pressing the apostrophe key.
11527 @node Variables, Formulas, Incomplete Objects, Data Types
11531 @cindex Variables, in formulas
11532 A @dfn{variable} is somewhere between a storage register on a conventional
11533 calculator, and a variable in a programming language. (In fact, a Calc
11534 variable is really just an Emacs Lisp variable that contains a Calc number
11535 or formula.) A variable's name is normally composed of letters and digits.
11536 Calc also allows apostrophes and @code{#} signs in variable names.
11537 (The Calc variable @code{foo} corresponds to the Emacs Lisp variable
11538 @code{var-foo}, but unless you access the variable from within Emacs
11539 Lisp, you don't need to worry about it. Variable names in algebraic
11540 formulas implicitly have @samp{var-} prefixed to their names. The
11541 @samp{#} character in variable names used in algebraic formulas
11542 corresponds to a dash @samp{-} in the Lisp variable name. If the name
11543 contains any dashes, the prefix @samp{var-} is @emph{not} automatically
11544 added. Thus the two formulas @samp{foo + 1} and @samp{var#foo + 1} both
11545 refer to the same variable.)
11547 In a command that takes a variable name, you can either type the full
11548 name of a variable, or type a single digit to use one of the special
11549 convenience variables @code{q0} through @code{q9}. For example,
11550 @kbd{3 s s 2} stores the number 3 in variable @code{q2}, and
11551 @w{@kbd{3 s s foo @key{RET}}} stores that number in variable
11554 To push a variable itself (as opposed to the variable's value) on the
11555 stack, enter its name as an algebraic expression using the apostrophe
11559 @pindex calc-evaluate
11560 @cindex Evaluation of variables in a formula
11561 @cindex Variables, evaluation
11562 @cindex Formulas, evaluation
11563 The @kbd{=} (@code{calc-evaluate}) key ``evaluates'' a formula by
11564 replacing all variables in the formula which have been given values by a
11565 @code{calc-store} or @code{calc-let} command by their stored values.
11566 Other variables are left alone. Thus a variable that has not been
11567 stored acts like an abstract variable in algebra; a variable that has
11568 been stored acts more like a register in a traditional calculator.
11569 With a positive numeric prefix argument, @kbd{=} evaluates the top
11570 @var{n} stack entries; with a negative argument, @kbd{=} evaluates
11571 the @var{n}th stack entry.
11573 @cindex @code{e} variable
11574 @cindex @code{pi} variable
11575 @cindex @code{i} variable
11576 @cindex @code{phi} variable
11577 @cindex @code{gamma} variable
11583 A few variables are called @dfn{special constants}. Their names are
11584 @samp{e}, @samp{pi}, @samp{i}, @samp{phi}, and @samp{gamma}.
11585 (@xref{Scientific Functions}.) When they are evaluated with @kbd{=},
11586 their values are calculated if necessary according to the current precision
11587 or complex polar mode. If you wish to use these symbols for other purposes,
11588 simply undefine or redefine them using @code{calc-store}.
11590 The variables @samp{inf}, @samp{uinf}, and @samp{nan} stand for
11591 infinite or indeterminate values. It's best not to use them as
11592 regular variables, since Calc uses special algebraic rules when
11593 it manipulates them. Calc displays a warning message if you store
11594 a value into any of these special variables.
11596 @xref{Store and Recall}, for a discussion of commands dealing with variables.
11598 @node Formulas, , Variables, Data Types
11603 @cindex Expressions
11604 @cindex Operators in formulas
11605 @cindex Precedence of operators
11606 When you press the apostrophe key you may enter any expression or formula
11607 in algebraic form. (Calc uses the terms ``expression'' and ``formula''
11608 interchangeably.) An expression is built up of numbers, variable names,
11609 and function calls, combined with various arithmetic operators.
11611 be used to indicate grouping. Spaces are ignored within formulas, except
11612 that spaces are not permitted within variable names or numbers.
11613 Arithmetic operators, in order from highest to lowest precedence, and
11614 with their equivalent function names, are:
11616 @samp{_} [@code{subscr}] (subscripts);
11618 postfix @samp{%} [@code{percent}] (as in @samp{25% = 0.25});
11620 prefix @samp{!} [@code{lnot}] (logical ``not,'' as in @samp{!x});
11622 @samp{+/-} [@code{sdev}] (the standard deviation symbol) and
11623 @samp{mod} [@code{makemod}] (the symbol for modulo forms);
11625 postfix @samp{!} [@code{fact}] (factorial, as in @samp{n!})
11626 and postfix @samp{!!} [@code{dfact}] (double factorial);
11628 @samp{^} [@code{pow}] (raised-to-the-power-of);
11630 prefix @samp{+} and @samp{-} [@code{neg}] (as in @samp{-x});
11632 @samp{*} [@code{mul}];
11634 @samp{/} [@code{div}], @samp{%} [@code{mod}] (modulo), and
11635 @samp{\} [@code{idiv}] (integer division);
11637 infix @samp{+} [@code{add}] and @samp{-} [@code{sub}] (as in @samp{x-y});
11639 @samp{|} [@code{vconcat}] (vector concatenation);
11641 relations @samp{=} [@code{eq}], @samp{!=} [@code{neq}], @samp{<} [@code{lt}],
11642 @samp{>} [@code{gt}], @samp{<=} [@code{leq}], and @samp{>=} [@code{geq}];
11644 @samp{&&} [@code{land}] (logical ``and'');
11646 @samp{||} [@code{lor}] (logical ``or'');
11648 the C-style ``if'' operator @samp{a?b:c} [@code{if}];
11650 @samp{!!!} [@code{pnot}] (rewrite pattern ``not'');
11652 @samp{&&&} [@code{pand}] (rewrite pattern ``and'');
11654 @samp{|||} [@code{por}] (rewrite pattern ``or'');
11656 @samp{:=} [@code{assign}] (for assignments and rewrite rules);
11658 @samp{::} [@code{condition}] (rewrite pattern condition);
11660 @samp{=>} [@code{evalto}].
11662 Note that, unlike in usual computer notation, multiplication binds more
11663 strongly than division: @samp{a*b/c*d} is equivalent to
11664 @texline @math{a b \over c d}.
11665 @infoline @expr{(a*b)/(c*d)}.
11667 @cindex Multiplication, implicit
11668 @cindex Implicit multiplication
11669 The multiplication sign @samp{*} may be omitted in many cases. In particular,
11670 if the righthand side is a number, variable name, or parenthesized
11671 expression, the @samp{*} may be omitted. Implicit multiplication has the
11672 same precedence as the explicit @samp{*} operator. The one exception to
11673 the rule is that a variable name followed by a parenthesized expression,
11675 is interpreted as a function call, not an implicit @samp{*}. In many
11676 cases you must use a space if you omit the @samp{*}: @samp{2a} is the
11677 same as @samp{2*a}, and @samp{a b} is the same as @samp{a*b}, but @samp{ab}
11678 is a variable called @code{ab}, @emph{not} the product of @samp{a} and
11679 @samp{b}! Also note that @samp{f (x)} is still a function call.
11681 @cindex Implicit comma in vectors
11682 The rules are slightly different for vectors written with square brackets.
11683 In vectors, the space character is interpreted (like the comma) as a
11684 separator of elements of the vector. Thus @w{@samp{[ 2a b+c d ]}} is
11685 equivalent to @samp{[2*a, b+c, d]}, whereas @samp{2a b+c d} is equivalent
11686 to @samp{2*a*b + c*d}.
11687 Note that spaces around the brackets, and around explicit commas, are
11688 ignored. To force spaces to be interpreted as multiplication you can
11689 enclose a formula in parentheses as in @samp{[(a b) 2(c d)]}, which is
11690 interpreted as @samp{[a*b, 2*c*d]}. An implicit comma is also inserted
11691 between @samp{][}, as in the matrix @samp{[[1 2][3 4]]}.
11693 Vectors that contain commas (not embedded within nested parentheses or
11694 brackets) do not treat spaces specially: @samp{[a b, 2 c d]} is a vector
11695 of two elements. Also, if it would be an error to treat spaces as
11696 separators, but not otherwise, then Calc will ignore spaces:
11697 @w{@samp{[a - b]}} is a vector of one element, but @w{@samp{[a -b]}} is
11698 a vector of two elements. Finally, vectors entered with curly braces
11699 instead of square brackets do not give spaces any special treatment.
11700 When Calc displays a vector that does not contain any commas, it will
11701 insert parentheses if necessary to make the meaning clear:
11702 @w{@samp{[(a b)]}}.
11704 The expression @samp{5%-2} is ambiguous; is this five-percent minus two,
11705 or five modulo minus-two? Calc always interprets the leftmost symbol as
11706 an infix operator preferentially (modulo, in this case), so you would
11707 need to write @samp{(5%)-2} to get the former interpretation.
11709 @cindex Function call notation
11710 A function call is, e.g., @samp{sin(1+x)}. (The Calc algebraic function
11711 @code{foo} corresponds to the Emacs Lisp function @code{calcFunc-foo},
11712 but unless you access the function from within Emacs Lisp, you don't
11713 need to worry about it.) Most mathematical Calculator commands like
11714 @code{calc-sin} have function equivalents like @code{sin}.
11715 If no Lisp function is defined for a function called by a formula, the
11716 call is left as it is during algebraic manipulation: @samp{f(x+y)} is
11717 left alone. Beware that many innocent-looking short names like @code{in}
11718 and @code{re} have predefined meanings which could surprise you; however,
11719 single letters or single letters followed by digits are always safe to
11720 use for your own function names. @xref{Function Index}.
11722 In the documentation for particular commands, the notation @kbd{H S}
11723 (@code{calc-sinh}) [@code{sinh}] means that the key sequence @kbd{H S}, the
11724 command @kbd{M-x calc-sinh}, and the algebraic function @code{sinh(x)} all
11725 represent the same operation.
11727 Commands that interpret (``parse'') text as algebraic formulas include
11728 algebraic entry (@kbd{'}), editing commands like @kbd{`} which parse
11729 the contents of the editing buffer when you finish, the @kbd{C-x * g}
11730 and @w{@kbd{C-x * r}} commands, the @kbd{C-y} command, the X window system
11731 ``paste'' mouse operation, and Embedded mode. All of these operations
11732 use the same rules for parsing formulas; in particular, language modes
11733 (@pxref{Language Modes}) affect them all in the same way.
11735 When you read a large amount of text into the Calculator (say a vector
11736 which represents a big set of rewrite rules; @pxref{Rewrite Rules}),
11737 you may wish to include comments in the text. Calc's formula parser
11738 ignores the symbol @samp{%%} and anything following it on a line:
11741 [ a + b, %% the sum of "a" and "b"
11743 %% last line is coming up:
11748 This is parsed exactly the same as @samp{[ a + b, c + d, e + f ]}.
11750 @xref{Syntax Tables}, for a way to create your own operators and other
11751 input notations. @xref{Compositions}, for a way to create new display
11754 @xref{Algebra}, for commands for manipulating formulas symbolically.
11756 @node Stack and Trail, Mode Settings, Data Types, Top
11757 @chapter Stack and Trail Commands
11760 This chapter describes the Calc commands for manipulating objects on the
11761 stack and in the trail buffer. (These commands operate on objects of any
11762 type, such as numbers, vectors, formulas, and incomplete objects.)
11765 * Stack Manipulation::
11766 * Editing Stack Entries::
11771 @node Stack Manipulation, Editing Stack Entries, Stack and Trail, Stack and Trail
11772 @section Stack Manipulation Commands
11778 @cindex Duplicating stack entries
11779 To duplicate the top object on the stack, press @key{RET} or @key{SPC}
11780 (two equivalent keys for the @code{calc-enter} command).
11781 Given a positive numeric prefix argument, these commands duplicate
11782 several elements at the top of the stack.
11783 Given a negative argument,
11784 these commands duplicate the specified element of the stack.
11785 Given an argument of zero, they duplicate the entire stack.
11786 For example, with @samp{10 20 30} on the stack,
11787 @key{RET} creates @samp{10 20 30 30},
11788 @kbd{C-u 2 @key{RET}} creates @samp{10 20 30 20 30},
11789 @kbd{C-u - 2 @key{RET}} creates @samp{10 20 30 20}, and
11790 @kbd{C-u 0 @key{RET}} creates @samp{10 20 30 10 20 30}.
11794 The @key{LFD} (@code{calc-over}) command (on a key marked Line-Feed if you
11795 have it, else on @kbd{C-j}) is like @code{calc-enter}
11796 except that the sign of the numeric prefix argument is interpreted
11797 oppositely. Also, with no prefix argument the default argument is 2.
11798 Thus with @samp{10 20 30} on the stack, @key{LFD} and @kbd{C-u 2 @key{LFD}}
11799 are both equivalent to @kbd{C-u - 2 @key{RET}}, producing
11800 @samp{10 20 30 20}.
11805 @cindex Removing stack entries
11806 @cindex Deleting stack entries
11807 To remove the top element from the stack, press @key{DEL} (@code{calc-pop}).
11808 The @kbd{C-d} key is a synonym for @key{DEL}.
11809 (If the top element is an incomplete object with at least one element, the
11810 last element is removed from it.) Given a positive numeric prefix argument,
11811 several elements are removed. Given a negative argument, the specified
11812 element of the stack is deleted. Given an argument of zero, the entire
11814 For example, with @samp{10 20 30} on the stack,
11815 @key{DEL} leaves @samp{10 20},
11816 @kbd{C-u 2 @key{DEL}} leaves @samp{10},
11817 @kbd{C-u - 2 @key{DEL}} leaves @samp{10 30}, and
11818 @kbd{C-u 0 @key{DEL}} leaves an empty stack.
11820 @kindex M-@key{DEL}
11821 @pindex calc-pop-above
11822 The @kbd{M-@key{DEL}} (@code{calc-pop-above}) command is to @key{DEL} what
11823 @key{LFD} is to @key{RET}: It interprets the sign of the numeric
11824 prefix argument in the opposite way, and the default argument is 2.
11825 Thus @kbd{M-@key{DEL}} by itself removes the second-from-top stack element,
11826 leaving the first, third, fourth, and so on; @kbd{M-3 M-@key{DEL}} deletes
11827 the third stack element.
11830 @pindex calc-roll-down
11831 To exchange the top two elements of the stack, press @key{TAB}
11832 (@code{calc-roll-down}). Given a positive numeric prefix argument, the
11833 specified number of elements at the top of the stack are rotated downward.
11834 Given a negative argument, the entire stack is rotated downward the specified
11835 number of times. Given an argument of zero, the entire stack is reversed
11837 For example, with @samp{10 20 30 40 50} on the stack,
11838 @key{TAB} creates @samp{10 20 30 50 40},
11839 @kbd{C-u 3 @key{TAB}} creates @samp{10 20 50 30 40},
11840 @kbd{C-u - 2 @key{TAB}} creates @samp{40 50 10 20 30}, and
11841 @kbd{C-u 0 @key{TAB}} creates @samp{50 40 30 20 10}.
11843 @kindex M-@key{TAB}
11844 @pindex calc-roll-up
11845 The command @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} (@code{calc-roll-up}) is analogous to @key{TAB}
11846 except that it rotates upward instead of downward. Also, the default
11847 with no prefix argument is to rotate the top 3 elements.
11848 For example, with @samp{10 20 30 40 50} on the stack,
11849 @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} creates @samp{10 20 40 50 30},
11850 @kbd{C-u 4 M-@key{TAB}} creates @samp{10 30 40 50 20},
11851 @kbd{C-u - 2 M-@key{TAB}} creates @samp{30 40 50 10 20}, and
11852 @kbd{C-u 0 M-@key{TAB}} creates @samp{50 40 30 20 10}.
11854 A good way to view the operation of @key{TAB} and @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} is in
11855 terms of moving a particular element to a new position in the stack.
11856 With a positive argument @var{n}, @key{TAB} moves the top stack
11857 element down to level @var{n}, making room for it by pulling all the
11858 intervening stack elements toward the top. @kbd{M-@key{TAB}} moves the
11859 element at level @var{n} up to the top. (Compare with @key{LFD},
11860 which copies instead of moving the element in level @var{n}.)
11862 With a negative argument @mathit{-@var{n}}, @key{TAB} rotates the stack
11863 to move the object in level @var{n} to the deepest place in the
11864 stack, and the object in level @mathit{@var{n}+1} to the top. @kbd{M-@key{TAB}}
11865 rotates the deepest stack element to be in level @var{n}, also
11866 putting the top stack element in level @mathit{@var{n}+1}.
11868 @xref{Selecting Subformulas}, for a way to apply these commands to
11869 any portion of a vector or formula on the stack.
11872 @pindex calc-transpose-lines
11873 @cindex Moving stack entries
11874 The command @kbd{C-x C-t} (@code{calc-transpose-lines}) will transpose
11875 the stack object determined by the point with the stack object at the
11876 next higher level. For example, with @samp{10 20 30 40 50} on the
11877 stack and the point on the line containing @samp{30}, @kbd{C-x C-t}
11878 creates @samp{10 20 40 30 50}. More generally, @kbd{C-x C-t} acts on
11879 the stack objects determined by the current point (and mark) similar
11880 to how the text-mode command @code{transpose-lines} acts on
11881 lines. With argument @var{n}, @kbd{C-x C-t} will move the stack object
11882 at the level above the current point and move it past N other objects;
11883 for example, with @samp{10 20 30 40 50} on the stack and the point on
11884 the line containing @samp{30}, @kbd{C-u 2 C-x C-t} creates
11885 @samp{10 40 20 30 50}. With an argument of 0, @kbd{C-x C-t} will switch
11886 the stack objects at the levels determined by the point and the mark.
11888 @node Editing Stack Entries, Trail Commands, Stack Manipulation, Stack and Trail
11889 @section Editing Stack Entries
11894 @pindex calc-edit-finish
11895 @cindex Editing the stack with Emacs
11896 The @kbd{`} (@code{calc-edit}) command creates a temporary buffer
11897 (@samp{*Calc Edit*}) for editing the top-of-stack value using regular
11898 Emacs commands. Note that @kbd{`} is a backquote, not a quote. With a
11899 numeric prefix argument, it edits the specified number of stack entries
11900 at once. (An argument of zero edits the entire stack; a negative
11901 argument edits one specific stack entry.)
11903 When you are done editing, press @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish and return
11904 to Calc. The @key{RET} and @key{LFD} keys also work to finish most
11905 sorts of editing, though in some cases Calc leaves @key{RET} with its
11906 usual meaning (``insert a newline'') if it's a situation where you
11907 might want to insert new lines into the editing buffer.
11909 When you finish editing, the Calculator parses the lines of text in
11910 the @samp{*Calc Edit*} buffer as numbers or formulas, replaces the
11911 original stack elements in the original buffer with these new values,
11912 then kills the @samp{*Calc Edit*} buffer. The original Calculator buffer
11913 continues to exist during editing, but for best results you should be
11914 careful not to change it until you have finished the edit. You can
11915 also cancel the edit by killing the buffer with @kbd{C-x k}.
11917 The formula is normally reevaluated as it is put onto the stack.
11918 For example, editing @samp{a + 2} to @samp{3 + 2} and pressing
11919 @kbd{C-c C-c} will push 5 on the stack. If you use @key{LFD} to
11920 finish, Calc will put the result on the stack without evaluating it.
11922 If you give a prefix argument to @kbd{C-c C-c},
11923 Calc will not kill the @samp{*Calc Edit*} buffer. You can switch
11924 back to that buffer and continue editing if you wish. However, you
11925 should understand that if you initiated the edit with @kbd{`}, the
11926 @kbd{C-c C-c} operation will be programmed to replace the top of the
11927 stack with the new edited value, and it will do this even if you have
11928 rearranged the stack in the meanwhile. This is not so much of a problem
11929 with other editing commands, though, such as @kbd{s e}
11930 (@code{calc-edit-variable}; @pxref{Operations on Variables}).
11932 If the @code{calc-edit} command involves more than one stack entry,
11933 each line of the @samp{*Calc Edit*} buffer is interpreted as a
11934 separate formula. Otherwise, the entire buffer is interpreted as
11935 one formula, with line breaks ignored. (You can use @kbd{C-o} or
11936 @kbd{C-q C-j} to insert a newline in the buffer without pressing @key{RET}.)
11938 The @kbd{`} key also works during numeric or algebraic entry. The
11939 text entered so far is moved to the @code{*Calc Edit*} buffer for
11940 more extensive editing than is convenient in the minibuffer.
11942 @node Trail Commands, Keep Arguments, Editing Stack Entries, Stack and Trail
11943 @section Trail Commands
11946 @cindex Trail buffer
11947 The commands for manipulating the Calc Trail buffer are two-key sequences
11948 beginning with the @kbd{t} prefix.
11951 @pindex calc-trail-display
11952 The @kbd{t d} (@code{calc-trail-display}) command turns display of the
11953 trail on and off. Normally the trail display is toggled on if it was off,
11954 off if it was on. With a numeric prefix of zero, this command always
11955 turns the trail off; with a prefix of one, it always turns the trail on.
11956 The other trail-manipulation commands described here automatically turn
11957 the trail on. Note that when the trail is off values are still recorded
11958 there; they are simply not displayed. To set Emacs to turn the trail
11959 off by default, type @kbd{t d} and then save the mode settings with
11960 @kbd{m m} (@code{calc-save-modes}).
11963 @pindex calc-trail-in
11965 @pindex calc-trail-out
11966 The @kbd{t i} (@code{calc-trail-in}) and @kbd{t o}
11967 (@code{calc-trail-out}) commands switch the cursor into and out of the
11968 Calc Trail window. In practice they are rarely used, since the commands
11969 shown below are a more convenient way to move around in the
11970 trail, and they work ``by remote control'' when the cursor is still
11971 in the Calculator window.
11973 @cindex Trail pointer
11974 There is a @dfn{trail pointer} which selects some entry of the trail at
11975 any given time. The trail pointer looks like a @samp{>} symbol right
11976 before the selected number. The following commands operate on the
11977 trail pointer in various ways.
11980 @pindex calc-trail-yank
11981 @cindex Retrieving previous results
11982 The @kbd{t y} (@code{calc-trail-yank}) command reads the selected value in
11983 the trail and pushes it onto the Calculator stack. It allows you to
11984 re-use any previously computed value without retyping. With a numeric
11985 prefix argument @var{n}, it yanks the value @var{n} lines above the current
11989 @pindex calc-trail-scroll-left
11991 @pindex calc-trail-scroll-right
11992 The @kbd{t <} (@code{calc-trail-scroll-left}) and @kbd{t >}
11993 (@code{calc-trail-scroll-right}) commands horizontally scroll the trail
11994 window left or right by one half of its width.
11997 @pindex calc-trail-next
11999 @pindex calc-trail-previous
12001 @pindex calc-trail-forward
12003 @pindex calc-trail-backward
12004 The @kbd{t n} (@code{calc-trail-next}) and @kbd{t p}
12005 (@code{calc-trail-previous)} commands move the trail pointer down or up
12006 one line. The @kbd{t f} (@code{calc-trail-forward}) and @kbd{t b}
12007 (@code{calc-trail-backward}) commands move the trail pointer down or up
12008 one screenful at a time. All of these commands accept numeric prefix
12009 arguments to move several lines or screenfuls at a time.
12012 @pindex calc-trail-first
12014 @pindex calc-trail-last
12016 @pindex calc-trail-here
12017 The @kbd{t [} (@code{calc-trail-first}) and @kbd{t ]}
12018 (@code{calc-trail-last}) commands move the trail pointer to the first or
12019 last line of the trail. The @kbd{t h} (@code{calc-trail-here}) command
12020 moves the trail pointer to the cursor position; unlike the other trail
12021 commands, @kbd{t h} works only when Calc Trail is the selected window.
12024 @pindex calc-trail-isearch-forward
12026 @pindex calc-trail-isearch-backward
12028 The @kbd{t s} (@code{calc-trail-isearch-forward}) and @kbd{t r}
12029 (@code{calc-trail-isearch-backward}) commands perform an incremental
12030 search forward or backward through the trail. You can press @key{RET}
12031 to terminate the search; the trail pointer moves to the current line.
12032 If you cancel the search with @kbd{C-g}, the trail pointer stays where
12033 it was when the search began.
12036 The @kbd{t s} (@code{calc-trail-isearch-forward}) and @kbd{t r}
12037 (@code{calc-trail-isearch-backward}) com\-mands perform an incremental
12038 search forward or backward through the trail. You can press @key{RET}
12039 to terminate the search; the trail pointer moves to the current line.
12040 If you cancel the search with @kbd{C-g}, the trail pointer stays where
12041 it was when the search began.
12045 @pindex calc-trail-marker
12046 The @kbd{t m} (@code{calc-trail-marker}) command allows you to enter a
12047 line of text of your own choosing into the trail. The text is inserted
12048 after the line containing the trail pointer; this usually means it is
12049 added to the end of the trail. Trail markers are useful mainly as the
12050 targets for later incremental searches in the trail.
12053 @pindex calc-trail-kill
12054 The @kbd{t k} (@code{calc-trail-kill}) command removes the selected line
12055 from the trail. The line is saved in the Emacs kill ring suitable for
12056 yanking into another buffer, but it is not easy to yank the text back
12057 into the trail buffer. With a numeric prefix argument, this command
12058 kills the @var{n} lines below or above the selected one.
12060 The @kbd{t .} (@code{calc-full-trail-vectors}) command is described
12061 elsewhere; @pxref{Vector and Matrix Formats}.
12063 @node Keep Arguments, , Trail Commands, Stack and Trail
12064 @section Keep Arguments
12068 @pindex calc-keep-args
12069 The @kbd{K} (@code{calc-keep-args}) command acts like a prefix for
12070 the following command. It prevents that command from removing its
12071 arguments from the stack. For example, after @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 +},
12072 the stack contains the sole number 5, but after @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 K +},
12073 the stack contains the arguments and the result: @samp{2 3 5}.
12075 With the exception of keyboard macros, this works for all commands that
12076 take arguments off the stack. (To avoid potentially unpleasant behavior,
12077 a @kbd{K} prefix before a keyboard macro will be ignored. A @kbd{K}
12078 prefix called @emph{within} the keyboard macro will still take effect.)
12079 As another example, @kbd{K a s} simplifies a formula, pushing the
12080 simplified version of the formula onto the stack after the original
12081 formula (rather than replacing the original formula). Note that you
12082 could get the same effect by typing @kbd{@key{RET} a s}, copying the
12083 formula and then simplifying the copy. One difference is that for a very
12084 large formula the time taken to format the intermediate copy in
12085 @kbd{@key{RET} a s} could be noticeable; @kbd{K a s} would avoid this
12088 Even stack manipulation commands are affected. @key{TAB} works by
12089 popping two values and pushing them back in the opposite order,
12090 so @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 K @key{TAB}} produces @samp{2 3 3 2}.
12092 A few Calc commands provide other ways of doing the same thing.
12093 For example, @kbd{' sin($)} replaces the number on the stack with
12094 its sine using algebraic entry; to push the sine and keep the
12095 original argument you could use either @kbd{' sin($1)} or
12096 @kbd{K ' sin($)}. @xref{Algebraic Entry}. Also, the @kbd{s s}
12097 command is effectively the same as @kbd{K s t}. @xref{Storing Variables}.
12099 If you execute a command and then decide you really wanted to keep
12100 the argument, you can press @kbd{M-@key{RET}} (@code{calc-last-args}).
12101 This command pushes the last arguments that were popped by any command
12102 onto the stack. Note that the order of things on the stack will be
12103 different than with @kbd{K}: @kbd{2 @key{RET} 3 + M-@key{RET}} leaves
12104 @samp{5 2 3} on the stack instead of @samp{2 3 5}. @xref{Undo}.
12106 @node Mode Settings, Arithmetic, Stack and Trail, Top
12107 @chapter Mode Settings
12110 This chapter describes commands that set modes in the Calculator.
12111 They do not affect the contents of the stack, although they may change
12112 the @emph{appearance} or @emph{interpretation} of the stack's contents.
12115 * General Mode Commands::
12117 * Inverse and Hyperbolic::
12118 * Calculation Modes::
12119 * Simplification Modes::
12127 @node General Mode Commands, Precision, Mode Settings, Mode Settings
12128 @section General Mode Commands
12132 @pindex calc-save-modes
12133 @cindex Continuous memory
12134 @cindex Saving mode settings
12135 @cindex Permanent mode settings
12136 @cindex Calc init file, mode settings
12137 You can save all of the current mode settings in your Calc init file
12138 (the file given by the variable @code{calc-settings-file}, typically
12139 @file{~/.emacs.d/calc.el}) with the @kbd{m m} (@code{calc-save-modes})
12140 command. This will cause Emacs to reestablish these modes each time
12141 it starts up. The modes saved in the file include everything
12142 controlled by the @kbd{m} and @kbd{d} prefix keys, the current
12143 precision and binary word size, whether or not the trail is displayed,
12144 the current height of the Calc window, and more. The current
12145 interface (used when you type @kbd{C-x * *}) is also saved. If there
12146 were already saved mode settings in the file, they are replaced.
12147 Otherwise, the new mode information is appended to the end of the
12151 @pindex calc-mode-record-mode
12152 The @kbd{m R} (@code{calc-mode-record-mode}) command tells Calc to
12153 record all the mode settings (as if by pressing @kbd{m m}) every
12154 time a mode setting changes. If the modes are saved this way, then this
12155 ``automatic mode recording'' mode is also saved.
12156 Type @kbd{m R} again to disable this method of recording the mode
12157 settings. To turn it off permanently, the @kbd{m m} command will also be
12158 necessary. (If Embedded mode is enabled, other options for recording
12159 the modes are available; @pxref{Mode Settings in Embedded Mode}.)
12162 @pindex calc-settings-file-name
12163 The @kbd{m F} (@code{calc-settings-file-name}) command allows you to
12164 choose a different file than the current value of @code{calc-settings-file}
12165 for @kbd{m m}, @kbd{Z P}, and similar commands to save permanent information.
12166 You are prompted for a file name. All Calc modes are then reset to
12167 their default values, then settings from the file you named are loaded
12168 if this file exists, and this file becomes the one that Calc will
12169 use in the future for commands like @kbd{m m}. The default settings
12170 file name is @file{~/.calc.el}. You can see the current file name by
12171 giving a blank response to the @kbd{m F} prompt. See also the
12172 discussion of the @code{calc-settings-file} variable; @pxref{Customizing Calc}.
12174 If the file name you give is your user init file (typically
12175 @file{~/.emacs}), @kbd{m F} will not automatically load the new file. This
12176 is because your user init file may contain other things you don't want
12177 to reread. You can give
12178 a numeric prefix argument of 1 to @kbd{m F} to force it to read the
12179 file no matter what. Conversely, an argument of @mathit{-1} tells
12180 @kbd{m F} @emph{not} to read the new file. An argument of 2 or @mathit{-2}
12181 tells @kbd{m F} not to reset the modes to their defaults beforehand,
12182 which is useful if you intend your new file to have a variant of the
12183 modes present in the file you were using before.
12186 @pindex calc-always-load-extensions
12187 The @kbd{m x} (@code{calc-always-load-extensions}) command enables a mode
12188 in which the first use of Calc loads the entire program, including all
12189 extensions modules. Otherwise, the extensions modules will not be loaded
12190 until the various advanced Calc features are used. Since this mode only
12191 has effect when Calc is first loaded, @kbd{m x} is usually followed by
12192 @kbd{m m} to make the mode-setting permanent. To load all of Calc just
12193 once, rather than always in the future, you can press @kbd{C-x * L}.
12196 @pindex calc-shift-prefix
12197 The @kbd{m S} (@code{calc-shift-prefix}) command enables a mode in which
12198 all of Calc's letter prefix keys may be typed shifted as well as unshifted.
12199 If you are typing, say, @kbd{a S} (@code{calc-solve-for}) quite often
12200 you might find it easier to turn this mode on so that you can type
12201 @kbd{A S} instead. When this mode is enabled, the commands that used to
12202 be on those single shifted letters (e.g., @kbd{A} (@code{calc-abs})) can
12203 now be invoked by pressing the shifted letter twice: @kbd{A A}. Note
12204 that the @kbd{v} prefix key always works both shifted and unshifted, and
12205 the @kbd{z} and @kbd{Z} prefix keys are always distinct. Also, the @kbd{h}
12206 prefix is not affected by this mode. Press @kbd{m S} again to disable
12207 shifted-prefix mode.
12209 @node Precision, Inverse and Hyperbolic, General Mode Commands, Mode Settings
12214 @pindex calc-precision
12215 @cindex Precision of calculations
12216 The @kbd{p} (@code{calc-precision}) command controls the precision to
12217 which floating-point calculations are carried. The precision must be
12218 at least 3 digits and may be arbitrarily high, within the limits of
12219 memory and time. This affects only floats: Integer and rational
12220 calculations are always carried out with as many digits as necessary.
12222 The @kbd{p} key prompts for the current precision. If you wish you
12223 can instead give the precision as a numeric prefix argument.
12225 Many internal calculations are carried to one or two digits higher
12226 precision than normal. Results are rounded down afterward to the
12227 current precision. Unless a special display mode has been selected,
12228 floats are always displayed with their full stored precision, i.e.,
12229 what you see is what you get. Reducing the current precision does not
12230 round values already on the stack, but those values will be rounded
12231 down before being used in any calculation. The @kbd{c 0} through
12232 @kbd{c 9} commands (@pxref{Conversions}) can be used to round an
12233 existing value to a new precision.
12235 @cindex Accuracy of calculations
12236 It is important to distinguish the concepts of @dfn{precision} and
12237 @dfn{accuracy}. In the normal usage of these words, the number
12238 123.4567 has a precision of 7 digits but an accuracy of 4 digits.
12239 The precision is the total number of digits not counting leading
12240 or trailing zeros (regardless of the position of the decimal point).
12241 The accuracy is simply the number of digits after the decimal point
12242 (again not counting trailing zeros). In Calc you control the precision,
12243 not the accuracy of computations. If you were to set the accuracy
12244 instead, then calculations like @samp{exp(100)} would generate many
12245 more digits than you would typically need, while @samp{exp(-100)} would
12246 probably round to zero! In Calc, both these computations give you
12247 exactly 12 (or the requested number of) significant digits.
12249 The only Calc features that deal with accuracy instead of precision
12250 are fixed-point display mode for floats (@kbd{d f}; @pxref{Float Formats}),
12251 and the rounding functions like @code{floor} and @code{round}
12252 (@pxref{Integer Truncation}). Also, @kbd{c 0} through @kbd{c 9}
12253 deal with both precision and accuracy depending on the magnitudes
12254 of the numbers involved.
12256 If you need to work with a particular fixed accuracy (say, dollars and
12257 cents with two digits after the decimal point), one solution is to work
12258 with integers and an ``implied'' decimal point. For example, $8.99
12259 divided by 6 would be entered @kbd{899 @key{RET} 6 /}, yielding 149.833
12260 (actually $1.49833 with our implied decimal point); pressing @kbd{R}
12261 would round this to 150 cents, i.e., $1.50.
12263 @xref{Floats}, for still more on floating-point precision and related
12266 @node Inverse and Hyperbolic, Calculation Modes, Precision, Mode Settings
12267 @section Inverse and Hyperbolic Flags
12271 @pindex calc-inverse
12272 There is no single-key equivalent to the @code{calc-arcsin} function.
12273 Instead, you must first press @kbd{I} (@code{calc-inverse}) to set
12274 the @dfn{Inverse Flag}, then press @kbd{S} (@code{calc-sin}).
12275 The @kbd{I} key actually toggles the Inverse Flag. When this flag
12276 is set, the word @samp{Inv} appears in the mode line.
12279 @pindex calc-hyperbolic
12280 Likewise, the @kbd{H} key (@code{calc-hyperbolic}) sets or clears the
12281 Hyperbolic Flag, which transforms @code{calc-sin} into @code{calc-sinh}.
12282 If both of these flags are set at once, the effect will be
12283 @code{calc-arcsinh}. (The Hyperbolic flag is also used by some
12284 non-trigonometric commands; for example @kbd{H L} computes a base-10,
12285 instead of base-@mathit{e}, logarithm.)
12287 Command names like @code{calc-arcsin} are provided for completeness, and
12288 may be executed with @kbd{x} or @kbd{M-x}. Their effect is simply to
12289 toggle the Inverse and/or Hyperbolic flags and then execute the
12290 corresponding base command (@code{calc-sin} in this case).
12292 The Inverse and Hyperbolic flags apply only to the next Calculator
12293 command, after which they are automatically cleared. (They are also
12294 cleared if the next keystroke is not a Calc command.) Digits you
12295 type after @kbd{I} or @kbd{H} (or @kbd{K}) are treated as prefix
12296 arguments for the next command, not as numeric entries. The same
12297 is true of @kbd{C-u}, but not of the minus sign (@kbd{K -} means to
12298 subtract and keep arguments).
12300 The third Calc prefix flag, @kbd{K} (keep-arguments), is discussed
12301 elsewhere. @xref{Keep Arguments}.
12303 @node Calculation Modes, Simplification Modes, Inverse and Hyperbolic, Mode Settings
12304 @section Calculation Modes
12307 The commands in this section are two-key sequences beginning with
12308 the @kbd{m} prefix. (That's the letter @kbd{m}, not the @key{META} key.)
12309 The @samp{m a} (@code{calc-algebraic-mode}) command is described elsewhere
12310 (@pxref{Algebraic Entry}).
12319 * Automatic Recomputation::
12320 * Working Message::
12323 @node Angular Modes, Polar Mode, Calculation Modes, Calculation Modes
12324 @subsection Angular Modes
12327 @cindex Angular mode
12328 The Calculator supports three notations for angles: radians, degrees,
12329 and degrees-minutes-seconds. When a number is presented to a function
12330 like @code{sin} that requires an angle, the current angular mode is
12331 used to interpret the number as either radians or degrees. If an HMS
12332 form is presented to @code{sin}, it is always interpreted as
12333 degrees-minutes-seconds.
12335 Functions that compute angles produce a number in radians, a number in
12336 degrees, or an HMS form depending on the current angular mode. If the
12337 result is a complex number and the current mode is HMS, the number is
12338 instead expressed in degrees. (Complex-number calculations would
12339 normally be done in Radians mode, though. Complex numbers are converted
12340 to degrees by calculating the complex result in radians and then
12341 multiplying by 180 over @cpi{}.)
12344 @pindex calc-radians-mode
12346 @pindex calc-degrees-mode
12348 @pindex calc-hms-mode
12349 The @kbd{m r} (@code{calc-radians-mode}), @kbd{m d} (@code{calc-degrees-mode}),
12350 and @kbd{m h} (@code{calc-hms-mode}) commands control the angular mode.
12351 The current angular mode is displayed on the Emacs mode line.
12352 The default angular mode is Degrees.
12354 @node Polar Mode, Fraction Mode, Angular Modes, Calculation Modes
12355 @subsection Polar Mode
12359 The Calculator normally ``prefers'' rectangular complex numbers in the
12360 sense that rectangular form is used when the proper form can not be
12361 decided from the input. This might happen by multiplying a rectangular
12362 number by a polar one, by taking the square root of a negative real
12363 number, or by entering @kbd{( 2 @key{SPC} 3 )}.
12366 @pindex calc-polar-mode
12367 The @kbd{m p} (@code{calc-polar-mode}) command toggles complex-number
12368 preference between rectangular and polar forms. In Polar mode, all
12369 of the above example situations would produce polar complex numbers.
12371 @node Fraction Mode, Infinite Mode, Polar Mode, Calculation Modes
12372 @subsection Fraction Mode
12375 @cindex Fraction mode
12376 @cindex Division of integers
12377 Division of two integers normally yields a floating-point number if the
12378 result cannot be expressed as an integer. In some cases you would
12379 rather get an exact fractional answer. One way to accomplish this is
12380 to use the @kbd{:} (@code{calc-fdiv}) [@code{fdiv}] command, which
12381 divides the two integers on the top of the stack to produce a fraction:
12382 @kbd{6 @key{RET} 4 :} produces @expr{3:2} even though
12383 @kbd{6 @key{RET} 4 /} produces @expr{1.5}.
12386 @pindex calc-frac-mode
12387 To set the Calculator to produce fractional results for normal integer
12388 divisions, use the @kbd{m f} (@code{calc-frac-mode}) command.
12389 For example, @expr{8/4} produces @expr{2} in either mode,
12390 but @expr{6/4} produces @expr{3:2} in Fraction mode, @expr{1.5} in
12393 At any time you can use @kbd{c f} (@code{calc-float}) to convert a
12394 fraction to a float, or @kbd{c F} (@code{calc-fraction}) to convert a
12395 float to a fraction. @xref{Conversions}.
12397 @node Infinite Mode, Symbolic Mode, Fraction Mode, Calculation Modes
12398 @subsection Infinite Mode
12401 @cindex Infinite mode
12402 The Calculator normally treats results like @expr{1 / 0} as errors;
12403 formulas like this are left in unsimplified form. But Calc can be
12404 put into a mode where such calculations instead produce ``infinite''
12408 @pindex calc-infinite-mode
12409 The @kbd{m i} (@code{calc-infinite-mode}) command turns this mode
12410 on and off. When the mode is off, infinities do not arise except
12411 in calculations that already had infinities as inputs. (One exception
12412 is that infinite open intervals like @samp{[0 .. inf)} can be
12413 generated; however, intervals closed at infinity (@samp{[0 .. inf]})
12414 will not be generated when Infinite mode is off.)
12416 With Infinite mode turned on, @samp{1 / 0} will generate @code{uinf},
12417 an undirected infinity. @xref{Infinities}, for a discussion of the
12418 difference between @code{inf} and @code{uinf}. Also, @expr{0 / 0}
12419 evaluates to @code{nan}, the ``indeterminate'' symbol. Various other
12420 functions can also return infinities in this mode; for example,
12421 @samp{ln(0) = -inf}, and @samp{gamma(-7) = uinf}. Once again,
12422 note that @samp{exp(inf) = inf} regardless of Infinite mode because
12423 this calculation has infinity as an input.
12425 @cindex Positive Infinite mode
12426 The @kbd{m i} command with a numeric prefix argument of zero,
12427 i.e., @kbd{C-u 0 m i}, turns on a Positive Infinite mode in
12428 which zero is treated as positive instead of being directionless.
12429 Thus, @samp{1 / 0 = inf} and @samp{-1 / 0 = -inf} in this mode.
12430 Note that zero never actually has a sign in Calc; there are no
12431 separate representations for @mathit{+0} and @mathit{-0}. Positive
12432 Infinite mode merely changes the interpretation given to the
12433 single symbol, @samp{0}. One consequence of this is that, while
12434 you might expect @samp{1 / -0 = -inf}, actually @samp{1 / -0}
12435 is equivalent to @samp{1 / 0}, which is equal to positive @code{inf}.
12437 @node Symbolic Mode, Matrix Mode, Infinite Mode, Calculation Modes
12438 @subsection Symbolic Mode
12441 @cindex Symbolic mode
12442 @cindex Inexact results
12443 Calculations are normally performed numerically wherever possible.
12444 For example, the @code{calc-sqrt} command, or @code{sqrt} function in an
12445 algebraic expression, produces a numeric answer if the argument is a
12446 number or a symbolic expression if the argument is an expression:
12447 @kbd{2 Q} pushes 1.4142 but @kbd{@key{'} x+1 @key{RET} Q} pushes @samp{sqrt(x+1)}.
12450 @pindex calc-symbolic-mode
12451 In @dfn{Symbolic mode}, controlled by the @kbd{m s} (@code{calc-symbolic-mode})
12452 command, functions which would produce inexact, irrational results are
12453 left in symbolic form. Thus @kbd{16 Q} pushes 4, but @kbd{2 Q} pushes
12457 @pindex calc-eval-num
12458 The shift-@kbd{N} (@code{calc-eval-num}) command evaluates numerically
12459 the expression at the top of the stack, by temporarily disabling
12460 @code{calc-symbolic-mode} and executing @kbd{=} (@code{calc-evaluate}).
12461 Given a numeric prefix argument, it also
12462 sets the floating-point precision to the specified value for the duration
12465 To evaluate a formula numerically without expanding the variables it
12466 contains, you can use the key sequence @kbd{m s a v m s} (this uses
12467 @code{calc-alg-evaluate}, which resimplifies but doesn't evaluate
12470 @node Matrix Mode, Automatic Recomputation, Symbolic Mode, Calculation Modes
12471 @subsection Matrix and Scalar Modes
12474 @cindex Matrix mode
12475 @cindex Scalar mode
12476 Calc sometimes makes assumptions during algebraic manipulation that
12477 are awkward or incorrect when vectors and matrices are involved.
12478 Calc has two modes, @dfn{Matrix mode} and @dfn{Scalar mode}, which
12479 modify its behavior around vectors in useful ways.
12482 @pindex calc-matrix-mode
12483 Press @kbd{m v} (@code{calc-matrix-mode}) once to enter Matrix mode.
12484 In this mode, all objects are assumed to be matrices unless provably
12485 otherwise. One major effect is that Calc will no longer consider
12486 multiplication to be commutative. (Recall that in matrix arithmetic,
12487 @samp{A*B} is not the same as @samp{B*A}.) This assumption affects
12488 rewrite rules and algebraic simplification. Another effect of this
12489 mode is that calculations that would normally produce constants like
12490 0 and 1 (e.g., @expr{a - a} and @expr{a / a}, respectively) will now
12491 produce function calls that represent ``generic'' zero or identity
12492 matrices: @samp{idn(0)}, @samp{idn(1)}. The @code{idn} function
12493 @samp{idn(@var{a},@var{n})} returns @var{a} times an @var{n}x@var{n}
12494 identity matrix; if @var{n} is omitted, it doesn't know what
12495 dimension to use and so the @code{idn} call remains in symbolic
12496 form. However, if this generic identity matrix is later combined
12497 with a matrix whose size is known, it will be converted into
12498 a true identity matrix of the appropriate size. On the other hand,
12499 if it is combined with a scalar (as in @samp{idn(1) + 2}), Calc
12500 will assume it really was a scalar after all and produce, e.g., 3.
12502 Press @kbd{m v} a second time to get Scalar mode. Here, objects are
12503 assumed @emph{not} to be vectors or matrices unless provably so.
12504 For example, normally adding a variable to a vector, as in
12505 @samp{[x, y, z] + a}, will leave the sum in symbolic form because
12506 as far as Calc knows, @samp{a} could represent either a number or
12507 another 3-vector. In Scalar mode, @samp{a} is assumed to be a
12508 non-vector, and the addition is evaluated to @samp{[x+a, y+a, z+a]}.
12510 Press @kbd{m v} a third time to return to the normal mode of operation.
12512 If you press @kbd{m v} with a numeric prefix argument @var{n}, you
12513 get a special ``dimensioned'' Matrix mode in which matrices of
12514 unknown size are assumed to be @var{n}x@var{n} square matrices.
12515 Then, the function call @samp{idn(1)} will expand into an actual
12516 matrix rather than representing a ``generic'' matrix. Simply typing
12517 @kbd{C-u m v} will get you a square Matrix mode, in which matrices of
12518 unknown size are assumed to be square matrices of unspecified size.
12520 @cindex Declaring scalar variables
12521 Of course these modes are approximations to the true state of
12522 affairs, which is probably that some quantities will be matrices
12523 and others will be scalars. One solution is to ``declare''
12524 certain variables or functions to be scalar-valued.
12525 @xref{Declarations}, to see how to make declarations in Calc.
12527 There is nothing stopping you from declaring a variable to be
12528 scalar and then storing a matrix in it; however, if you do, the
12529 results you get from Calc may not be valid. Suppose you let Calc
12530 get the result @samp{[x+a, y+a, z+a]} shown above, and then stored
12531 @samp{[1, 2, 3]} in @samp{a}. The result would not be the same as
12532 for @samp{[x, y, z] + [1, 2, 3]}, but that's because you have broken
12533 your earlier promise to Calc that @samp{a} would be scalar.
12535 Another way to mix scalars and matrices is to use selections
12536 (@pxref{Selecting Subformulas}). Use Matrix mode when operating on
12537 your formula normally; then, to apply Scalar mode to a certain part
12538 of the formula without affecting the rest just select that part,
12539 change into Scalar mode and press @kbd{=} to resimplify the part
12540 under this mode, then change back to Matrix mode before deselecting.
12542 @node Automatic Recomputation, Working Message, Matrix Mode, Calculation Modes
12543 @subsection Automatic Recomputation
12546 The @dfn{evaluates-to} operator, @samp{=>}, has the special
12547 property that any @samp{=>} formulas on the stack are recomputed
12548 whenever variable values or mode settings that might affect them
12549 are changed. @xref{Evaluates-To Operator}.
12552 @pindex calc-auto-recompute
12553 The @kbd{m C} (@code{calc-auto-recompute}) command turns this
12554 automatic recomputation on and off. If you turn it off, Calc will
12555 not update @samp{=>} operators on the stack (nor those in the
12556 attached Embedded mode buffer, if there is one). They will not
12557 be updated unless you explicitly do so by pressing @kbd{=} or until
12558 you press @kbd{m C} to turn recomputation back on. (While automatic
12559 recomputation is off, you can think of @kbd{m C m C} as a command
12560 to update all @samp{=>} operators while leaving recomputation off.)
12562 To update @samp{=>} operators in an Embedded buffer while
12563 automatic recomputation is off, use @w{@kbd{C-x * u}}.
12564 @xref{Embedded Mode}.
12566 @node Working Message, , Automatic Recomputation, Calculation Modes
12567 @subsection Working Messages
12570 @cindex Performance
12571 @cindex Working messages
12572 Since the Calculator is written entirely in Emacs Lisp, which is not
12573 designed for heavy numerical work, many operations are quite slow.
12574 The Calculator normally displays the message @samp{Working...} in the
12575 echo area during any command that may be slow. In addition, iterative
12576 operations such as square roots and trigonometric functions display the
12577 intermediate result at each step. Both of these types of messages can
12578 be disabled if you find them distracting.
12581 @pindex calc-working
12582 Type @kbd{m w} (@code{calc-working}) with a numeric prefix of 0 to
12583 disable all ``working'' messages. Use a numeric prefix of 1 to enable
12584 only the plain @samp{Working...} message. Use a numeric prefix of 2 to
12585 see intermediate results as well. With no numeric prefix this displays
12588 While it may seem that the ``working'' messages will slow Calc down
12589 considerably, experiments have shown that their impact is actually
12590 quite small. But if your terminal is slow you may find that it helps
12591 to turn the messages off.
12593 @node Simplification Modes, Declarations, Calculation Modes, Mode Settings
12594 @section Simplification Modes
12597 The current @dfn{simplification mode} controls how numbers and formulas
12598 are ``normalized'' when being taken from or pushed onto the stack.
12599 Some normalizations are unavoidable, such as rounding floating-point
12600 results to the current precision, and reducing fractions to simplest
12601 form. Others, such as simplifying a formula like @expr{a+a} (or @expr{2+3}),
12602 are done by default but can be turned off when necessary.
12604 When you press a key like @kbd{+} when @expr{2} and @expr{3} are on the
12605 stack, Calc pops these numbers, normalizes them, creates the formula
12606 @expr{2+3}, normalizes it, and pushes the result. Of course the standard
12607 rules for normalizing @expr{2+3} will produce the result @expr{5}.
12609 Simplification mode commands consist of the lower-case @kbd{m} prefix key
12610 followed by a shifted letter.
12613 @pindex calc-no-simplify-mode
12614 The @kbd{m O} (@code{calc-no-simplify-mode}) command turns off all optional
12615 simplifications. These would leave a formula like @expr{2+3} alone. In
12616 fact, nothing except simple numbers are ever affected by normalization
12620 @pindex calc-num-simplify-mode
12621 The @kbd{m N} (@code{calc-num-simplify-mode}) command turns off simplification
12622 of any formulas except those for which all arguments are constants. For
12623 example, @expr{1+2} is simplified to @expr{3}, and @expr{a+(2-2)} is
12624 simplified to @expr{a+0} but no further, since one argument of the sum
12625 is not a constant. Unfortunately, @expr{(a+2)-2} is @emph{not} simplified
12626 because the top-level @samp{-} operator's arguments are not both
12627 constant numbers (one of them is the formula @expr{a+2}).
12628 A constant is a number or other numeric object (such as a constant
12629 error form or modulo form), or a vector all of whose
12630 elements are constant.
12633 @pindex calc-default-simplify-mode
12634 The @kbd{m D} (@code{calc-default-simplify-mode}) command restores the
12635 default simplifications for all formulas. This includes many easy and
12636 fast algebraic simplifications such as @expr{a+0} to @expr{a}, and
12637 @expr{a + 2 a} to @expr{3 a}, as well as evaluating functions like
12638 @expr{@tfn{deriv}(x^2, x)} to @expr{2 x}.
12641 @pindex calc-bin-simplify-mode
12642 The @kbd{m B} (@code{calc-bin-simplify-mode}) mode applies the default
12643 simplifications to a result and then, if the result is an integer,
12644 uses the @kbd{b c} (@code{calc-clip}) command to clip the integer according
12645 to the current binary word size. @xref{Binary Functions}. Real numbers
12646 are rounded to the nearest integer and then clipped; other kinds of
12647 results (after the default simplifications) are left alone.
12650 @pindex calc-alg-simplify-mode
12651 The @kbd{m A} (@code{calc-alg-simplify-mode}) mode does algebraic
12652 simplification; it applies all the default simplifications, and also
12653 the more powerful (and slower) simplifications made by @kbd{a s}
12654 (@code{calc-simplify}). @xref{Algebraic Simplifications}.
12657 @pindex calc-ext-simplify-mode
12658 The @kbd{m E} (@code{calc-ext-simplify-mode}) mode does ``extended''
12659 algebraic simplification, as by the @kbd{a e} (@code{calc-simplify-extended})
12660 command. @xref{Unsafe Simplifications}.
12663 @pindex calc-units-simplify-mode
12664 The @kbd{m U} (@code{calc-units-simplify-mode}) mode does units
12665 simplification; it applies the command @kbd{u s}
12666 (@code{calc-simplify-units}), which in turn
12667 is a superset of @kbd{a s}. In this mode, variable names which
12668 are identifiable as unit names (like @samp{mm} for ``millimeters'')
12669 are simplified with their unit definitions in mind.
12671 A common technique is to set the simplification mode down to the lowest
12672 amount of simplification you will allow to be applied automatically, then
12673 use manual commands like @kbd{a s} and @kbd{c c} (@code{calc-clean}) to
12674 perform higher types of simplifications on demand. @xref{Algebraic
12675 Definitions}, for another sample use of No-Simplification mode.
12677 @node Declarations, Display Modes, Simplification Modes, Mode Settings
12678 @section Declarations
12681 A @dfn{declaration} is a statement you make that promises you will
12682 use a certain variable or function in a restricted way. This may
12683 give Calc the freedom to do things that it couldn't do if it had to
12684 take the fully general situation into account.
12687 * Declaration Basics::
12688 * Kinds of Declarations::
12689 * Functions for Declarations::
12692 @node Declaration Basics, Kinds of Declarations, Declarations, Declarations
12693 @subsection Declaration Basics
12697 @pindex calc-declare-variable
12698 The @kbd{s d} (@code{calc-declare-variable}) command is the easiest
12699 way to make a declaration for a variable. This command prompts for
12700 the variable name, then prompts for the declaration. The default
12701 at the declaration prompt is the previous declaration, if any.
12702 You can edit this declaration, or press @kbd{C-k} to erase it and
12703 type a new declaration. (Or, erase it and press @key{RET} to clear
12704 the declaration, effectively ``undeclaring'' the variable.)
12706 A declaration is in general a vector of @dfn{type symbols} and
12707 @dfn{range} values. If there is only one type symbol or range value,
12708 you can write it directly rather than enclosing it in a vector.
12709 For example, @kbd{s d foo @key{RET} real @key{RET}} declares @code{foo} to
12710 be a real number, and @kbd{s d bar @key{RET} [int, const, [1..6]] @key{RET}}
12711 declares @code{bar} to be a constant integer between 1 and 6.
12712 (Actually, you can omit the outermost brackets and Calc will
12713 provide them for you: @kbd{s d bar @key{RET} int, const, [1..6] @key{RET}}.)
12715 @cindex @code{Decls} variable
12717 Declarations in Calc are kept in a special variable called @code{Decls}.
12718 This variable encodes the set of all outstanding declarations in
12719 the form of a matrix. Each row has two elements: A variable or
12720 vector of variables declared by that row, and the declaration
12721 specifier as described above. You can use the @kbd{s D} command to
12722 edit this variable if you wish to see all the declarations at once.
12723 @xref{Operations on Variables}, for a description of this command
12724 and the @kbd{s p} command that allows you to save your declarations
12725 permanently if you wish.
12727 Items being declared can also be function calls. The arguments in
12728 the call are ignored; the effect is to say that this function returns
12729 values of the declared type for any valid arguments. The @kbd{s d}
12730 command declares only variables, so if you wish to make a function
12731 declaration you will have to edit the @code{Decls} matrix yourself.
12733 For example, the declaration matrix
12739 [ f(1,2,3), [0 .. inf) ] ]
12744 declares that @code{foo} represents a real number, @code{j}, @code{k}
12745 and @code{n} represent integers, and the function @code{f} always
12746 returns a real number in the interval shown.
12749 If there is a declaration for the variable @code{All}, then that
12750 declaration applies to all variables that are not otherwise declared.
12751 It does not apply to function names. For example, using the row
12752 @samp{[All, real]} says that all your variables are real unless they
12753 are explicitly declared without @code{real} in some other row.
12754 The @kbd{s d} command declares @code{All} if you give a blank
12755 response to the variable-name prompt.
12757 @node Kinds of Declarations, Functions for Declarations, Declaration Basics, Declarations
12758 @subsection Kinds of Declarations
12761 The type-specifier part of a declaration (that is, the second prompt
12762 in the @kbd{s d} command) can be a type symbol, an interval, or a
12763 vector consisting of zero or more type symbols followed by zero or
12764 more intervals or numbers that represent the set of possible values
12769 [ [ a, [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] ]
12771 [ c, [int, 1 .. 5] ] ]
12775 Here @code{a} is declared to contain one of the five integers shown;
12776 @code{b} is any number in the interval from 1 to 5 (any real number
12777 since we haven't specified), and @code{c} is any integer in that
12778 interval. Thus the declarations for @code{a} and @code{c} are
12779 nearly equivalent (see below).
12781 The type-specifier can be the empty vector @samp{[]} to say that
12782 nothing is known about a given variable's value. This is the same
12783 as not declaring the variable at all except that it overrides any
12784 @code{All} declaration which would otherwise apply.
12786 The initial value of @code{Decls} is the empty vector @samp{[]}.
12787 If @code{Decls} has no stored value or if the value stored in it
12788 is not valid, it is ignored and there are no declarations as far
12789 as Calc is concerned. (The @kbd{s d} command will replace such a
12790 malformed value with a fresh empty matrix, @samp{[]}, before recording
12791 the new declaration.) Unrecognized type symbols are ignored.
12793 The following type symbols describe what sorts of numbers will be
12794 stored in a variable:
12800 Numerical integers. (Integers or integer-valued floats.)
12802 Fractions. (Rational numbers which are not integers.)
12804 Rational numbers. (Either integers or fractions.)
12806 Floating-point numbers.
12808 Real numbers. (Integers, fractions, or floats. Actually,
12809 intervals and error forms with real components also count as
12812 Positive real numbers. (Strictly greater than zero.)
12814 Nonnegative real numbers. (Greater than or equal to zero.)
12816 Numbers. (Real or complex.)
12819 Calc uses this information to determine when certain simplifications
12820 of formulas are safe. For example, @samp{(x^y)^z} cannot be
12821 simplified to @samp{x^(y z)} in general; for example,
12822 @samp{((-3)^2)^1:2} is 3, but @samp{(-3)^(2*1:2) = (-3)^1} is @mathit{-3}.
12823 However, this simplification @emph{is} safe if @code{z} is known
12824 to be an integer, or if @code{x} is known to be a nonnegative
12825 real number. If you have given declarations that allow Calc to
12826 deduce either of these facts, Calc will perform this simplification
12829 Calc can apply a certain amount of logic when using declarations.
12830 For example, @samp{(x^y)^(2n+1)} will be simplified if @code{n}
12831 has been declared @code{int}; Calc knows that an integer times an
12832 integer, plus an integer, must always be an integer. (In fact,
12833 Calc would simplify @samp{(-x)^(2n+1)} to @samp{-(x^(2n+1))} since
12834 it is able to determine that @samp{2n+1} must be an odd integer.)
12836 Similarly, @samp{(abs(x)^y)^z} will be simplified to @samp{abs(x)^(y z)}
12837 because Calc knows that the @code{abs} function always returns a
12838 nonnegative real. If you had a @code{myabs} function that also had
12839 this property, you could get Calc to recognize it by adding the row
12840 @samp{[myabs(), nonneg]} to the @code{Decls} matrix.
12842 One instance of this simplification is @samp{sqrt(x^2)} (since the
12843 @code{sqrt} function is effectively a one-half power). Normally
12844 Calc leaves this formula alone. After the command
12845 @kbd{s d x @key{RET} real @key{RET}}, however, it can simplify the formula to
12846 @samp{abs(x)}. And after @kbd{s d x @key{RET} nonneg @key{RET}}, Calc can
12847 simplify this formula all the way to @samp{x}.
12849 If there are any intervals or real numbers in the type specifier,
12850 they comprise the set of possible values that the variable or
12851 function being declared can have. In particular, the type symbol
12852 @code{real} is effectively the same as the range @samp{[-inf .. inf]}
12853 (note that infinity is included in the range of possible values);
12854 @code{pos} is the same as @samp{(0 .. inf]}, and @code{nonneg} is
12855 the same as @samp{[0 .. inf]}. Saying @samp{[real, [-5 .. 5]]} is
12856 redundant because the fact that the variable is real can be
12857 deduced just from the interval, but @samp{[int, [-5 .. 5]]} and
12858 @samp{[rat, [-5 .. 5]]} are useful combinations.
12860 Note that the vector of intervals or numbers is in the same format
12861 used by Calc's set-manipulation commands. @xref{Set Operations}.
12863 The type specifier @samp{[1, 2, 3]} is equivalent to
12864 @samp{[numint, 1, 2, 3]}, @emph{not} to @samp{[int, 1, 2, 3]}.
12865 In other words, the range of possible values means only that
12866 the variable's value must be numerically equal to a number in
12867 that range, but not that it must be equal in type as well.
12868 Calc's set operations act the same way; @samp{in(2, [1., 2., 3.])}
12869 and @samp{in(1.5, [1:2, 3:2, 5:2])} both report ``true.''
12871 If you use a conflicting combination of type specifiers, the
12872 results are unpredictable. An example is @samp{[pos, [0 .. 5]]},
12873 where the interval does not lie in the range described by the
12876 ``Real'' declarations mostly affect simplifications involving powers
12877 like the one described above. Another case where they are used
12878 is in the @kbd{a P} command which returns a list of all roots of a
12879 polynomial; if the variable has been declared real, only the real
12880 roots (if any) will be included in the list.
12882 ``Integer'' declarations are used for simplifications which are valid
12883 only when certain values are integers (such as @samp{(x^y)^z}
12886 Another command that makes use of declarations is @kbd{a s}, when
12887 simplifying equations and inequalities. It will cancel @code{x}
12888 from both sides of @samp{a x = b x} only if it is sure @code{x}
12889 is non-zero, say, because it has a @code{pos} declaration.
12890 To declare specifically that @code{x} is real and non-zero,
12891 use @samp{[[-inf .. 0), (0 .. inf]]}. (There is no way in the
12892 current notation to say that @code{x} is nonzero but not necessarily
12893 real.) The @kbd{a e} command does ``unsafe'' simplifications,
12894 including cancelling @samp{x} from the equation when @samp{x} is
12895 not known to be nonzero.
12897 Another set of type symbols distinguish between scalars and vectors.
12901 The value is not a vector.
12903 The value is a vector.
12905 The value is a matrix (a rectangular vector of vectors).
12907 The value is a square matrix.
12910 These type symbols can be combined with the other type symbols
12911 described above; @samp{[int, matrix]} describes an object which
12912 is a matrix of integers.
12914 Scalar/vector declarations are used to determine whether certain
12915 algebraic operations are safe. For example, @samp{[a, b, c] + x}
12916 is normally not simplified to @samp{[a + x, b + x, c + x]}, but
12917 it will be if @code{x} has been declared @code{scalar}. On the
12918 other hand, multiplication is usually assumed to be commutative,
12919 but the terms in @samp{x y} will never be exchanged if both @code{x}
12920 and @code{y} are known to be vectors or matrices. (Calc currently
12921 never distinguishes between @code{vector} and @code{matrix}
12924 @xref{Matrix Mode}, for a discussion of Matrix mode and
12925 Scalar mode, which are similar to declaring @samp{[All, matrix]}
12926 or @samp{[All, scalar]} but much more convenient.
12928 One more type symbol that is recognized is used with the @kbd{H a d}
12929 command for taking total derivatives of a formula. @xref{Calculus}.
12933 The value is a constant with respect to other variables.
12936 Calc does not check the declarations for a variable when you store
12937 a value in it. However, storing @mathit{-3.5} in a variable that has
12938 been declared @code{pos}, @code{int}, or @code{matrix} may have
12939 unexpected effects; Calc may evaluate @samp{sqrt(x^2)} to @expr{3.5}
12940 if it substitutes the value first, or to @expr{-3.5} if @code{x}
12941 was declared @code{pos} and the formula @samp{sqrt(x^2)} is
12942 simplified to @samp{x} before the value is substituted. Before
12943 using a variable for a new purpose, it is best to use @kbd{s d}
12944 or @kbd{s D} to check to make sure you don't still have an old
12945 declaration for the variable that will conflict with its new meaning.
12947 @node Functions for Declarations, , Kinds of Declarations, Declarations
12948 @subsection Functions for Declarations
12951 Calc has a set of functions for accessing the current declarations
12952 in a convenient manner. These functions return 1 if the argument
12953 can be shown to have the specified property, or 0 if the argument
12954 can be shown @emph{not} to have that property; otherwise they are
12955 left unevaluated. These functions are suitable for use with rewrite
12956 rules (@pxref{Conditional Rewrite Rules}) or programming constructs
12957 (@pxref{Conditionals in Macros}). They can be entered only using
12958 algebraic notation. @xref{Logical Operations}, for functions
12959 that perform other tests not related to declarations.
12961 For example, @samp{dint(17)} returns 1 because 17 is an integer, as
12962 do @samp{dint(n)} and @samp{dint(2 n - 3)} if @code{n} has been declared
12963 @code{int}, but @samp{dint(2.5)} and @samp{dint(n + 0.5)} return 0.
12964 Calc consults knowledge of its own built-in functions as well as your
12965 own declarations: @samp{dint(floor(x))} returns 1.
12979 The @code{dint} function checks if its argument is an integer.
12980 The @code{dnatnum} function checks if its argument is a natural
12981 number, i.e., a nonnegative integer. The @code{dnumint} function
12982 checks if its argument is numerically an integer, i.e., either an
12983 integer or an integer-valued float. Note that these and the other
12984 data type functions also accept vectors or matrices composed of
12985 suitable elements, and that real infinities @samp{inf} and @samp{-inf}
12986 are considered to be integers for the purposes of these functions.
12992 The @code{drat} function checks if its argument is rational, i.e.,
12993 an integer or fraction. Infinities count as rational, but intervals
12994 and error forms do not.
13000 The @code{dreal} function checks if its argument is real. This
13001 includes integers, fractions, floats, real error forms, and intervals.
13007 The @code{dimag} function checks if its argument is imaginary,
13008 i.e., is mathematically equal to a real number times @expr{i}.
13022 The @code{dpos} function checks for positive (but nonzero) reals.
13023 The @code{dneg} function checks for negative reals. The @code{dnonneg}
13024 function checks for nonnegative reals, i.e., reals greater than or
13025 equal to zero. Note that the @kbd{a s} command can simplify an
13026 expression like @expr{x > 0} to 1 or 0 using @code{dpos}, and that
13027 @kbd{a s} is effectively applied to all conditions in rewrite rules,
13028 so the actual functions @code{dpos}, @code{dneg}, and @code{dnonneg}
13029 are rarely necessary.
13035 The @code{dnonzero} function checks that its argument is nonzero.
13036 This includes all nonzero real or complex numbers, all intervals that
13037 do not include zero, all nonzero modulo forms, vectors all of whose
13038 elements are nonzero, and variables or formulas whose values can be
13039 deduced to be nonzero. It does not include error forms, since they
13040 represent values which could be anything including zero. (This is
13041 also the set of objects considered ``true'' in conditional contexts.)
13051 The @code{deven} function returns 1 if its argument is known to be
13052 an even integer (or integer-valued float); it returns 0 if its argument
13053 is known not to be even (because it is known to be odd or a non-integer).
13054 The @kbd{a s} command uses this to simplify a test of the form
13055 @samp{x % 2 = 0}. There is also an analogous @code{dodd} function.
13061 The @code{drange} function returns a set (an interval or a vector
13062 of intervals and/or numbers; @pxref{Set Operations}) that describes
13063 the set of possible values of its argument. If the argument is
13064 a variable or a function with a declaration, the range is copied
13065 from the declaration. Otherwise, the possible signs of the
13066 expression are determined using a method similar to @code{dpos},
13067 etc., and a suitable set like @samp{[0 .. inf]} is returned. If
13068 the expression is not provably real, the @code{drange} function
13069 remains unevaluated.
13075 The @code{dscalar} function returns 1 if its argument is provably
13076 scalar, or 0 if its argument is provably non-scalar. It is left
13077 unevaluated if this cannot be determined. (If Matrix mode or Scalar
13078 mode is in effect, this function returns 1 or 0, respectively,
13079 if it has no other information.) When Calc interprets a condition
13080 (say, in a rewrite rule) it considers an unevaluated formula to be
13081 ``false.'' Thus, @samp{dscalar(a)} is ``true'' only if @code{a} is
13082 provably scalar, and @samp{!dscalar(a)} is ``true'' only if @code{a}
13083 is provably non-scalar; both are ``false'' if there is insufficient
13084 information to tell.
13086 @node Display Modes, Language Modes, Declarations, Mode Settings
13087 @section Display Modes
13090 The commands in this section are two-key sequences beginning with the
13091 @kbd{d} prefix. The @kbd{d l} (@code{calc-line-numbering}) and @kbd{d b}
13092 (@code{calc-line-breaking}) commands are described elsewhere;
13093 @pxref{Stack Basics} and @pxref{Normal Language Modes}, respectively.
13094 Display formats for vectors and matrices are also covered elsewhere;
13095 @pxref{Vector and Matrix Formats}.
13097 One thing all display modes have in common is their treatment of the
13098 @kbd{H} prefix. This prefix causes any mode command that would normally
13099 refresh the stack to leave the stack display alone. The word ``Dirty''
13100 will appear in the mode line when Calc thinks the stack display may not
13101 reflect the latest mode settings.
13103 @kindex d @key{RET}
13104 @pindex calc-refresh-top
13105 The @kbd{d @key{RET}} (@code{calc-refresh-top}) command reformats the
13106 top stack entry according to all the current modes. Positive prefix
13107 arguments reformat the top @var{n} entries; negative prefix arguments
13108 reformat the specified entry, and a prefix of zero is equivalent to
13109 @kbd{d @key{SPC}} (@code{calc-refresh}), which reformats the entire stack.
13110 For example, @kbd{H d s M-2 d @key{RET}} changes to scientific notation
13111 but reformats only the top two stack entries in the new mode.
13113 The @kbd{I} prefix has another effect on the display modes. The mode
13114 is set only temporarily; the top stack entry is reformatted according
13115 to that mode, then the original mode setting is restored. In other
13116 words, @kbd{I d s} is equivalent to @kbd{H d s d @key{RET} H d (@var{old mode})}.
13120 * Grouping Digits::
13122 * Complex Formats::
13123 * Fraction Formats::
13126 * Truncating the Stack::
13131 @node Radix Modes, Grouping Digits, Display Modes, Display Modes
13132 @subsection Radix Modes
13135 @cindex Radix display
13136 @cindex Non-decimal numbers
13137 @cindex Decimal and non-decimal numbers
13138 Calc normally displays numbers in decimal (@dfn{base-10} or @dfn{radix-10})
13139 notation. Calc can actually display in any radix from two (binary) to 36.
13140 When the radix is above 10, the letters @code{A} to @code{Z} are used as
13141 digits. When entering such a number, letter keys are interpreted as
13142 potential digits rather than terminating numeric entry mode.
13148 @cindex Hexadecimal integers
13149 @cindex Octal integers
13150 The key sequences @kbd{d 2}, @kbd{d 8}, @kbd{d 6}, and @kbd{d 0} select
13151 binary, octal, hexadecimal, and decimal as the current display radix,
13152 respectively. Numbers can always be entered in any radix, though the
13153 current radix is used as a default if you press @kbd{#} without any initial
13154 digits. A number entered without a @kbd{#} is @emph{always} interpreted
13159 To set the radix generally, use @kbd{d r} (@code{calc-radix}) and enter
13160 an integer from 2 to 36. You can specify the radix as a numeric prefix
13161 argument; otherwise you will be prompted for it.
13164 @pindex calc-leading-zeros
13165 @cindex Leading zeros
13166 Integers normally are displayed with however many digits are necessary to
13167 represent the integer and no more. The @kbd{d z} (@code{calc-leading-zeros})
13168 command causes integers to be padded out with leading zeros according to the
13169 current binary word size. (@xref{Binary Functions}, for a discussion of
13170 word size.) If the absolute value of the word size is @expr{w}, all integers
13171 are displayed with at least enough digits to represent
13172 @texline @math{2^w-1}
13173 @infoline @expr{(2^w)-1}
13174 in the current radix. (Larger integers will still be displayed in their
13177 @cindex Two's complements
13178 With the binary, octal and hexadecimal display modes, Calc can
13179 display @expr{w}-bit integers using two's complement notation. This
13180 option is selected with the key sequences @kbd{C-u d 2}, @kbd{C-u d 8}
13181 and @kbd{C-u d 6}, respectively, and a negative word size might be
13182 appropriate (@pxref{Binary Functions}). In two's complement
13183 notation, the integers in the (nearly) symmetric interval from
13184 @texline @math{-2^{w-1}}
13185 @infoline @expr{-2^(w-1)}
13187 @texline @math{2^{w-1}-1}
13188 @infoline @expr{2^(w-1)-1}
13189 are represented by the integers from @expr{0} to @expr{2^w-1}:
13190 the integers from @expr{0} to
13191 @texline @math{2^{w-1}-1}
13192 @infoline @expr{2^(w-1)-1}
13193 are represented by themselves and the integers from
13194 @texline @math{-2^{w-1}}
13195 @infoline @expr{-2^(w-1)}
13196 to @expr{-1} are represented by the integers from
13197 @texline @math{2^{w-1}}
13198 @infoline @expr{2^(w-1)}
13199 to @expr{2^w-1} (the integer @expr{k} is represented by @expr{k+2^w}).
13200 Calc will display a two's complement integer by the radix (either
13201 @expr{2}, @expr{8} or @expr{16}), two @kbd{#} symbols, and then its
13202 representation (including any leading zeros necessary to include all
13203 @expr{w} bits). In a two's complement display mode, numbers that
13204 are not displayed in two's complement notation (i.e., that aren't
13206 @texline @math{-2^{w-1}}
13207 @infoline @expr{-2^(w-1)}
13210 @texline @math{2^{w-1}-1})
13211 @infoline @expr{2^(w-1)-1})
13212 will be represented using Calc's usual notation (in the appropriate
13215 @node Grouping Digits, Float Formats, Radix Modes, Display Modes
13216 @subsection Grouping Digits
13220 @pindex calc-group-digits
13221 @cindex Grouping digits
13222 @cindex Digit grouping
13223 Long numbers can be hard to read if they have too many digits. For
13224 example, the factorial of 30 is 33 digits long! Press @kbd{d g}
13225 (@code{calc-group-digits}) to enable @dfn{Grouping} mode, in which digits
13226 are displayed in clumps of 3 or 4 (depending on the current radix)
13227 separated by commas.
13229 The @kbd{d g} command toggles grouping on and off.
13230 With a numeric prefix of 0, this command displays the current state of
13231 the grouping flag; with an argument of minus one it disables grouping;
13232 with a positive argument @expr{N} it enables grouping on every @expr{N}
13233 digits. For floating-point numbers, grouping normally occurs only
13234 before the decimal point. A negative prefix argument @expr{-N} enables
13235 grouping every @expr{N} digits both before and after the decimal point.
13238 @pindex calc-group-char
13239 The @kbd{d ,} (@code{calc-group-char}) command allows you to choose any
13240 character as the grouping separator. The default is the comma character.
13241 If you find it difficult to read vectors of large integers grouped with
13242 commas, you may wish to use spaces or some other character instead.
13243 This command takes the next character you type, whatever it is, and
13244 uses it as the digit separator. As a special case, @kbd{d , \} selects
13245 @samp{\,} (@TeX{}'s thin-space symbol) as the digit separator.
13247 Please note that grouped numbers will not generally be parsed correctly
13248 if re-read in textual form, say by the use of @kbd{C-x * y} and @kbd{C-x * g}.
13249 (@xref{Kill and Yank}, for details on these commands.) One exception is
13250 the @samp{\,} separator, which doesn't interfere with parsing because it
13251 is ignored by @TeX{} language mode.
13253 @node Float Formats, Complex Formats, Grouping Digits, Display Modes
13254 @subsection Float Formats
13257 Floating-point quantities are normally displayed in standard decimal
13258 form, with scientific notation used if the exponent is especially high
13259 or low. All significant digits are normally displayed. The commands
13260 in this section allow you to choose among several alternative display
13261 formats for floats.
13264 @pindex calc-normal-notation
13265 The @kbd{d n} (@code{calc-normal-notation}) command selects the normal
13266 display format. All significant figures in a number are displayed.
13267 With a positive numeric prefix, numbers are rounded if necessary to
13268 that number of significant digits. With a negative numerix prefix,
13269 the specified number of significant digits less than the current
13270 precision is used. (Thus @kbd{C-u -2 d n} displays 10 digits if the
13271 current precision is 12.)
13274 @pindex calc-fix-notation
13275 The @kbd{d f} (@code{calc-fix-notation}) command selects fixed-point
13276 notation. The numeric argument is the number of digits after the
13277 decimal point, zero or more. This format will relax into scientific
13278 notation if a nonzero number would otherwise have been rounded all the
13279 way to zero. Specifying a negative number of digits is the same as
13280 for a positive number, except that small nonzero numbers will be rounded
13281 to zero rather than switching to scientific notation.
13284 @pindex calc-sci-notation
13285 @cindex Scientific notation, display of
13286 The @kbd{d s} (@code{calc-sci-notation}) command selects scientific
13287 notation. A positive argument sets the number of significant figures
13288 displayed, of which one will be before and the rest after the decimal
13289 point. A negative argument works the same as for @kbd{d n} format.
13290 The default is to display all significant digits.
13293 @pindex calc-eng-notation
13294 @cindex Engineering notation, display of
13295 The @kbd{d e} (@code{calc-eng-notation}) command selects engineering
13296 notation. This is similar to scientific notation except that the
13297 exponent is rounded down to a multiple of three, with from one to three
13298 digits before the decimal point. An optional numeric prefix sets the
13299 number of significant digits to display, as for @kbd{d s}.
13301 It is important to distinguish between the current @emph{precision} and
13302 the current @emph{display format}. After the commands @kbd{C-u 10 p}
13303 and @kbd{C-u 6 d n} the Calculator computes all results to ten
13304 significant figures but displays only six. (In fact, intermediate
13305 calculations are often carried to one or two more significant figures,
13306 but values placed on the stack will be rounded down to ten figures.)
13307 Numbers are never actually rounded to the display precision for storage,
13308 except by commands like @kbd{C-k} and @kbd{C-x * y} which operate on the
13309 actual displayed text in the Calculator buffer.
13312 @pindex calc-point-char
13313 The @kbd{d .} (@code{calc-point-char}) command selects the character used
13314 as a decimal point. Normally this is a period; users in some countries
13315 may wish to change this to a comma. Note that this is only a display
13316 style; on entry, periods must always be used to denote floating-point
13317 numbers, and commas to separate elements in a list.
13319 @node Complex Formats, Fraction Formats, Float Formats, Display Modes
13320 @subsection Complex Formats
13324 @pindex calc-complex-notation
13325 There are three supported notations for complex numbers in rectangular
13326 form. The default is as a pair of real numbers enclosed in parentheses
13327 and separated by a comma: @samp{(a,b)}. The @kbd{d c}
13328 (@code{calc-complex-notation}) command selects this style.
13331 @pindex calc-i-notation
13333 @pindex calc-j-notation
13334 The other notations are @kbd{d i} (@code{calc-i-notation}), in which
13335 numbers are displayed in @samp{a+bi} form, and @kbd{d j}
13336 (@code{calc-j-notation}) which displays the form @samp{a+bj} preferred
13337 in some disciplines.
13339 @cindex @code{i} variable
13341 Complex numbers are normally entered in @samp{(a,b)} format.
13342 If you enter @samp{2+3i} as an algebraic formula, it will be stored as
13343 the formula @samp{2 + 3 * i}. However, if you use @kbd{=} to evaluate
13344 this formula and you have not changed the variable @samp{i}, the @samp{i}
13345 will be interpreted as @samp{(0,1)} and the formula will be simplified
13346 to @samp{(2,3)}. Other commands (like @code{calc-sin}) will @emph{not}
13347 interpret the formula @samp{2 + 3 * i} as a complex number.
13348 @xref{Variables}, under ``special constants.''
13350 @node Fraction Formats, HMS Formats, Complex Formats, Display Modes
13351 @subsection Fraction Formats
13355 @pindex calc-over-notation
13356 Display of fractional numbers is controlled by the @kbd{d o}
13357 (@code{calc-over-notation}) command. By default, a number like
13358 eight thirds is displayed in the form @samp{8:3}. The @kbd{d o} command
13359 prompts for a one- or two-character format. If you give one character,
13360 that character is used as the fraction separator. Common separators are
13361 @samp{:} and @samp{/}. (During input of numbers, the @kbd{:} key must be
13362 used regardless of the display format; in particular, the @kbd{/} is used
13363 for RPN-style division, @emph{not} for entering fractions.)
13365 If you give two characters, fractions use ``integer-plus-fractional-part''
13366 notation. For example, the format @samp{+/} would display eight thirds
13367 as @samp{2+2/3}. If two colons are present in a number being entered,
13368 the number is interpreted in this form (so that the entries @kbd{2:2:3}
13369 and @kbd{8:3} are equivalent).
13371 It is also possible to follow the one- or two-character format with
13372 a number. For example: @samp{:10} or @samp{+/3}. In this case,
13373 Calc adjusts all fractions that are displayed to have the specified
13374 denominator, if possible. Otherwise it adjusts the denominator to
13375 be a multiple of the specified value. For example, in @samp{:6} mode
13376 the fraction @expr{1:6} will be unaffected, but @expr{2:3} will be
13377 displayed as @expr{4:6}, @expr{1:2} will be displayed as @expr{3:6},
13378 and @expr{1:8} will be displayed as @expr{3:24}. Integers are also
13379 affected by this mode: 3 is displayed as @expr{18:6}. Note that the
13380 format @samp{:1} writes fractions the same as @samp{:}, but it writes
13381 integers as @expr{n:1}.
13383 The fraction format does not affect the way fractions or integers are
13384 stored, only the way they appear on the screen. The fraction format
13385 never affects floats.
13387 @node HMS Formats, Date Formats, Fraction Formats, Display Modes
13388 @subsection HMS Formats
13392 @pindex calc-hms-notation
13393 The @kbd{d h} (@code{calc-hms-notation}) command controls the display of
13394 HMS (hours-minutes-seconds) forms. It prompts for a string which
13395 consists basically of an ``hours'' marker, optional punctuation, a
13396 ``minutes'' marker, more optional punctuation, and a ``seconds'' marker.
13397 Punctuation is zero or more spaces, commas, or semicolons. The hours
13398 marker is one or more non-punctuation characters. The minutes and
13399 seconds markers must be single non-punctuation characters.
13401 The default HMS format is @samp{@@ ' "}, producing HMS values of the form
13402 @samp{23@@ 30' 15.75"}. The format @samp{deg, ms} would display this same
13403 value as @samp{23deg, 30m15.75s}. During numeric entry, the @kbd{h} or @kbd{o}
13404 keys are recognized as synonyms for @kbd{@@} regardless of display format.
13405 The @kbd{m} and @kbd{s} keys are recognized as synonyms for @kbd{'} and
13406 @kbd{"}, respectively, but only if an @kbd{@@} (or @kbd{h} or @kbd{o}) has
13407 already been typed; otherwise, they have their usual meanings
13408 (@kbd{m-} prefix and @kbd{s-} prefix). Thus, @kbd{5 "}, @kbd{0 @@ 5 "}, and
13409 @kbd{0 h 5 s} are some of the ways to enter the quantity ``five seconds.''
13410 The @kbd{'} key is recognized as ``minutes'' only if @kbd{@@} (or @kbd{h} or
13411 @kbd{o}) has already been pressed; otherwise it means to switch to algebraic
13414 @node Date Formats, Truncating the Stack, HMS Formats, Display Modes
13415 @subsection Date Formats
13419 @pindex calc-date-notation
13420 The @kbd{d d} (@code{calc-date-notation}) command controls the display
13421 of date forms (@pxref{Date Forms}). It prompts for a string which
13422 contains letters that represent the various parts of a date and time.
13423 To show which parts should be omitted when the form represents a pure
13424 date with no time, parts of the string can be enclosed in @samp{< >}
13425 marks. If you don't include @samp{< >} markers in the format, Calc
13426 guesses at which parts, if any, should be omitted when formatting
13429 The default format is: @samp{<H:mm:SSpp >Www Mmm D, YYYY}.
13430 An example string in this format is @samp{3:32pm Wed Jan 9, 1991}.
13431 If you enter a blank format string, this default format is
13434 Calc uses @samp{< >} notation for nameless functions as well as for
13435 dates. @xref{Specifying Operators}. To avoid confusion with nameless
13436 functions, your date formats should avoid using the @samp{#} character.
13439 * Date Formatting Codes::
13440 * Free-Form Dates::
13441 * Standard Date Formats::
13444 @node Date Formatting Codes, Free-Form Dates, Date Formats, Date Formats
13445 @subsubsection Date Formatting Codes
13448 When displaying a date, the current date format is used. All
13449 characters except for letters and @samp{<} and @samp{>} are
13450 copied literally when dates are formatted. The portion between
13451 @samp{< >} markers is omitted for pure dates, or included for
13452 date/time forms. Letters are interpreted according to the table
13455 When dates are read in during algebraic entry, Calc first tries to
13456 match the input string to the current format either with or without
13457 the time part. The punctuation characters (including spaces) must
13458 match exactly; letter fields must correspond to suitable text in
13459 the input. If this doesn't work, Calc checks if the input is a
13460 simple number; if so, the number is interpreted as a number of days
13461 since Jan 1, 1 AD. Otherwise, Calc tries a much more relaxed and
13462 flexible algorithm which is described in the next section.
13464 Weekday names are ignored during reading.
13466 Two-digit year numbers are interpreted as lying in the range
13467 from 1941 to 2039. Years outside that range are always
13468 entered and displayed in full. Year numbers with a leading
13469 @samp{+} sign are always interpreted exactly, allowing the
13470 entry and display of the years 1 through 99 AD.
13472 Here is a complete list of the formatting codes for dates:
13476 Year: ``91'' for 1991, ``7'' for 2007, ``+23'' for 23 AD.
13478 Year: ``91'' for 1991, ``07'' for 2007, ``+23'' for 23 AD.
13480 Year: ``91'' for 1991, `` 7'' for 2007, ``+23'' for 23 AD.
13482 Year: ``1991'' for 1991, ``23'' for 23 AD.
13484 Year: ``1991'' for 1991, ``+23'' for 23 AD.
13486 Year: ``ad'' or blank.
13488 Year: ``AD'' or blank.
13490 Year: ``ad '' or blank. (Note trailing space.)
13492 Year: ``AD '' or blank.
13494 Year: ``a.d.'' or blank.
13496 Year: ``A.D.'' or blank.
13498 Year: ``bc'' or blank.
13500 Year: ``BC'' or blank.
13502 Year: `` bc'' or blank. (Note leading space.)
13504 Year: `` BC'' or blank.
13506 Year: ``b.c.'' or blank.
13508 Year: ``B.C.'' or blank.
13510 Month: ``8'' for August.
13512 Month: ``08'' for August.
13514 Month: `` 8'' for August.
13516 Month: ``AUG'' for August.
13518 Month: ``Aug'' for August.
13520 Month: ``aug'' for August.
13522 Month: ``AUGUST'' for August.
13524 Month: ``August'' for August.
13526 Day: ``7'' for 7th day of month.
13528 Day: ``07'' for 7th day of month.
13530 Day: `` 7'' for 7th day of month.
13532 Weekday: ``0'' for Sunday, ``6'' for Saturday.
13534 Weekday: ``SUN'' for Sunday.
13536 Weekday: ``Sun'' for Sunday.
13538 Weekday: ``sun'' for Sunday.
13540 Weekday: ``SUNDAY'' for Sunday.
13542 Weekday: ``Sunday'' for Sunday.
13544 Day of year: ``34'' for Feb. 3.
13546 Day of year: ``034'' for Feb. 3.
13548 Day of year: `` 34'' for Feb. 3.
13550 Hour: ``5'' for 5 AM; ``17'' for 5 PM.
13552 Hour: ``05'' for 5 AM; ``17'' for 5 PM.
13554 Hour: `` 5'' for 5 AM; ``17'' for 5 PM.
13556 Hour: ``5'' for 5 AM and 5 PM.
13558 Hour: ``05'' for 5 AM and 5 PM.
13560 Hour: `` 5'' for 5 AM and 5 PM.
13562 AM/PM: ``a'' or ``p''.
13564 AM/PM: ``A'' or ``P''.
13566 AM/PM: ``am'' or ``pm''.
13568 AM/PM: ``AM'' or ``PM''.
13570 AM/PM: ``a.m.'' or ``p.m.''.
13572 AM/PM: ``A.M.'' or ``P.M.''.
13574 Minutes: ``7'' for 7.
13576 Minutes: ``07'' for 7.
13578 Minutes: `` 7'' for 7.
13580 Seconds: ``7'' for 7; ``7.23'' for 7.23.
13582 Seconds: ``07'' for 7; ``07.23'' for 7.23.
13584 Seconds: `` 7'' for 7; `` 7.23'' for 7.23.
13586 Optional seconds: ``07'' for 7; blank for 0.
13588 Optional seconds: `` 7'' for 7; blank for 0.
13590 Numeric date/time: ``726842.25'' for 6:00am Wed Jan 9, 1991.
13592 Numeric date: ``726842'' for any time on Wed Jan 9, 1991.
13594 Julian date/time: ``2448265.75'' for 6:00am Wed Jan 9, 1991.
13596 Julian date: ``2448266'' for any time on Wed Jan 9, 1991.
13598 Unix time: ``663400800'' for 6:00am Wed Jan 9, 1991.
13600 Brackets suppression. An ``X'' at the front of the format
13601 causes the surrounding @w{@samp{< >}} delimiters to be omitted
13602 when formatting dates. Note that the brackets are still
13603 required for algebraic entry.
13606 If ``SS'' or ``BS'' (optional seconds) is preceded by a colon, the
13607 colon is also omitted if the seconds part is zero.
13609 If ``bb,'' ``bbb'' or ``bbbb'' or their upper-case equivalents
13610 appear in the format, then negative year numbers are displayed
13611 without a minus sign. Note that ``aa'' and ``bb'' are mutually
13612 exclusive. Some typical usages would be @samp{YYYY AABB};
13613 @samp{AAAYYYYBBB}; @samp{YYYYBBB}.
13615 The formats ``YY,'' ``YYYY,'' ``MM,'' ``DD,'' ``ddd,'' ``hh,'' ``HH,''
13616 ``mm,'' ``ss,'' and ``SS'' actually match any number of digits during
13617 reading unless several of these codes are strung together with no
13618 punctuation in between, in which case the input must have exactly as
13619 many digits as there are letters in the format.
13621 The ``j,'' ``J,'' and ``U'' formats do not make any time zone
13622 adjustment. They effectively use @samp{julian(x,0)} and
13623 @samp{unixtime(x,0)} to make the conversion; @pxref{Date Arithmetic}.
13625 @node Free-Form Dates, Standard Date Formats, Date Formatting Codes, Date Formats
13626 @subsubsection Free-Form Dates
13629 When reading a date form during algebraic entry, Calc falls back
13630 on the algorithm described here if the input does not exactly
13631 match the current date format. This algorithm generally
13632 ``does the right thing'' and you don't have to worry about it,
13633 but it is described here in full detail for the curious.
13635 Calc does not distinguish between upper- and lower-case letters
13636 while interpreting dates.
13638 First, the time portion, if present, is located somewhere in the
13639 text and then removed. The remaining text is then interpreted as
13642 A time is of the form @samp{hh:mm:ss}, possibly with the seconds
13643 part omitted and possibly with an AM/PM indicator added to indicate
13644 12-hour time. If the AM/PM is present, the minutes may also be
13645 omitted. The AM/PM part may be any of the words @samp{am},
13646 @samp{pm}, @samp{noon}, or @samp{midnight}; each of these may be
13647 abbreviated to one letter, and the alternate forms @samp{a.m.},
13648 @samp{p.m.}, and @samp{mid} are also understood. Obviously
13649 @samp{noon} and @samp{midnight} are allowed only on 12:00:00.
13650 The words @samp{noon}, @samp{mid}, and @samp{midnight} are also
13651 recognized with no number attached.
13653 If there is no AM/PM indicator, the time is interpreted in 24-hour
13656 To read the date portion, all words and numbers are isolated
13657 from the string; other characters are ignored. All words must
13658 be either month names or day-of-week names (the latter of which
13659 are ignored). Names can be written in full or as three-letter
13662 Large numbers, or numbers with @samp{+} or @samp{-} signs,
13663 are interpreted as years. If one of the other numbers is
13664 greater than 12, then that must be the day and the remaining
13665 number in the input is therefore the month. Otherwise, Calc
13666 assumes the month, day and year are in the same order that they
13667 appear in the current date format. If the year is omitted, the
13668 current year is taken from the system clock.
13670 If there are too many or too few numbers, or any unrecognizable
13671 words, then the input is rejected.
13673 If there are any large numbers (of five digits or more) other than
13674 the year, they are ignored on the assumption that they are something
13675 like Julian dates that were included along with the traditional
13676 date components when the date was formatted.
13678 One of the words @samp{ad}, @samp{a.d.}, @samp{bc}, or @samp{b.c.}
13679 may optionally be used; the latter two are equivalent to a
13680 minus sign on the year value.
13682 If you always enter a four-digit year, and use a name instead
13683 of a number for the month, there is no danger of ambiguity.
13685 @node Standard Date Formats, , Free-Form Dates, Date Formats
13686 @subsubsection Standard Date Formats
13689 There are actually ten standard date formats, numbered 0 through 9.
13690 Entering a blank line at the @kbd{d d} command's prompt gives
13691 you format number 1, Calc's usual format. You can enter any digit
13692 to select the other formats.
13694 To create your own standard date formats, give a numeric prefix
13695 argument from 0 to 9 to the @w{@kbd{d d}} command. The format you
13696 enter will be recorded as the new standard format of that
13697 number, as well as becoming the new current date format.
13698 You can save your formats permanently with the @w{@kbd{m m}}
13699 command (@pxref{Mode Settings}).
13703 @samp{N} (Numerical format)
13705 @samp{<H:mm:SSpp >Www Mmm D, YYYY} (American format)
13707 @samp{D Mmm YYYY<, h:mm:SS>} (European format)
13709 @samp{Www Mmm BD< hh:mm:ss> YYYY} (Unix written date format)
13711 @samp{M/D/Y< H:mm:SSpp>} (American slashed format)
13713 @samp{D.M.Y< h:mm:SS>} (European dotted format)
13715 @samp{M-D-Y< H:mm:SSpp>} (American dashed format)
13717 @samp{D-M-Y< h:mm:SS>} (European dashed format)
13719 @samp{j<, h:mm:ss>} (Julian day plus time)
13721 @samp{YYddd< hh:mm:ss>} (Year-day format)
13724 @node Truncating the Stack, Justification, Date Formats, Display Modes
13725 @subsection Truncating the Stack
13729 @pindex calc-truncate-stack
13730 @cindex Truncating the stack
13731 @cindex Narrowing the stack
13732 The @kbd{d t} (@code{calc-truncate-stack}) command moves the @samp{.}@:
13733 line that marks the top-of-stack up or down in the Calculator buffer.
13734 The number right above that line is considered to the be at the top of
13735 the stack. Any numbers below that line are ``hidden'' from all stack
13736 operations (although still visible to the user). This is similar to the
13737 Emacs ``narrowing'' feature, except that the values below the @samp{.}
13738 are @emph{visible}, just temporarily frozen. This feature allows you to
13739 keep several independent calculations running at once in different parts
13740 of the stack, or to apply a certain command to an element buried deep in
13743 Pressing @kbd{d t} by itself moves the @samp{.} to the line the cursor
13744 is on. Thus, this line and all those below it become hidden. To un-hide
13745 these lines, move down to the end of the buffer and press @w{@kbd{d t}}.
13746 With a positive numeric prefix argument @expr{n}, @kbd{d t} hides the
13747 bottom @expr{n} values in the buffer. With a negative argument, it hides
13748 all but the top @expr{n} values. With an argument of zero, it hides zero
13749 values, i.e., moves the @samp{.} all the way down to the bottom.
13752 @pindex calc-truncate-up
13754 @pindex calc-truncate-down
13755 The @kbd{d [} (@code{calc-truncate-up}) and @kbd{d ]}
13756 (@code{calc-truncate-down}) commands move the @samp{.} up or down one
13757 line at a time (or several lines with a prefix argument).
13759 @node Justification, Labels, Truncating the Stack, Display Modes
13760 @subsection Justification
13764 @pindex calc-left-justify
13766 @pindex calc-center-justify
13768 @pindex calc-right-justify
13769 Values on the stack are normally left-justified in the window. You can
13770 control this arrangement by typing @kbd{d <} (@code{calc-left-justify}),
13771 @kbd{d >} (@code{calc-right-justify}), or @kbd{d =}
13772 (@code{calc-center-justify}). For example, in Right-Justification mode,
13773 stack entries are displayed flush-right against the right edge of the
13776 If you change the width of the Calculator window you may have to type
13777 @kbd{d @key{SPC}} (@code{calc-refresh}) to re-align right-justified or centered
13780 Right-justification is especially useful together with fixed-point
13781 notation (see @code{d f}; @code{calc-fix-notation}). With these modes
13782 together, the decimal points on numbers will always line up.
13784 With a numeric prefix argument, the justification commands give you
13785 a little extra control over the display. The argument specifies the
13786 horizontal ``origin'' of a display line. It is also possible to
13787 specify a maximum line width using the @kbd{d b} command (@pxref{Normal
13788 Language Modes}). For reference, the precise rules for formatting and
13789 breaking lines are given below. Notice that the interaction between
13790 origin and line width is slightly different in each justification
13793 In Left-Justified mode, the line is indented by a number of spaces
13794 given by the origin (default zero). If the result is longer than the
13795 maximum line width, if given, or too wide to fit in the Calc window
13796 otherwise, then it is broken into lines which will fit; each broken
13797 line is indented to the origin.
13799 In Right-Justified mode, lines are shifted right so that the rightmost
13800 character is just before the origin, or just before the current
13801 window width if no origin was specified. If the line is too long
13802 for this, then it is broken; the current line width is used, if
13803 specified, or else the origin is used as a width if that is
13804 specified, or else the line is broken to fit in the window.
13806 In Centering mode, the origin is the column number of the center of
13807 each stack entry. If a line width is specified, lines will not be
13808 allowed to go past that width; Calc will either indent less or
13809 break the lines if necessary. If no origin is specified, half the
13810 line width or Calc window width is used.
13812 Note that, in each case, if line numbering is enabled the display
13813 is indented an additional four spaces to make room for the line
13814 number. The width of the line number is taken into account when
13815 positioning according to the current Calc window width, but not
13816 when positioning by explicit origins and widths. In the latter
13817 case, the display is formatted as specified, and then uniformly
13818 shifted over four spaces to fit the line numbers.
13820 @node Labels, , Justification, Display Modes
13825 @pindex calc-left-label
13826 The @kbd{d @{} (@code{calc-left-label}) command prompts for a string,
13827 then displays that string to the left of every stack entry. If the
13828 entries are left-justified (@pxref{Justification}), then they will
13829 appear immediately after the label (unless you specified an origin
13830 greater than the length of the label). If the entries are centered
13831 or right-justified, the label appears on the far left and does not
13832 affect the horizontal position of the stack entry.
13834 Give a blank string (with @kbd{d @{ @key{RET}}) to turn the label off.
13837 @pindex calc-right-label
13838 The @kbd{d @}} (@code{calc-right-label}) command similarly adds a
13839 label on the righthand side. It does not affect positioning of
13840 the stack entries unless they are right-justified. Also, if both
13841 a line width and an origin are given in Right-Justified mode, the
13842 stack entry is justified to the origin and the righthand label is
13843 justified to the line width.
13845 One application of labels would be to add equation numbers to
13846 formulas you are manipulating in Calc and then copying into a
13847 document (possibly using Embedded mode). The equations would
13848 typically be centered, and the equation numbers would be on the
13849 left or right as you prefer.
13851 @node Language Modes, Modes Variable, Display Modes, Mode Settings
13852 @section Language Modes
13855 The commands in this section change Calc to use a different notation for
13856 entry and display of formulas, corresponding to the conventions of some
13857 other common language such as Pascal or La@TeX{}. Objects displayed on the
13858 stack or yanked from the Calculator to an editing buffer will be formatted
13859 in the current language; objects entered in algebraic entry or yanked from
13860 another buffer will be interpreted according to the current language.
13862 The current language has no effect on things written to or read from the
13863 trail buffer, nor does it affect numeric entry. Only algebraic entry is
13864 affected. You can make even algebraic entry ignore the current language
13865 and use the standard notation by giving a numeric prefix, e.g., @kbd{C-u '}.
13867 For example, suppose the formula @samp{2*a[1] + atan(a[2])} occurs in a C
13868 program; elsewhere in the program you need the derivatives of this formula
13869 with respect to @samp{a[1]} and @samp{a[2]}. First, type @kbd{d C}
13870 to switch to C notation. Now use @code{C-u C-x * g} to grab the formula
13871 into the Calculator, @kbd{a d a[1] @key{RET}} to differentiate with respect
13872 to the first variable, and @kbd{C-x * y} to yank the formula for the derivative
13873 back into your C program. Press @kbd{U} to undo the differentiation and
13874 repeat with @kbd{a d a[2] @key{RET}} for the other derivative.
13876 Without being switched into C mode first, Calc would have misinterpreted
13877 the brackets in @samp{a[1]} and @samp{a[2]}, would not have known that
13878 @code{atan} was equivalent to Calc's built-in @code{arctan} function,
13879 and would have written the formula back with notations (like implicit
13880 multiplication) which would not have been valid for a C program.
13882 As another example, suppose you are maintaining a C program and a La@TeX{}
13883 document, each of which needs a copy of the same formula. You can grab the
13884 formula from the program in C mode, switch to La@TeX{} mode, and yank the
13885 formula into the document in La@TeX{} math-mode format.
13887 Language modes are selected by typing the letter @kbd{d} followed by a
13888 shifted letter key.
13891 * Normal Language Modes::
13892 * C FORTRAN Pascal::
13893 * TeX and LaTeX Language Modes::
13894 * Eqn Language Mode::
13895 * Yacas Language Mode::
13896 * Maxima Language Mode::
13897 * Giac Language Mode::
13898 * Mathematica Language Mode::
13899 * Maple Language Mode::
13904 @node Normal Language Modes, C FORTRAN Pascal, Language Modes, Language Modes
13905 @subsection Normal Language Modes
13909 @pindex calc-normal-language
13910 The @kbd{d N} (@code{calc-normal-language}) command selects the usual
13911 notation for Calc formulas, as described in the rest of this manual.
13912 Matrices are displayed in a multi-line tabular format, but all other
13913 objects are written in linear form, as they would be typed from the
13917 @pindex calc-flat-language
13918 @cindex Matrix display
13919 The @kbd{d O} (@code{calc-flat-language}) command selects a language
13920 identical with the normal one, except that matrices are written in
13921 one-line form along with everything else. In some applications this
13922 form may be more suitable for yanking data into other buffers.
13925 @pindex calc-line-breaking
13926 @cindex Line breaking
13927 @cindex Breaking up long lines
13928 Even in one-line mode, long formulas or vectors will still be split
13929 across multiple lines if they exceed the width of the Calculator window.
13930 The @kbd{d b} (@code{calc-line-breaking}) command turns this line-breaking
13931 feature on and off. (It works independently of the current language.)
13932 If you give a numeric prefix argument of five or greater to the @kbd{d b}
13933 command, that argument will specify the line width used when breaking
13937 @pindex calc-big-language
13938 The @kbd{d B} (@code{calc-big-language}) command selects a language
13939 which uses textual approximations to various mathematical notations,
13940 such as powers, quotients, and square roots:
13950 in place of @samp{sqrt((a+1)/b + c^2)}.
13952 Subscripts like @samp{a_i} are displayed as actual subscripts in Big
13953 mode. Double subscripts, @samp{a_i_j} (@samp{subscr(subscr(a, i), j)})
13954 are displayed as @samp{a} with subscripts separated by commas:
13955 @samp{i, j}. They must still be entered in the usual underscore
13958 One slight ambiguity of Big notation is that
13967 can represent either the negative rational number @expr{-3:4}, or the
13968 actual expression @samp{-(3/4)}; but the latter formula would normally
13969 never be displayed because it would immediately be evaluated to
13970 @expr{-3:4} or @expr{-0.75}, so this ambiguity is not a problem in
13973 Non-decimal numbers are displayed with subscripts. Thus there is no
13974 way to tell the difference between @samp{16#C2} and @samp{C2_16},
13975 though generally you will know which interpretation is correct.
13976 Logarithms @samp{log(x,b)} and @samp{log10(x)} also use subscripts
13979 In Big mode, stack entries often take up several lines. To aid
13980 readability, stack entries are separated by a blank line in this mode.
13981 You may find it useful to expand the Calc window's height using
13982 @kbd{C-x ^} (@code{enlarge-window}) or to make the Calc window the only
13983 one on the screen with @kbd{C-x 1} (@code{delete-other-windows}).
13985 Long lines are currently not rearranged to fit the window width in
13986 Big mode, so you may need to use the @kbd{<} and @kbd{>} keys
13987 to scroll across a wide formula. For really big formulas, you may
13988 even need to use @kbd{@{} and @kbd{@}} to scroll up and down.
13991 @pindex calc-unformatted-language
13992 The @kbd{d U} (@code{calc-unformatted-language}) command altogether disables
13993 the use of operator notation in formulas. In this mode, the formula
13994 shown above would be displayed:
13997 sqrt(add(div(add(a, 1), b), pow(c, 2)))
14000 These four modes differ only in display format, not in the format
14001 expected for algebraic entry. The standard Calc operators work in
14002 all four modes, and unformatted notation works in any language mode
14003 (except that Mathematica mode expects square brackets instead of
14006 @node C FORTRAN Pascal, TeX and LaTeX Language Modes, Normal Language Modes, Language Modes
14007 @subsection C, FORTRAN, and Pascal Modes
14011 @pindex calc-c-language
14013 The @kbd{d C} (@code{calc-c-language}) command selects the conventions
14014 of the C language for display and entry of formulas. This differs from
14015 the normal language mode in a variety of (mostly minor) ways. In
14016 particular, C language operators and operator precedences are used in
14017 place of Calc's usual ones. For example, @samp{a^b} means @samp{xor(a,b)}
14018 in C mode; a value raised to a power is written as a function call,
14021 In C mode, vectors and matrices use curly braces instead of brackets.
14022 Octal and hexadecimal values are written with leading @samp{0} or @samp{0x}
14023 rather than using the @samp{#} symbol. Array subscripting is
14024 translated into @code{subscr} calls, so that @samp{a[i]} in C
14025 mode is the same as @samp{a_i} in Normal mode. Assignments
14026 turn into the @code{assign} function, which Calc normally displays
14027 using the @samp{:=} symbol.
14029 The variables @code{pi} and @code{e} would be displayed @samp{pi}
14030 and @samp{e} in Normal mode, but in C mode they are displayed as
14031 @samp{M_PI} and @samp{M_E}, corresponding to the names of constants
14032 typically provided in the @file{<math.h>} header. Functions whose
14033 names are different in C are translated automatically for entry and
14034 display purposes. For example, entering @samp{asin(x)} will push the
14035 formula @samp{arcsin(x)} onto the stack; this formula will be displayed
14036 as @samp{asin(x)} as long as C mode is in effect.
14039 @pindex calc-pascal-language
14040 @cindex Pascal language
14041 The @kbd{d P} (@code{calc-pascal-language}) command selects Pascal
14042 conventions. Like C mode, Pascal mode interprets array brackets and uses
14043 a different table of operators. Hexadecimal numbers are entered and
14044 displayed with a preceding dollar sign. (Thus the regular meaning of
14045 @kbd{$2} during algebraic entry does not work in Pascal mode, though
14046 @kbd{$} (and @kbd{$$}, etc.) not followed by digits works the same as
14047 always.) No special provisions are made for other non-decimal numbers,
14048 vectors, and so on, since there is no universally accepted standard way
14049 of handling these in Pascal.
14052 @pindex calc-fortran-language
14053 @cindex FORTRAN language
14054 The @kbd{d F} (@code{calc-fortran-language}) command selects FORTRAN
14055 conventions. Various function names are transformed into FORTRAN
14056 equivalents. Vectors are written as @samp{/1, 2, 3/}, and may be
14057 entered this way or using square brackets. Since FORTRAN uses round
14058 parentheses for both function calls and array subscripts, Calc displays
14059 both in the same way; @samp{a(i)} is interpreted as a function call
14060 upon reading, and subscripts must be entered as @samp{subscr(a, i)}.
14061 If the variable @code{a} has been declared to have type
14062 @code{vector} or @code{matrix}, however, then @samp{a(i)} will be
14063 parsed as a subscript. (@xref{Declarations}.) Usually it doesn't
14064 matter, though; if you enter the subscript expression @samp{a(i)} and
14065 Calc interprets it as a function call, you'll never know the difference
14066 unless you switch to another language mode or replace @code{a} with an
14067 actual vector (or unless @code{a} happens to be the name of a built-in
14070 Underscores are allowed in variable and function names in all of these
14071 language modes. The underscore here is equivalent to the @samp{#} in
14072 Normal mode, or to hyphens in the underlying Emacs Lisp variable names.
14074 FORTRAN and Pascal modes normally do not adjust the case of letters in
14075 formulas. Most built-in Calc names use lower-case letters. If you use a
14076 positive numeric prefix argument with @kbd{d P} or @kbd{d F}, these
14077 modes will use upper-case letters exclusively for display, and will
14078 convert to lower-case on input. With a negative prefix, these modes
14079 convert to lower-case for display and input.
14081 @node TeX and LaTeX Language Modes, Eqn Language Mode, C FORTRAN Pascal, Language Modes
14082 @subsection @TeX{} and La@TeX{} Language Modes
14086 @pindex calc-tex-language
14087 @cindex TeX language
14089 @pindex calc-latex-language
14090 @cindex LaTeX language
14091 The @kbd{d T} (@code{calc-tex-language}) command selects the conventions
14092 of ``math mode'' in Donald Knuth's @TeX{} typesetting language,
14093 and the @kbd{d L} (@code{calc-latex-language}) command selects the
14094 conventions of ``math mode'' in La@TeX{}, a typesetting language that
14095 uses @TeX{} as its formatting engine. Calc's La@TeX{} language mode can
14096 read any formula that the @TeX{} language mode can, although La@TeX{}
14097 mode may display it differently.
14099 Formulas are entered and displayed in the appropriate notation;
14100 @texline @math{\sin(a/b)}
14101 @infoline @expr{sin(a/b)}
14102 will appear as @samp{\sin\left( @{a \over b@} \right)} in @TeX{} mode and
14103 @samp{\sin\left(\frac@{a@}@{b@}\right)} in La@TeX{} mode.
14104 Math formulas are often enclosed by @samp{$ $} signs in @TeX{} and
14105 La@TeX{}; these should be omitted when interfacing with Calc. To Calc,
14106 the @samp{$} sign has the same meaning it always does in algebraic
14107 formulas (a reference to an existing entry on the stack).
14109 Complex numbers are displayed as in @samp{3 + 4i}. Fractions and
14110 quotients are written using @code{\over} in @TeX{} mode (as in
14111 @code{@{a \over b@}}) and @code{\frac} in La@TeX{} mode (as in
14112 @code{\frac@{a@}@{b@}}); binomial coefficients are written with
14113 @code{\choose} in @TeX{} mode (as in @code{@{a \choose b@}}) and
14114 @code{\binom} in La@TeX{} mode (as in @code{\binom@{a@}@{b@}}).
14115 Interval forms are written with @code{\ldots}, and error forms are
14116 written with @code{\pm}. Absolute values are written as in
14117 @samp{|x + 1|}, and the floor and ceiling functions are written with
14118 @code{\lfloor}, @code{\rfloor}, etc. The words @code{\left} and
14119 @code{\right} are ignored when reading formulas in @TeX{} and La@TeX{}
14120 modes. Both @code{inf} and @code{uinf} are written as @code{\infty};
14121 when read, @code{\infty} always translates to @code{inf}.
14123 Function calls are written the usual way, with the function name followed
14124 by the arguments in parentheses. However, functions for which @TeX{}
14125 and La@TeX{} have special names (like @code{\sin}) will use curly braces
14126 instead of parentheses for very simple arguments. During input, curly
14127 braces and parentheses work equally well for grouping, but when the
14128 document is formatted the curly braces will be invisible. Thus the
14130 @texline @math{\sin{2 x}}
14131 @infoline @expr{sin 2x}
14133 @texline @math{\sin(2 + x)}.
14134 @infoline @expr{sin(2 + x)}.
14136 Function and variable names not treated specially by @TeX{} and La@TeX{}
14137 are simply written out as-is, which will cause them to come out in
14138 italic letters in the printed document. If you invoke @kbd{d T} or
14139 @kbd{d L} with a positive numeric prefix argument, names of more than
14140 one character will instead be enclosed in a protective commands that
14141 will prevent them from being typeset in the math italics; they will be
14142 written @samp{\hbox@{@var{name}@}} in @TeX{} mode and
14143 @samp{\text@{@var{name}@}} in La@TeX{} mode. The
14144 @samp{\hbox@{ @}} and @samp{\text@{ @}} notations are ignored during
14145 reading. If you use a negative prefix argument, such function names are
14146 written @samp{\@var{name}}, and function names that begin with @code{\} during
14147 reading have the @code{\} removed. (Note that in this mode, long
14148 variable names are still written with @code{\hbox} or @code{\text}.
14149 However, you can always make an actual variable name like @code{\bar} in
14152 During reading, text of the form @samp{\matrix@{ ...@: @}} is replaced
14153 by @samp{[ ...@: ]}. The same also applies to @code{\pmatrix} and
14154 @code{\bmatrix}. In La@TeX{} mode this also applies to
14155 @samp{\begin@{matrix@} ... \end@{matrix@}},
14156 @samp{\begin@{bmatrix@} ... \end@{bmatrix@}},
14157 @samp{\begin@{pmatrix@} ... \end@{pmatrix@}}, as well as
14158 @samp{\begin@{smallmatrix@} ... \end@{smallmatrix@}}.
14159 The symbol @samp{&} is interpreted as a comma,
14160 and the symbols @samp{\cr} and @samp{\\} are interpreted as semicolons.
14161 During output, matrices are displayed in @samp{\matrix@{ a & b \\ c & d@}}
14162 format in @TeX{} mode and in
14163 @samp{\begin@{pmatrix@} a & b \\ c & d \end@{pmatrix@}} format in
14164 La@TeX{} mode; you may need to edit this afterwards to change to your
14165 preferred matrix form. If you invoke @kbd{d T} or @kbd{d L} with an
14166 argument of 2 or -2, then matrices will be displayed in two-dimensional
14177 This may be convenient for isolated matrices, but could lead to
14178 expressions being displayed like
14181 \begin@{pmatrix@} \times x
14188 While this wouldn't bother Calc, it is incorrect La@TeX{}.
14189 (Similarly for @TeX{}.)
14191 Accents like @code{\tilde} and @code{\bar} translate into function
14192 calls internally (@samp{tilde(x)}, @samp{bar(x)}). The @code{\underline}
14193 sequence is treated as an accent. The @code{\vec} accent corresponds
14194 to the function name @code{Vec}, because @code{vec} is the name of
14195 a built-in Calc function. The following table shows the accents
14196 in Calc, @TeX{}, La@TeX{} and @dfn{eqn} (described in the next section):
14201 @let@calcindexershow=@calcindexernoshow @c Suppress marginal notes
14202 @let@calcindexersh=@calcindexernoshow
14311 acute \acute \acute
14315 breve \breve \breve
14317 check \check \check
14323 dotdot \ddot \ddot dotdot
14326 grave \grave \grave
14331 tilde \tilde \tilde tilde
14333 under \underline \underline under
14338 The @samp{=>} (evaluates-to) operator appears as a @code{\to} symbol:
14339 @samp{@{@var{a} \to @var{b}@}}. @TeX{} defines @code{\to} as an
14340 alias for @code{\rightarrow}. However, if the @samp{=>} is the
14341 top-level expression being formatted, a slightly different notation
14342 is used: @samp{\evalto @var{a} \to @var{b}}. The @code{\evalto}
14343 word is ignored by Calc's input routines, and is undefined in @TeX{}.
14344 You will typically want to include one of the following definitions
14345 at the top of a @TeX{} file that uses @code{\evalto}:
14349 \def\evalto#1\to@{@}
14352 The first definition formats evaluates-to operators in the usual
14353 way. The second causes only the @var{b} part to appear in the
14354 printed document; the @var{a} part and the arrow are hidden.
14355 Another definition you may wish to use is @samp{\let\to=\Rightarrow}
14356 which causes @code{\to} to appear more like Calc's @samp{=>} symbol.
14357 @xref{Evaluates-To Operator}, for a discussion of @code{evalto}.
14359 The complete set of @TeX{} control sequences that are ignored during
14363 \hbox \mbox \text \left \right
14364 \, \> \: \; \! \quad \qquad \hfil \hfill
14365 \displaystyle \textstyle \dsize \tsize
14366 \scriptstyle \scriptscriptstyle \ssize \ssize
14367 \rm \bf \it \sl \roman \bold \italic \slanted
14368 \cal \mit \Cal \Bbb \frak \goth
14372 Note that, because these symbols are ignored, reading a @TeX{} or
14373 La@TeX{} formula into Calc and writing it back out may lose spacing and
14376 Also, the ``discretionary multiplication sign'' @samp{\*} is read
14377 the same as @samp{*}.
14380 The @TeX{} version of this manual includes some printed examples at the
14381 end of this section.
14384 Here are some examples of how various Calc formulas are formatted in @TeX{}:
14389 \sin\left( {a^2 \over b_i} \right)
14393 $$ \sin\left( a^2 \over b_i \right) $$
14399 [(3, 4), 3:4, 3 +/- 4, [3 .. inf)]
14400 [3 + 4i, @{3 \over 4@}, 3 \pm 4, [3 \ldots \infty)]
14405 $$ [3 + 4i, {3 \over 4}, 3 \pm 4, [ 3 \ldots \infty)] $$
14411 [abs(a), abs(a / b), floor(a), ceil(a / b)]
14412 [|a|, \left| a \over b \right|,
14413 \lfloor a \rfloor, \left\lceil a \over b \right\rceil]
14417 $$ [|a|, \left| a \over b \right|,
14418 \lfloor a \rfloor, \left\lceil a \over b \right\rceil] $$
14424 [sin(a), sin(2 a), sin(2 + a), sin(a / b)]
14425 [\sin@{a@}, \sin@{2 a@}, \sin(2 + a),
14426 \sin\left( @{a \over b@} \right)]
14431 $$ [\sin{a}, \sin{2 a}, \sin(2 + a), \sin\left( {a \over b} \right)] $$
14435 First with plain @kbd{d T}, then with @kbd{C-u d T}, then finally with
14436 @kbd{C-u - d T} (using the example definition
14437 @samp{\def\foo#1@{\tilde F(#1)@}}:
14441 [f(a), foo(bar), sin(pi)]
14442 [f(a), foo(bar), \sin{\pi}]
14443 [f(a), \hbox@{foo@}(\hbox@{bar@}), \sin@{\pi@}]
14444 [f(a), \foo@{\hbox@{bar@}@}, \sin@{\pi@}]
14448 $$ [f(a), foo(bar), \sin{\pi}] $$
14449 $$ [f(a), \hbox{foo}(\hbox{bar}), \sin{\pi}] $$
14450 $$ [f(a), \tilde F(\hbox{bar}), \sin{\pi}] $$
14454 First with @samp{\def\evalto@{@}}, then with @samp{\def\evalto#1\to@{@}}:
14459 \evalto 2 + 3 \to 5
14469 First with standard @code{\to}, then with @samp{\let\to\Rightarrow}:
14473 [2 + 3 => 5, a / 2 => (b + c) / 2]
14474 [@{2 + 3 \to 5@}, @{@{a \over 2@} \to @{b + c \over 2@}@}]
14479 $$ [{2 + 3 \to 5}, {{a \over 2} \to {b + c \over 2}}] $$
14480 {\let\to\Rightarrow
14481 $$ [{2 + 3 \to 5}, {{a \over 2} \to {b + c \over 2}}] $$}
14485 Matrices normally, then changing @code{\matrix} to @code{\pmatrix}:
14489 [ [ a / b, 0 ], [ 0, 2^(x + 1) ] ]
14490 \matrix@{ @{a \over b@} & 0 \\ 0 & 2^@{(x + 1)@} @}
14491 \pmatrix@{ @{a \over b@} & 0 \\ 0 & 2^@{(x + 1)@} @}
14496 $$ \matrix{ {a \over b} & 0 \cr 0 & 2^{(x + 1)} } $$
14497 $$ \pmatrix{ {a \over b} & 0 \cr 0 & 2^{(x + 1)} } $$
14502 @node Eqn Language Mode, Yacas Language Mode, TeX and LaTeX Language Modes, Language Modes
14503 @subsection Eqn Language Mode
14507 @pindex calc-eqn-language
14508 @dfn{Eqn} is another popular formatter for math formulas. It is
14509 designed for use with the TROFF text formatter, and comes standard
14510 with many versions of Unix. The @kbd{d E} (@code{calc-eqn-language})
14511 command selects @dfn{eqn} notation.
14513 The @dfn{eqn} language's main idiosyncrasy is that whitespace plays
14514 a significant part in the parsing of the language. For example,
14515 @samp{sqrt x+1 + y} treats @samp{x+1} as the argument of the
14516 @code{sqrt} operator. @dfn{Eqn} also understands more conventional
14517 grouping using curly braces: @samp{sqrt@{x+1@} + y}. Braces are
14518 required only when the argument contains spaces.
14520 In Calc's @dfn{eqn} mode, however, curly braces are required to
14521 delimit arguments of operators like @code{sqrt}. The first of the
14522 above examples would treat only the @samp{x} as the argument of
14523 @code{sqrt}, and in fact @samp{sin x+1} would be interpreted as
14524 @samp{sin * x + 1}, because @code{sin} is not a special operator
14525 in the @dfn{eqn} language. If you always surround the argument
14526 with curly braces, Calc will never misunderstand.
14528 Calc also understands parentheses as grouping characters. Another
14529 peculiarity of @dfn{eqn}'s syntax makes it advisable to separate
14530 words with spaces from any surrounding characters that aren't curly
14531 braces, so Calc writes @samp{sin ( x + y )} in @dfn{eqn} mode.
14532 (The spaces around @code{sin} are important to make @dfn{eqn}
14533 recognize that @code{sin} should be typeset in a roman font, and
14534 the spaces around @code{x} and @code{y} are a good idea just in
14535 case the @dfn{eqn} document has defined special meanings for these
14538 Powers and subscripts are written with the @code{sub} and @code{sup}
14539 operators, respectively. Note that the caret symbol @samp{^} is
14540 treated the same as a space in @dfn{eqn} mode, as is the @samp{~}
14541 symbol (these are used to introduce spaces of various widths into
14542 the typeset output of @dfn{eqn}).
14544 As in La@TeX{} mode, Calc's formatter omits parentheses around the
14545 arguments of functions like @code{ln} and @code{sin} if they are
14546 ``simple-looking''; in this case Calc surrounds the argument with
14547 braces, separated by a @samp{~} from the function name: @samp{sin~@{x@}}.
14549 Font change codes (like @samp{roman @var{x}}) and positioning codes
14550 (like @samp{~} and @samp{down @var{n} @var{x}}) are ignored by the
14551 @dfn{eqn} reader. Also ignored are the words @code{left}, @code{right},
14552 @code{mark}, and @code{lineup}. Quotation marks in @dfn{eqn} mode input
14553 are treated the same as curly braces: @samp{sqrt "1+x"} is equivalent to
14554 @samp{sqrt @{1+x@}}; this is only an approximation to the true meaning
14555 of quotes in @dfn{eqn}, but it is good enough for most uses.
14557 Accent codes (@samp{@var{x} dot}) are handled by treating them as
14558 function calls (@samp{dot(@var{x})}) internally.
14559 @xref{TeX and LaTeX Language Modes}, for a table of these accent
14560 functions. The @code{prime} accent is treated specially if it occurs on
14561 a variable or function name: @samp{f prime prime @w{( x prime )}} is
14562 stored internally as @samp{f'@w{'}(x')}. For example, taking the
14563 derivative of @samp{f(2 x)} with @kbd{a d x} will produce @samp{2 f'(2
14564 x)}, which @dfn{eqn} mode will display as @samp{2 f prime ( 2 x )}.
14566 Assignments are written with the @samp{<-} (left-arrow) symbol,
14567 and @code{evalto} operators are written with @samp{->} or
14568 @samp{evalto ... ->} (@pxref{TeX and LaTeX Language Modes}, for a discussion
14569 of this). The regular Calc symbols @samp{:=} and @samp{=>} are also
14570 recognized for these operators during reading.
14572 Vectors in @dfn{eqn} mode use regular Calc square brackets, but
14573 matrices are formatted as @samp{matrix @{ ccol @{ a above b @} ... @}}.
14574 The words @code{lcol} and @code{rcol} are recognized as synonyms
14575 for @code{ccol} during input, and are generated instead of @code{ccol}
14576 if the matrix justification mode so specifies.
14578 @node Yacas Language Mode, Maxima Language Mode, Eqn Language Mode, Language Modes
14579 @subsection Yacas Language Mode
14583 @pindex calc-yacas-language
14584 @cindex Yacas language
14585 The @kbd{d Y} (@code{calc-yacas-language}) command selects the
14586 conventions of Yacas, a free computer algebra system. While the
14587 operators and functions in Yacas are similar to those of Calc, the names
14588 of built-in functions in Yacas are capitalized. The Calc formula
14589 @samp{sin(2 x)}, for example, is entered and displayed @samp{Sin(2 x)}
14590 in Yacas mode, and `@samp{arcsin(x^2)} is @samp{ArcSin(x^2)} in Yacas
14591 mode. Complex numbers are written are written @samp{3 + 4 I}.
14592 The standard special constants are written @code{Pi}, @code{E},
14593 @code{I}, @code{GoldenRatio} and @code{Gamma}. @code{Infinity}
14594 represents both @code{inf} and @code{uinf}, and @code{Undefined}
14595 represents @code{nan}.
14597 Certain operators on functions, such as @code{D} for differentiation
14598 and @code{Integrate} for integration, take a prefix form in Yacas. For
14599 example, the derivative of @w{@samp{e^x sin(x)}} can be computed with
14600 @w{@samp{D(x) Exp(x)*Sin(x)}}.
14602 Other notable differences between Yacas and standard Calc expressions
14603 are that vectors and matrices use curly braces in Yacas, and subscripts
14604 use square brackets. If, for example, @samp{A} represents the list
14605 @samp{@{a,2,c,4@}}, then @samp{A[3]} would equal @samp{c}.
14608 @node Maxima Language Mode, Giac Language Mode, Yacas Language Mode, Language Modes
14609 @subsection Maxima Language Mode
14613 @pindex calc-maxima-language
14614 @cindex Maxima language
14615 The @kbd{d X} (@code{calc-maxima-language}) command selects the
14616 conventions of Maxima, another free computer algebra system. The
14617 function names in Maxima are similar, but not always identical, to Calc.
14618 For example, instead of @samp{arcsin(x)}, Maxima will use
14619 @samp{asin(x)}. Complex numbers are written @samp{3 + 4 %i}. The
14620 standard special constants are written @code{%pi}, @code{%e},
14621 @code{%i}, @code{%phi} and @code{%gamma}. In Maxima, @code{inf} means
14622 the same as in Calc, but @code{infinity} represents Calc's @code{uinf}.
14624 Underscores as well as percent signs are allowed in function and
14625 variable names in Maxima mode. The underscore again is equivalent to
14626 the @samp{#} in Normal mode, and the percent sign is equivalent to
14629 Maxima uses square brackets for lists and vectors, and matrices are
14630 written as calls to the function @code{matrix}, given the row vectors of
14631 the matrix as arguments. Square brackets are also used as subscripts.
14633 @node Giac Language Mode, Mathematica Language Mode, Maxima Language Mode, Language Modes
14634 @subsection Giac Language Mode
14638 @pindex calc-giac-language
14639 @cindex Giac language
14640 The @kbd{d A} (@code{calc-giac-language}) command selects the
14641 conventions of Giac, another free computer algebra system. The function
14642 names in Giac are similar to Maxima. Complex numbers are written
14643 @samp{3 + 4 i}. The standard special constants in Giac are the same as
14644 in Calc, except that @code{infinity} represents both Calc's @code{inf}
14647 Underscores are allowed in function and variable names in Giac mode.
14648 Brackets are used for subscripts. In Giac, indexing of lists begins at
14649 0, instead of 1 as in Calc. So if @samp{A} represents the list
14650 @samp{[a,2,c,4]}, then @samp{A[2]} would equal @samp{c}. In general,
14651 @samp{A[n]} in Giac mode corresponds to @samp{A_(n+1)} in Normal mode.
14653 The Giac interval notation @samp{2 .. 3} has no surrounding brackets;
14654 Calc reads @samp{2 .. 3} as the closed interval @samp{[2 .. 3]} and
14655 writes any kind of interval as @samp{2 .. 3}. This means you cannot see
14656 the difference between an open and a closed interval while in Giac mode.
14658 @node Mathematica Language Mode, Maple Language Mode, Giac Language Mode, Language Modes
14659 @subsection Mathematica Language Mode
14663 @pindex calc-mathematica-language
14664 @cindex Mathematica language
14665 The @kbd{d M} (@code{calc-mathematica-language}) command selects the
14666 conventions of Mathematica. Notable differences in Mathematica mode
14667 are that the names of built-in functions are capitalized, and function
14668 calls use square brackets instead of parentheses. Thus the Calc
14669 formula @samp{sin(2 x)} is entered and displayed @w{@samp{Sin[2 x]}} in
14672 Vectors and matrices use curly braces in Mathematica. Complex numbers
14673 are written @samp{3 + 4 I}. The standard special constants in Calc are
14674 written @code{Pi}, @code{E}, @code{I}, @code{GoldenRatio}, @code{EulerGamma},
14675 @code{Infinity}, @code{ComplexInfinity}, and @code{Indeterminate} in
14677 Non-decimal numbers are written, e.g., @samp{16^^7fff}. Floating-point
14678 numbers in scientific notation are written @samp{1.23*10.^3}.
14679 Subscripts use double square brackets: @samp{a[[i]]}.
14681 @node Maple Language Mode, Compositions, Mathematica Language Mode, Language Modes
14682 @subsection Maple Language Mode
14686 @pindex calc-maple-language
14687 @cindex Maple language
14688 The @kbd{d W} (@code{calc-maple-language}) command selects the
14689 conventions of Maple.
14691 Maple's language is much like C. Underscores are allowed in symbol
14692 names; square brackets are used for subscripts; explicit @samp{*}s for
14693 multiplications are required. Use either @samp{^} or @samp{**} to
14696 Maple uses square brackets for lists and curly braces for sets. Calc
14697 interprets both notations as vectors, and displays vectors with square
14698 brackets. This means Maple sets will be converted to lists when they
14699 pass through Calc. As a special case, matrices are written as calls
14700 to the function @code{matrix}, given a list of lists as the argument,
14701 and can be read in this form or with all-capitals @code{MATRIX}.
14703 The Maple interval notation @samp{2 .. 3} is like Giac's interval
14704 notation, and is handled the same by Calc.
14706 Maple writes complex numbers as @samp{3 + 4*I}. Its special constants
14707 are @code{Pi}, @code{E}, @code{I}, and @code{infinity} (all three of
14708 @code{inf}, @code{uinf}, and @code{nan} display as @code{infinity}).
14709 Floating-point numbers are written @samp{1.23*10.^3}.
14711 Among things not currently handled by Calc's Maple mode are the
14712 various quote symbols, procedures and functional operators, and
14713 inert (@samp{&}) operators.
14715 @node Compositions, Syntax Tables, Maple Language Mode, Language Modes
14716 @subsection Compositions
14719 @cindex Compositions
14720 There are several @dfn{composition functions} which allow you to get
14721 displays in a variety of formats similar to those in Big language
14722 mode. Most of these functions do not evaluate to anything; they are
14723 placeholders which are left in symbolic form by Calc's evaluator but
14724 are recognized by Calc's display formatting routines.
14726 Two of these, @code{string} and @code{bstring}, are described elsewhere.
14727 @xref{Strings}. For example, @samp{string("ABC")} is displayed as
14728 @samp{ABC}. When viewed on the stack it will be indistinguishable from
14729 the variable @code{ABC}, but internally it will be stored as
14730 @samp{string([65, 66, 67])} and can still be manipulated this way; for
14731 example, the selection and vector commands @kbd{j 1 v v j u} would
14732 select the vector portion of this object and reverse the elements, then
14733 deselect to reveal a string whose characters had been reversed.
14735 The composition functions do the same thing in all language modes
14736 (although their components will of course be formatted in the current
14737 language mode). The one exception is Unformatted mode (@kbd{d U}),
14738 which does not give the composition functions any special treatment.
14739 The functions are discussed here because of their relationship to
14740 the language modes.
14743 * Composition Basics::
14744 * Horizontal Compositions::
14745 * Vertical Compositions::
14746 * Other Compositions::
14747 * Information about Compositions::
14748 * User-Defined Compositions::
14751 @node Composition Basics, Horizontal Compositions, Compositions, Compositions
14752 @subsubsection Composition Basics
14755 Compositions are generally formed by stacking formulas together
14756 horizontally or vertically in various ways. Those formulas are
14757 themselves compositions. @TeX{} users will find this analogous
14758 to @TeX{}'s ``boxes.'' Each multi-line composition has a
14759 @dfn{baseline}; horizontal compositions use the baselines to
14760 decide how formulas should be positioned relative to one another.
14761 For example, in the Big mode formula
14773 the second term of the sum is four lines tall and has line three as
14774 its baseline. Thus when the term is combined with 17, line three
14775 is placed on the same level as the baseline of 17.
14781 Another important composition concept is @dfn{precedence}. This is
14782 an integer that represents the binding strength of various operators.
14783 For example, @samp{*} has higher precedence (195) than @samp{+} (180),
14784 which means that @samp{(a * b) + c} will be formatted without the
14785 parentheses, but @samp{a * (b + c)} will keep the parentheses.
14787 The operator table used by normal and Big language modes has the
14788 following precedences:
14791 _ 1200 @r{(subscripts)}
14792 % 1100 @r{(as in n}%@r{)}
14793 ! 1000 @r{(as in }!@r{n)}
14796 !! 210 @r{(as in n}!!@r{)}
14797 ! 210 @r{(as in n}!@r{)}
14799 - 197 @r{(as in }-@r{n)}
14800 * 195 @r{(or implicit multiplication)}
14802 + - 180 @r{(as in a}+@r{b)}
14804 < = 160 @r{(and other relations)}
14816 The general rule is that if an operator with precedence @expr{n}
14817 occurs as an argument to an operator with precedence @expr{m}, then
14818 the argument is enclosed in parentheses if @expr{n < m}. Top-level
14819 expressions and expressions which are function arguments, vector
14820 components, etc., are formatted with precedence zero (so that they
14821 normally never get additional parentheses).
14823 For binary left-associative operators like @samp{+}, the righthand
14824 argument is actually formatted with one-higher precedence than shown
14825 in the table. This makes sure @samp{(a + b) + c} omits the parentheses,
14826 but the unnatural form @samp{a + (b + c)} keeps its parentheses.
14827 Right-associative operators like @samp{^} format the lefthand argument
14828 with one-higher precedence.
14834 The @code{cprec} function formats an expression with an arbitrary
14835 precedence. For example, @samp{cprec(abc, 185)} will combine into
14836 sums and products as follows: @samp{7 + abc}, @samp{7 (abc)} (because
14837 this @code{cprec} form has higher precedence than addition, but lower
14838 precedence than multiplication).
14844 A final composition issue is @dfn{line breaking}. Calc uses two
14845 different strategies for ``flat'' and ``non-flat'' compositions.
14846 A non-flat composition is anything that appears on multiple lines
14847 (not counting line breaking). Examples would be matrices and Big
14848 mode powers and quotients. Non-flat compositions are displayed
14849 exactly as specified. If they come out wider than the current
14850 window, you must use horizontal scrolling (@kbd{<} and @kbd{>}) to
14853 Flat compositions, on the other hand, will be broken across several
14854 lines if they are too wide to fit the window. Certain points in a
14855 composition are noted internally as @dfn{break points}. Calc's
14856 general strategy is to fill each line as much as possible, then to
14857 move down to the next line starting at the first break point that
14858 didn't fit. However, the line breaker understands the hierarchical
14859 structure of formulas. It will not break an ``inner'' formula if
14860 it can use an earlier break point from an ``outer'' formula instead.
14861 For example, a vector of sums might be formatted as:
14865 [ a + b + c, d + e + f,
14866 g + h + i, j + k + l, m ]
14871 If the @samp{m} can fit, then so, it seems, could the @samp{g}.
14872 But Calc prefers to break at the comma since the comma is part
14873 of a ``more outer'' formula. Calc would break at a plus sign
14874 only if it had to, say, if the very first sum in the vector had
14875 itself been too large to fit.
14877 Of the composition functions described below, only @code{choriz}
14878 generates break points. The @code{bstring} function (@pxref{Strings})
14879 also generates breakable items: A break point is added after every
14880 space (or group of spaces) except for spaces at the very beginning or
14883 Composition functions themselves count as levels in the formula
14884 hierarchy, so a @code{choriz} that is a component of a larger
14885 @code{choriz} will be less likely to be broken. As a special case,
14886 if a @code{bstring} occurs as a component of a @code{choriz} or
14887 @code{choriz}-like object (such as a vector or a list of arguments
14888 in a function call), then the break points in that @code{bstring}
14889 will be on the same level as the break points of the surrounding
14892 @node Horizontal Compositions, Vertical Compositions, Composition Basics, Compositions
14893 @subsubsection Horizontal Compositions
14900 The @code{choriz} function takes a vector of objects and composes
14901 them horizontally. For example, @samp{choriz([17, a b/c, d])} formats
14902 as @w{@samp{17a b / cd}} in Normal language mode, or as
14913 in Big language mode. This is actually one case of the general
14914 function @samp{choriz(@var{vec}, @var{sep}, @var{prec})}, where
14915 either or both of @var{sep} and @var{prec} may be omitted.
14916 @var{Prec} gives the @dfn{precedence} to use when formatting
14917 each of the components of @var{vec}. The default precedence is
14918 the precedence from the surrounding environment.
14920 @var{Sep} is a string (i.e., a vector of character codes as might
14921 be entered with @code{" "} notation) which should separate components
14922 of the composition. Also, if @var{sep} is given, the line breaker
14923 will allow lines to be broken after each occurrence of @var{sep}.
14924 If @var{sep} is omitted, the composition will not be breakable
14925 (unless any of its component compositions are breakable).
14927 For example, @samp{2 choriz([a, b c, d = e], " + ", 180)} is
14928 formatted as @samp{2 a + b c + (d = e)}. To get the @code{choriz}
14929 to have precedence 180 ``outwards'' as well as ``inwards,''
14930 enclose it in a @code{cprec} form: @samp{2 cprec(choriz(...), 180)}
14931 formats as @samp{2 (a + b c + (d = e))}.
14933 The baseline of a horizontal composition is the same as the
14934 baselines of the component compositions, which are all aligned.
14936 @node Vertical Compositions, Other Compositions, Horizontal Compositions, Compositions
14937 @subsubsection Vertical Compositions
14944 The @code{cvert} function makes a vertical composition. Each
14945 component of the vector is centered in a column. The baseline of
14946 the result is by default the top line of the resulting composition.
14947 For example, @samp{f(cvert([a, bb, ccc]), cvert([a^2 + 1, b^2]))}
14948 formats in Big mode as
14963 There are several special composition functions that work only as
14964 components of a vertical composition. The @code{cbase} function
14965 controls the baseline of the vertical composition; the baseline
14966 will be the same as the baseline of whatever component is enclosed
14967 in @code{cbase}. Thus @samp{f(cvert([a, cbase(bb), ccc]),
14968 cvert([a^2 + 1, cbase(b^2)]))} displays as
14988 There are also @code{ctbase} and @code{cbbase} functions which
14989 make the baseline of the vertical composition equal to the top
14990 or bottom line (rather than the baseline) of that component.
14991 Thus @samp{cvert([cbase(a / b)]) + cvert([ctbase(a / b)]) +
14992 cvert([cbbase(a / b)])} gives
15004 There should be only one @code{cbase}, @code{ctbase}, or @code{cbbase}
15005 function in a given vertical composition. These functions can also
15006 be written with no arguments: @samp{ctbase()} is a zero-height object
15007 which means the baseline is the top line of the following item, and
15008 @samp{cbbase()} means the baseline is the bottom line of the preceding
15015 The @code{crule} function builds a ``rule,'' or horizontal line,
15016 across a vertical composition. By itself @samp{crule()} uses @samp{-}
15017 characters to build the rule. You can specify any other character,
15018 e.g., @samp{crule("=")}. The argument must be a character code or
15019 vector of exactly one character code. It is repeated to match the
15020 width of the widest item in the stack. For example, a quotient
15021 with a thick line is @samp{cvert([a + 1, cbase(crule("=")), b^2])}:
15040 Finally, the functions @code{clvert} and @code{crvert} act exactly
15041 like @code{cvert} except that the items are left- or right-justified
15042 in the stack. Thus @samp{clvert([a, bb, ccc]) + crvert([a, bb, ccc])}
15053 Like @code{choriz}, the vertical compositions accept a second argument
15054 which gives the precedence to use when formatting the components.
15055 Vertical compositions do not support separator strings.
15057 @node Other Compositions, Information about Compositions, Vertical Compositions, Compositions
15058 @subsubsection Other Compositions
15065 The @code{csup} function builds a superscripted expression. For
15066 example, @samp{csup(a, b)} looks the same as @samp{a^b} does in Big
15067 language mode. This is essentially a horizontal composition of
15068 @samp{a} and @samp{b}, where @samp{b} is shifted up so that its
15069 bottom line is one above the baseline.
15075 Likewise, the @code{csub} function builds a subscripted expression.
15076 This shifts @samp{b} down so that its top line is one below the
15077 bottom line of @samp{a} (note that this is not quite analogous to
15078 @code{csup}). Other arrangements can be obtained by using
15079 @code{choriz} and @code{cvert} directly.
15085 The @code{cflat} function formats its argument in ``flat'' mode,
15086 as obtained by @samp{d O}, if the current language mode is normal
15087 or Big. It has no effect in other language modes. For example,
15088 @samp{a^(b/c)} is formatted by Big mode like @samp{csup(a, cflat(b/c))}
15089 to improve its readability.
15095 The @code{cspace} function creates horizontal space. For example,
15096 @samp{cspace(4)} is effectively the same as @samp{string(" ")}.
15097 A second string (i.e., vector of characters) argument is repeated
15098 instead of the space character. For example, @samp{cspace(4, "ab")}
15099 looks like @samp{abababab}. If the second argument is not a string,
15100 it is formatted in the normal way and then several copies of that
15101 are composed together: @samp{cspace(4, a^2)} yields
15111 If the number argument is zero, this is a zero-width object.
15117 The @code{cvspace} function creates vertical space, or a vertical
15118 stack of copies of a certain string or formatted object. The
15119 baseline is the center line of the resulting stack. A numerical
15120 argument of zero will produce an object which contributes zero
15121 height if used in a vertical composition.
15131 There are also @code{ctspace} and @code{cbspace} functions which
15132 create vertical space with the baseline the same as the baseline
15133 of the top or bottom copy, respectively, of the second argument.
15134 Thus @samp{cvspace(2, a/b) + ctspace(2, a/b) + cbspace(2, a/b)}
15151 @node Information about Compositions, User-Defined Compositions, Other Compositions, Compositions
15152 @subsubsection Information about Compositions
15155 The functions in this section are actual functions; they compose their
15156 arguments according to the current language and other display modes,
15157 then return a certain measurement of the composition as an integer.
15163 The @code{cwidth} function measures the width, in characters, of a
15164 composition. For example, @samp{cwidth(a + b)} is 5, and
15165 @samp{cwidth(a / b)} is 5 in Normal mode, 1 in Big mode, and 11 in
15166 @TeX{} mode (for @samp{@{a \over b@}}). The argument may involve
15167 the composition functions described in this section.
15173 The @code{cheight} function measures the height of a composition.
15174 This is the total number of lines in the argument's printed form.
15184 The functions @code{cascent} and @code{cdescent} measure the amount
15185 of the height that is above (and including) the baseline, or below
15186 the baseline, respectively. Thus @samp{cascent(@var{x}) + cdescent(@var{x})}
15187 always equals @samp{cheight(@var{x})}. For a one-line formula like
15188 @samp{a + b}, @code{cascent} returns 1 and @code{cdescent} returns 0.
15189 For @samp{a / b} in Big mode, @code{cascent} returns 2 and @code{cdescent}
15190 returns 1. The only formula for which @code{cascent} will return zero
15191 is @samp{cvspace(0)} or equivalents.
15193 @node User-Defined Compositions, , Information about Compositions, Compositions
15194 @subsubsection User-Defined Compositions
15198 @pindex calc-user-define-composition
15199 The @kbd{Z C} (@code{calc-user-define-composition}) command lets you
15200 define the display format for any algebraic function. You provide a
15201 formula containing a certain number of argument variables on the stack.
15202 Any time Calc formats a call to the specified function in the current
15203 language mode and with that number of arguments, Calc effectively
15204 replaces the function call with that formula with the arguments
15207 Calc builds the default argument list by sorting all the variable names
15208 that appear in the formula into alphabetical order. You can edit this
15209 argument list before pressing @key{RET} if you wish. Any variables in
15210 the formula that do not appear in the argument list will be displayed
15211 literally; any arguments that do not appear in the formula will not
15212 affect the display at all.
15214 You can define formats for built-in functions, for functions you have
15215 defined with @kbd{Z F} (@pxref{Algebraic Definitions}), or for functions
15216 which have no definitions but are being used as purely syntactic objects.
15217 You can define different formats for each language mode, and for each
15218 number of arguments, using a succession of @kbd{Z C} commands. When
15219 Calc formats a function call, it first searches for a format defined
15220 for the current language mode (and number of arguments); if there is
15221 none, it uses the format defined for the Normal language mode. If
15222 neither format exists, Calc uses its built-in standard format for that
15223 function (usually just @samp{@var{func}(@var{args})}).
15225 If you execute @kbd{Z C} with the number 0 on the stack instead of a
15226 formula, any defined formats for the function in the current language
15227 mode will be removed. The function will revert to its standard format.
15229 For example, the default format for the binomial coefficient function
15230 @samp{choose(n, m)} in the Big language mode is
15241 You might prefer the notation,
15251 To define this notation, first make sure you are in Big mode,
15252 then put the formula
15255 choriz([cvert([cvspace(1), n]), C, cvert([cvspace(1), m])])
15259 on the stack and type @kbd{Z C}. Answer the first prompt with
15260 @code{choose}. The second prompt will be the default argument list
15261 of @samp{(C m n)}. Edit this list to be @samp{(n m)} and press
15262 @key{RET}. Now, try it out: For example, turn simplification
15263 off with @kbd{m O} and enter @samp{choose(a,b) + choose(7,3)}
15264 as an algebraic entry.
15273 As another example, let's define the usual notation for Stirling
15274 numbers of the first kind, @samp{stir1(n, m)}. This is just like
15275 the regular format for binomial coefficients but with square brackets
15276 instead of parentheses.
15279 choriz([string("["), cvert([n, cbase(cvspace(1)), m]), string("]")])
15282 Now type @kbd{Z C stir1 @key{RET}}, edit the argument list to
15283 @samp{(n m)}, and type @key{RET}.
15285 The formula provided to @kbd{Z C} usually will involve composition
15286 functions, but it doesn't have to. Putting the formula @samp{a + b + c}
15287 onto the stack and typing @kbd{Z C foo @key{RET} @key{RET}} would define
15288 the function @samp{foo(x,y,z)} to display like @samp{x + y + z}.
15289 This ``sum'' will act exactly like a real sum for all formatting
15290 purposes (it will be parenthesized the same, and so on). However
15291 it will be computationally unrelated to a sum. For example, the
15292 formula @samp{2 * foo(1, 2, 3)} will display as @samp{2 (1 + 2 + 3)}.
15293 Operator precedences have caused the ``sum'' to be written in
15294 parentheses, but the arguments have not actually been summed.
15295 (Generally a display format like this would be undesirable, since
15296 it can easily be confused with a real sum.)
15298 The special function @code{eval} can be used inside a @kbd{Z C}
15299 composition formula to cause all or part of the formula to be
15300 evaluated at display time. For example, if the formula is
15301 @samp{a + eval(b + c)}, then @samp{foo(1, 2, 3)} will be displayed
15302 as @samp{1 + 5}. Evaluation will use the default simplifications,
15303 regardless of the current simplification mode. There are also
15304 @code{evalsimp} and @code{evalextsimp} which simplify as if by
15305 @kbd{a s} and @kbd{a e} (respectively). Note that these ``functions''
15306 operate only in the context of composition formulas (and also in
15307 rewrite rules, where they serve a similar purpose; @pxref{Rewrite
15308 Rules}). On the stack, a call to @code{eval} will be left in
15311 It is not a good idea to use @code{eval} except as a last resort.
15312 It can cause the display of formulas to be extremely slow. For
15313 example, while @samp{eval(a + b)} might seem quite fast and simple,
15314 there are several situations where it could be slow. For example,
15315 @samp{a} and/or @samp{b} could be polar complex numbers, in which
15316 case doing the sum requires trigonometry. Or, @samp{a} could be
15317 the factorial @samp{fact(100)} which is unevaluated because you
15318 have typed @kbd{m O}; @code{eval} will evaluate it anyway to
15319 produce a large, unwieldy integer.
15321 You can save your display formats permanently using the @kbd{Z P}
15322 command (@pxref{Creating User Keys}).
15324 @node Syntax Tables, , Compositions, Language Modes
15325 @subsection Syntax Tables
15328 @cindex Syntax tables
15329 @cindex Parsing formulas, customized
15330 Syntax tables do for input what compositions do for output: They
15331 allow you to teach custom notations to Calc's formula parser.
15332 Calc keeps a separate syntax table for each language mode.
15334 (Note that the Calc ``syntax tables'' discussed here are completely
15335 unrelated to the syntax tables described in the Emacs manual.)
15338 @pindex calc-edit-user-syntax
15339 The @kbd{Z S} (@code{calc-edit-user-syntax}) command edits the
15340 syntax table for the current language mode. If you want your
15341 syntax to work in any language, define it in the Normal language
15342 mode. Type @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish editing the syntax table, or
15343 @kbd{C-x k} to cancel the edit. The @kbd{m m} command saves all
15344 the syntax tables along with the other mode settings;
15345 @pxref{General Mode Commands}.
15348 * Syntax Table Basics::
15349 * Precedence in Syntax Tables::
15350 * Advanced Syntax Patterns::
15351 * Conditional Syntax Rules::
15354 @node Syntax Table Basics, Precedence in Syntax Tables, Syntax Tables, Syntax Tables
15355 @subsubsection Syntax Table Basics
15358 @dfn{Parsing} is the process of converting a raw string of characters,
15359 such as you would type in during algebraic entry, into a Calc formula.
15360 Calc's parser works in two stages. First, the input is broken down
15361 into @dfn{tokens}, such as words, numbers, and punctuation symbols
15362 like @samp{+}, @samp{:=}, and @samp{+/-}. Space between tokens is
15363 ignored (except when it serves to separate adjacent words). Next,
15364 the parser matches this string of tokens against various built-in
15365 syntactic patterns, such as ``an expression followed by @samp{+}
15366 followed by another expression'' or ``a name followed by @samp{(},
15367 zero or more expressions separated by commas, and @samp{)}.''
15369 A @dfn{syntax table} is a list of user-defined @dfn{syntax rules},
15370 which allow you to specify new patterns to define your own
15371 favorite input notations. Calc's parser always checks the syntax
15372 table for the current language mode, then the table for the Normal
15373 language mode, before it uses its built-in rules to parse an
15374 algebraic formula you have entered. Each syntax rule should go on
15375 its own line; it consists of a @dfn{pattern}, a @samp{:=} symbol,
15376 and a Calc formula with an optional @dfn{condition}. (Syntax rules
15377 resemble algebraic rewrite rules, but the notation for patterns is
15378 completely different.)
15380 A syntax pattern is a list of tokens, separated by spaces.
15381 Except for a few special symbols, tokens in syntax patterns are
15382 matched literally, from left to right. For example, the rule,
15389 would cause Calc to parse the formula @samp{4+foo()*5} as if it
15390 were @samp{4+(2+3)*5}. Notice that the parentheses were written
15391 as two separate tokens in the rule. As a result, the rule works
15392 for both @samp{foo()} and @w{@samp{foo ( )}}. If we had written
15393 the rule as @samp{foo () := 2+3}, then Calc would treat @samp{()}
15394 as a single, indivisible token, so that @w{@samp{foo( )}} would
15395 not be recognized by the rule. (It would be parsed as a regular
15396 zero-argument function call instead.) In fact, this rule would
15397 also make trouble for the rest of Calc's parser: An unrelated
15398 formula like @samp{bar()} would now be tokenized into @samp{bar ()}
15399 instead of @samp{bar ( )}, so that the standard parser for function
15400 calls would no longer recognize it!
15402 While it is possible to make a token with a mixture of letters
15403 and punctuation symbols, this is not recommended. It is better to
15404 break it into several tokens, as we did with @samp{foo()} above.
15406 The symbol @samp{#} in a syntax pattern matches any Calc expression.
15407 On the righthand side, the things that matched the @samp{#}s can
15408 be referred to as @samp{#1}, @samp{#2}, and so on (where @samp{#1}
15409 matches the leftmost @samp{#} in the pattern). For example, these
15410 rules match a user-defined function, prefix operator, infix operator,
15411 and postfix operator, respectively:
15414 foo ( # ) := myfunc(#1)
15415 foo # := myprefix(#1)
15416 # foo # := myinfix(#1,#2)
15417 # foo := mypostfix(#1)
15420 Thus @samp{foo(3)} will parse as @samp{myfunc(3)}, and @samp{2+3 foo}
15421 will parse as @samp{mypostfix(2+3)}.
15423 It is important to write the first two rules in the order shown,
15424 because Calc tries rules in order from first to last. If the
15425 pattern @samp{foo #} came first, it would match anything that could
15426 match the @samp{foo ( # )} rule, since an expression in parentheses
15427 is itself a valid expression. Thus the @w{@samp{foo ( # )}} rule would
15428 never get to match anything. Likewise, the last two rules must be
15429 written in the order shown or else @samp{3 foo 4} will be parsed as
15430 @samp{mypostfix(3) * 4}. (Of course, the best way to avoid these
15431 ambiguities is not to use the same symbol in more than one way at
15432 the same time! In case you're not convinced, try the following
15433 exercise: How will the above rules parse the input @samp{foo(3,4)},
15434 if at all? Work it out for yourself, then try it in Calc and see.)
15436 Calc is quite flexible about what sorts of patterns are allowed.
15437 The only rule is that every pattern must begin with a literal
15438 token (like @samp{foo} in the first two patterns above), or with
15439 a @samp{#} followed by a literal token (as in the last two
15440 patterns). After that, any mixture is allowed, although putting
15441 two @samp{#}s in a row will not be very useful since two
15442 expressions with nothing between them will be parsed as one
15443 expression that uses implicit multiplication.
15445 As a more practical example, Maple uses the notation
15446 @samp{sum(a(i), i=1..10)} for sums, which Calc's Maple mode doesn't
15447 recognize at present. To handle this syntax, we simply add the
15451 sum ( # , # = # .. # ) := sum(#1,#2,#3,#4)
15455 to the Maple mode syntax table. As another example, C mode can't
15456 read assignment operators like @samp{++} and @samp{*=}. We can
15457 define these operators quite easily:
15460 # *= # := muleq(#1,#2)
15461 # ++ := postinc(#1)
15466 To complete the job, we would use corresponding composition functions
15467 and @kbd{Z C} to cause these functions to display in their respective
15468 Maple and C notations. (Note that the C example ignores issues of
15469 operator precedence, which are discussed in the next section.)
15471 You can enclose any token in quotes to prevent its usual
15472 interpretation in syntax patterns:
15475 # ":=" # := becomes(#1,#2)
15478 Quotes also allow you to include spaces in a token, although once
15479 again it is generally better to use two tokens than one token with
15480 an embedded space. To include an actual quotation mark in a quoted
15481 token, precede it with a backslash. (This also works to include
15482 backslashes in tokens.)
15485 # "bad token" # "/\"\\" # := silly(#1,#2,#3)
15489 This will parse @samp{3 bad token 4 /"\ 5} to @samp{silly(3,4,5)}.
15491 The token @kbd{#} has a predefined meaning in Calc's formula parser;
15492 it is not valid to use @samp{"#"} in a syntax rule. However, longer
15493 tokens that include the @samp{#} character are allowed. Also, while
15494 @samp{"$"} and @samp{"\""} are allowed as tokens, their presence in
15495 the syntax table will prevent those characters from working in their
15496 usual ways (referring to stack entries and quoting strings,
15499 Finally, the notation @samp{%%} anywhere in a syntax table causes
15500 the rest of the line to be ignored as a comment.
15502 @node Precedence in Syntax Tables, Advanced Syntax Patterns, Syntax Table Basics, Syntax Tables
15503 @subsubsection Precedence
15506 Different operators are generally assigned different @dfn{precedences}.
15507 By default, an operator defined by a rule like
15510 # foo # := foo(#1,#2)
15514 will have an extremely low precedence, so that @samp{2*3+4 foo 5 == 6}
15515 will be parsed as @samp{(2*3+4) foo (5 == 6)}. To change the
15516 precedence of an operator, use the notation @samp{#/@var{p}} in
15517 place of @samp{#}, where @var{p} is an integer precedence level.
15518 For example, 185 lies between the precedences for @samp{+} and
15519 @samp{*}, so if we change this rule to
15522 #/185 foo #/186 := foo(#1,#2)
15526 then @samp{2+3 foo 4*5} will be parsed as @samp{2+(3 foo (4*5))}.
15527 Also, because we've given the righthand expression slightly higher
15528 precedence, our new operator will be left-associative:
15529 @samp{1 foo 2 foo 3} will be parsed as @samp{(1 foo 2) foo 3}.
15530 By raising the precedence of the lefthand expression instead, we
15531 can create a right-associative operator.
15533 @xref{Composition Basics}, for a table of precedences of the
15534 standard Calc operators. For the precedences of operators in other
15535 language modes, look in the Calc source file @file{calc-lang.el}.
15537 @node Advanced Syntax Patterns, Conditional Syntax Rules, Precedence in Syntax Tables, Syntax Tables
15538 @subsubsection Advanced Syntax Patterns
15541 To match a function with a variable number of arguments, you could
15545 foo ( # ) := myfunc(#1)
15546 foo ( # , # ) := myfunc(#1,#2)
15547 foo ( # , # , # ) := myfunc(#1,#2,#3)
15551 but this isn't very elegant. To match variable numbers of items,
15552 Calc uses some notations inspired regular expressions and the
15553 ``extended BNF'' style used by some language designers.
15556 foo ( @{ # @}*, ) := apply(myfunc,#1)
15559 The token @samp{@{} introduces a repeated or optional portion.
15560 One of the three tokens @samp{@}*}, @samp{@}+}, or @samp{@}?}
15561 ends the portion. These will match zero or more, one or more,
15562 or zero or one copies of the enclosed pattern, respectively.
15563 In addition, @samp{@}*} and @samp{@}+} can be followed by a
15564 separator token (with no space in between, as shown above).
15565 Thus @samp{@{ # @}*,} matches nothing, or one expression, or
15566 several expressions separated by commas.
15568 A complete @samp{@{ ... @}} item matches as a vector of the
15569 items that matched inside it. For example, the above rule will
15570 match @samp{foo(1,2,3)} to get @samp{apply(myfunc,[1,2,3])}.
15571 The Calc @code{apply} function takes a function name and a vector
15572 of arguments and builds a call to the function with those
15573 arguments, so the net result is the formula @samp{myfunc(1,2,3)}.
15575 If the body of a @samp{@{ ... @}} contains several @samp{#}s
15576 (or nested @samp{@{ ... @}} constructs), then the items will be
15577 strung together into the resulting vector. If the body
15578 does not contain anything but literal tokens, the result will
15579 always be an empty vector.
15582 foo ( @{ # , # @}+, ) := bar(#1)
15583 foo ( @{ @{ # @}*, @}*; ) := matrix(#1)
15587 will parse @samp{foo(1, 2, 3, 4)} as @samp{bar([1, 2, 3, 4])}, and
15588 @samp{foo(1, 2; 3, 4)} as @samp{matrix([[1, 2], [3, 4]])}. Also, after
15589 some thought it's easy to see how this pair of rules will parse
15590 @samp{foo(1, 2, 3)} as @samp{matrix([[1, 2, 3]])}, since the first
15591 rule will only match an even number of arguments. The rule
15594 foo ( # @{ , # , # @}? ) := bar(#1,#2)
15598 will parse @samp{foo(2,3,4)} as @samp{bar(2,[3,4])}, and
15599 @samp{foo(2)} as @samp{bar(2,[])}.
15601 The notation @samp{@{ ... @}?.} (note the trailing period) works
15602 just the same as regular @samp{@{ ... @}?}, except that it does not
15603 count as an argument; the following two rules are equivalent:
15606 foo ( # , @{ also @}? # ) := bar(#1,#3)
15607 foo ( # , @{ also @}?. # ) := bar(#1,#2)
15611 Note that in the first case the optional text counts as @samp{#2},
15612 which will always be an empty vector, but in the second case no
15613 empty vector is produced.
15615 Another variant is @samp{@{ ... @}?$}, which means the body is
15616 optional only at the end of the input formula. All built-in syntax
15617 rules in Calc use this for closing delimiters, so that during
15618 algebraic entry you can type @kbd{[sqrt(2), sqrt(3 @key{RET}}, omitting
15619 the closing parenthesis and bracket. Calc does this automatically
15620 for trailing @samp{)}, @samp{]}, and @samp{>} tokens in syntax
15621 rules, but you can use @samp{@{ ... @}?$} explicitly to get
15622 this effect with any token (such as @samp{"@}"} or @samp{end}).
15623 Like @samp{@{ ... @}?.}, this notation does not count as an
15624 argument. Conversely, you can use quotes, as in @samp{")"}, to
15625 prevent a closing-delimiter token from being automatically treated
15628 Calc's parser does not have full backtracking, which means some
15629 patterns will not work as you might expect:
15632 foo ( @{ # , @}? # , # ) := bar(#1,#2,#3)
15636 Here we are trying to make the first argument optional, so that
15637 @samp{foo(2,3)} parses as @samp{bar([],2,3)}. Unfortunately, Calc
15638 first tries to match @samp{2,} against the optional part of the
15639 pattern, finds a match, and so goes ahead to match the rest of the
15640 pattern. Later on it will fail to match the second comma, but it
15641 doesn't know how to go back and try the other alternative at that
15642 point. One way to get around this would be to use two rules:
15645 foo ( # , # , # ) := bar([#1],#2,#3)
15646 foo ( # , # ) := bar([],#1,#2)
15649 More precisely, when Calc wants to match an optional or repeated
15650 part of a pattern, it scans forward attempting to match that part.
15651 If it reaches the end of the optional part without failing, it
15652 ``finalizes'' its choice and proceeds. If it fails, though, it
15653 backs up and tries the other alternative. Thus Calc has ``partial''
15654 backtracking. A fully backtracking parser would go on to make sure
15655 the rest of the pattern matched before finalizing the choice.
15657 @node Conditional Syntax Rules, , Advanced Syntax Patterns, Syntax Tables
15658 @subsubsection Conditional Syntax Rules
15661 It is possible to attach a @dfn{condition} to a syntax rule. For
15665 foo ( # ) := ifoo(#1) :: integer(#1)
15666 foo ( # ) := gfoo(#1)
15670 will parse @samp{foo(3)} as @samp{ifoo(3)}, but will parse
15671 @samp{foo(3.5)} and @samp{foo(x)} as calls to @code{gfoo}. Any
15672 number of conditions may be attached; all must be true for the
15673 rule to succeed. A condition is ``true'' if it evaluates to a
15674 nonzero number. @xref{Logical Operations}, for a list of Calc
15675 functions like @code{integer} that perform logical tests.
15677 The exact sequence of events is as follows: When Calc tries a
15678 rule, it first matches the pattern as usual. It then substitutes
15679 @samp{#1}, @samp{#2}, etc., in the conditions, if any. Next, the
15680 conditions are simplified and evaluated in order from left to right,
15681 as if by the @w{@kbd{a s}} algebra command (@pxref{Simplifying Formulas}).
15682 Each result is true if it is a nonzero number, or an expression
15683 that can be proven to be nonzero (@pxref{Declarations}). If the
15684 results of all conditions are true, the expression (such as
15685 @samp{ifoo(#1)}) has its @samp{#}s substituted, and that is the
15686 result of the parse. If the result of any condition is false, Calc
15687 goes on to try the next rule in the syntax table.
15689 Syntax rules also support @code{let} conditions, which operate in
15690 exactly the same way as they do in algebraic rewrite rules.
15691 @xref{Other Features of Rewrite Rules}, for details. A @code{let}
15692 condition is always true, but as a side effect it defines a
15693 variable which can be used in later conditions, and also in the
15694 expression after the @samp{:=} sign:
15697 foo ( # ) := hifoo(x) :: let(x := #1 + 0.5) :: dnumint(x)
15701 The @code{dnumint} function tests if a value is numerically an
15702 integer, i.e., either a true integer or an integer-valued float.
15703 This rule will parse @code{foo} with a half-integer argument,
15704 like @samp{foo(3.5)}, to a call like @samp{hifoo(4.)}.
15706 The lefthand side of a syntax rule @code{let} must be a simple
15707 variable, not the arbitrary pattern that is allowed in rewrite
15710 The @code{matches} function is also treated specially in syntax
15711 rule conditions (again, in the same way as in rewrite rules).
15712 @xref{Matching Commands}. If the matching pattern contains
15713 meta-variables, then those meta-variables may be used in later
15714 conditions and in the result expression. The arguments to
15715 @code{matches} are not evaluated in this situation.
15718 sum ( # , # ) := sum(#1,a,b,c) :: matches(#2, a=[b..c])
15722 This is another way to implement the Maple mode @code{sum} notation.
15723 In this approach, we allow @samp{#2} to equal the whole expression
15724 @samp{i=1..10}. Then, we use @code{matches} to break it apart into
15725 its components. If the expression turns out not to match the pattern,
15726 the syntax rule will fail. Note that @kbd{Z S} always uses Calc's
15727 Normal language mode for editing expressions in syntax rules, so we
15728 must use regular Calc notation for the interval @samp{[b..c]} that
15729 will correspond to the Maple mode interval @samp{1..10}.
15731 @node Modes Variable, Calc Mode Line, Language Modes, Mode Settings
15732 @section The @code{Modes} Variable
15736 @pindex calc-get-modes
15737 The @kbd{m g} (@code{calc-get-modes}) command pushes onto the stack
15738 a vector of numbers that describes the various mode settings that
15739 are in effect. With a numeric prefix argument, it pushes only the
15740 @var{n}th mode, i.e., the @var{n}th element of this vector. Keyboard
15741 macros can use the @kbd{m g} command to modify their behavior based
15742 on the current mode settings.
15744 @cindex @code{Modes} variable
15746 The modes vector is also available in the special variable
15747 @code{Modes}. In other words, @kbd{m g} is like @kbd{s r Modes @key{RET}}.
15748 It will not work to store into this variable; in fact, if you do,
15749 @code{Modes} will cease to track the current modes. (The @kbd{m g}
15750 command will continue to work, however.)
15752 In general, each number in this vector is suitable as a numeric
15753 prefix argument to the associated mode-setting command. (Recall
15754 that the @kbd{~} key takes a number from the stack and gives it as
15755 a numeric prefix to the next command.)
15757 The elements of the modes vector are as follows:
15761 Current precision. Default is 12; associated command is @kbd{p}.
15764 Binary word size. Default is 32; associated command is @kbd{b w}.
15767 Stack size (not counting the value about to be pushed by @kbd{m g}).
15768 This is zero if @kbd{m g} is executed with an empty stack.
15771 Number radix. Default is 10; command is @kbd{d r}.
15774 Floating-point format. This is the number of digits, plus the
15775 constant 0 for normal notation, 10000 for scientific notation,
15776 20000 for engineering notation, or 30000 for fixed-point notation.
15777 These codes are acceptable as prefix arguments to the @kbd{d n}
15778 command, but note that this may lose information: For example,
15779 @kbd{d s} and @kbd{C-u 12 d s} have similar (but not quite
15780 identical) effects if the current precision is 12, but they both
15781 produce a code of 10012, which will be treated by @kbd{d n} as
15782 @kbd{C-u 12 d s}. If the precision then changes, the float format
15783 will still be frozen at 12 significant figures.
15786 Angular mode. Default is 1 (degrees). Other values are 2 (radians)
15787 and 3 (HMS). The @kbd{m d} command accepts these prefixes.
15790 Symbolic mode. Value is 0 or 1; default is 0. Command is @kbd{m s}.
15793 Fraction mode. Value is 0 or 1; default is 0. Command is @kbd{m f}.
15796 Polar mode. Value is 0 (rectangular) or 1 (polar); default is 0.
15797 Command is @kbd{m p}.
15800 Matrix/Scalar mode. Default value is @mathit{-1}. Value is 0 for Scalar
15801 mode, @mathit{-2} for Matrix mode, @mathit{-3} for square Matrix mode,
15803 @texline @math{N\times N}
15804 @infoline @var{N}x@var{N}
15805 Matrix mode. Command is @kbd{m v}.
15808 Simplification mode. Default is 1. Value is @mathit{-1} for off (@kbd{m O}),
15809 0 for @kbd{m N}, 2 for @kbd{m B}, 3 for @kbd{m A}, 4 for @kbd{m E},
15810 or 5 for @w{@kbd{m U}}. The @kbd{m D} command accepts these prefixes.
15813 Infinite mode. Default is @mathit{-1} (off). Value is 1 if the mode is on,
15814 or 0 if the mode is on with positive zeros. Command is @kbd{m i}.
15817 For example, the sequence @kbd{M-1 m g @key{RET} 2 + ~ p} increases the
15818 precision by two, leaving a copy of the old precision on the stack.
15819 Later, @kbd{~ p} will restore the original precision using that
15820 stack value. (This sequence might be especially useful inside a
15823 As another example, @kbd{M-3 m g 1 - ~ @key{DEL}} deletes all but the
15824 oldest (bottommost) stack entry.
15826 Yet another example: The HP-48 ``round'' command rounds a number
15827 to the current displayed precision. You could roughly emulate this
15828 in Calc with the sequence @kbd{M-5 m g 10000 % ~ c c}. (This
15829 would not work for fixed-point mode, but it wouldn't be hard to
15830 do a full emulation with the help of the @kbd{Z [} and @kbd{Z ]}
15831 programming commands. @xref{Conditionals in Macros}.)
15833 @node Calc Mode Line, , Modes Variable, Mode Settings
15834 @section The Calc Mode Line
15837 @cindex Mode line indicators
15838 This section is a summary of all symbols that can appear on the
15839 Calc mode line, the highlighted bar that appears under the Calc
15840 stack window (or under an editing window in Embedded mode).
15842 The basic mode line format is:
15845 --%*-Calc: 12 Deg @var{other modes} (Calculator)
15848 The @samp{%*} indicates that the buffer is ``read-only''; it shows that
15849 regular Emacs commands are not allowed to edit the stack buffer
15850 as if it were text.
15852 The word @samp{Calc:} changes to @samp{CalcEmbed:} if Embedded mode
15853 is enabled. The words after this describe the various Calc modes
15854 that are in effect.
15856 The first mode is always the current precision, an integer.
15857 The second mode is always the angular mode, either @code{Deg},
15858 @code{Rad}, or @code{Hms}.
15860 Here is a complete list of the remaining symbols that can appear
15865 Algebraic mode (@kbd{m a}; @pxref{Algebraic Entry}).
15868 Incomplete algebraic mode (@kbd{C-u m a}).
15871 Total algebraic mode (@kbd{m t}).
15874 Symbolic mode (@kbd{m s}; @pxref{Symbolic Mode}).
15877 Matrix mode (@kbd{m v}; @pxref{Matrix Mode}).
15879 @item Matrix@var{n}
15880 Dimensioned Matrix mode (@kbd{C-u @var{n} m v}; @pxref{Matrix Mode}).
15883 Square Matrix mode (@kbd{C-u m v}; @pxref{Matrix Mode}).
15886 Scalar mode (@kbd{m v}; @pxref{Matrix Mode}).
15889 Polar complex mode (@kbd{m p}; @pxref{Polar Mode}).
15892 Fraction mode (@kbd{m f}; @pxref{Fraction Mode}).
15895 Infinite mode (@kbd{m i}; @pxref{Infinite Mode}).
15898 Positive Infinite mode (@kbd{C-u 0 m i}).
15901 Default simplifications off (@kbd{m O}; @pxref{Simplification Modes}).
15904 Default simplifications for numeric arguments only (@kbd{m N}).
15906 @item BinSimp@var{w}
15907 Binary-integer simplification mode; word size @var{w} (@kbd{m B}, @kbd{b w}).
15910 Algebraic simplification mode (@kbd{m A}).
15913 Extended algebraic simplification mode (@kbd{m E}).
15916 Units simplification mode (@kbd{m U}).
15919 Current radix is 2 (@kbd{d 2}; @pxref{Radix Modes}).
15922 Current radix is 8 (@kbd{d 8}).
15925 Current radix is 16 (@kbd{d 6}).
15928 Current radix is @var{n} (@kbd{d r}).
15931 Leading zeros (@kbd{d z}; @pxref{Radix Modes}).
15934 Big language mode (@kbd{d B}; @pxref{Normal Language Modes}).
15937 One-line normal language mode (@kbd{d O}).
15940 Unformatted language mode (@kbd{d U}).
15943 C language mode (@kbd{d C}; @pxref{C FORTRAN Pascal}).
15946 Pascal language mode (@kbd{d P}).
15949 FORTRAN language mode (@kbd{d F}).
15952 @TeX{} language mode (@kbd{d T}; @pxref{TeX and LaTeX Language Modes}).
15955 La@TeX{} language mode (@kbd{d L}; @pxref{TeX and LaTeX Language Modes}).
15958 @dfn{Eqn} language mode (@kbd{d E}; @pxref{Eqn Language Mode}).
15961 Mathematica language mode (@kbd{d M}; @pxref{Mathematica Language Mode}).
15964 Maple language mode (@kbd{d W}; @pxref{Maple Language Mode}).
15967 Normal float mode with @var{n} digits (@kbd{d n}; @pxref{Float Formats}).
15970 Fixed point mode with @var{n} digits after the point (@kbd{d f}).
15973 Scientific notation mode (@kbd{d s}).
15976 Scientific notation with @var{n} digits (@kbd{d s}).
15979 Engineering notation mode (@kbd{d e}).
15982 Engineering notation with @var{n} digits (@kbd{d e}).
15985 Left-justified display indented by @var{n} (@kbd{d <}; @pxref{Justification}).
15988 Right-justified display (@kbd{d >}).
15991 Right-justified display with width @var{n} (@kbd{d >}).
15994 Centered display (@kbd{d =}).
15996 @item Center@var{n}
15997 Centered display with center column @var{n} (@kbd{d =}).
16000 Line breaking with width @var{n} (@kbd{d b}; @pxref{Normal Language Modes}).
16003 No line breaking (@kbd{d b}).
16006 Selections show deep structure (@kbd{j b}; @pxref{Making Selections}).
16009 Record modes in @file{~/.calc.el} (@kbd{m R}; @pxref{General Mode Commands}).
16012 Record modes in Embedded buffer (@kbd{m R}).
16015 Record modes as editing-only in Embedded buffer (@kbd{m R}).
16018 Record modes as permanent-only in Embedded buffer (@kbd{m R}).
16021 Record modes as global in Embedded buffer (@kbd{m R}).
16024 Automatic recomputation turned off (@kbd{m C}; @pxref{Automatic
16028 GNUPLOT process is alive in background (@pxref{Graphics}).
16031 Top-of-stack has a selection (Embedded only; @pxref{Making Selections}).
16034 The stack display may not be up-to-date (@pxref{Display Modes}).
16037 ``Inverse'' prefix was pressed (@kbd{I}; @pxref{Inverse and Hyperbolic}).
16040 ``Hyperbolic'' prefix was pressed (@kbd{H}).
16043 ``Keep-arguments'' prefix was pressed (@kbd{K}).
16046 Stack is truncated (@kbd{d t}; @pxref{Truncating the Stack}).
16049 In addition, the symbols @code{Active} and @code{~Active} can appear
16050 as minor modes on an Embedded buffer's mode line. @xref{Embedded Mode}.
16052 @node Arithmetic, Scientific Functions, Mode Settings, Top
16053 @chapter Arithmetic Functions
16056 This chapter describes the Calc commands for doing simple calculations
16057 on numbers, such as addition, absolute value, and square roots. These
16058 commands work by removing the top one or two values from the stack,
16059 performing the desired operation, and pushing the result back onto the
16060 stack. If the operation cannot be performed, the result pushed is a
16061 formula instead of a number, such as @samp{2/0} (because division by zero
16062 is invalid) or @samp{sqrt(x)} (because the argument @samp{x} is a formula).
16064 Most of the commands described here can be invoked by a single keystroke.
16065 Some of the more obscure ones are two-letter sequences beginning with
16066 the @kbd{f} (``functions'') prefix key.
16068 @xref{Prefix Arguments}, for a discussion of the effect of numeric
16069 prefix arguments on commands in this chapter which do not otherwise
16070 interpret a prefix argument.
16073 * Basic Arithmetic::
16074 * Integer Truncation::
16075 * Complex Number Functions::
16077 * Date Arithmetic::
16078 * Financial Functions::
16079 * Binary Functions::
16082 @node Basic Arithmetic, Integer Truncation, Arithmetic, Arithmetic
16083 @section Basic Arithmetic
16092 The @kbd{+} (@code{calc-plus}) command adds two numbers. The numbers may
16093 be any of the standard Calc data types. The resulting sum is pushed back
16096 If both arguments of @kbd{+} are vectors or matrices (of matching dimensions),
16097 the result is a vector or matrix sum. If one argument is a vector and the
16098 other a scalar (i.e., a non-vector), the scalar is added to each of the
16099 elements of the vector to form a new vector. If the scalar is not a
16100 number, the operation is left in symbolic form: Suppose you added @samp{x}
16101 to the vector @samp{[1,2]}. You may want the result @samp{[1+x,2+x]}, or
16102 you may plan to substitute a 2-vector for @samp{x} in the future. Since
16103 the Calculator can't tell which interpretation you want, it makes the
16104 safest assumption. @xref{Reducing and Mapping}, for a way to add @samp{x}
16105 to every element of a vector.
16107 If either argument of @kbd{+} is a complex number, the result will in general
16108 be complex. If one argument is in rectangular form and the other polar,
16109 the current Polar mode determines the form of the result. If Symbolic
16110 mode is enabled, the sum may be left as a formula if the necessary
16111 conversions for polar addition are non-trivial.
16113 If both arguments of @kbd{+} are HMS forms, the forms are added according to
16114 the usual conventions of hours-minutes-seconds notation. If one argument
16115 is an HMS form and the other is a number, that number is converted from
16116 degrees or radians (depending on the current Angular mode) to HMS format
16117 and then the two HMS forms are added.
16119 If one argument of @kbd{+} is a date form, the other can be either a
16120 real number, which advances the date by a certain number of days, or
16121 an HMS form, which advances the date by a certain amount of time.
16122 Subtracting two date forms yields the number of days between them.
16123 Adding two date forms is meaningless, but Calc interprets it as the
16124 subtraction of one date form and the negative of the other. (The
16125 negative of a date form can be understood by remembering that dates
16126 are stored as the number of days before or after Jan 1, 1 AD.)
16128 If both arguments of @kbd{+} are error forms, the result is an error form
16129 with an appropriately computed standard deviation. If one argument is an
16130 error form and the other is a number, the number is taken to have zero error.
16131 Error forms may have symbolic formulas as their mean and/or error parts;
16132 adding these will produce a symbolic error form result. However, adding an
16133 error form to a plain symbolic formula (as in @samp{(a +/- b) + c}) will not
16134 work, for the same reasons just mentioned for vectors. Instead you must
16135 write @samp{(a +/- b) + (c +/- 0)}.
16137 If both arguments of @kbd{+} are modulo forms with equal values of @expr{M},
16138 or if one argument is a modulo form and the other a plain number, the
16139 result is a modulo form which represents the sum, modulo @expr{M}, of
16142 If both arguments of @kbd{+} are intervals, the result is an interval
16143 which describes all possible sums of the possible input values. If
16144 one argument is a plain number, it is treated as the interval
16145 @w{@samp{[x ..@: x]}}.
16147 If one argument of @kbd{+} is an infinity and the other is not, the
16148 result is that same infinity. If both arguments are infinite and in
16149 the same direction, the result is the same infinity, but if they are
16150 infinite in different directions the result is @code{nan}.
16158 The @kbd{-} (@code{calc-minus}) command subtracts two values. The top
16159 number on the stack is subtracted from the one behind it, so that the
16160 computation @kbd{5 @key{RET} 2 -} produces 3, not @mathit{-3}. All options
16161 available for @kbd{+} are available for @kbd{-} as well.
16169 The @kbd{*} (@code{calc-times}) command multiplies two numbers. If one
16170 argument is a vector and the other a scalar, the scalar is multiplied by
16171 the elements of the vector to produce a new vector. If both arguments
16172 are vectors, the interpretation depends on the dimensions of the
16173 vectors: If both arguments are matrices, a matrix multiplication is
16174 done. If one argument is a matrix and the other a plain vector, the
16175 vector is interpreted as a row vector or column vector, whichever is
16176 dimensionally correct. If both arguments are plain vectors, the result
16177 is a single scalar number which is the dot product of the two vectors.
16179 If one argument of @kbd{*} is an HMS form and the other a number, the
16180 HMS form is multiplied by that amount. It is an error to multiply two
16181 HMS forms together, or to attempt any multiplication involving date
16182 forms. Error forms, modulo forms, and intervals can be multiplied;
16183 see the comments for addition of those forms. When two error forms
16184 or intervals are multiplied they are considered to be statistically
16185 independent; thus, @samp{[-2 ..@: 3] * [-2 ..@: 3]} is @samp{[-6 ..@: 9]},
16186 whereas @w{@samp{[-2 ..@: 3] ^ 2}} is @samp{[0 ..@: 9]}.
16189 @pindex calc-divide
16194 The @kbd{/} (@code{calc-divide}) command divides two numbers.
16196 When combining multiplication and division in an algebraic formula, it
16197 is good style to use parentheses to distinguish between possible
16198 interpretations; the expression @samp{a/b*c} should be written
16199 @samp{(a/b)*c} or @samp{a/(b*c)}, as appropriate. Without the
16200 parentheses, Calc will interpret @samp{a/b*c} as @samp{a/(b*c)}, since
16201 in algebraic entry Calc gives division a lower precedence than
16202 multiplication. (This is not standard across all computer languages, and
16203 Calc may change the precedence depending on the language mode being used.
16204 @xref{Language Modes}.) This default ordering can be changed by setting
16205 the customizable variable @code{calc-multiplication-has-precedence} to
16206 @code{nil} (@pxref{Customizing Calc}); this will give multiplication and
16207 division equal precedences. Note that Calc's default choice of
16208 precedence allows @samp{a b / c d} to be used as a shortcut for
16217 When dividing a scalar @expr{B} by a square matrix @expr{A}, the
16218 computation performed is @expr{B} times the inverse of @expr{A}. This
16219 also occurs if @expr{B} is itself a vector or matrix, in which case the
16220 effect is to solve the set of linear equations represented by @expr{B}.
16221 If @expr{B} is a matrix with the same number of rows as @expr{A}, or a
16222 plain vector (which is interpreted here as a column vector), then the
16223 equation @expr{A X = B} is solved for the vector or matrix @expr{X}.
16224 Otherwise, if @expr{B} is a non-square matrix with the same number of
16225 @emph{columns} as @expr{A}, the equation @expr{X A = B} is solved. If
16226 you wish a vector @expr{B} to be interpreted as a row vector to be
16227 solved as @expr{X A = B}, make it into a one-row matrix with @kbd{C-u 1
16228 v p} first. To force a left-handed solution with a square matrix
16229 @expr{B}, transpose @expr{A} and @expr{B} before dividing, then
16230 transpose the result.
16232 HMS forms can be divided by real numbers or by other HMS forms. Error
16233 forms can be divided in any combination of ways. Modulo forms where both
16234 values and the modulo are integers can be divided to get an integer modulo
16235 form result. Intervals can be divided; dividing by an interval that
16236 encompasses zero or has zero as a limit will result in an infinite
16245 The @kbd{^} (@code{calc-power}) command raises a number to a power. If
16246 the power is an integer, an exact result is computed using repeated
16247 multiplications. For non-integer powers, Calc uses Newton's method or
16248 logarithms and exponentials. Square matrices can be raised to integer
16249 powers. If either argument is an error (or interval or modulo) form,
16250 the result is also an error (or interval or modulo) form.
16254 If you press the @kbd{I} (inverse) key first, the @kbd{I ^} command
16255 computes an Nth root: @kbd{125 @key{RET} 3 I ^} computes the number 5.
16256 (This is entirely equivalent to @kbd{125 @key{RET} 1:3 ^}.)
16265 The @kbd{\} (@code{calc-idiv}) command divides two numbers on the stack
16266 to produce an integer result. It is equivalent to dividing with
16267 @key{/}, then rounding down with @kbd{F} (@code{calc-floor}), only a bit
16268 more convenient and efficient. Also, since it is an all-integer
16269 operation when the arguments are integers, it avoids problems that
16270 @kbd{/ F} would have with floating-point roundoff.
16278 The @kbd{%} (@code{calc-mod}) command performs a ``modulo'' (or ``remainder'')
16279 operation. Mathematically, @samp{a%b = a - (a\b)*b}, and is defined
16280 for all real numbers @expr{a} and @expr{b} (except @expr{b=0}). For
16281 positive @expr{b}, the result will always be between 0 (inclusive) and
16282 @expr{b} (exclusive). Modulo does not work for HMS forms and error forms.
16283 If @expr{a} is a modulo form, its modulo is changed to @expr{b}, which
16284 must be positive real number.
16289 The @kbd{:} (@code{calc-fdiv}) [@code{fdiv}] command
16290 divides the two integers on the top of the stack to produce a fractional
16291 result. This is a convenient shorthand for enabling Fraction mode (with
16292 @kbd{m f}) temporarily and using @samp{/}. Note that during numeric entry
16293 the @kbd{:} key is interpreted as a fraction separator, so to divide 8 by 6
16294 you would have to type @kbd{8 @key{RET} 6 @key{RET} :}. (Of course, in
16295 this case, it would be much easier simply to enter the fraction directly
16296 as @kbd{8:6 @key{RET}}!)
16299 @pindex calc-change-sign
16300 The @kbd{n} (@code{calc-change-sign}) command negates the number on the top
16301 of the stack. It works on numbers, vectors and matrices, HMS forms, date
16302 forms, error forms, intervals, and modulo forms.
16307 The @kbd{A} (@code{calc-abs}) [@code{abs}] command computes the absolute
16308 value of a number. The result of @code{abs} is always a nonnegative
16309 real number: With a complex argument, it computes the complex magnitude.
16310 With a vector or matrix argument, it computes the Frobenius norm, i.e.,
16311 the square root of the sum of the squares of the absolute values of the
16312 elements. The absolute value of an error form is defined by replacing
16313 the mean part with its absolute value and leaving the error part the same.
16314 The absolute value of a modulo form is undefined. The absolute value of
16315 an interval is defined in the obvious way.
16318 @pindex calc-abssqr
16320 The @kbd{f A} (@code{calc-abssqr}) [@code{abssqr}] command computes the
16321 absolute value squared of a number, vector or matrix, or error form.
16326 The @kbd{f s} (@code{calc-sign}) [@code{sign}] command returns 1 if its
16327 argument is positive, @mathit{-1} if its argument is negative, or 0 if its
16328 argument is zero. In algebraic form, you can also write @samp{sign(a,x)}
16329 which evaluates to @samp{x * sign(a)}, i.e., either @samp{x}, @samp{-x}, or
16330 zero depending on the sign of @samp{a}.
16336 The @kbd{&} (@code{calc-inv}) [@code{inv}] command computes the
16337 reciprocal of a number, i.e., @expr{1 / x}. Operating on a square
16338 matrix, it computes the inverse of that matrix.
16343 The @kbd{Q} (@code{calc-sqrt}) [@code{sqrt}] command computes the square
16344 root of a number. For a negative real argument, the result will be a
16345 complex number whose form is determined by the current Polar mode.
16350 The @kbd{f h} (@code{calc-hypot}) [@code{hypot}] command computes the square
16351 root of the sum of the squares of two numbers. That is, @samp{hypot(a,b)}
16352 is the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle with sides @expr{a}
16353 and @expr{b}. If the arguments are complex numbers, their squared
16354 magnitudes are used.
16359 The @kbd{f Q} (@code{calc-isqrt}) [@code{isqrt}] command computes the
16360 integer square root of an integer. This is the true square root of the
16361 number, rounded down to an integer. For example, @samp{isqrt(10)}
16362 produces 3. Note that, like @kbd{\} [@code{idiv}], this uses exact
16363 integer arithmetic throughout to avoid roundoff problems. If the input
16364 is a floating-point number or other non-integer value, this is exactly
16365 the same as @samp{floor(sqrt(x))}.
16373 The @kbd{f n} (@code{calc-min}) [@code{min}] and @kbd{f x} (@code{calc-max})
16374 [@code{max}] commands take the minimum or maximum of two real numbers,
16375 respectively. These commands also work on HMS forms, date forms,
16376 intervals, and infinities. (In algebraic expressions, these functions
16377 take any number of arguments and return the maximum or minimum among
16378 all the arguments.)
16382 @pindex calc-mant-part
16384 @pindex calc-xpon-part
16386 The @kbd{f M} (@code{calc-mant-part}) [@code{mant}] function extracts
16387 the ``mantissa'' part @expr{m} of its floating-point argument; @kbd{f X}
16388 (@code{calc-xpon-part}) [@code{xpon}] extracts the ``exponent'' part
16389 @expr{e}. The original number is equal to
16390 @texline @math{m \times 10^e},
16391 @infoline @expr{m * 10^e},
16392 where @expr{m} is in the interval @samp{[1.0 ..@: 10.0)} except that
16393 @expr{m=e=0} if the original number is zero. For integers
16394 and fractions, @code{mant} returns the number unchanged and @code{xpon}
16395 returns zero. The @kbd{v u} (@code{calc-unpack}) command can also be
16396 used to ``unpack'' a floating-point number; this produces an integer
16397 mantissa and exponent, with the constraint that the mantissa is not
16398 a multiple of ten (again except for the @expr{m=e=0} case).
16401 @pindex calc-scale-float
16403 The @kbd{f S} (@code{calc-scale-float}) [@code{scf}] function scales a number
16404 by a given power of ten. Thus, @samp{scf(mant(x), xpon(x)) = x} for any
16405 real @samp{x}. The second argument must be an integer, but the first
16406 may actually be any numeric value. For example, @samp{scf(5,-2) = 0.05}
16407 or @samp{1:20} depending on the current Fraction mode.
16411 @pindex calc-decrement
16412 @pindex calc-increment
16415 The @kbd{f [} (@code{calc-decrement}) [@code{decr}] and @kbd{f ]}
16416 (@code{calc-increment}) [@code{incr}] functions decrease or increase
16417 a number by one unit. For integers, the effect is obvious. For
16418 floating-point numbers, the change is by one unit in the last place.
16419 For example, incrementing @samp{12.3456} when the current precision
16420 is 6 digits yields @samp{12.3457}. If the current precision had been
16421 8 digits, the result would have been @samp{12.345601}. Incrementing
16422 @samp{0.0} produces
16423 @texline @math{10^{-p}},
16424 @infoline @expr{10^-p},
16425 where @expr{p} is the current
16426 precision. These operations are defined only on integers and floats.
16427 With numeric prefix arguments, they change the number by @expr{n} units.
16429 Note that incrementing followed by decrementing, or vice-versa, will
16430 almost but not quite always cancel out. Suppose the precision is
16431 6 digits and the number @samp{9.99999} is on the stack. Incrementing
16432 will produce @samp{10.0000}; decrementing will produce @samp{9.9999}.
16433 One digit has been dropped. This is an unavoidable consequence of the
16434 way floating-point numbers work.
16436 Incrementing a date/time form adjusts it by a certain number of seconds.
16437 Incrementing a pure date form adjusts it by a certain number of days.
16439 @node Integer Truncation, Complex Number Functions, Basic Arithmetic, Arithmetic
16440 @section Integer Truncation
16443 There are four commands for truncating a real number to an integer,
16444 differing mainly in their treatment of negative numbers. All of these
16445 commands have the property that if the argument is an integer, the result
16446 is the same integer. An integer-valued floating-point argument is converted
16449 If you press @kbd{H} (@code{calc-hyperbolic}) first, the result will be
16450 expressed as an integer-valued floating-point number.
16452 @cindex Integer part of a number
16461 The @kbd{F} (@code{calc-floor}) [@code{floor} or @code{ffloor}] command
16462 truncates a real number to the next lower integer, i.e., toward minus
16463 infinity. Thus @kbd{3.6 F} produces 3, but @kbd{_3.6 F} produces
16467 @pindex calc-ceiling
16474 The @kbd{I F} (@code{calc-ceiling}) [@code{ceil} or @code{fceil}]
16475 command truncates toward positive infinity. Thus @kbd{3.6 I F} produces
16476 4, and @kbd{_3.6 I F} produces @mathit{-3}.
16486 The @kbd{R} (@code{calc-round}) [@code{round} or @code{fround}] command
16487 rounds to the nearest integer. When the fractional part is .5 exactly,
16488 this command rounds away from zero. (All other rounding in the
16489 Calculator uses this convention as well.) Thus @kbd{3.5 R} produces 4
16490 but @kbd{3.4 R} produces 3; @kbd{_3.5 R} produces @mathit{-4}.
16500 The @kbd{I R} (@code{calc-trunc}) [@code{trunc} or @code{ftrunc}]
16501 command truncates toward zero. In other words, it ``chops off''
16502 everything after the decimal point. Thus @kbd{3.6 I R} produces 3 and
16503 @kbd{_3.6 I R} produces @mathit{-3}.
16505 These functions may not be applied meaningfully to error forms, but they
16506 do work for intervals. As a convenience, applying @code{floor} to a
16507 modulo form floors the value part of the form. Applied to a vector,
16508 these functions operate on all elements of the vector one by one.
16509 Applied to a date form, they operate on the internal numerical
16510 representation of dates, converting a date/time form into a pure date.
16528 There are two more rounding functions which can only be entered in
16529 algebraic notation. The @code{roundu} function is like @code{round}
16530 except that it rounds up, toward plus infinity, when the fractional
16531 part is .5. This distinction matters only for negative arguments.
16532 Also, @code{rounde} rounds to an even number in the case of a tie,
16533 rounding up or down as necessary. For example, @samp{rounde(3.5)} and
16534 @samp{rounde(4.5)} both return 4, but @samp{rounde(5.5)} returns 6.
16535 The advantage of round-to-even is that the net error due to rounding
16536 after a long calculation tends to cancel out to zero. An important
16537 subtle point here is that the number being fed to @code{rounde} will
16538 already have been rounded to the current precision before @code{rounde}
16539 begins. For example, @samp{rounde(2.500001)} with a current precision
16540 of 6 will incorrectly, or at least surprisingly, yield 2 because the
16541 argument will first have been rounded down to @expr{2.5} (which
16542 @code{rounde} sees as an exact tie between 2 and 3).
16544 Each of these functions, when written in algebraic formulas, allows
16545 a second argument which specifies the number of digits after the
16546 decimal point to keep. For example, @samp{round(123.4567, 2)} will
16547 produce the answer 123.46, and @samp{round(123.4567, -1)} will
16548 produce 120 (i.e., the cutoff is one digit to the @emph{left} of
16549 the decimal point). A second argument of zero is equivalent to
16550 no second argument at all.
16552 @cindex Fractional part of a number
16553 To compute the fractional part of a number (i.e., the amount which, when
16554 added to `@tfn{floor(}@var{n}@tfn{)}', will produce @var{n}) just take @var{n}
16555 modulo 1 using the @code{%} command.
16557 Note also the @kbd{\} (integer quotient), @kbd{f I} (integer logarithm),
16558 and @kbd{f Q} (integer square root) commands, which are analogous to
16559 @kbd{/}, @kbd{B}, and @kbd{Q}, respectively, except that they take integer
16560 arguments and return the result rounded down to an integer.
16562 @node Complex Number Functions, Conversions, Integer Truncation, Arithmetic
16563 @section Complex Number Functions
16569 The @kbd{J} (@code{calc-conj}) [@code{conj}] command computes the
16570 complex conjugate of a number. For complex number @expr{a+bi}, the
16571 complex conjugate is @expr{a-bi}. If the argument is a real number,
16572 this command leaves it the same. If the argument is a vector or matrix,
16573 this command replaces each element by its complex conjugate.
16576 @pindex calc-argument
16578 The @kbd{G} (@code{calc-argument}) [@code{arg}] command computes the
16579 ``argument'' or polar angle of a complex number. For a number in polar
16580 notation, this is simply the second component of the pair
16581 @texline `@tfn{(}@var{r}@tfn{;}@math{\theta}@tfn{)}'.
16582 @infoline `@tfn{(}@var{r}@tfn{;}@var{theta}@tfn{)}'.
16583 The result is expressed according to the current angular mode and will
16584 be in the range @mathit{-180} degrees (exclusive) to @mathit{+180} degrees
16585 (inclusive), or the equivalent range in radians.
16587 @pindex calc-imaginary
16588 The @code{calc-imaginary} command multiplies the number on the
16589 top of the stack by the imaginary number @expr{i = (0,1)}. This
16590 command is not normally bound to a key in Calc, but it is available
16591 on the @key{IMAG} button in Keypad mode.
16596 The @kbd{f r} (@code{calc-re}) [@code{re}] command replaces a complex number
16597 by its real part. This command has no effect on real numbers. (As an
16598 added convenience, @code{re} applied to a modulo form extracts
16604 The @kbd{f i} (@code{calc-im}) [@code{im}] command replaces a complex number
16605 by its imaginary part; real numbers are converted to zero. With a vector
16606 or matrix argument, these functions operate element-wise.
16611 @kindex v p (complex)
16612 @kindex V p (complex)
16614 The @kbd{v p} (@code{calc-pack}) command can pack the top two numbers on
16615 the stack into a composite object such as a complex number. With
16616 a prefix argument of @mathit{-1}, it produces a rectangular complex number;
16617 with an argument of @mathit{-2}, it produces a polar complex number.
16618 (Also, @pxref{Building Vectors}.)
16623 @kindex v u (complex)
16624 @kindex V u (complex)
16625 @pindex calc-unpack
16626 The @kbd{v u} (@code{calc-unpack}) command takes the complex number
16627 (or other composite object) on the top of the stack and unpacks it
16628 into its separate components.
16630 @node Conversions, Date Arithmetic, Complex Number Functions, Arithmetic
16631 @section Conversions
16634 The commands described in this section convert numbers from one form
16635 to another; they are two-key sequences beginning with the letter @kbd{c}.
16640 The @kbd{c f} (@code{calc-float}) [@code{pfloat}] command converts the
16641 number on the top of the stack to floating-point form. For example,
16642 @expr{23} is converted to @expr{23.0}, @expr{3:2} is converted to
16643 @expr{1.5}, and @expr{2.3} is left the same. If the value is a composite
16644 object such as a complex number or vector, each of the components is
16645 converted to floating-point. If the value is a formula, all numbers
16646 in the formula are converted to floating-point. Note that depending
16647 on the current floating-point precision, conversion to floating-point
16648 format may lose information.
16650 As a special exception, integers which appear as powers or subscripts
16651 are not floated by @kbd{c f}. If you really want to float a power,
16652 you can use a @kbd{j s} command to select the power followed by @kbd{c f}.
16653 Because @kbd{c f} cannot examine the formula outside of the selection,
16654 it does not notice that the thing being floated is a power.
16655 @xref{Selecting Subformulas}.
16657 The normal @kbd{c f} command is ``pervasive'' in the sense that it
16658 applies to all numbers throughout the formula. The @code{pfloat}
16659 algebraic function never stays around in a formula; @samp{pfloat(a + 1)}
16660 changes to @samp{a + 1.0} as soon as it is evaluated.
16664 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H c f} [@code{float}] operates
16665 only on the number or vector of numbers at the top level of its
16666 argument. Thus, @samp{float(1)} is 1.0, but @samp{float(a + 1)}
16667 is left unevaluated because its argument is not a number.
16669 You should use @kbd{H c f} if you wish to guarantee that the final
16670 value, once all the variables have been assigned, is a float; you
16671 would use @kbd{c f} if you wish to do the conversion on the numbers
16672 that appear right now.
16675 @pindex calc-fraction
16677 The @kbd{c F} (@code{calc-fraction}) [@code{pfrac}] command converts a
16678 floating-point number into a fractional approximation. By default, it
16679 produces a fraction whose decimal representation is the same as the
16680 input number, to within the current precision. You can also give a
16681 numeric prefix argument to specify a tolerance, either directly, or,
16682 if the prefix argument is zero, by using the number on top of the stack
16683 as the tolerance. If the tolerance is a positive integer, the fraction
16684 is correct to within that many significant figures. If the tolerance is
16685 a non-positive integer, it specifies how many digits fewer than the current
16686 precision to use. If the tolerance is a floating-point number, the
16687 fraction is correct to within that absolute amount.
16691 The @code{pfrac} function is pervasive, like @code{pfloat}.
16692 There is also a non-pervasive version, @kbd{H c F} [@code{frac}],
16693 which is analogous to @kbd{H c f} discussed above.
16696 @pindex calc-to-degrees
16698 The @kbd{c d} (@code{calc-to-degrees}) [@code{deg}] command converts a
16699 number into degrees form. The value on the top of the stack may be an
16700 HMS form (interpreted as degrees-minutes-seconds), or a real number which
16701 will be interpreted in radians regardless of the current angular mode.
16704 @pindex calc-to-radians
16706 The @kbd{c r} (@code{calc-to-radians}) [@code{rad}] command converts an
16707 HMS form or angle in degrees into an angle in radians.
16710 @pindex calc-to-hms
16712 The @kbd{c h} (@code{calc-to-hms}) [@code{hms}] command converts a real
16713 number, interpreted according to the current angular mode, to an HMS
16714 form describing the same angle. In algebraic notation, the @code{hms}
16715 function also accepts three arguments: @samp{hms(@var{h}, @var{m}, @var{s})}.
16716 (The three-argument version is independent of the current angular mode.)
16718 @pindex calc-from-hms
16719 The @code{calc-from-hms} command converts the HMS form on the top of the
16720 stack into a real number according to the current angular mode.
16727 The @kbd{c p} (@code{calc-polar}) command converts the complex number on
16728 the top of the stack from polar to rectangular form, or from rectangular
16729 to polar form, whichever is appropriate. Real numbers are left the same.
16730 This command is equivalent to the @code{rect} or @code{polar}
16731 functions in algebraic formulas, depending on the direction of
16732 conversion. (It uses @code{polar}, except that if the argument is
16733 already a polar complex number, it uses @code{rect} instead. The
16734 @kbd{I c p} command always uses @code{rect}.)
16739 The @kbd{c c} (@code{calc-clean}) [@code{pclean}] command ``cleans'' the
16740 number on the top of the stack. Floating point numbers are re-rounded
16741 according to the current precision. Polar numbers whose angular
16742 components have strayed from the @mathit{-180} to @mathit{+180} degree range
16743 are normalized. (Note that results will be undesirable if the current
16744 angular mode is different from the one under which the number was
16745 produced!) Integers and fractions are generally unaffected by this
16746 operation. Vectors and formulas are cleaned by cleaning each component
16747 number (i.e., pervasively).
16749 If the simplification mode is set below the default level, it is raised
16750 to the default level for the purposes of this command. Thus, @kbd{c c}
16751 applies the default simplifications even if their automatic application
16752 is disabled. @xref{Simplification Modes}.
16754 @cindex Roundoff errors, correcting
16755 A numeric prefix argument to @kbd{c c} sets the floating-point precision
16756 to that value for the duration of the command. A positive prefix (of at
16757 least 3) sets the precision to the specified value; a negative or zero
16758 prefix decreases the precision by the specified amount.
16761 @pindex calc-clean-num
16762 The keystroke sequences @kbd{c 0} through @kbd{c 9} are equivalent
16763 to @kbd{c c} with the corresponding negative prefix argument. If roundoff
16764 errors have changed 2.0 into 1.999999, typing @kbd{c 1} to clip off one
16765 decimal place often conveniently does the trick.
16767 The @kbd{c c} command with a numeric prefix argument, and the @kbd{c 0}
16768 through @kbd{c 9} commands, also ``clip'' very small floating-point
16769 numbers to zero. If the exponent is less than or equal to the negative
16770 of the specified precision, the number is changed to 0.0. For example,
16771 if the current precision is 12, then @kbd{c 2} changes the vector
16772 @samp{[1e-8, 1e-9, 1e-10, 1e-11]} to @samp{[1e-8, 1e-9, 0, 0]}.
16773 Numbers this small generally arise from roundoff noise.
16775 If the numbers you are using really are legitimately this small,
16776 you should avoid using the @kbd{c 0} through @kbd{c 9} commands.
16777 (The plain @kbd{c c} command rounds to the current precision but
16778 does not clip small numbers.)
16780 One more property of @kbd{c 0} through @kbd{c 9}, and of @kbd{c c} with
16781 a prefix argument, is that integer-valued floats are converted to
16782 plain integers, so that @kbd{c 1} on @samp{[1., 1.5, 2., 2.5, 3.]}
16783 produces @samp{[1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3]}. This is not done for huge
16784 numbers (@samp{1e100} is technically an integer-valued float, but
16785 you wouldn't want it automatically converted to a 100-digit integer).
16790 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H c c} and @kbd{H c 0} through @kbd{H c 9}
16791 operate non-pervasively [@code{clean}].
16793 @node Date Arithmetic, Financial Functions, Conversions, Arithmetic
16794 @section Date Arithmetic
16797 @cindex Date arithmetic, additional functions
16798 The commands described in this section perform various conversions
16799 and calculations involving date forms (@pxref{Date Forms}). They
16800 use the @kbd{t} (for time/date) prefix key followed by shifted
16803 The simplest date arithmetic is done using the regular @kbd{+} and @kbd{-}
16804 commands. In particular, adding a number to a date form advances the
16805 date form by a certain number of days; adding an HMS form to a date
16806 form advances the date by a certain amount of time; and subtracting two
16807 date forms produces a difference measured in days. The commands
16808 described here provide additional, more specialized operations on dates.
16810 Many of these commands accept a numeric prefix argument; if you give
16811 plain @kbd{C-u} as the prefix, these commands will instead take the
16812 additional argument from the top of the stack.
16815 * Date Conversions::
16821 @node Date Conversions, Date Functions, Date Arithmetic, Date Arithmetic
16822 @subsection Date Conversions
16828 The @kbd{t D} (@code{calc-date}) [@code{date}] command converts a
16829 date form into a number, measured in days since Jan 1, 1 AD. The
16830 result will be an integer if @var{date} is a pure date form, or a
16831 fraction or float if @var{date} is a date/time form. Or, if its
16832 argument is a number, it converts this number into a date form.
16834 With a numeric prefix argument, @kbd{t D} takes that many objects
16835 (up to six) from the top of the stack and interprets them in one
16836 of the following ways:
16838 The @samp{date(@var{year}, @var{month}, @var{day})} function
16839 builds a pure date form out of the specified year, month, and
16840 day, which must all be integers. @var{Year} is a year number,
16841 such as 1991 (@emph{not} the same as 91!). @var{Month} must be
16842 an integer in the range 1 to 12; @var{day} must be in the range
16843 1 to 31. If the specified month has fewer than 31 days and
16844 @var{day} is too large, the equivalent day in the following
16845 month will be used.
16847 The @samp{date(@var{month}, @var{day})} function builds a
16848 pure date form using the current year, as determined by the
16851 The @samp{date(@var{year}, @var{month}, @var{day}, @var{hms})}
16852 function builds a date/time form using an @var{hms} form.
16854 The @samp{date(@var{year}, @var{month}, @var{day}, @var{hour},
16855 @var{minute}, @var{second})} function builds a date/time form.
16856 @var{hour} should be an integer in the range 0 to 23;
16857 @var{minute} should be an integer in the range 0 to 59;
16858 @var{second} should be any real number in the range @samp{[0 .. 60)}.
16859 The last two arguments default to zero if omitted.
16862 @pindex calc-julian
16864 @cindex Julian day counts, conversions
16865 The @kbd{t J} (@code{calc-julian}) [@code{julian}] command converts
16866 a date form into a Julian day count, which is the number of days
16867 since noon (GMT) on Jan 1, 4713 BC. A pure date is converted to an
16868 integer Julian count representing noon of that day. A date/time form
16869 is converted to an exact floating-point Julian count, adjusted to
16870 interpret the date form in the current time zone but the Julian
16871 day count in Greenwich Mean Time. A numeric prefix argument allows
16872 you to specify the time zone; @pxref{Time Zones}. Use a prefix of
16873 zero to suppress the time zone adjustment. Note that pure date forms
16874 are never time-zone adjusted.
16876 This command can also do the opposite conversion, from a Julian day
16877 count (either an integer day, or a floating-point day and time in
16878 the GMT zone), into a pure date form or a date/time form in the
16879 current or specified time zone.
16882 @pindex calc-unix-time
16884 @cindex Unix time format, conversions
16885 The @kbd{t U} (@code{calc-unix-time}) [@code{unixtime}] command
16886 converts a date form into a Unix time value, which is the number of
16887 seconds since midnight on Jan 1, 1970, or vice-versa. The numeric result
16888 will be an integer if the current precision is 12 or less; for higher
16889 precisions, the result may be a float with (@var{precision}@minus{}12)
16890 digits after the decimal. Just as for @kbd{t J}, the numeric time
16891 is interpreted in the GMT time zone and the date form is interpreted
16892 in the current or specified zone. Some systems use Unix-like
16893 numbering but with the local time zone; give a prefix of zero to
16894 suppress the adjustment if so.
16897 @pindex calc-convert-time-zones
16899 @cindex Time Zones, converting between
16900 The @kbd{t C} (@code{calc-convert-time-zones}) [@code{tzconv}]
16901 command converts a date form from one time zone to another. You
16902 are prompted for each time zone name in turn; you can answer with
16903 any suitable Calc time zone expression (@pxref{Time Zones}).
16904 If you answer either prompt with a blank line, the local time
16905 zone is used for that prompt. You can also answer the first
16906 prompt with @kbd{$} to take the two time zone names from the
16907 stack (and the date to be converted from the third stack level).
16909 @node Date Functions, Business Days, Date Conversions, Date Arithmetic
16910 @subsection Date Functions
16916 The @kbd{t N} (@code{calc-now}) [@code{now}] command pushes the
16917 current date and time on the stack as a date form. The time is
16918 reported in terms of the specified time zone; with no numeric prefix
16919 argument, @kbd{t N} reports for the current time zone.
16922 @pindex calc-date-part
16923 The @kbd{t P} (@code{calc-date-part}) command extracts one part
16924 of a date form. The prefix argument specifies the part; with no
16925 argument, this command prompts for a part code from 1 to 9.
16926 The various part codes are described in the following paragraphs.
16929 The @kbd{M-1 t P} [@code{year}] function extracts the year number
16930 from a date form as an integer, e.g., 1991. This and the
16931 following functions will also accept a real number for an
16932 argument, which is interpreted as a standard Calc day number.
16933 Note that this function will never return zero, since the year
16934 1 BC immediately precedes the year 1 AD.
16937 The @kbd{M-2 t P} [@code{month}] function extracts the month number
16938 from a date form as an integer in the range 1 to 12.
16941 The @kbd{M-3 t P} [@code{day}] function extracts the day number
16942 from a date form as an integer in the range 1 to 31.
16945 The @kbd{M-4 t P} [@code{hour}] function extracts the hour from
16946 a date form as an integer in the range 0 (midnight) to 23. Note
16947 that 24-hour time is always used. This returns zero for a pure
16948 date form. This function (and the following two) also accept
16949 HMS forms as input.
16952 The @kbd{M-5 t P} [@code{minute}] function extracts the minute
16953 from a date form as an integer in the range 0 to 59.
16956 The @kbd{M-6 t P} [@code{second}] function extracts the second
16957 from a date form. If the current precision is 12 or less,
16958 the result is an integer in the range 0 to 59. For higher
16959 precisions, the result may instead be a floating-point number.
16962 The @kbd{M-7 t P} [@code{weekday}] function extracts the weekday
16963 number from a date form as an integer in the range 0 (Sunday)
16967 The @kbd{M-8 t P} [@code{yearday}] function extracts the day-of-year
16968 number from a date form as an integer in the range 1 (January 1)
16969 to 366 (December 31 of a leap year).
16972 The @kbd{M-9 t P} [@code{time}] function extracts the time portion
16973 of a date form as an HMS form. This returns @samp{0@@ 0' 0"}
16974 for a pure date form.
16977 @pindex calc-new-month
16979 The @kbd{t M} (@code{calc-new-month}) [@code{newmonth}] command
16980 computes a new date form that represents the first day of the month
16981 specified by the input date. The result is always a pure date
16982 form; only the year and month numbers of the input are retained.
16983 With a numeric prefix argument @var{n} in the range from 1 to 31,
16984 @kbd{t M} computes the @var{n}th day of the month. (If @var{n}
16985 is greater than the actual number of days in the month, or if
16986 @var{n} is zero, the last day of the month is used.)
16989 @pindex calc-new-year
16991 The @kbd{t Y} (@code{calc-new-year}) [@code{newyear}] command
16992 computes a new pure date form that represents the first day of
16993 the year specified by the input. The month, day, and time
16994 of the input date form are lost. With a numeric prefix argument
16995 @var{n} in the range from 1 to 366, @kbd{t Y} computes the
16996 @var{n}th day of the year (366 is treated as 365 in non-leap
16997 years). A prefix argument of 0 computes the last day of the
16998 year (December 31). A negative prefix argument from @mathit{-1} to
16999 @mathit{-12} computes the first day of the @var{n}th month of the year.
17002 @pindex calc-new-week
17004 The @kbd{t W} (@code{calc-new-week}) [@code{newweek}] command
17005 computes a new pure date form that represents the Sunday on or before
17006 the input date. With a numeric prefix argument, it can be made to
17007 use any day of the week as the starting day; the argument must be in
17008 the range from 0 (Sunday) to 6 (Saturday). This function always
17009 subtracts between 0 and 6 days from the input date.
17011 Here's an example use of @code{newweek}: Find the date of the next
17012 Wednesday after a given date. Using @kbd{M-3 t W} or @samp{newweek(d, 3)}
17013 will give you the @emph{preceding} Wednesday, so @samp{newweek(d+7, 3)}
17014 will give you the following Wednesday. A further look at the definition
17015 of @code{newweek} shows that if the input date is itself a Wednesday,
17016 this formula will return the Wednesday one week in the future. An
17017 exercise for the reader is to modify this formula to yield the same day
17018 if the input is already a Wednesday. Another interesting exercise is
17019 to preserve the time-of-day portion of the input (@code{newweek} resets
17020 the time to midnight; hint:@: how can @code{newweek} be defined in terms
17021 of the @code{weekday} function?).
17027 The @samp{pwday(@var{date})} function (not on any key) computes the
17028 day-of-month number of the Sunday on or before @var{date}. With
17029 two arguments, @samp{pwday(@var{date}, @var{day})} computes the day
17030 number of the Sunday on or before day number @var{day} of the month
17031 specified by @var{date}. The @var{day} must be in the range from
17032 7 to 31; if the day number is greater than the actual number of days
17033 in the month, the true number of days is used instead. Thus
17034 @samp{pwday(@var{date}, 7)} finds the first Sunday of the month, and
17035 @samp{pwday(@var{date}, 31)} finds the last Sunday of the month.
17036 With a third @var{weekday} argument, @code{pwday} can be made to look
17037 for any day of the week instead of Sunday.
17040 @pindex calc-inc-month
17042 The @kbd{t I} (@code{calc-inc-month}) [@code{incmonth}] command
17043 increases a date form by one month, or by an arbitrary number of
17044 months specified by a numeric prefix argument. The time portion,
17045 if any, of the date form stays the same. The day also stays the
17046 same, except that if the new month has fewer days the day
17047 number may be reduced to lie in the valid range. For example,
17048 @samp{incmonth(<Jan 31, 1991>)} produces @samp{<Feb 28, 1991>}.
17049 Because of this, @kbd{t I t I} and @kbd{M-2 t I} do not always give
17050 the same results (@samp{<Mar 28, 1991>} versus @samp{<Mar 31, 1991>}
17057 The @samp{incyear(@var{date}, @var{step})} function increases
17058 a date form by the specified number of years, which may be
17059 any positive or negative integer. Note that @samp{incyear(d, n)}
17060 is equivalent to @w{@samp{incmonth(d, 12*n)}}, but these do not have
17061 simple equivalents in terms of day arithmetic because
17062 months and years have varying lengths. If the @var{step}
17063 argument is omitted, 1 year is assumed. There is no keyboard
17064 command for this function; use @kbd{C-u 12 t I} instead.
17066 There is no @code{newday} function at all because @kbd{F} [@code{floor}]
17067 serves this purpose. Similarly, instead of @code{incday} and
17068 @code{incweek} simply use @expr{d + n} or @expr{d + 7 n}.
17070 @xref{Basic Arithmetic}, for the @kbd{f ]} [@code{incr}] command
17071 which can adjust a date/time form by a certain number of seconds.
17073 @node Business Days, Time Zones, Date Functions, Date Arithmetic
17074 @subsection Business Days
17077 Often time is measured in ``business days'' or ``working days,''
17078 where weekends and holidays are skipped. Calc's normal date
17079 arithmetic functions use calendar days, so that subtracting two
17080 consecutive Mondays will yield a difference of 7 days. By contrast,
17081 subtracting two consecutive Mondays would yield 5 business days
17082 (assuming two-day weekends and the absence of holidays).
17088 @pindex calc-business-days-plus
17089 @pindex calc-business-days-minus
17090 The @kbd{t +} (@code{calc-business-days-plus}) [@code{badd}]
17091 and @kbd{t -} (@code{calc-business-days-minus}) [@code{bsub}]
17092 commands perform arithmetic using business days. For @kbd{t +},
17093 one argument must be a date form and the other must be a real
17094 number (positive or negative). If the number is not an integer,
17095 then a certain amount of time is added as well as a number of
17096 days; for example, adding 0.5 business days to a time in Friday
17097 evening will produce a time in Monday morning. It is also
17098 possible to add an HMS form; adding @samp{12@@ 0' 0"} also adds
17099 half a business day. For @kbd{t -}, the arguments are either a
17100 date form and a number or HMS form, or two date forms, in which
17101 case the result is the number of business days between the two
17104 @cindex @code{Holidays} variable
17106 By default, Calc considers any day that is not a Saturday or
17107 Sunday to be a business day. You can define any number of
17108 additional holidays by editing the variable @code{Holidays}.
17109 (There is an @w{@kbd{s H}} convenience command for editing this
17110 variable.) Initially, @code{Holidays} contains the vector
17111 @samp{[sat, sun]}. Entries in the @code{Holidays} vector may
17112 be any of the following kinds of objects:
17116 Date forms (pure dates, not date/time forms). These specify
17117 particular days which are to be treated as holidays.
17120 Intervals of date forms. These specify a range of days, all of
17121 which are holidays (e.g., Christmas week). @xref{Interval Forms}.
17124 Nested vectors of date forms. Each date form in the vector is
17125 considered to be a holiday.
17128 Any Calc formula which evaluates to one of the above three things.
17129 If the formula involves the variable @expr{y}, it stands for a
17130 yearly repeating holiday; @expr{y} will take on various year
17131 numbers like 1992. For example, @samp{date(y, 12, 25)} specifies
17132 Christmas day, and @samp{newweek(date(y, 11, 7), 4) + 21} specifies
17133 Thanksgiving (which is held on the fourth Thursday of November).
17134 If the formula involves the variable @expr{m}, that variable
17135 takes on month numbers from 1 to 12: @samp{date(y, m, 15)} is
17136 a holiday that takes place on the 15th of every month.
17139 A weekday name, such as @code{sat} or @code{sun}. This is really
17140 a variable whose name is a three-letter, lower-case day name.
17143 An interval of year numbers (integers). This specifies the span of
17144 years over which this holiday list is to be considered valid. Any
17145 business-day arithmetic that goes outside this range will result
17146 in an error message. Use this if you are including an explicit
17147 list of holidays, rather than a formula to generate them, and you
17148 want to make sure you don't accidentally go beyond the last point
17149 where the holidays you entered are complete. If there is no
17150 limiting interval in the @code{Holidays} vector, the default
17151 @samp{[1 .. 2737]} is used. (This is the absolute range of years
17152 for which Calc's business-day algorithms will operate.)
17155 An interval of HMS forms. This specifies the span of hours that
17156 are to be considered one business day. For example, if this
17157 range is @samp{[9@@ 0' 0" .. 17@@ 0' 0"]} (i.e., 9am to 5pm), then
17158 the business day is only eight hours long, so that @kbd{1.5 t +}
17159 on @samp{<4:00pm Fri Dec 13, 1991>} will add one business day and
17160 four business hours to produce @samp{<12:00pm Tue Dec 17, 1991>}.
17161 Likewise, @kbd{t -} will now express differences in time as
17162 fractions of an eight-hour day. Times before 9am will be treated
17163 as 9am by business date arithmetic, and times at or after 5pm will
17164 be treated as 4:59:59pm. If there is no HMS interval in @code{Holidays},
17165 the full 24-hour day @samp{[0@ 0' 0" .. 24@ 0' 0"]} is assumed.
17166 (Regardless of the type of bounds you specify, the interval is
17167 treated as inclusive on the low end and exclusive on the high end,
17168 so that the work day goes from 9am up to, but not including, 5pm.)
17171 If the @code{Holidays} vector is empty, then @kbd{t +} and
17172 @kbd{t -} will act just like @kbd{+} and @kbd{-} because there will
17173 then be no difference between business days and calendar days.
17175 Calc expands the intervals and formulas you give into a complete
17176 list of holidays for internal use. This is done mainly to make
17177 sure it can detect multiple holidays. (For example,
17178 @samp{<Jan 1, 1989>} is both New Year's Day and a Sunday, but
17179 Calc's algorithms take care to count it only once when figuring
17180 the number of holidays between two dates.)
17182 Since the complete list of holidays for all the years from 1 to
17183 2737 would be huge, Calc actually computes only the part of the
17184 list between the smallest and largest years that have been involved
17185 in business-day calculations so far. Normally, you won't have to
17186 worry about this. Keep in mind, however, that if you do one
17187 calculation for 1992, and another for 1792, even if both involve
17188 only a small range of years, Calc will still work out all the
17189 holidays that fall in that 200-year span.
17191 If you add a (positive) number of days to a date form that falls on a
17192 weekend or holiday, the date form is treated as if it were the most
17193 recent business day. (Thus adding one business day to a Friday,
17194 Saturday, or Sunday will all yield the following Monday.) If you
17195 subtract a number of days from a weekend or holiday, the date is
17196 effectively on the following business day. (So subtracting one business
17197 day from Saturday, Sunday, or Monday yields the preceding Friday.) The
17198 difference between two dates one or both of which fall on holidays
17199 equals the number of actual business days between them. These
17200 conventions are consistent in the sense that, if you add @var{n}
17201 business days to any date, the difference between the result and the
17202 original date will come out to @var{n} business days. (It can't be
17203 completely consistent though; a subtraction followed by an addition
17204 might come out a bit differently, since @kbd{t +} is incapable of
17205 producing a date that falls on a weekend or holiday.)
17211 There is a @code{holiday} function, not on any keys, that takes
17212 any date form and returns 1 if that date falls on a weekend or
17213 holiday, as defined in @code{Holidays}, or 0 if the date is a
17216 @node Time Zones, , Business Days, Date Arithmetic
17217 @subsection Time Zones
17221 @cindex Daylight saving time
17222 Time zones and daylight saving time are a complicated business.
17223 The conversions to and from Julian and Unix-style dates automatically
17224 compute the correct time zone and daylight saving adjustment to use,
17225 provided they can figure out this information. This section describes
17226 Calc's time zone adjustment algorithm in detail, in case you want to
17227 do conversions in different time zones or in case Calc's algorithms
17228 can't determine the right correction to use.
17230 Adjustments for time zones and daylight saving time are done by
17231 @kbd{t U}, @kbd{t J}, @kbd{t N}, and @kbd{t C}, but not by any other
17232 commands. In particular, @samp{<may 1 1991> - <apr 1 1991>} evaluates
17233 to exactly 30 days even though there is a daylight-saving
17234 transition in between. This is also true for Julian pure dates:
17235 @samp{julian(<may 1 1991>) - julian(<apr 1 1991>)}. But Julian
17236 and Unix date/times will adjust for daylight saving time: using Calc's
17237 default daylight saving time rule (see the explanation below),
17238 @samp{julian(<12am may 1 1991>) - julian(<12am apr 1 1991>)}
17239 evaluates to @samp{29.95833} (that's 29 days and 23 hours)
17240 because one hour was lost when daylight saving commenced on
17243 In brief, the idiom @samp{julian(@var{date1}) - julian(@var{date2})}
17244 computes the actual number of 24-hour periods between two dates, whereas
17245 @samp{@var{date1} - @var{date2}} computes the number of calendar
17246 days between two dates without taking daylight saving into account.
17248 @pindex calc-time-zone
17253 The @code{calc-time-zone} [@code{tzone}] command converts the time
17254 zone specified by its numeric prefix argument into a number of
17255 seconds difference from Greenwich mean time (GMT). If the argument
17256 is a number, the result is simply that value multiplied by 3600.
17257 Typical arguments for North America are 5 (Eastern) or 8 (Pacific). If
17258 Daylight Saving time is in effect, one hour should be subtracted from
17259 the normal difference.
17261 If you give a prefix of plain @kbd{C-u}, @code{calc-time-zone} (like other
17262 date arithmetic commands that include a time zone argument) takes the
17263 zone argument from the top of the stack. (In the case of @kbd{t J}
17264 and @kbd{t U}, the normal argument is then taken from the second-to-top
17265 stack position.) This allows you to give a non-integer time zone
17266 adjustment. The time-zone argument can also be an HMS form, or
17267 it can be a variable which is a time zone name in upper- or lower-case.
17268 For example @samp{tzone(PST) = tzone(8)} and @samp{tzone(pdt) = tzone(7)}
17269 (for Pacific standard and daylight saving times, respectively).
17271 North American and European time zone names are defined as follows;
17272 note that for each time zone there is one name for standard time,
17273 another for daylight saving time, and a third for ``generalized'' time
17274 in which the daylight saving adjustment is computed from context.
17278 YST PST MST CST EST AST NST GMT WET MET MEZ
17279 9 8 7 6 5 4 3.5 0 -1 -2 -2
17281 YDT PDT MDT CDT EDT ADT NDT BST WETDST METDST MESZ
17282 8 7 6 5 4 3 2.5 -1 -2 -3 -3
17284 YGT PGT MGT CGT EGT AGT NGT BGT WEGT MEGT MEGZ
17285 9/8 8/7 7/6 6/5 5/4 4/3 3.5/2.5 0/-1 -1/-2 -2/-3 -2/-3
17289 @vindex math-tzone-names
17290 To define time zone names that do not appear in the above table,
17291 you must modify the Lisp variable @code{math-tzone-names}. This
17292 is a list of lists describing the different time zone names; its
17293 structure is best explained by an example. The three entries for
17294 Pacific Time look like this:
17298 ( ( "PST" 8 0 ) ; Name as an upper-case string, then standard
17299 ( "PDT" 8 -1 ) ; adjustment, then daylight saving adjustment.
17300 ( "PGT" 8 "PST" "PDT" ) ) ; Generalized time zone.
17304 @cindex @code{TimeZone} variable
17306 With no arguments, @code{calc-time-zone} or @samp{tzone()} will by
17307 default get the time zone and daylight saving information from the
17308 calendar (@pxref{Daylight Saving,Calendar/Diary,The Calendar and the Diary,
17309 emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual}). To use a different time zone, or if the
17310 calendar does not give the desired result, you can set the Calc variable
17311 @code{TimeZone} (which is by default @code{nil}) to an appropriate
17312 time zone name. (The easiest way to do this is to edit the
17313 @code{TimeZone} variable using Calc's @kbd{s T} command, then use the
17314 @kbd{s p} (@code{calc-permanent-variable}) command to save the value of
17315 @code{TimeZone} permanently.)
17316 If the time zone given by @code{TimeZone} is a generalized time zone,
17317 e.g., @code{EGT}, Calc examines the date being converted to tell whether
17318 to use standard or daylight saving time. But if the current time zone
17319 is explicit, e.g., @code{EST} or @code{EDT}, then that adjustment is
17320 used exactly and Calc's daylight saving algorithm is not consulted.
17321 The special time zone name @code{local}
17322 is equivalent to no argument; i.e., it uses the information obtained
17325 The @kbd{t J} and @code{t U} commands with no numeric prefix
17326 arguments do the same thing as @samp{tzone()}; namely, use the
17327 information from the calendar if @code{TimeZone} is @code{nil},
17328 otherwise use the time zone given by @code{TimeZone}.
17330 @vindex math-daylight-savings-hook
17331 @findex math-std-daylight-savings
17332 When Calc computes the daylight saving information itself (i.e., when
17333 the @code{TimeZone} variable is set), it will by default consider
17334 daylight saving time to begin at 2 a.m.@: on the second Sunday of March
17335 (for years from 2007 on) or on the last Sunday in April (for years
17336 before 2007), and to end at 2 a.m.@: on the first Sunday of
17337 November. (for years from 2007 on) or the last Sunday in October (for
17338 years before 2007). These are the rules that have been in effect in
17339 much of North America since 1966 and take into account the rule change
17340 that began in 2007. If you are in a country that uses different rules
17341 for computing daylight saving time, you have two choices: Write your own
17342 daylight saving hook, or control time zones explicitly by setting the
17343 @code{TimeZone} variable and/or always giving a time-zone argument for
17344 the conversion functions.
17346 The Lisp variable @code{math-daylight-savings-hook} holds the
17347 name of a function that is used to compute the daylight saving
17348 adjustment for a given date. The default is
17349 @code{math-std-daylight-savings}, which computes an adjustment
17350 (either 0 or @mathit{-1}) using the North American rules given above.
17352 The daylight saving hook function is called with four arguments:
17353 The date, as a floating-point number in standard Calc format;
17354 a six-element list of the date decomposed into year, month, day,
17355 hour, minute, and second, respectively; a string which contains
17356 the generalized time zone name in upper-case, e.g., @code{"WEGT"};
17357 and a special adjustment to be applied to the hour value when
17358 converting into a generalized time zone (see below).
17360 @findex math-prev-weekday-in-month
17361 The Lisp function @code{math-prev-weekday-in-month} is useful for
17362 daylight saving computations. This is an internal version of
17363 the user-level @code{pwday} function described in the previous
17364 section. It takes four arguments: The floating-point date value,
17365 the corresponding six-element date list, the day-of-month number,
17366 and the weekday number (0-6).
17368 The default daylight saving hook ignores the time zone name, but a
17369 more sophisticated hook could use different algorithms for different
17370 time zones. It would also be possible to use different algorithms
17371 depending on the year number, but the default hook always uses the
17372 algorithm for 1987 and later. Here is a listing of the default
17373 daylight saving hook:
17376 (defun math-std-daylight-savings (date dt zone bump)
17377 (cond ((< (nth 1 dt) 4) 0)
17379 (let ((sunday (math-prev-weekday-in-month date dt 7 0)))
17380 (cond ((< (nth 2 dt) sunday) 0)
17381 ((= (nth 2 dt) sunday)
17382 (if (>= (nth 3 dt) (+ 3 bump)) -1 0))
17384 ((< (nth 1 dt) 10) -1)
17386 (let ((sunday (math-prev-weekday-in-month date dt 31 0)))
17387 (cond ((< (nth 2 dt) sunday) -1)
17388 ((= (nth 2 dt) sunday)
17389 (if (>= (nth 3 dt) (+ 2 bump)) 0 -1))
17396 The @code{bump} parameter is equal to zero when Calc is converting
17397 from a date form in a generalized time zone into a GMT date value.
17398 It is @mathit{-1} when Calc is converting in the other direction. The
17399 adjustments shown above ensure that the conversion behaves correctly
17400 and reasonably around the 2 a.m.@: transition in each direction.
17402 There is a ``missing'' hour between 2 a.m.@: and 3 a.m.@: at the
17403 beginning of daylight saving time; converting a date/time form that
17404 falls in this hour results in a time value for the following hour,
17405 from 3 a.m.@: to 4 a.m. At the end of daylight saving time, the
17406 hour from 1 a.m.@: to 2 a.m.@: repeats itself; converting a date/time
17407 form that falls in this hour results in a time value for the first
17408 manifestation of that time (@emph{not} the one that occurs one hour
17411 If @code{math-daylight-savings-hook} is @code{nil}, then the
17412 daylight saving adjustment is always taken to be zero.
17414 In algebraic formulas, @samp{tzone(@var{zone}, @var{date})}
17415 computes the time zone adjustment for a given zone name at a
17416 given date. The @var{date} is ignored unless @var{zone} is a
17417 generalized time zone. If @var{date} is a date form, the
17418 daylight saving computation is applied to it as it appears.
17419 If @var{date} is a numeric date value, it is adjusted for the
17420 daylight-saving version of @var{zone} before being given to
17421 the daylight saving hook. This odd-sounding rule ensures
17422 that the daylight-saving computation is always done in
17423 local time, not in the GMT time that a numeric @var{date}
17424 is typically represented in.
17430 The @samp{dsadj(@var{date}, @var{zone})} function computes the
17431 daylight saving adjustment that is appropriate for @var{date} in
17432 time zone @var{zone}. If @var{zone} is explicitly in or not in
17433 daylight saving time (e.g., @code{PDT} or @code{PST}) the
17434 @var{date} is ignored. If @var{zone} is a generalized time zone,
17435 the algorithms described above are used. If @var{zone} is omitted,
17436 the computation is done for the current time zone.
17438 @node Financial Functions, Binary Functions, Date Arithmetic, Arithmetic
17439 @section Financial Functions
17442 Calc's financial or business functions use the @kbd{b} prefix
17443 key followed by a shifted letter. (The @kbd{b} prefix followed by
17444 a lower-case letter is used for operations on binary numbers.)
17446 Note that the rate and the number of intervals given to these
17447 functions must be on the same time scale, e.g., both months or
17448 both years. Mixing an annual interest rate with a time expressed
17449 in months will give you very wrong answers!
17451 It is wise to compute these functions to a higher precision than
17452 you really need, just to make sure your answer is correct to the
17453 last penny; also, you may wish to check the definitions at the end
17454 of this section to make sure the functions have the meaning you expect.
17460 * Related Financial Functions::
17461 * Depreciation Functions::
17462 * Definitions of Financial Functions::
17465 @node Percentages, Future Value, Financial Functions, Financial Functions
17466 @subsection Percentages
17469 @pindex calc-percent
17472 The @kbd{M-%} (@code{calc-percent}) command takes a percentage value,
17473 say 5.4, and converts it to an equivalent actual number. For example,
17474 @kbd{5.4 M-%} enters 0.054 on the stack. (That's the @key{META} or
17475 @key{ESC} key combined with @kbd{%}.)
17477 Actually, @kbd{M-%} creates a formula of the form @samp{5.4%}.
17478 You can enter @samp{5.4%} yourself during algebraic entry. The
17479 @samp{%} operator simply means, ``the preceding value divided by
17480 100.'' The @samp{%} operator has very high precedence, so that
17481 @samp{1+8%} is interpreted as @samp{1+(8%)}, not as @samp{(1+8)%}.
17482 (The @samp{%} operator is just a postfix notation for the
17483 @code{percent} function, just like @samp{20!} is the notation for
17484 @samp{fact(20)}, or twenty-factorial.)
17486 The formula @samp{5.4%} would normally evaluate immediately to
17487 0.054, but the @kbd{M-%} command suppresses evaluation as it puts
17488 the formula onto the stack. However, the next Calc command that
17489 uses the formula @samp{5.4%} will evaluate it as its first step.
17490 The net effect is that you get to look at @samp{5.4%} on the stack,
17491 but Calc commands see it as @samp{0.054}, which is what they expect.
17493 In particular, @samp{5.4%} and @samp{0.054} are suitable values
17494 for the @var{rate} arguments of the various financial functions,
17495 but the number @samp{5.4} is probably @emph{not} suitable---it
17496 represents a rate of 540 percent!
17498 The key sequence @kbd{M-% *} effectively means ``percent-of.''
17499 For example, @kbd{68 @key{RET} 25 M-% *} computes 17, which is 25% of
17500 68 (and also 68% of 25, which comes out to the same thing).
17503 @pindex calc-convert-percent
17504 The @kbd{c %} (@code{calc-convert-percent}) command converts the
17505 value on the top of the stack from numeric to percentage form.
17506 For example, if 0.08 is on the stack, @kbd{c %} converts it to
17507 @samp{8%}. The quantity is the same, it's just represented
17508 differently. (Contrast this with @kbd{M-%}, which would convert
17509 this number to @samp{0.08%}.) The @kbd{=} key is a convenient way
17510 to convert a formula like @samp{8%} back to numeric form, 0.08.
17512 To compute what percentage one quantity is of another quantity,
17513 use @kbd{/ c %}. For example, @w{@kbd{17 @key{RET} 68 / c %}} displays
17517 @pindex calc-percent-change
17519 The @kbd{b %} (@code{calc-percent-change}) [@code{relch}] command
17520 calculates the percentage change from one number to another.
17521 For example, @kbd{40 @key{RET} 50 b %} produces the answer @samp{25%},
17522 since 50 is 25% larger than 40. A negative result represents a
17523 decrease: @kbd{50 @key{RET} 40 b %} produces @samp{-20%}, since 40 is
17524 20% smaller than 50. (The answers are different in magnitude
17525 because, in the first case, we're increasing by 25% of 40, but
17526 in the second case, we're decreasing by 20% of 50.) The effect
17527 of @kbd{40 @key{RET} 50 b %} is to compute @expr{(50-40)/40}, converting
17528 the answer to percentage form as if by @kbd{c %}.
17530 @node Future Value, Present Value, Percentages, Financial Functions
17531 @subsection Future Value
17535 @pindex calc-fin-fv
17537 The @kbd{b F} (@code{calc-fin-fv}) [@code{fv}] command computes
17538 the future value of an investment. It takes three arguments
17539 from the stack: @samp{fv(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{payment})}.
17540 If you give payments of @var{payment} every year for @var{n}
17541 years, and the money you have paid earns interest at @var{rate} per
17542 year, then this function tells you what your investment would be
17543 worth at the end of the period. (The actual interval doesn't
17544 have to be years, as long as @var{n} and @var{rate} are expressed
17545 in terms of the same intervals.) This function assumes payments
17546 occur at the @emph{end} of each interval.
17550 The @kbd{I b F} [@code{fvb}] command does the same computation,
17551 but assuming your payments are at the beginning of each interval.
17552 Suppose you plan to deposit $1000 per year in a savings account
17553 earning 5.4% interest, starting right now. How much will be
17554 in the account after five years? @code{fvb(5.4%, 5, 1000) = 5870.73}.
17555 Thus you will have earned $870 worth of interest over the years.
17556 Using the stack, this calculation would have been
17557 @kbd{5.4 M-% 5 @key{RET} 1000 I b F}. Note that the rate is expressed
17558 as a number between 0 and 1, @emph{not} as a percentage.
17562 The @kbd{H b F} [@code{fvl}] command computes the future value
17563 of an initial lump sum investment. Suppose you could deposit
17564 those five thousand dollars in the bank right now; how much would
17565 they be worth in five years? @code{fvl(5.4%, 5, 5000) = 6503.89}.
17567 The algebraic functions @code{fv} and @code{fvb} accept an optional
17568 fourth argument, which is used as an initial lump sum in the sense
17569 of @code{fvl}. In other words, @code{fv(@var{rate}, @var{n},
17570 @var{payment}, @var{initial}) = fv(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{payment})
17571 + fvl(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{initial})}.
17573 To illustrate the relationships between these functions, we could
17574 do the @code{fvb} calculation ``by hand'' using @code{fvl}. The
17575 final balance will be the sum of the contributions of our five
17576 deposits at various times. The first deposit earns interest for
17577 five years: @code{fvl(5.4%, 5, 1000) = 1300.78}. The second
17578 deposit only earns interest for four years: @code{fvl(5.4%, 4, 1000) =
17579 1234.13}. And so on down to the last deposit, which earns one
17580 year's interest: @code{fvl(5.4%, 1, 1000) = 1054.00}. The sum of
17581 these five values is, sure enough, $5870.73, just as was computed
17582 by @code{fvb} directly.
17584 What does @code{fv(5.4%, 5, 1000) = 5569.96} mean? The payments
17585 are now at the ends of the periods. The end of one year is the same
17586 as the beginning of the next, so what this really means is that we've
17587 lost the payment at year zero (which contributed $1300.78), but we're
17588 now counting the payment at year five (which, since it didn't have
17589 a chance to earn interest, counts as $1000). Indeed, @expr{5569.96 =
17590 5870.73 - 1300.78 + 1000} (give or take a bit of roundoff error).
17592 @node Present Value, Related Financial Functions, Future Value, Financial Functions
17593 @subsection Present Value
17597 @pindex calc-fin-pv
17599 The @kbd{b P} (@code{calc-fin-pv}) [@code{pv}] command computes
17600 the present value of an investment. Like @code{fv}, it takes
17601 three arguments: @code{pv(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{payment})}.
17602 It computes the present value of a series of regular payments.
17603 Suppose you have the chance to make an investment that will
17604 pay $2000 per year over the next four years; as you receive
17605 these payments you can put them in the bank at 9% interest.
17606 You want to know whether it is better to make the investment, or
17607 to keep the money in the bank where it earns 9% interest right
17608 from the start. The calculation @code{pv(9%, 4, 2000)} gives the
17609 result 6479.44. If your initial investment must be less than this,
17610 say, $6000, then the investment is worthwhile. But if you had to
17611 put up $7000, then it would be better just to leave it in the bank.
17613 Here is the interpretation of the result of @code{pv}: You are
17614 trying to compare the return from the investment you are
17615 considering, which is @code{fv(9%, 4, 2000) = 9146.26}, with
17616 the return from leaving the money in the bank, which is
17617 @code{fvl(9%, 4, @var{x})} where @var{x} is the amount of money
17618 you would have to put up in advance. The @code{pv} function
17619 finds the break-even point, @expr{x = 6479.44}, at which
17620 @code{fvl(9%, 4, 6479.44)} is also equal to 9146.26. This is
17621 the largest amount you should be willing to invest.
17625 The @kbd{I b P} [@code{pvb}] command solves the same problem,
17626 but with payments occurring at the beginning of each interval.
17627 It has the same relationship to @code{fvb} as @code{pv} has
17628 to @code{fv}. For example @code{pvb(9%, 4, 2000) = 7062.59},
17629 a larger number than @code{pv} produced because we get to start
17630 earning interest on the return from our investment sooner.
17634 The @kbd{H b P} [@code{pvl}] command computes the present value of
17635 an investment that will pay off in one lump sum at the end of the
17636 period. For example, if we get our $8000 all at the end of the
17637 four years, @code{pvl(9%, 4, 8000) = 5667.40}. This is much
17638 less than @code{pv} reported, because we don't earn any interest
17639 on the return from this investment. Note that @code{pvl} and
17640 @code{fvl} are simple inverses: @code{fvl(9%, 4, 5667.40) = 8000}.
17642 You can give an optional fourth lump-sum argument to @code{pv}
17643 and @code{pvb}; this is handled in exactly the same way as the
17644 fourth argument for @code{fv} and @code{fvb}.
17647 @pindex calc-fin-npv
17649 The @kbd{b N} (@code{calc-fin-npv}) [@code{npv}] command computes
17650 the net present value of a series of irregular investments.
17651 The first argument is the interest rate. The second argument is
17652 a vector which represents the expected return from the investment
17653 at the end of each interval. For example, if the rate represents
17654 a yearly interest rate, then the vector elements are the return
17655 from the first year, second year, and so on.
17657 Thus, @code{npv(9%, [2000,2000,2000,2000]) = pv(9%, 4, 2000) = 6479.44}.
17658 Obviously this function is more interesting when the payments are
17661 The @code{npv} function can actually have two or more arguments.
17662 Multiple arguments are interpreted in the same way as for the
17663 vector statistical functions like @code{vsum}.
17664 @xref{Single-Variable Statistics}. Basically, if there are several
17665 payment arguments, each either a vector or a plain number, all these
17666 values are collected left-to-right into the complete list of payments.
17667 A numeric prefix argument on the @kbd{b N} command says how many
17668 payment values or vectors to take from the stack.
17672 The @kbd{I b N} [@code{npvb}] command computes the net present
17673 value where payments occur at the beginning of each interval
17674 rather than at the end.
17676 @node Related Financial Functions, Depreciation Functions, Present Value, Financial Functions
17677 @subsection Related Financial Functions
17680 The functions in this section are basically inverses of the
17681 present value functions with respect to the various arguments.
17684 @pindex calc-fin-pmt
17686 The @kbd{b M} (@code{calc-fin-pmt}) [@code{pmt}] command computes
17687 the amount of periodic payment necessary to amortize a loan.
17688 Thus @code{pmt(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{amount})} equals the
17689 value of @var{payment} such that @code{pv(@var{rate}, @var{n},
17690 @var{payment}) = @var{amount}}.
17694 The @kbd{I b M} [@code{pmtb}] command does the same computation
17695 but using @code{pvb} instead of @code{pv}. Like @code{pv} and
17696 @code{pvb}, these functions can also take a fourth argument which
17697 represents an initial lump-sum investment.
17700 The @kbd{H b M} key just invokes the @code{fvl} function, which is
17701 the inverse of @code{pvl}. There is no explicit @code{pmtl} function.
17704 @pindex calc-fin-nper
17706 The @kbd{b #} (@code{calc-fin-nper}) [@code{nper}] command computes
17707 the number of regular payments necessary to amortize a loan.
17708 Thus @code{nper(@var{rate}, @var{payment}, @var{amount})} equals
17709 the value of @var{n} such that @code{pv(@var{rate}, @var{n},
17710 @var{payment}) = @var{amount}}. If @var{payment} is too small
17711 ever to amortize a loan for @var{amount} at interest rate @var{rate},
17712 the @code{nper} function is left in symbolic form.
17716 The @kbd{I b #} [@code{nperb}] command does the same computation
17717 but using @code{pvb} instead of @code{pv}. You can give a fourth
17718 lump-sum argument to these functions, but the computation will be
17719 rather slow in the four-argument case.
17723 The @kbd{H b #} [@code{nperl}] command does the same computation
17724 using @code{pvl}. By exchanging @var{payment} and @var{amount} you
17725 can also get the solution for @code{fvl}. For example,
17726 @code{nperl(8%, 2000, 1000) = 9.006}, so if you place $1000 in a
17727 bank account earning 8%, it will take nine years to grow to $2000.
17730 @pindex calc-fin-rate
17732 The @kbd{b T} (@code{calc-fin-rate}) [@code{rate}] command computes
17733 the rate of return on an investment. This is also an inverse of @code{pv}:
17734 @code{rate(@var{n}, @var{payment}, @var{amount})} computes the value of
17735 @var{rate} such that @code{pv(@var{rate}, @var{n}, @var{payment}) =
17736 @var{amount}}. The result is expressed as a formula like @samp{6.3%}.
17742 The @kbd{I b T} [@code{rateb}] and @kbd{H b T} [@code{ratel}]
17743 commands solve the analogous equations with @code{pvb} or @code{pvl}
17744 in place of @code{pv}. Also, @code{rate} and @code{rateb} can
17745 accept an optional fourth argument just like @code{pv} and @code{pvb}.
17746 To redo the above example from a different perspective,
17747 @code{ratel(9, 2000, 1000) = 8.00597%}, which says you will need an
17748 interest rate of 8% in order to double your account in nine years.
17751 @pindex calc-fin-irr
17753 The @kbd{b I} (@code{calc-fin-irr}) [@code{irr}] command is the
17754 analogous function to @code{rate} but for net present value.
17755 Its argument is a vector of payments. Thus @code{irr(@var{payments})}
17756 computes the @var{rate} such that @code{npv(@var{rate}, @var{payments}) = 0};
17757 this rate is known as the @dfn{internal rate of return}.
17761 The @kbd{I b I} [@code{irrb}] command computes the internal rate of
17762 return assuming payments occur at the beginning of each period.
17764 @node Depreciation Functions, Definitions of Financial Functions, Related Financial Functions, Financial Functions
17765 @subsection Depreciation Functions
17768 The functions in this section calculate @dfn{depreciation}, which is
17769 the amount of value that a possession loses over time. These functions
17770 are characterized by three parameters: @var{cost}, the original cost
17771 of the asset; @var{salvage}, the value the asset will have at the end
17772 of its expected ``useful life''; and @var{life}, the number of years
17773 (or other periods) of the expected useful life.
17775 There are several methods for calculating depreciation that differ in
17776 the way they spread the depreciation over the lifetime of the asset.
17779 @pindex calc-fin-sln
17781 The @kbd{b S} (@code{calc-fin-sln}) [@code{sln}] command computes the
17782 ``straight-line'' depreciation. In this method, the asset depreciates
17783 by the same amount every year (or period). For example,
17784 @samp{sln(12000, 2000, 5)} returns 2000. The asset costs $12000
17785 initially and will be worth $2000 after five years; it loses $2000
17789 @pindex calc-fin-syd
17791 The @kbd{b Y} (@code{calc-fin-syd}) [@code{syd}] command computes the
17792 accelerated ``sum-of-years'-digits'' depreciation. Here the depreciation
17793 is higher during the early years of the asset's life. Since the
17794 depreciation is different each year, @kbd{b Y} takes a fourth @var{period}
17795 parameter which specifies which year is requested, from 1 to @var{life}.
17796 If @var{period} is outside this range, the @code{syd} function will
17800 @pindex calc-fin-ddb
17802 The @kbd{b D} (@code{calc-fin-ddb}) [@code{ddb}] command computes an
17803 accelerated depreciation using the double-declining balance method.
17804 It also takes a fourth @var{period} parameter.
17806 For symmetry, the @code{sln} function will accept a @var{period}
17807 parameter as well, although it will ignore its value except that the
17808 return value will as usual be zero if @var{period} is out of range.
17810 For example, pushing the vector @expr{[1,2,3,4,5]} (perhaps with @kbd{v x 5})
17811 and then mapping @kbd{V M ' [sln(12000,2000,5,$), syd(12000,2000,5,$),
17812 ddb(12000,2000,5,$)] @key{RET}} produces a matrix that allows us to compare
17813 the three depreciation methods:
17817 [ [ 2000, 3333, 4800 ]
17818 [ 2000, 2667, 2880 ]
17819 [ 2000, 2000, 1728 ]
17820 [ 2000, 1333, 592 ]
17826 (Values have been rounded to nearest integers in this figure.)
17827 We see that @code{sln} depreciates by the same amount each year,
17828 @kbd{syd} depreciates more at the beginning and less at the end,
17829 and @kbd{ddb} weights the depreciation even more toward the beginning.
17831 Summing columns with @kbd{V R : +} yields @expr{[10000, 10000, 10000]};
17832 the total depreciation in any method is (by definition) the
17833 difference between the cost and the salvage value.
17835 @node Definitions of Financial Functions, , Depreciation Functions, Financial Functions
17836 @subsection Definitions
17839 For your reference, here are the actual formulas used to compute
17840 Calc's financial functions.
17842 Calc will not evaluate a financial function unless the @var{rate} or
17843 @var{n} argument is known. However, @var{payment} or @var{amount} can
17844 be a variable. Calc expands these functions according to the
17845 formulas below for symbolic arguments only when you use the @kbd{a "}
17846 (@code{calc-expand-formula}) command, or when taking derivatives or
17847 integrals or solving equations involving the functions.
17850 These formulas are shown using the conventions of Big display
17851 mode (@kbd{d B}); for example, the formula for @code{fv} written
17852 linearly is @samp{pmt * ((1 + rate)^n) - 1) / rate}.
17857 fv(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * ---------------
17861 ((1 + rate) - 1) (1 + rate)
17862 fvb(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * ----------------------------
17866 fvl(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * (1 + rate)
17870 pv(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * ----------------
17874 (1 - (1 + rate) ) (1 + rate)
17875 pvb(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * -----------------------------
17879 pvl(rate, n, pmt) = pmt * (1 + rate)
17882 npv(rate, [a, b, c]) = a*(1 + rate) + b*(1 + rate) + c*(1 + rate)
17885 npvb(rate, [a, b, c]) = a + b*(1 + rate) + c*(1 + rate)
17888 (amt - x * (1 + rate) ) * rate
17889 pmt(rate, n, amt, x) = -------------------------------
17894 (amt - x * (1 + rate) ) * rate
17895 pmtb(rate, n, amt, x) = -------------------------------
17897 (1 - (1 + rate) ) (1 + rate)
17900 nper(rate, pmt, amt) = - log(1 - ------------, 1 + rate)
17904 nperb(rate, pmt, amt) = - log(1 - ---------------, 1 + rate)
17908 nperl(rate, pmt, amt) = - log(---, 1 + rate)
17913 ratel(n, pmt, amt) = ------ - 1
17918 sln(cost, salv, life) = -----------
17921 (cost - salv) * (life - per + 1)
17922 syd(cost, salv, life, per) = --------------------------------
17923 life * (life + 1) / 2
17926 ddb(cost, salv, life, per) = --------, book = cost - depreciation so far
17932 $$ \code{fv}(r, n, p) = p { (1 + r)^n - 1 \over r } $$
17933 $$ \code{fvb}(r, n, p) = p { ((1 + r)^n - 1) (1 + r) \over r } $$
17934 $$ \code{fvl}(r, n, p) = p (1 + r)^n $$
17935 $$ \code{pv}(r, n, p) = p { 1 - (1 + r)^{-n} \over r } $$
17936 $$ \code{pvb}(r, n, p) = p { (1 - (1 + r)^{-n}) (1 + r) \over r } $$
17937 $$ \code{pvl}(r, n, p) = p (1 + r)^{-n} $$
17938 $$ \code{npv}(r, [a,b,c]) = a (1 + r)^{-1} + b (1 + r)^{-2} + c (1 + r)^{-3} $$
17939 $$ \code{npvb}(r, [a,b,c]) = a + b (1 + r)^{-1} + c (1 + r)^{-2} $$
17940 $$ \code{pmt}(r, n, a, x) = { (a - x (1 + r)^{-n}) r \over 1 - (1 + r)^{-n} }$$
17941 $$ \code{pmtb}(r, n, a, x) = { (a - x (1 + r)^{-n}) r \over
17942 (1 - (1 + r)^{-n}) (1 + r) } $$
17943 $$ \code{nper}(r, p, a) = -\code{log}(1 - { a r \over p }, 1 + r) $$
17944 $$ \code{nperb}(r, p, a) = -\code{log}(1 - { a r \over p (1 + r) }, 1 + r) $$
17945 $$ \code{nperl}(r, p, a) = -\code{log}({a \over p}, 1 + r) $$
17946 $$ \code{ratel}(n, p, a) = { p^{1/n} \over a^{1/n} } - 1 $$
17947 $$ \code{sln}(c, s, l) = { c - s \over l } $$
17948 $$ \code{syd}(c, s, l, p) = { (c - s) (l - p + 1) \over l (l+1) / 2 } $$
17949 $$ \code{ddb}(c, s, l, p) = { 2 (c - \hbox{depreciation so far}) \over l } $$
17953 In @code{pmt} and @code{pmtb}, @expr{x=0} if omitted.
17955 These functions accept any numeric objects, including error forms,
17956 intervals, and even (though not very usefully) complex numbers. The
17957 above formulas specify exactly the behavior of these functions with
17958 all sorts of inputs.
17960 Note that if the first argument to the @code{log} in @code{nper} is
17961 negative, @code{nper} leaves itself in symbolic form rather than
17962 returning a (financially meaningless) complex number.
17964 @samp{rate(num, pmt, amt)} solves the equation
17965 @samp{pv(rate, num, pmt) = amt} for @samp{rate} using @kbd{H a R}
17966 (@code{calc-find-root}), with the interval @samp{[.01% .. 100%]}
17967 for an initial guess. The @code{rateb} function is the same except
17968 that it uses @code{pvb}. Note that @code{ratel} can be solved
17969 directly; its formula is shown in the above list.
17971 Similarly, @samp{irr(pmts)} solves the equation @samp{npv(rate, pmts) = 0}
17974 If you give a fourth argument to @code{nper} or @code{nperb}, Calc
17975 will also use @kbd{H a R} to solve the equation using an initial
17976 guess interval of @samp{[0 .. 100]}.
17978 A fourth argument to @code{fv} simply sums the two components
17979 calculated from the above formulas for @code{fv} and @code{fvl}.
17980 The same is true of @code{fvb}, @code{pv}, and @code{pvb}.
17982 The @kbd{ddb} function is computed iteratively; the ``book'' value
17983 starts out equal to @var{cost}, and decreases according to the above
17984 formula for the specified number of periods. If the book value
17985 would decrease below @var{salvage}, it only decreases to @var{salvage}
17986 and the depreciation is zero for all subsequent periods. The @code{ddb}
17987 function returns the amount the book value decreased in the specified
17990 @node Binary Functions, , Financial Functions, Arithmetic
17991 @section Binary Number Functions
17994 The commands in this chapter all use two-letter sequences beginning with
17995 the @kbd{b} prefix.
17997 @cindex Binary numbers
17998 The ``binary'' operations actually work regardless of the currently
17999 displayed radix, although their results make the most sense in a radix
18000 like 2, 8, or 16 (as obtained by the @kbd{d 2}, @kbd{d 8}, or @w{@kbd{d 6}}
18001 commands, respectively). You may also wish to enable display of leading
18002 zeros with @kbd{d z}. @xref{Radix Modes}.
18004 @cindex Word size for binary operations
18005 The Calculator maintains a current @dfn{word size} @expr{w}, an
18006 arbitrary positive or negative integer. For a positive word size, all
18007 of the binary operations described here operate modulo @expr{2^w}. In
18008 particular, negative arguments are converted to positive integers modulo
18009 @expr{2^w} by all binary functions.
18011 If the word size is negative, binary operations produce twos-complement
18013 @texline @math{-2^{-w-1}}
18014 @infoline @expr{-(2^(-w-1))}
18016 @texline @math{2^{-w-1}-1}
18017 @infoline @expr{2^(-w-1)-1}
18018 inclusive. Either mode accepts inputs in any range; the sign of
18019 @expr{w} affects only the results produced.
18024 The @kbd{b c} (@code{calc-clip})
18025 [@code{clip}] command can be used to clip a number by reducing it modulo
18026 @expr{2^w}. The commands described in this chapter automatically clip
18027 their results to the current word size. Note that other operations like
18028 addition do not use the current word size, since integer addition
18029 generally is not ``binary.'' (However, @pxref{Simplification Modes},
18030 @code{calc-bin-simplify-mode}.) For example, with a word size of 8
18031 bits @kbd{b c} converts a number to the range 0 to 255; with a word
18032 size of @mathit{-8} @kbd{b c} converts to the range @mathit{-128} to 127.
18035 @pindex calc-word-size
18036 The default word size is 32 bits. All operations except the shifts and
18037 rotates allow you to specify a different word size for that one
18038 operation by giving a numeric prefix argument: @kbd{C-u 8 b c} clips the
18039 top of stack to the range 0 to 255 regardless of the current word size.
18040 To set the word size permanently, use @kbd{b w} (@code{calc-word-size}).
18041 This command displays a prompt with the current word size; press @key{RET}
18042 immediately to keep this word size, or type a new word size at the prompt.
18044 When the binary operations are written in symbolic form, they take an
18045 optional second (or third) word-size parameter. When a formula like
18046 @samp{and(a,b)} is finally evaluated, the word size current at that time
18047 will be used, but when @samp{and(a,b,-8)} is evaluated, a word size of
18048 @mathit{-8} will always be used. A symbolic binary function will be left
18049 in symbolic form unless the all of its argument(s) are integers or
18050 integer-valued floats.
18052 If either or both arguments are modulo forms for which @expr{M} is a
18053 power of two, that power of two is taken as the word size unless a
18054 numeric prefix argument overrides it. The current word size is never
18055 consulted when modulo-power-of-two forms are involved.
18060 The @kbd{b a} (@code{calc-and}) [@code{and}] command computes the bitwise
18061 AND of the two numbers on the top of the stack. In other words, for each
18062 of the @expr{w} binary digits of the two numbers (pairwise), the corresponding
18063 bit of the result is 1 if and only if both input bits are 1:
18064 @samp{and(2#1100, 2#1010) = 2#1000}.
18069 The @kbd{b o} (@code{calc-or}) [@code{or}] command computes the bitwise
18070 inclusive OR of two numbers. A bit is 1 if either of the input bits, or
18071 both, are 1: @samp{or(2#1100, 2#1010) = 2#1110}.
18076 The @kbd{b x} (@code{calc-xor}) [@code{xor}] command computes the bitwise
18077 exclusive OR of two numbers. A bit is 1 if exactly one of the input bits
18078 is 1: @samp{xor(2#1100, 2#1010) = 2#0110}.
18083 The @kbd{b d} (@code{calc-diff}) [@code{diff}] command computes the bitwise
18084 difference of two numbers; this is defined by @samp{diff(a,b) = and(a,not(b))},
18085 so that @samp{diff(2#1100, 2#1010) = 2#0100}.
18090 The @kbd{b n} (@code{calc-not}) [@code{not}] command computes the bitwise
18091 NOT of a number. A bit is 1 if the input bit is 0 and vice-versa.
18094 @pindex calc-lshift-binary
18096 The @kbd{b l} (@code{calc-lshift-binary}) [@code{lsh}] command shifts a
18097 number left by one bit, or by the number of bits specified in the numeric
18098 prefix argument. A negative prefix argument performs a logical right shift,
18099 in which zeros are shifted in on the left. In symbolic form, @samp{lsh(a)}
18100 is short for @samp{lsh(a,1)}, which in turn is short for @samp{lsh(a,n,w)}.
18101 Bits shifted ``off the end,'' according to the current word size, are lost.
18117 The @kbd{H b l} command also does a left shift, but it takes two arguments
18118 from the stack (the value to shift, and, at top-of-stack, the number of
18119 bits to shift). This version interprets the prefix argument just like
18120 the regular binary operations, i.e., as a word size. The Hyperbolic flag
18121 has a similar effect on the rest of the binary shift and rotate commands.
18124 @pindex calc-rshift-binary
18126 The @kbd{b r} (@code{calc-rshift-binary}) [@code{rsh}] command shifts a
18127 number right by one bit, or by the number of bits specified in the numeric
18128 prefix argument: @samp{rsh(a,n) = lsh(a,-n)}.
18131 @pindex calc-lshift-arith
18133 The @kbd{b L} (@code{calc-lshift-arith}) [@code{ash}] command shifts a
18134 number left. It is analogous to @code{lsh}, except that if the shift
18135 is rightward (the prefix argument is negative), an arithmetic shift
18136 is performed as described below.
18139 @pindex calc-rshift-arith
18141 The @kbd{b R} (@code{calc-rshift-arith}) [@code{rash}] command performs
18142 an ``arithmetic'' shift to the right, in which the leftmost bit (according
18143 to the current word size) is duplicated rather than shifting in zeros.
18144 This corresponds to dividing by a power of two where the input is interpreted
18145 as a signed, twos-complement number. (The distinction between the @samp{rsh}
18146 and @samp{rash} operations is totally independent from whether the word
18147 size is positive or negative.) With a negative prefix argument, this
18148 performs a standard left shift.
18151 @pindex calc-rotate-binary
18153 The @kbd{b t} (@code{calc-rotate-binary}) [@code{rot}] command rotates a
18154 number one bit to the left. The leftmost bit (according to the current
18155 word size) is dropped off the left and shifted in on the right. With a
18156 numeric prefix argument, the number is rotated that many bits to the left
18159 @xref{Set Operations}, for the @kbd{b p} and @kbd{b u} commands that
18160 pack and unpack binary integers into sets. (For example, @kbd{b u}
18161 unpacks the number @samp{2#11001} to the set of bit-numbers
18162 @samp{[0, 3, 4]}.) Type @kbd{b u V #} to count the number of ``1''
18163 bits in a binary integer.
18165 Another interesting use of the set representation of binary integers
18166 is to reverse the bits in, say, a 32-bit integer. Type @kbd{b u} to
18167 unpack; type @kbd{31 @key{TAB} -} to replace each bit-number in the set
18168 with 31 minus that bit-number; type @kbd{b p} to pack the set back
18169 into a binary integer.
18171 @node Scientific Functions, Matrix Functions, Arithmetic, Top
18172 @chapter Scientific Functions
18175 The functions described here perform trigonometric and other transcendental
18176 calculations. They generally produce floating-point answers correct to the
18177 full current precision. The @kbd{H} (Hyperbolic) and @kbd{I} (Inverse)
18178 flag keys must be used to get some of these functions from the keyboard.
18182 @cindex @code{pi} variable
18185 @cindex @code{e} variable
18188 @cindex @code{gamma} variable
18190 @cindex Gamma constant, Euler's
18191 @cindex Euler's gamma constant
18193 @cindex @code{phi} variable
18194 @cindex Phi, golden ratio
18195 @cindex Golden ratio
18196 One miscellaneous command is shift-@kbd{P} (@code{calc-pi}), which pushes
18197 the value of @cpi{} (at the current precision) onto the stack. With the
18198 Hyperbolic flag, it pushes the value @expr{e}, the base of natural logarithms.
18199 With the Inverse flag, it pushes Euler's constant
18200 @texline @math{\gamma}
18201 @infoline @expr{gamma}
18202 (about 0.5772). With both Inverse and Hyperbolic, it
18203 pushes the ``golden ratio''
18204 @texline @math{\phi}
18205 @infoline @expr{phi}
18206 (about 1.618). (At present, Euler's constant is not available
18207 to unlimited precision; Calc knows only the first 100 digits.)
18208 In Symbolic mode, these commands push the
18209 actual variables @samp{pi}, @samp{e}, @samp{gamma}, and @samp{phi},
18210 respectively, instead of their values; @pxref{Symbolic Mode}.
18220 The @kbd{Q} (@code{calc-sqrt}) [@code{sqrt}] function is described elsewhere;
18221 @pxref{Basic Arithmetic}. With the Inverse flag [@code{sqr}], this command
18222 computes the square of the argument.
18224 @xref{Prefix Arguments}, for a discussion of the effect of numeric
18225 prefix arguments on commands in this chapter which do not otherwise
18226 interpret a prefix argument.
18229 * Logarithmic Functions::
18230 * Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions::
18231 * Advanced Math Functions::
18234 * Combinatorial Functions::
18235 * Probability Distribution Functions::
18238 @node Logarithmic Functions, Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions, Scientific Functions, Scientific Functions
18239 @section Logarithmic Functions
18249 The shift-@kbd{L} (@code{calc-ln}) [@code{ln}] command computes the natural
18250 logarithm of the real or complex number on the top of the stack. With
18251 the Inverse flag it computes the exponential function instead, although
18252 this is redundant with the @kbd{E} command.
18261 The shift-@kbd{E} (@code{calc-exp}) [@code{exp}] command computes the
18262 exponential, i.e., @expr{e} raised to the power of the number on the stack.
18263 The meanings of the Inverse and Hyperbolic flags follow from those for
18264 the @code{calc-ln} command.
18279 The @kbd{H L} (@code{calc-log10}) [@code{log10}] command computes the common
18280 (base-10) logarithm of a number. (With the Inverse flag [@code{exp10}],
18281 it raises ten to a given power.) Note that the common logarithm of a
18282 complex number is computed by taking the natural logarithm and dividing
18284 @texline @math{\ln10}.
18285 @infoline @expr{ln(10)}.
18292 The @kbd{B} (@code{calc-log}) [@code{log}] command computes a logarithm
18293 to any base. For example, @kbd{1024 @key{RET} 2 B} produces 10, since
18294 @texline @math{2^{10} = 1024}.
18295 @infoline @expr{2^10 = 1024}.
18296 In certain cases like @samp{log(3,9)}, the result
18297 will be either @expr{1:2} or @expr{0.5} depending on the current Fraction
18298 mode setting. With the Inverse flag [@code{alog}], this command is
18299 similar to @kbd{^} except that the order of the arguments is reversed.
18304 The @kbd{f I} (@code{calc-ilog}) [@code{ilog}] command computes the
18305 integer logarithm of a number to any base. The number and the base must
18306 themselves be positive integers. This is the true logarithm, rounded
18307 down to an integer. Thus @kbd{ilog(x,10)} is 3 for all @expr{x} in the
18308 range from 1000 to 9999. If both arguments are positive integers, exact
18309 integer arithmetic is used; otherwise, this is equivalent to
18310 @samp{floor(log(x,b))}.
18315 The @kbd{f E} (@code{calc-expm1}) [@code{expm1}] command computes
18316 @texline @math{e^x - 1},
18317 @infoline @expr{exp(x)-1},
18318 but using an algorithm that produces a more accurate
18319 answer when the result is close to zero, i.e., when
18320 @texline @math{e^x}
18321 @infoline @expr{exp(x)}
18327 The @kbd{f L} (@code{calc-lnp1}) [@code{lnp1}] command computes
18328 @texline @math{\ln(x+1)},
18329 @infoline @expr{ln(x+1)},
18330 producing a more accurate answer when @expr{x} is close to zero.
18332 @node Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions, Advanced Math Functions, Logarithmic Functions, Scientific Functions
18333 @section Trigonometric/Hyperbolic Functions
18339 The shift-@kbd{S} (@code{calc-sin}) [@code{sin}] command computes the sine
18340 of an angle or complex number. If the input is an HMS form, it is interpreted
18341 as degrees-minutes-seconds; otherwise, the input is interpreted according
18342 to the current angular mode. It is best to use Radians mode when operating
18343 on complex numbers.
18345 Calc's ``units'' mechanism includes angular units like @code{deg},
18346 @code{rad}, and @code{grad}. While @samp{sin(45 deg)} is not evaluated
18347 all the time, the @kbd{u s} (@code{calc-simplify-units}) command will
18348 simplify @samp{sin(45 deg)} by taking the sine of 45 degrees, regardless
18349 of the current angular mode. @xref{Basic Operations on Units}.
18351 Also, the symbolic variable @code{pi} is not ordinarily recognized in
18352 arguments to trigonometric functions, as in @samp{sin(3 pi / 4)}, but
18353 the @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}) command recognizes many such
18354 formulas when the current angular mode is Radians @emph{and} Symbolic
18355 mode is enabled; this example would be replaced by @samp{sqrt(2) / 2}.
18356 @xref{Symbolic Mode}. Beware, this simplification occurs even if you
18357 have stored a different value in the variable @samp{pi}; this is one
18358 reason why changing built-in variables is a bad idea. Arguments of
18359 the form @expr{x} plus a multiple of @cpiover{2} are also simplified.
18360 Calc includes similar formulas for @code{cos} and @code{tan}.
18362 The @kbd{a s} command knows all angles which are integer multiples of
18363 @cpiover{12}, @cpiover{10}, or @cpiover{8} radians. In Degrees mode,
18364 analogous simplifications occur for integer multiples of 15 or 18
18365 degrees, and for arguments plus multiples of 90 degrees.
18368 @pindex calc-arcsin
18370 With the Inverse flag, @code{calc-sin} computes an arcsine. This is also
18371 available as the @code{calc-arcsin} command or @code{arcsin} algebraic
18372 function. The returned argument is converted to degrees, radians, or HMS
18373 notation depending on the current angular mode.
18379 @pindex calc-arcsinh
18381 With the Hyperbolic flag, @code{calc-sin} computes the hyperbolic
18382 sine, also available as @code{calc-sinh} [@code{sinh}]. With the
18383 Hyperbolic and Inverse flags, it computes the hyperbolic arcsine
18384 (@code{calc-arcsinh}) [@code{arcsinh}].
18393 @pindex calc-arccos
18411 @pindex calc-arccosh
18429 @pindex calc-arctan
18447 @pindex calc-arctanh
18452 The shift-@kbd{C} (@code{calc-cos}) [@code{cos}] command computes the cosine
18453 of an angle or complex number, and shift-@kbd{T} (@code{calc-tan}) [@code{tan}]
18454 computes the tangent, along with all the various inverse and hyperbolic
18455 variants of these functions.
18458 @pindex calc-arctan2
18460 The @kbd{f T} (@code{calc-arctan2}) [@code{arctan2}] command takes two
18461 numbers from the stack and computes the arc tangent of their ratio. The
18462 result is in the full range from @mathit{-180} (exclusive) to @mathit{+180}
18463 (inclusive) degrees, or the analogous range in radians. A similar
18464 result would be obtained with @kbd{/} followed by @kbd{I T}, but the
18465 value would only be in the range from @mathit{-90} to @mathit{+90} degrees
18466 since the division loses information about the signs of the two
18467 components, and an error might result from an explicit division by zero
18468 which @code{arctan2} would avoid. By (arbitrary) definition,
18469 @samp{arctan2(0,0)=0}.
18471 @pindex calc-sincos
18483 The @code{calc-sincos} [@code{sincos}] command computes the sine and
18484 cosine of a number, returning them as a vector of the form
18485 @samp{[@var{cos}, @var{sin}]}.
18486 With the Inverse flag [@code{arcsincos}], this command takes a two-element
18487 vector as an argument and computes @code{arctan2} of the elements.
18488 (This command does not accept the Hyperbolic flag.)
18502 The remaining trigonometric functions, @code{calc-sec} [@code{sec}],
18503 @code{calc-csc} [@code{csc}] and @code{calc-cot} [@code{cot}], are also
18504 available. With the Hyperbolic flag, these compute their hyperbolic
18505 counterparts, which are also available separately as @code{calc-sech}
18506 [@code{sech}], @code{calc-csch} [@code{csch}] and @code{calc-coth}
18507 [@code{coth}]. (These commands do not accept the Inverse flag.)
18509 @node Advanced Math Functions, Branch Cuts, Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions, Scientific Functions
18510 @section Advanced Mathematical Functions
18513 Calc can compute a variety of less common functions that arise in
18514 various branches of mathematics. All of the functions described in
18515 this section allow arbitrary complex arguments and, except as noted,
18516 will work to arbitrarily large precisions. They can not at present
18517 handle error forms or intervals as arguments.
18519 NOTE: These functions are still experimental. In particular, their
18520 accuracy is not guaranteed in all domains. It is advisable to set the
18521 current precision comfortably higher than you actually need when
18522 using these functions. Also, these functions may be impractically
18523 slow for some values of the arguments.
18528 The @kbd{f g} (@code{calc-gamma}) [@code{gamma}] command computes the Euler
18529 gamma function. For positive integer arguments, this is related to the
18530 factorial function: @samp{gamma(n+1) = fact(n)}. For general complex
18531 arguments the gamma function can be defined by the following definite
18533 @texline @math{\Gamma(a) = \int_0^\infty t^{a-1} e^t dt}.
18534 @infoline @expr{gamma(a) = integ(t^(a-1) exp(t), t, 0, inf)}.
18535 (The actual implementation uses far more efficient computational methods.)
18551 @pindex calc-inc-gamma
18564 The @kbd{f G} (@code{calc-inc-gamma}) [@code{gammaP}] command computes
18565 the incomplete gamma function, denoted @samp{P(a,x)}. This is defined by
18567 @texline @math{P(a,x) = \left( \int_0^x t^{a-1} e^t dt \right) / \Gamma(a)}.
18568 @infoline @expr{gammaP(a,x) = integ(t^(a-1) exp(t), t, 0, x) / gamma(a)}.
18569 This implies that @samp{gammaP(a,inf) = 1} for any @expr{a} (see the
18570 definition of the normal gamma function).
18572 Several other varieties of incomplete gamma function are defined.
18573 The complement of @expr{P(a,x)}, called @expr{Q(a,x) = 1-P(a,x)} by
18574 some authors, is computed by the @kbd{I f G} [@code{gammaQ}] command.
18575 You can think of this as taking the other half of the integral, from
18576 @expr{x} to infinity.
18579 The functions corresponding to the integrals that define @expr{P(a,x)}
18580 and @expr{Q(a,x)} but without the normalizing @expr{1/gamma(a)}
18581 factor are called @expr{g(a,x)} and @expr{G(a,x)}, respectively
18582 (where @expr{g} and @expr{G} represent the lower- and upper-case Greek
18583 letter gamma). You can obtain these using the @kbd{H f G} [@code{gammag}]
18584 and @kbd{H I f G} [@code{gammaG}] commands.
18588 The functions corresponding to the integrals that define $P(a,x)$
18589 and $Q(a,x)$ but without the normalizing $1/\Gamma(a)$
18590 factor are called $\gamma(a,x)$ and $\Gamma(a,x)$, respectively.
18591 You can obtain these using the \kbd{H f G} [\code{gammag}] and
18592 \kbd{I H f G} [\code{gammaG}] commands.
18598 The @kbd{f b} (@code{calc-beta}) [@code{beta}] command computes the
18599 Euler beta function, which is defined in terms of the gamma function as
18600 @texline @math{B(a,b) = \Gamma(a) \Gamma(b) / \Gamma(a+b)},
18601 @infoline @expr{beta(a,b) = gamma(a) gamma(b) / gamma(a+b)},
18603 @texline @math{B(a,b) = \int_0^1 t^{a-1} (1-t)^{b-1} dt}.
18604 @infoline @expr{beta(a,b) = integ(t^(a-1) (1-t)^(b-1), t, 0, 1)}.
18608 @pindex calc-inc-beta
18611 The @kbd{f B} (@code{calc-inc-beta}) [@code{betaI}] command computes
18612 the incomplete beta function @expr{I(x,a,b)}. It is defined by
18613 @texline @math{I(x,a,b) = \left( \int_0^x t^{a-1} (1-t)^{b-1} dt \right) / B(a,b)}.
18614 @infoline @expr{betaI(x,a,b) = integ(t^(a-1) (1-t)^(b-1), t, 0, x) / beta(a,b)}.
18615 Once again, the @kbd{H} (hyperbolic) prefix gives the corresponding
18616 un-normalized version [@code{betaB}].
18623 The @kbd{f e} (@code{calc-erf}) [@code{erf}] command computes the
18625 @texline @math{\hbox{erf}(x) = {2 \over \sqrt{\pi}} \int_0^x e^{-t^2} dt}.
18626 @infoline @expr{erf(x) = 2 integ(exp(-(t^2)), t, 0, x) / sqrt(pi)}.
18627 The complementary error function @kbd{I f e} (@code{calc-erfc}) [@code{erfc}]
18628 is the corresponding integral from @samp{x} to infinity; the sum
18629 @texline @math{\hbox{erf}(x) + \hbox{erfc}(x) = 1}.
18630 @infoline @expr{erf(x) + erfc(x) = 1}.
18634 @pindex calc-bessel-J
18635 @pindex calc-bessel-Y
18638 The @kbd{f j} (@code{calc-bessel-J}) [@code{besJ}] and @kbd{f y}
18639 (@code{calc-bessel-Y}) [@code{besY}] commands compute the Bessel
18640 functions of the first and second kinds, respectively.
18641 In @samp{besJ(n,x)} and @samp{besY(n,x)} the ``order'' parameter
18642 @expr{n} is often an integer, but is not required to be one.
18643 Calc's implementation of the Bessel functions currently limits the
18644 precision to 8 digits, and may not be exact even to that precision.
18647 @node Branch Cuts, Random Numbers, Advanced Math Functions, Scientific Functions
18648 @section Branch Cuts and Principal Values
18651 @cindex Branch cuts
18652 @cindex Principal values
18653 All of the logarithmic, trigonometric, and other scientific functions are
18654 defined for complex numbers as well as for reals.
18655 This section describes the values
18656 returned in cases where the general result is a family of possible values.
18657 Calc follows section 12.5.3 of Steele's @dfn{Common Lisp, the Language},
18658 second edition, in these matters. This section will describe each
18659 function briefly; for a more detailed discussion (including some nifty
18660 diagrams), consult Steele's book.
18662 Note that the branch cuts for @code{arctan} and @code{arctanh} were
18663 changed between the first and second editions of Steele. Recent
18664 versions of Calc follow the second edition.
18666 The new branch cuts exactly match those of the HP-28/48 calculators.
18667 They also match those of Mathematica 1.2, except that Mathematica's
18668 @code{arctan} cut is always in the right half of the complex plane,
18669 and its @code{arctanh} cut is always in the top half of the plane.
18670 Calc's cuts are continuous with quadrants I and III for @code{arctan},
18671 or II and IV for @code{arctanh}.
18673 Note: The current implementations of these functions with complex arguments
18674 are designed with proper behavior around the branch cuts in mind, @emph{not}
18675 efficiency or accuracy. You may need to increase the floating precision
18676 and wait a while to get suitable answers from them.
18678 For @samp{sqrt(a+bi)}: When @expr{a<0} and @expr{b} is small but positive
18679 or zero, the result is close to the @expr{+i} axis. For @expr{b} small and
18680 negative, the result is close to the @expr{-i} axis. The result always lies
18681 in the right half of the complex plane.
18683 For @samp{ln(a+bi)}: The real part is defined as @samp{ln(abs(a+bi))}.
18684 The imaginary part is defined as @samp{arg(a+bi) = arctan2(b,a)}.
18685 Thus the branch cuts for @code{sqrt} and @code{ln} both lie on the
18686 negative real axis.
18688 The following table describes these branch cuts in another way.
18689 If the real and imaginary parts of @expr{z} are as shown, then
18690 the real and imaginary parts of @expr{f(z)} will be as shown.
18691 Here @code{eps} stands for a small positive value; each
18692 occurrence of @code{eps} may stand for a different small value.
18696 ----------------------------------------
18699 -, +eps +eps, + +eps, +
18700 -, -eps +eps, - +eps, -
18703 For @samp{z1^z2}: This is defined by @samp{exp(ln(z1)*z2)}.
18704 One interesting consequence of this is that @samp{(-8)^1:3} does
18705 not evaluate to @mathit{-2} as you might expect, but to the complex
18706 number @expr{(1., 1.732)}. Both of these are valid cube roots
18707 of @mathit{-8} (as is @expr{(1., -1.732)}); Calc chooses a perhaps
18708 less-obvious root for the sake of mathematical consistency.
18710 For @samp{arcsin(z)}: This is defined by @samp{-i*ln(i*z + sqrt(1-z^2))}.
18711 The branch cuts are on the real axis, less than @mathit{-1} and greater than 1.
18713 For @samp{arccos(z)}: This is defined by @samp{-i*ln(z + i*sqrt(1-z^2))},
18714 or equivalently by @samp{pi/2 - arcsin(z)}. The branch cuts are on
18715 the real axis, less than @mathit{-1} and greater than 1.
18717 For @samp{arctan(z)}: This is defined by
18718 @samp{(ln(1+i*z) - ln(1-i*z)) / (2*i)}. The branch cuts are on the
18719 imaginary axis, below @expr{-i} and above @expr{i}.
18721 For @samp{arcsinh(z)}: This is defined by @samp{ln(z + sqrt(1+z^2))}.
18722 The branch cuts are on the imaginary axis, below @expr{-i} and
18725 For @samp{arccosh(z)}: This is defined by
18726 @samp{ln(z + (z+1)*sqrt((z-1)/(z+1)))}. The branch cut is on the
18727 real axis less than 1.
18729 For @samp{arctanh(z)}: This is defined by @samp{(ln(1+z) - ln(1-z)) / 2}.
18730 The branch cuts are on the real axis, less than @mathit{-1} and greater than 1.
18732 The following tables for @code{arcsin}, @code{arccos}, and
18733 @code{arctan} assume the current angular mode is Radians. The
18734 hyperbolic functions operate independently of the angular mode.
18737 z arcsin(z) arccos(z)
18738 -------------------------------------------------------
18739 (-1..1), 0 (-pi/2..pi/2), 0 (0..pi), 0
18740 (-1..1), +eps (-pi/2..pi/2), +eps (0..pi), -eps
18741 (-1..1), -eps (-pi/2..pi/2), -eps (0..pi), +eps
18742 <-1, 0 -pi/2, + pi, -
18743 <-1, +eps -pi/2 + eps, + pi - eps, -
18744 <-1, -eps -pi/2 + eps, - pi - eps, +
18746 >1, +eps pi/2 - eps, + +eps, -
18747 >1, -eps pi/2 - eps, - +eps, +
18751 z arccosh(z) arctanh(z)
18752 -----------------------------------------------------
18753 (-1..1), 0 0, (0..pi) any, 0
18754 (-1..1), +eps +eps, (0..pi) any, +eps
18755 (-1..1), -eps +eps, (-pi..0) any, -eps
18756 <-1, 0 +, pi -, pi/2
18757 <-1, +eps +, pi - eps -, pi/2 - eps
18758 <-1, -eps +, -pi + eps -, -pi/2 + eps
18759 >1, 0 +, 0 +, -pi/2
18760 >1, +eps +, +eps +, pi/2 - eps
18761 >1, -eps +, -eps +, -pi/2 + eps
18765 z arcsinh(z) arctan(z)
18766 -----------------------------------------------------
18767 0, (-1..1) 0, (-pi/2..pi/2) 0, any
18768 0, <-1 -, -pi/2 -pi/2, -
18769 +eps, <-1 +, -pi/2 + eps pi/2 - eps, -
18770 -eps, <-1 -, -pi/2 + eps -pi/2 + eps, -
18771 0, >1 +, pi/2 pi/2, +
18772 +eps, >1 +, pi/2 - eps pi/2 - eps, +
18773 -eps, >1 -, pi/2 - eps -pi/2 + eps, +
18776 Finally, the following identities help to illustrate the relationship
18777 between the complex trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. They
18778 are valid everywhere, including on the branch cuts.
18781 sin(i*z) = i*sinh(z) arcsin(i*z) = i*arcsinh(z)
18782 cos(i*z) = cosh(z) arcsinh(i*z) = i*arcsin(z)
18783 tan(i*z) = i*tanh(z) arctan(i*z) = i*arctanh(z)
18784 sinh(i*z) = i*sin(z) cosh(i*z) = cos(z)
18787 The ``advanced math'' functions (gamma, Bessel, etc.@:) are also defined
18788 for general complex arguments, but their branch cuts and principal values
18789 are not rigorously specified at present.
18791 @node Random Numbers, Combinatorial Functions, Branch Cuts, Scientific Functions
18792 @section Random Numbers
18796 @pindex calc-random
18798 The @kbd{k r} (@code{calc-random}) [@code{random}] command produces
18799 random numbers of various sorts.
18801 Given a positive numeric prefix argument @expr{M}, it produces a random
18802 integer @expr{N} in the range
18803 @texline @math{0 \le N < M}.
18804 @infoline @expr{0 <= N < M}.
18805 Each possible value @expr{N} appears with equal probability.
18807 With no numeric prefix argument, the @kbd{k r} command takes its argument
18808 from the stack instead. Once again, if this is a positive integer @expr{M}
18809 the result is a random integer less than @expr{M}. However, note that
18810 while numeric prefix arguments are limited to six digits or so, an @expr{M}
18811 taken from the stack can be arbitrarily large. If @expr{M} is negative,
18812 the result is a random integer in the range
18813 @texline @math{M < N \le 0}.
18814 @infoline @expr{M < N <= 0}.
18816 If the value on the stack is a floating-point number @expr{M}, the result
18817 is a random floating-point number @expr{N} in the range
18818 @texline @math{0 \le N < M}
18819 @infoline @expr{0 <= N < M}
18821 @texline @math{M < N \le 0},
18822 @infoline @expr{M < N <= 0},
18823 according to the sign of @expr{M}.
18825 If @expr{M} is zero, the result is a Gaussian-distributed random real
18826 number; the distribution has a mean of zero and a standard deviation
18827 of one. The algorithm used generates random numbers in pairs; thus,
18828 every other call to this function will be especially fast.
18830 If @expr{M} is an error form
18831 @texline @math{m} @code{+/-} @math{\sigma}
18832 @infoline @samp{m +/- s}
18834 @texline @math{\sigma}
18836 are both real numbers, the result uses a Gaussian distribution with mean
18837 @var{m} and standard deviation
18838 @texline @math{\sigma}.
18841 If @expr{M} is an interval form, the lower and upper bounds specify the
18842 acceptable limits of the random numbers. If both bounds are integers,
18843 the result is a random integer in the specified range. If either bound
18844 is floating-point, the result is a random real number in the specified
18845 range. If the interval is open at either end, the result will be sure
18846 not to equal that end value. (This makes a big difference for integer
18847 intervals, but for floating-point intervals it's relatively minor:
18848 with a precision of 6, @samp{random([1.0..2.0))} will return any of one
18849 million numbers from 1.00000 to 1.99999; @samp{random([1.0..2.0])} may
18850 additionally return 2.00000, but the probability of this happening is
18853 If @expr{M} is a vector, the result is one element taken at random from
18854 the vector. All elements of the vector are given equal probabilities.
18857 The sequence of numbers produced by @kbd{k r} is completely random by
18858 default, i.e., the sequence is seeded each time you start Calc using
18859 the current time and other information. You can get a reproducible
18860 sequence by storing a particular ``seed value'' in the Calc variable
18861 @code{RandSeed}. Any integer will do for a seed; integers of from 1
18862 to 12 digits are good. If you later store a different integer into
18863 @code{RandSeed}, Calc will switch to a different pseudo-random
18864 sequence. If you ``unstore'' @code{RandSeed}, Calc will re-seed itself
18865 from the current time. If you store the same integer that you used
18866 before back into @code{RandSeed}, you will get the exact same sequence
18867 of random numbers as before.
18869 @pindex calc-rrandom
18870 The @code{calc-rrandom} command (not on any key) produces a random real
18871 number between zero and one. It is equivalent to @samp{random(1.0)}.
18874 @pindex calc-random-again
18875 The @kbd{k a} (@code{calc-random-again}) command produces another random
18876 number, re-using the most recent value of @expr{M}. With a numeric
18877 prefix argument @var{n}, it produces @var{n} more random numbers using
18878 that value of @expr{M}.
18881 @pindex calc-shuffle
18883 The @kbd{k h} (@code{calc-shuffle}) command produces a vector of several
18884 random values with no duplicates. The value on the top of the stack
18885 specifies the set from which the random values are drawn, and may be any
18886 of the @expr{M} formats described above. The numeric prefix argument
18887 gives the length of the desired list. (If you do not provide a numeric
18888 prefix argument, the length of the list is taken from the top of the
18889 stack, and @expr{M} from second-to-top.)
18891 If @expr{M} is a floating-point number, zero, or an error form (so
18892 that the random values are being drawn from the set of real numbers)
18893 there is little practical difference between using @kbd{k h} and using
18894 @kbd{k r} several times. But if the set of possible values consists
18895 of just a few integers, or the elements of a vector, then there is
18896 a very real chance that multiple @kbd{k r}'s will produce the same
18897 number more than once. The @kbd{k h} command produces a vector whose
18898 elements are always distinct. (Actually, there is a slight exception:
18899 If @expr{M} is a vector, no given vector element will be drawn more
18900 than once, but if several elements of @expr{M} are equal, they may
18901 each make it into the result vector.)
18903 One use of @kbd{k h} is to rearrange a list at random. This happens
18904 if the prefix argument is equal to the number of values in the list:
18905 @kbd{[1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3] 5 k h} might produce the permuted list
18906 @samp{[2.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 2]}. As a convenient feature, if the argument
18907 @var{n} is negative it is replaced by the size of the set represented
18908 by @expr{M}. Naturally, this is allowed only when @expr{M} specifies
18909 a small discrete set of possibilities.
18911 To do the equivalent of @kbd{k h} but with duplications allowed,
18912 given @expr{M} on the stack and with @var{n} just entered as a numeric
18913 prefix, use @kbd{v b} to build a vector of copies of @expr{M}, then use
18914 @kbd{V M k r} to ``map'' the normal @kbd{k r} function over the
18915 elements of this vector. @xref{Matrix Functions}.
18918 * Random Number Generator:: (Complete description of Calc's algorithm)
18921 @node Random Number Generator, , Random Numbers, Random Numbers
18922 @subsection Random Number Generator
18924 Calc's random number generator uses several methods to ensure that
18925 the numbers it produces are highly random. Knuth's @emph{Art of
18926 Computer Programming}, Volume II, contains a thorough description
18927 of the theory of random number generators and their measurement and
18930 If @code{RandSeed} has no stored value, Calc calls Emacs' built-in
18931 @code{random} function to get a stream of random numbers, which it
18932 then treats in various ways to avoid problems inherent in the simple
18933 random number generators that many systems use to implement @code{random}.
18935 When Calc's random number generator is first invoked, it ``seeds''
18936 the low-level random sequence using the time of day, so that the
18937 random number sequence will be different every time you use Calc.
18939 Since Emacs Lisp doesn't specify the range of values that will be
18940 returned by its @code{random} function, Calc exercises the function
18941 several times to estimate the range. When Calc subsequently uses
18942 the @code{random} function, it takes only 10 bits of the result
18943 near the most-significant end. (It avoids at least the bottom
18944 four bits, preferably more, and also tries to avoid the top two
18945 bits.) This strategy works well with the linear congruential
18946 generators that are typically used to implement @code{random}.
18948 If @code{RandSeed} contains an integer, Calc uses this integer to
18949 seed an ``additive congruential'' method (Knuth's algorithm 3.2.2A,
18951 @texline @math{X_{n-55} - X_{n-24}}.
18952 @infoline @expr{X_n-55 - X_n-24}).
18953 This method expands the seed
18954 value into a large table which is maintained internally; the variable
18955 @code{RandSeed} is changed from, e.g., 42 to the vector @expr{[42]}
18956 to indicate that the seed has been absorbed into this table. When
18957 @code{RandSeed} contains a vector, @kbd{k r} and related commands
18958 continue to use the same internal table as last time. There is no
18959 way to extract the complete state of the random number generator
18960 so that you can restart it from any point; you can only restart it
18961 from the same initial seed value. A simple way to restart from the
18962 same seed is to type @kbd{s r RandSeed} to get the seed vector,
18963 @kbd{v u} to unpack it back into a number, then @kbd{s t RandSeed}
18964 to reseed the generator with that number.
18966 Calc uses a ``shuffling'' method as described in algorithm 3.2.2B
18967 of Knuth. It fills a table with 13 random 10-bit numbers. Then,
18968 to generate a new random number, it uses the previous number to
18969 index into the table, picks the value it finds there as the new
18970 random number, then replaces that table entry with a new value
18971 obtained from a call to the base random number generator (either
18972 the additive congruential generator or the @code{random} function
18973 supplied by the system). If there are any flaws in the base
18974 generator, shuffling will tend to even them out. But if the system
18975 provides an excellent @code{random} function, shuffling will not
18976 damage its randomness.
18978 To create a random integer of a certain number of digits, Calc
18979 builds the integer three decimal digits at a time. For each group
18980 of three digits, Calc calls its 10-bit shuffling random number generator
18981 (which returns a value from 0 to 1023); if the random value is 1000
18982 or more, Calc throws it out and tries again until it gets a suitable
18985 To create a random floating-point number with precision @var{p}, Calc
18986 simply creates a random @var{p}-digit integer and multiplies by
18987 @texline @math{10^{-p}}.
18988 @infoline @expr{10^-p}.
18989 The resulting random numbers should be very clean, but note
18990 that relatively small numbers will have few significant random digits.
18991 In other words, with a precision of 12, you will occasionally get
18992 numbers on the order of
18993 @texline @math{10^{-9}}
18994 @infoline @expr{10^-9}
18996 @texline @math{10^{-10}},
18997 @infoline @expr{10^-10},
18998 but those numbers will only have two or three random digits since they
18999 correspond to small integers times
19000 @texline @math{10^{-12}}.
19001 @infoline @expr{10^-12}.
19003 To create a random integer in the interval @samp{[0 .. @var{m})}, Calc
19004 counts the digits in @var{m}, creates a random integer with three
19005 additional digits, then reduces modulo @var{m}. Unless @var{m} is a
19006 power of ten the resulting values will be very slightly biased toward
19007 the lower numbers, but this bias will be less than 0.1%. (For example,
19008 if @var{m} is 42, Calc will reduce a random integer less than 100000
19009 modulo 42 to get a result less than 42. It is easy to show that the
19010 numbers 40 and 41 will be only 2380/2381 as likely to result from this
19011 modulo operation as numbers 39 and below.) If @var{m} is a power of
19012 ten, however, the numbers should be completely unbiased.
19014 The Gaussian random numbers generated by @samp{random(0.0)} use the
19015 ``polar'' method described in Knuth section 3.4.1C. This method
19016 generates a pair of Gaussian random numbers at a time, so only every
19017 other call to @samp{random(0.0)} will require significant calculations.
19019 @node Combinatorial Functions, Probability Distribution Functions, Random Numbers, Scientific Functions
19020 @section Combinatorial Functions
19023 Commands relating to combinatorics and number theory begin with the
19024 @kbd{k} key prefix.
19029 The @kbd{k g} (@code{calc-gcd}) [@code{gcd}] command computes the
19030 Greatest Common Divisor of two integers. It also accepts fractions;
19031 the GCD of two fractions is defined by taking the GCD of the
19032 numerators, and the LCM of the denominators. This definition is
19033 consistent with the idea that @samp{a / gcd(a,x)} should yield an
19034 integer for any @samp{a} and @samp{x}. For other types of arguments,
19035 the operation is left in symbolic form.
19040 The @kbd{k l} (@code{calc-lcm}) [@code{lcm}] command computes the
19041 Least Common Multiple of two integers or fractions. The product of
19042 the LCM and GCD of two numbers is equal to the product of the
19046 @pindex calc-extended-gcd
19048 The @kbd{k E} (@code{calc-extended-gcd}) [@code{egcd}] command computes
19049 the GCD of two integers @expr{x} and @expr{y} and returns a vector
19050 @expr{[g, a, b]} where
19051 @texline @math{g = \gcd(x,y) = a x + b y}.
19052 @infoline @expr{g = gcd(x,y) = a x + b y}.
19055 @pindex calc-factorial
19061 The @kbd{!} (@code{calc-factorial}) [@code{fact}] command computes the
19062 factorial of the number at the top of the stack. If the number is an
19063 integer, the result is an exact integer. If the number is an
19064 integer-valued float, the result is a floating-point approximation. If
19065 the number is a non-integral real number, the generalized factorial is used,
19066 as defined by the Euler Gamma function. Please note that computation of
19067 large factorials can be slow; using floating-point format will help
19068 since fewer digits must be maintained. The same is true of many of
19069 the commands in this section.
19072 @pindex calc-double-factorial
19078 The @kbd{k d} (@code{calc-double-factorial}) [@code{dfact}] command
19079 computes the ``double factorial'' of an integer. For an even integer,
19080 this is the product of even integers from 2 to @expr{N}. For an odd
19081 integer, this is the product of odd integers from 3 to @expr{N}. If
19082 the argument is an integer-valued float, the result is a floating-point
19083 approximation. This function is undefined for negative even integers.
19084 The notation @expr{N!!} is also recognized for double factorials.
19087 @pindex calc-choose
19089 The @kbd{k c} (@code{calc-choose}) [@code{choose}] command computes the
19090 binomial coefficient @expr{N}-choose-@expr{M}, where @expr{M} is the number
19091 on the top of the stack and @expr{N} is second-to-top. If both arguments
19092 are integers, the result is an exact integer. Otherwise, the result is a
19093 floating-point approximation. The binomial coefficient is defined for all
19095 @texline @math{N! \over M! (N-M)!\,}.
19096 @infoline @expr{N! / M! (N-M)!}.
19102 The @kbd{H k c} (@code{calc-perm}) [@code{perm}] command computes the
19103 number-of-permutations function @expr{N! / (N-M)!}.
19106 The \kbd{H k c} (\code{calc-perm}) [\code{perm}] command computes the
19107 number-of-perm\-utations function $N! \over (N-M)!\,$.
19112 @pindex calc-bernoulli-number
19114 The @kbd{k b} (@code{calc-bernoulli-number}) [@code{bern}] command
19115 computes a given Bernoulli number. The value at the top of the stack
19116 is a nonnegative integer @expr{n} that specifies which Bernoulli number
19117 is desired. The @kbd{H k b} command computes a Bernoulli polynomial,
19118 taking @expr{n} from the second-to-top position and @expr{x} from the
19119 top of the stack. If @expr{x} is a variable or formula the result is
19120 a polynomial in @expr{x}; if @expr{x} is a number the result is a number.
19124 @pindex calc-euler-number
19126 The @kbd{k e} (@code{calc-euler-number}) [@code{euler}] command similarly
19127 computes an Euler number, and @w{@kbd{H k e}} computes an Euler polynomial.
19128 Bernoulli and Euler numbers occur in the Taylor expansions of several
19133 @pindex calc-stirling-number
19136 The @kbd{k s} (@code{calc-stirling-number}) [@code{stir1}] command
19137 computes a Stirling number of the first
19138 @texline kind@tie{}@math{n \brack m},
19140 given two integers @expr{n} and @expr{m} on the stack. The @kbd{H k s}
19141 [@code{stir2}] command computes a Stirling number of the second
19142 @texline kind@tie{}@math{n \brace m}.
19144 These are the number of @expr{m}-cycle permutations of @expr{n} objects,
19145 and the number of ways to partition @expr{n} objects into @expr{m}
19146 non-empty sets, respectively.
19149 @pindex calc-prime-test
19151 The @kbd{k p} (@code{calc-prime-test}) command checks if the integer on
19152 the top of the stack is prime. For integers less than eight million, the
19153 answer is always exact and reasonably fast. For larger integers, a
19154 probabilistic method is used (see Knuth vol. II, section 4.5.4, algorithm P).
19155 The number is first checked against small prime factors (up to 13). Then,
19156 any number of iterations of the algorithm are performed. Each step either
19157 discovers that the number is non-prime, or substantially increases the
19158 certainty that the number is prime. After a few steps, the chance that
19159 a number was mistakenly described as prime will be less than one percent.
19160 (Indeed, this is a worst-case estimate of the probability; in practice
19161 even a single iteration is quite reliable.) After the @kbd{k p} command,
19162 the number will be reported as definitely prime or non-prime if possible,
19163 or otherwise ``probably'' prime with a certain probability of error.
19169 The normal @kbd{k p} command performs one iteration of the primality
19170 test. Pressing @kbd{k p} repeatedly for the same integer will perform
19171 additional iterations. Also, @kbd{k p} with a numeric prefix performs
19172 the specified number of iterations. There is also an algebraic function
19173 @samp{prime(n)} or @samp{prime(n,iters)} which returns 1 if @expr{n}
19174 is (probably) prime and 0 if not.
19177 @pindex calc-prime-factors
19179 The @kbd{k f} (@code{calc-prime-factors}) [@code{prfac}] command
19180 attempts to decompose an integer into its prime factors. For numbers up
19181 to 25 million, the answer is exact although it may take some time. The
19182 result is a vector of the prime factors in increasing order. For larger
19183 inputs, prime factors above 5000 may not be found, in which case the
19184 last number in the vector will be an unfactored integer greater than 25
19185 million (with a warning message). For negative integers, the first
19186 element of the list will be @mathit{-1}. For inputs @mathit{-1}, @mathit{0}, and
19187 @mathit{1}, the result is a list of the same number.
19190 @pindex calc-next-prime
19192 @mindex nextpr@idots
19195 The @kbd{k n} (@code{calc-next-prime}) [@code{nextprime}] command finds
19196 the next prime above a given number. Essentially, it searches by calling
19197 @code{calc-prime-test} on successive integers until it finds one that
19198 passes the test. This is quite fast for integers less than eight million,
19199 but once the probabilistic test comes into play the search may be rather
19200 slow. Ordinarily this command stops for any prime that passes one iteration
19201 of the primality test. With a numeric prefix argument, a number must pass
19202 the specified number of iterations before the search stops. (This only
19203 matters when searching above eight million.) You can always use additional
19204 @kbd{k p} commands to increase your certainty that the number is indeed
19208 @pindex calc-prev-prime
19210 @mindex prevpr@idots
19213 The @kbd{I k n} (@code{calc-prev-prime}) [@code{prevprime}] command
19214 analogously finds the next prime less than a given number.
19217 @pindex calc-totient
19219 The @kbd{k t} (@code{calc-totient}) [@code{totient}] command computes the
19221 @texline function@tie{}@math{\phi(n)},
19222 @infoline function,
19223 the number of integers less than @expr{n} which
19224 are relatively prime to @expr{n}.
19227 @pindex calc-moebius
19229 The @kbd{k m} (@code{calc-moebius}) [@code{moebius}] command computes the
19230 @texline M@"obius @math{\mu}
19231 @infoline Moebius ``mu''
19232 function. If the input number is a product of @expr{k}
19233 distinct factors, this is @expr{(-1)^k}. If the input number has any
19234 duplicate factors (i.e., can be divided by the same prime more than once),
19235 the result is zero.
19237 @node Probability Distribution Functions, , Combinatorial Functions, Scientific Functions
19238 @section Probability Distribution Functions
19241 The functions in this section compute various probability distributions.
19242 For continuous distributions, this is the integral of the probability
19243 density function from @expr{x} to infinity. (These are the ``upper
19244 tail'' distribution functions; there are also corresponding ``lower
19245 tail'' functions which integrate from minus infinity to @expr{x}.)
19246 For discrete distributions, the upper tail function gives the sum
19247 from @expr{x} to infinity; the lower tail function gives the sum
19248 from minus infinity up to, but not including,@w{ }@expr{x}.
19250 To integrate from @expr{x} to @expr{y}, just use the distribution
19251 function twice and subtract. For example, the probability that a
19252 Gaussian random variable with mean 2 and standard deviation 1 will
19253 lie in the range from 2.5 to 2.8 is @samp{utpn(2.5,2,1) - utpn(2.8,2,1)}
19254 (``the probability that it is greater than 2.5, but not greater than 2.8''),
19255 or equivalently @samp{ltpn(2.8,2,1) - ltpn(2.5,2,1)}.
19262 The @kbd{k B} (@code{calc-utpb}) [@code{utpb}] function uses the
19263 binomial distribution. Push the parameters @var{n}, @var{p}, and
19264 then @var{x} onto the stack; the result (@samp{utpb(x,n,p)}) is the
19265 probability that an event will occur @var{x} or more times out
19266 of @var{n} trials, if its probability of occurring in any given
19267 trial is @var{p}. The @kbd{I k B} [@code{ltpb}] function is
19268 the probability that the event will occur fewer than @var{x} times.
19270 The other probability distribution functions similarly take the
19271 form @kbd{k @var{X}} (@code{calc-utp@var{x}}) [@code{utp@var{x}}]
19272 and @kbd{I k @var{X}} [@code{ltp@var{x}}], for various letters
19273 @var{x}. The arguments to the algebraic functions are the value of
19274 the random variable first, then whatever other parameters define the
19275 distribution. Note these are among the few Calc functions where the
19276 order of the arguments in algebraic form differs from the order of
19277 arguments as found on the stack. (The random variable comes last on
19278 the stack, so that you can type, e.g., @kbd{2 @key{RET} 1 @key{RET} 2.5
19279 k N M-@key{RET} @key{DEL} 2.8 k N -}, using @kbd{M-@key{RET} @key{DEL}} to
19280 recover the original arguments but substitute a new value for @expr{x}.)
19293 The @samp{utpc(x,v)} function uses the chi-square distribution with
19294 @texline @math{\nu}
19296 degrees of freedom. It is the probability that a model is
19297 correct if its chi-square statistic is @expr{x}.
19310 The @samp{utpf(F,v1,v2)} function uses the F distribution, used in
19311 various statistical tests. The parameters
19312 @texline @math{\nu_1}
19313 @infoline @expr{v1}
19315 @texline @math{\nu_2}
19316 @infoline @expr{v2}
19317 are the degrees of freedom in the numerator and denominator,
19318 respectively, used in computing the statistic @expr{F}.
19331 The @samp{utpn(x,m,s)} function uses a normal (Gaussian) distribution
19332 with mean @expr{m} and standard deviation
19333 @texline @math{\sigma}.
19334 @infoline @expr{s}.
19335 It is the probability that such a normal-distributed random variable
19336 would exceed @expr{x}.
19349 The @samp{utpp(n,x)} function uses a Poisson distribution with
19350 mean @expr{x}. It is the probability that @expr{n} or more such
19351 Poisson random events will occur.
19364 The @samp{utpt(t,v)} function uses the Student's ``t'' distribution
19366 @texline @math{\nu}
19368 degrees of freedom. It is the probability that a
19369 t-distributed random variable will be greater than @expr{t}.
19370 (Note: This computes the distribution function
19371 @texline @math{A(t|\nu)}
19372 @infoline @expr{A(t|v)}
19374 @texline @math{A(0|\nu) = 1}
19375 @infoline @expr{A(0|v) = 1}
19377 @texline @math{A(\infty|\nu) \to 0}.
19378 @infoline @expr{A(inf|v) -> 0}.
19379 The @code{UTPT} operation on the HP-48 uses a different definition which
19380 returns half of Calc's value: @samp{UTPT(t,v) = .5*utpt(t,v)}.)
19382 While Calc does not provide inverses of the probability distribution
19383 functions, the @kbd{a R} command can be used to solve for the inverse.
19384 Since the distribution functions are monotonic, @kbd{a R} is guaranteed
19385 to be able to find a solution given any initial guess.
19386 @xref{Numerical Solutions}.
19388 @node Matrix Functions, Algebra, Scientific Functions, Top
19389 @chapter Vector/Matrix Functions
19392 Many of the commands described here begin with the @kbd{v} prefix.
19393 (For convenience, the shift-@kbd{V} prefix is equivalent to @kbd{v}.)
19394 The commands usually apply to both plain vectors and matrices; some
19395 apply only to matrices or only to square matrices. If the argument
19396 has the wrong dimensions the operation is left in symbolic form.
19398 Vectors are entered and displayed using @samp{[a,b,c]} notation.
19399 Matrices are vectors of which all elements are vectors of equal length.
19400 (Though none of the standard Calc commands use this concept, a
19401 three-dimensional matrix or rank-3 tensor could be defined as a
19402 vector of matrices, and so on.)
19405 * Packing and Unpacking::
19406 * Building Vectors::
19407 * Extracting Elements::
19408 * Manipulating Vectors::
19409 * Vector and Matrix Arithmetic::
19411 * Statistical Operations::
19412 * Reducing and Mapping::
19413 * Vector and Matrix Formats::
19416 @node Packing and Unpacking, Building Vectors, Matrix Functions, Matrix Functions
19417 @section Packing and Unpacking
19420 Calc's ``pack'' and ``unpack'' commands collect stack entries to build
19421 composite objects such as vectors and complex numbers. They are
19422 described in this chapter because they are most often used to build
19428 The @kbd{v p} (@code{calc-pack}) [@code{pack}] command collects several
19429 elements from the stack into a matrix, complex number, HMS form, error
19430 form, etc. It uses a numeric prefix argument to specify the kind of
19431 object to be built; this argument is referred to as the ``packing mode.''
19432 If the packing mode is a nonnegative integer, a vector of that
19433 length is created. For example, @kbd{C-u 5 v p} will pop the top
19434 five stack elements and push back a single vector of those five
19435 elements. (@kbd{C-u 0 v p} simply creates an empty vector.)
19437 The same effect can be had by pressing @kbd{[} to push an incomplete
19438 vector on the stack, using @key{TAB} (@code{calc-roll-down}) to sneak
19439 the incomplete object up past a certain number of elements, and
19440 then pressing @kbd{]} to complete the vector.
19442 Negative packing modes create other kinds of composite objects:
19446 Two values are collected to build a complex number. For example,
19447 @kbd{5 @key{RET} 7 C-u -1 v p} creates the complex number
19448 @expr{(5, 7)}. The result is always a rectangular complex
19449 number. The two input values must both be real numbers,
19450 i.e., integers, fractions, or floats. If they are not, Calc
19451 will instead build a formula like @samp{a + (0, 1) b}. (The
19452 other packing modes also create a symbolic answer if the
19453 components are not suitable.)
19456 Two values are collected to build a polar complex number.
19457 The first is the magnitude; the second is the phase expressed
19458 in either degrees or radians according to the current angular
19462 Three values are collected into an HMS form. The first
19463 two values (hours and minutes) must be integers or
19464 integer-valued floats. The third value may be any real
19468 Two values are collected into an error form. The inputs
19469 may be real numbers or formulas.
19472 Two values are collected into a modulo form. The inputs
19473 must be real numbers.
19476 Two values are collected into the interval @samp{[a .. b]}.
19477 The inputs may be real numbers, HMS or date forms, or formulas.
19480 Two values are collected into the interval @samp{[a .. b)}.
19483 Two values are collected into the interval @samp{(a .. b]}.
19486 Two values are collected into the interval @samp{(a .. b)}.
19489 Two integer values are collected into a fraction.
19492 Two values are collected into a floating-point number.
19493 The first is the mantissa; the second, which must be an
19494 integer, is the exponent. The result is the mantissa
19495 times ten to the power of the exponent.
19498 This is treated the same as @mathit{-11} by the @kbd{v p} command.
19499 When unpacking, @mathit{-12} specifies that a floating-point mantissa
19503 A real number is converted into a date form.
19506 Three numbers (year, month, day) are packed into a pure date form.
19509 Six numbers are packed into a date/time form.
19512 With any of the two-input negative packing modes, either or both
19513 of the inputs may be vectors. If both are vectors of the same
19514 length, the result is another vector made by packing corresponding
19515 elements of the input vectors. If one input is a vector and the
19516 other is a plain number, the number is packed along with each vector
19517 element to produce a new vector. For example, @kbd{C-u -4 v p}
19518 could be used to convert a vector of numbers and a vector of errors
19519 into a single vector of error forms; @kbd{C-u -5 v p} could convert
19520 a vector of numbers and a single number @var{M} into a vector of
19521 numbers modulo @var{M}.
19523 If you don't give a prefix argument to @kbd{v p}, it takes
19524 the packing mode from the top of the stack. The elements to
19525 be packed then begin at stack level 2. Thus
19526 @kbd{1 @key{RET} 2 @key{RET} 4 n v p} is another way to
19527 enter the error form @samp{1 +/- 2}.
19529 If the packing mode taken from the stack is a vector, the result is a
19530 matrix with the dimensions specified by the elements of the vector,
19531 which must each be integers. For example, if the packing mode is
19532 @samp{[2, 3]}, then six numbers will be taken from the stack and
19533 returned in the form @samp{[@w{[a, b, c]}, [d, e, f]]}.
19535 If any elements of the vector are negative, other kinds of
19536 packing are done at that level as described above. For
19537 example, @samp{[2, 3, -4]} takes 12 objects and creates a
19538 @texline @math{2\times3}
19540 matrix of error forms: @samp{[[a +/- b, c +/- d ... ]]}.
19541 Also, @samp{[-4, -10]} will convert four integers into an
19542 error form consisting of two fractions: @samp{a:b +/- c:d}.
19548 There is an equivalent algebraic function,
19549 @samp{pack(@var{mode}, @var{items})} where @var{mode} is a
19550 packing mode (an integer or a vector of integers) and @var{items}
19551 is a vector of objects to be packed (re-packed, really) according
19552 to that mode. For example, @samp{pack([3, -4], [a,b,c,d,e,f])}
19553 yields @samp{[a +/- b, @w{c +/- d}, e +/- f]}. The function is
19554 left in symbolic form if the packing mode is invalid, or if the
19555 number of data items does not match the number of items required
19560 @pindex calc-unpack
19561 The @kbd{v u} (@code{calc-unpack}) command takes the vector, complex
19562 number, HMS form, or other composite object on the top of the stack and
19563 ``unpacks'' it, pushing each of its elements onto the stack as separate
19564 objects. Thus, it is the ``inverse'' of @kbd{v p}. If the value
19565 at the top of the stack is a formula, @kbd{v u} unpacks it by pushing
19566 each of the arguments of the top-level operator onto the stack.
19568 You can optionally give a numeric prefix argument to @kbd{v u}
19569 to specify an explicit (un)packing mode. If the packing mode is
19570 negative and the input is actually a vector or matrix, the result
19571 will be two or more similar vectors or matrices of the elements.
19572 For example, given the vector @samp{[@w{a +/- b}, c^2, d +/- 7]},
19573 the result of @kbd{C-u -4 v u} will be the two vectors
19574 @samp{[a, c^2, d]} and @w{@samp{[b, 0, 7]}}.
19576 Note that the prefix argument can have an effect even when the input is
19577 not a vector. For example, if the input is the number @mathit{-5}, then
19578 @kbd{c-u -1 v u} yields @mathit{-5} and 0 (the components of @mathit{-5}
19579 when viewed as a rectangular complex number); @kbd{C-u -2 v u} yields 5
19580 and 180 (assuming Degrees mode); and @kbd{C-u -10 v u} yields @mathit{-5}
19581 and 1 (the numerator and denominator of @mathit{-5}, viewed as a rational
19582 number). Plain @kbd{v u} with this input would complain that the input
19583 is not a composite object.
19585 Unpacking mode @mathit{-11} converts a float into an integer mantissa and
19586 an integer exponent, where the mantissa is not divisible by 10
19587 (except that 0.0 is represented by a mantissa and exponent of 0).
19588 Unpacking mode @mathit{-12} converts a float into a floating-point mantissa
19589 and integer exponent, where the mantissa (for non-zero numbers)
19590 is guaranteed to lie in the range [1 .. 10). In both cases,
19591 the mantissa is shifted left or right (and the exponent adjusted
19592 to compensate) in order to satisfy these constraints.
19594 Positive unpacking modes are treated differently than for @kbd{v p}.
19595 A mode of 1 is much like plain @kbd{v u} with no prefix argument,
19596 except that in addition to the components of the input object,
19597 a suitable packing mode to re-pack the object is also pushed.
19598 Thus, @kbd{C-u 1 v u} followed by @kbd{v p} will re-build the
19601 A mode of 2 unpacks two levels of the object; the resulting
19602 re-packing mode will be a vector of length 2. This might be used
19603 to unpack a matrix, say, or a vector of error forms. Higher
19604 unpacking modes unpack the input even more deeply.
19610 There are two algebraic functions analogous to @kbd{v u}.
19611 The @samp{unpack(@var{mode}, @var{item})} function unpacks the
19612 @var{item} using the given @var{mode}, returning the result as
19613 a vector of components. Here the @var{mode} must be an
19614 integer, not a vector. For example, @samp{unpack(-4, a +/- b)}
19615 returns @samp{[a, b]}, as does @samp{unpack(1, a +/- b)}.
19621 The @code{unpackt} function is like @code{unpack} but instead
19622 of returning a simple vector of items, it returns a vector of
19623 two things: The mode, and the vector of items. For example,
19624 @samp{unpackt(1, 2:3 +/- 1:4)} returns @samp{[-4, [2:3, 1:4]]},
19625 and @samp{unpackt(2, 2:3 +/- 1:4)} returns @samp{[[-4, -10], [2, 3, 1, 4]]}.
19626 The identity for re-building the original object is
19627 @samp{apply(pack, unpackt(@var{n}, @var{x})) = @var{x}}. (The
19628 @code{apply} function builds a function call given the function
19629 name and a vector of arguments.)
19631 @cindex Numerator of a fraction, extracting
19632 Subscript notation is a useful way to extract a particular part
19633 of an object. For example, to get the numerator of a rational
19634 number, you can use @samp{unpack(-10, @var{x})_1}.
19636 @node Building Vectors, Extracting Elements, Packing and Unpacking, Matrix Functions
19637 @section Building Vectors
19640 Vectors and matrices can be added,
19641 subtracted, multiplied, and divided; @pxref{Basic Arithmetic}.
19644 @pindex calc-concat
19649 The @kbd{|} (@code{calc-concat}) [@code{vconcat}] command ``concatenates'' two vectors
19650 into one. For example, after @kbd{@w{[ 1 , 2 ]} [ 3 , 4 ] |}, the stack
19651 will contain the single vector @samp{[1, 2, 3, 4]}. If the arguments
19652 are matrices, the rows of the first matrix are concatenated with the
19653 rows of the second. (In other words, two matrices are just two vectors
19654 of row-vectors as far as @kbd{|} is concerned.)
19656 If either argument to @kbd{|} is a scalar (a non-vector), it is treated
19657 like a one-element vector for purposes of concatenation: @kbd{1 [ 2 , 3 ] |}
19658 produces the vector @samp{[1, 2, 3]}. Likewise, if one argument is a
19659 matrix and the other is a plain vector, the vector is treated as a
19664 The @kbd{H |} (@code{calc-append}) [@code{append}] command concatenates
19665 two vectors without any special cases. Both inputs must be vectors.
19666 Whether or not they are matrices is not taken into account. If either
19667 argument is a scalar, the @code{append} function is left in symbolic form.
19668 See also @code{cons} and @code{rcons} below.
19672 The @kbd{I |} and @kbd{H I |} commands are similar, but they use their
19673 two stack arguments in the opposite order. Thus @kbd{I |} is equivalent
19674 to @kbd{@key{TAB} |}, but possibly more convenient and also a bit faster.
19680 The @kbd{v d} (@code{calc-diag}) [@code{diag}] function builds a diagonal
19681 square matrix. The optional numeric prefix gives the number of rows
19682 and columns in the matrix. If the value at the top of the stack is a
19683 vector, the elements of the vector are used as the diagonal elements; the
19684 prefix, if specified, must match the size of the vector. If the value on
19685 the stack is a scalar, it is used for each element on the diagonal, and
19686 the prefix argument is required.
19688 To build a constant square matrix, e.g., a
19689 @texline @math{3\times3}
19691 matrix filled with ones, use @kbd{0 M-3 v d 1 +}, i.e., build a zero
19692 matrix first and then add a constant value to that matrix. (Another
19693 alternative would be to use @kbd{v b} and @kbd{v a}; see below.)
19699 The @kbd{v i} (@code{calc-ident}) [@code{idn}] function builds an identity
19700 matrix of the specified size. It is a convenient form of @kbd{v d}
19701 where the diagonal element is always one. If no prefix argument is given,
19702 this command prompts for one.
19704 In algebraic notation, @samp{idn(a,n)} acts much like @samp{diag(a,n)},
19705 except that @expr{a} is required to be a scalar (non-vector) quantity.
19706 If @expr{n} is omitted, @samp{idn(a)} represents @expr{a} times an
19707 identity matrix of unknown size. Calc can operate algebraically on
19708 such generic identity matrices, and if one is combined with a matrix
19709 whose size is known, it is converted automatically to an identity
19710 matrix of a suitable matching size. The @kbd{v i} command with an
19711 argument of zero creates a generic identity matrix, @samp{idn(1)}.
19712 Note that in dimensioned Matrix mode (@pxref{Matrix Mode}), generic
19713 identity matrices are immediately expanded to the current default
19720 The @kbd{v x} (@code{calc-index}) [@code{index}] function builds a vector
19721 of consecutive integers from 1 to @var{n}, where @var{n} is the numeric
19722 prefix argument. If you do not provide a prefix argument, you will be
19723 prompted to enter a suitable number. If @var{n} is negative, the result
19724 is a vector of negative integers from @var{n} to @mathit{-1}.
19726 With a prefix argument of just @kbd{C-u}, the @kbd{v x} command takes
19727 three values from the stack: @var{n}, @var{start}, and @var{incr} (with
19728 @var{incr} at top-of-stack). Counting starts at @var{start} and increases
19729 by @var{incr} for successive vector elements. If @var{start} or @var{n}
19730 is in floating-point format, the resulting vector elements will also be
19731 floats. Note that @var{start} and @var{incr} may in fact be any kind
19732 of numbers or formulas.
19734 When @var{start} and @var{incr} are specified, a negative @var{n} has a
19735 different interpretation: It causes a geometric instead of arithmetic
19736 sequence to be generated. For example, @samp{index(-3, a, b)} produces
19737 @samp{[a, a b, a b^2]}. If you omit @var{incr} in the algebraic form,
19738 @samp{index(@var{n}, @var{start})}, the default value for @var{incr}
19739 is one for positive @var{n} or two for negative @var{n}.
19743 @pindex calc-build-vector
19745 The @kbd{v b} (@code{calc-build-vector}) [@code{cvec}] function builds a
19746 vector of @var{n} copies of the value on the top of the stack, where @var{n}
19747 is the numeric prefix argument. In algebraic formulas, @samp{cvec(x,n,m)}
19748 can also be used to build an @var{n}-by-@var{m} matrix of copies of @var{x}.
19749 (Interactively, just use @kbd{v b} twice: once to build a row, then again
19750 to build a matrix of copies of that row.)
19760 The @kbd{v h} (@code{calc-head}) [@code{head}] function returns the first
19761 element of a vector. The @kbd{I v h} (@code{calc-tail}) [@code{tail}]
19762 function returns the vector with its first element removed. In both
19763 cases, the argument must be a non-empty vector.
19769 The @kbd{v k} (@code{calc-cons}) [@code{cons}] function takes a value @var{h}
19770 and a vector @var{t} from the stack, and produces the vector whose head is
19771 @var{h} and whose tail is @var{t}. This is similar to @kbd{|}, except
19772 if @var{h} is itself a vector, @kbd{|} will concatenate the two vectors
19773 whereas @code{cons} will insert @var{h} at the front of the vector @var{t}.
19796 Each of these three functions also accepts the Hyperbolic flag [@code{rhead},
19797 @code{rtail}, @code{rcons}] in which case @var{t} instead represents
19798 the @emph{last} single element of the vector, with @var{h}
19799 representing the remainder of the vector. Thus the vector
19800 @samp{[a, b, c, d] = cons(a, [b, c, d]) = rcons([a, b, c], d)}.
19801 Also, @samp{head([a, b, c, d]) = a}, @samp{tail([a, b, c, d]) = [b, c, d]},
19802 @samp{rhead([a, b, c, d]) = [a, b, c]}, and @samp{rtail([a, b, c, d]) = d}.
19804 @node Extracting Elements, Manipulating Vectors, Building Vectors, Matrix Functions
19805 @section Extracting Vector Elements
19812 The @kbd{v r} (@code{calc-mrow}) [@code{mrow}] command extracts one row of
19813 the matrix on the top of the stack, or one element of the plain vector on
19814 the top of the stack. The row or element is specified by the numeric
19815 prefix argument; the default is to prompt for the row or element number.
19816 The matrix or vector is replaced by the specified row or element in the
19817 form of a vector or scalar, respectively.
19819 @cindex Permutations, applying
19820 With a prefix argument of @kbd{C-u} only, @kbd{v r} takes the index of
19821 the element or row from the top of the stack, and the vector or matrix
19822 from the second-to-top position. If the index is itself a vector of
19823 integers, the result is a vector of the corresponding elements of the
19824 input vector, or a matrix of the corresponding rows of the input matrix.
19825 This command can be used to obtain any permutation of a vector.
19827 With @kbd{C-u}, if the index is an interval form with integer components,
19828 it is interpreted as a range of indices and the corresponding subvector or
19829 submatrix is returned.
19831 @cindex Subscript notation
19833 @pindex calc-subscript
19836 Subscript notation in algebraic formulas (@samp{a_b}) stands for the
19837 Calc function @code{subscr}, which is synonymous with @code{mrow}.
19838 Thus, @samp{[x, y, z]_k} produces @expr{x}, @expr{y}, or @expr{z} if
19839 @expr{k} is one, two, or three, respectively. A double subscript
19840 (@samp{M_i_j}, equivalent to @samp{subscr(subscr(M, i), j)}) will
19841 access the element at row @expr{i}, column @expr{j} of a matrix.
19842 The @kbd{a _} (@code{calc-subscript}) command creates a subscript
19843 formula @samp{a_b} out of two stack entries. (It is on the @kbd{a}
19844 ``algebra'' prefix because subscripted variables are often used
19845 purely as an algebraic notation.)
19848 Given a negative prefix argument, @kbd{v r} instead deletes one row or
19849 element from the matrix or vector on the top of the stack. Thus
19850 @kbd{C-u 2 v r} replaces a matrix with its second row, but @kbd{C-u -2 v r}
19851 replaces the matrix with the same matrix with its second row removed.
19852 In algebraic form this function is called @code{mrrow}.
19855 Given a prefix argument of zero, @kbd{v r} extracts the diagonal elements
19856 of a square matrix in the form of a vector. In algebraic form this
19857 function is called @code{getdiag}.
19864 The @kbd{v c} (@code{calc-mcol}) [@code{mcol} or @code{mrcol}] command is
19865 the analogous operation on columns of a matrix. Given a plain vector
19866 it extracts (or removes) one element, just like @kbd{v r}. If the
19867 index in @kbd{C-u v c} is an interval or vector and the argument is a
19868 matrix, the result is a submatrix with only the specified columns
19869 retained (and possibly permuted in the case of a vector index).
19871 To extract a matrix element at a given row and column, use @kbd{v r} to
19872 extract the row as a vector, then @kbd{v c} to extract the column element
19873 from that vector. In algebraic formulas, it is often more convenient to
19874 use subscript notation: @samp{m_i_j} gives row @expr{i}, column @expr{j}
19875 of matrix @expr{m}.
19879 @pindex calc-subvector
19881 The @kbd{v s} (@code{calc-subvector}) [@code{subvec}] command extracts
19882 a subvector of a vector. The arguments are the vector, the starting
19883 index, and the ending index, with the ending index in the top-of-stack
19884 position. The starting index indicates the first element of the vector
19885 to take. The ending index indicates the first element @emph{past} the
19886 range to be taken. Thus, @samp{subvec([a, b, c, d, e], 2, 4)} produces
19887 the subvector @samp{[b, c]}. You could get the same result using
19888 @samp{mrow([a, b, c, d, e], @w{[2 .. 4)})}.
19890 If either the start or the end index is zero or negative, it is
19891 interpreted as relative to the end of the vector. Thus
19892 @samp{subvec([a, b, c, d, e], 2, -2)} also produces @samp{[b, c]}. In
19893 the algebraic form, the end index can be omitted in which case it
19894 is taken as zero, i.e., elements from the starting element to the
19895 end of the vector are used. The infinity symbol, @code{inf}, also
19896 has this effect when used as the ending index.
19901 With the Inverse flag, @kbd{I v s} [@code{rsubvec}] removes a subvector
19902 from a vector. The arguments are interpreted the same as for the
19903 normal @kbd{v s} command. Thus, @samp{rsubvec([a, b, c, d, e], 2, 4)}
19904 produces @samp{[a, d, e]}. It is always true that @code{subvec} and
19905 @code{rsubvec} return complementary parts of the input vector.
19907 @xref{Selecting Subformulas}, for an alternative way to operate on
19908 vectors one element at a time.
19910 @node Manipulating Vectors, Vector and Matrix Arithmetic, Extracting Elements, Matrix Functions
19911 @section Manipulating Vectors
19916 @pindex calc-vlength
19918 The @kbd{v l} (@code{calc-vlength}) [@code{vlen}] command computes the
19919 length of a vector. The length of a non-vector is considered to be zero.
19920 Note that matrices are just vectors of vectors for the purposes of this
19926 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H v l} [@code{mdims}] computes a vector
19927 of the dimensions of a vector, matrix, or higher-order object. For
19928 example, @samp{mdims([[a,b,c],[d,e,f]])} returns @samp{[2, 3]} since
19930 @texline @math{2\times3}
19936 @pindex calc-vector-find
19938 The @kbd{v f} (@code{calc-vector-find}) [@code{find}] command searches
19939 along a vector for the first element equal to a given target. The target
19940 is on the top of the stack; the vector is in the second-to-top position.
19941 If a match is found, the result is the index of the matching element.
19942 Otherwise, the result is zero. The numeric prefix argument, if given,
19943 allows you to select any starting index for the search.
19947 @pindex calc-arrange-vector
19949 @cindex Arranging a matrix
19950 @cindex Reshaping a matrix
19951 @cindex Flattening a matrix
19952 The @kbd{v a} (@code{calc-arrange-vector}) [@code{arrange}] command
19953 rearranges a vector to have a certain number of columns and rows. The
19954 numeric prefix argument specifies the number of columns; if you do not
19955 provide an argument, you will be prompted for the number of columns.
19956 The vector or matrix on the top of the stack is @dfn{flattened} into a
19957 plain vector. If the number of columns is nonzero, this vector is
19958 then formed into a matrix by taking successive groups of @var{n} elements.
19959 If the number of columns does not evenly divide the number of elements
19960 in the vector, the last row will be short and the result will not be
19961 suitable for use as a matrix. For example, with the matrix
19962 @samp{[[1, 2], @w{[3, 4]}]} on the stack, @kbd{v a 4} produces
19963 @samp{[[1, 2, 3, 4]]} (a
19964 @texline @math{1\times4}
19966 matrix), @kbd{v a 1} produces @samp{[[1], [2], [3], [4]]} (a
19967 @texline @math{4\times1}
19969 matrix), @kbd{v a 2} produces @samp{[[1, 2], [3, 4]]} (the original
19970 @texline @math{2\times2}
19972 matrix), @w{@kbd{v a 3}} produces @samp{[[1, 2, 3], [4]]} (not a
19973 matrix), and @kbd{v a 0} produces the flattened list
19974 @samp{[1, 2, @w{3, 4}]}.
19976 @cindex Sorting data
19984 The @kbd{V S} (@code{calc-sort}) [@code{sort}] command sorts the elements of
19985 a vector into increasing order. Real numbers, real infinities, and
19986 constant interval forms come first in this ordering; next come other
19987 kinds of numbers, then variables (in alphabetical order), then finally
19988 come formulas and other kinds of objects; these are sorted according
19989 to a kind of lexicographic ordering with the useful property that
19990 one vector is less or greater than another if the first corresponding
19991 unequal elements are less or greater, respectively. Since quoted strings
19992 are stored by Calc internally as vectors of ASCII character codes
19993 (@pxref{Strings}), this means vectors of strings are also sorted into
19994 alphabetical order by this command.
19996 The @kbd{I V S} [@code{rsort}] command sorts a vector into decreasing order.
19998 @cindex Permutation, inverse of
19999 @cindex Inverse of permutation
20000 @cindex Index tables
20001 @cindex Rank tables
20009 The @kbd{V G} (@code{calc-grade}) [@code{grade}, @code{rgrade}] command
20010 produces an index table or permutation vector which, if applied to the
20011 input vector (as the index of @kbd{C-u v r}, say), would sort the vector.
20012 A permutation vector is just a vector of integers from 1 to @var{n}, where
20013 each integer occurs exactly once. One application of this is to sort a
20014 matrix of data rows using one column as the sort key; extract that column,
20015 grade it with @kbd{V G}, then use the result to reorder the original matrix
20016 with @kbd{C-u v r}. Another interesting property of the @code{V G} command
20017 is that, if the input is itself a permutation vector, the result will
20018 be the inverse of the permutation. The inverse of an index table is
20019 a rank table, whose @var{k}th element says where the @var{k}th original
20020 vector element will rest when the vector is sorted. To get a rank
20021 table, just use @kbd{V G V G}.
20023 With the Inverse flag, @kbd{I V G} produces an index table that would
20024 sort the input into decreasing order. Note that @kbd{V S} and @kbd{V G}
20025 use a ``stable'' sorting algorithm, i.e., any two elements which are equal
20026 will not be moved out of their original order. Generally there is no way
20027 to tell with @kbd{V S}, since two elements which are equal look the same,
20028 but with @kbd{V G} this can be an important issue. In the matrix-of-rows
20029 example, suppose you have names and telephone numbers as two columns and
20030 you wish to sort by phone number primarily, and by name when the numbers
20031 are equal. You can sort the data matrix by names first, and then again
20032 by phone numbers. Because the sort is stable, any two rows with equal
20033 phone numbers will remain sorted by name even after the second sort.
20038 @pindex calc-histogram
20040 @mindex histo@idots
20043 The @kbd{V H} (@code{calc-histogram}) [@code{histogram}] command builds a
20044 histogram of a vector of numbers. Vector elements are assumed to be
20045 integers or real numbers in the range [0..@var{n}) for some ``number of
20046 bins'' @var{n}, which is the numeric prefix argument given to the
20047 command. The result is a vector of @var{n} counts of how many times
20048 each value appeared in the original vector. Non-integers in the input
20049 are rounded down to integers. Any vector elements outside the specified
20050 range are ignored. (You can tell if elements have been ignored by noting
20051 that the counts in the result vector don't add up to the length of the
20056 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H V H} pulls two vectors from the stack.
20057 The second-to-top vector is the list of numbers as before. The top
20058 vector is an equal-sized list of ``weights'' to attach to the elements
20059 of the data vector. For example, if the first data element is 4.2 and
20060 the first weight is 10, then 10 will be added to bin 4 of the result
20061 vector. Without the hyperbolic flag, every element has a weight of one.
20065 @pindex calc-transpose
20067 The @kbd{v t} (@code{calc-transpose}) [@code{trn}] command computes
20068 the transpose of the matrix at the top of the stack. If the argument
20069 is a plain vector, it is treated as a row vector and transposed into
20070 a one-column matrix.
20074 @pindex calc-reverse-vector
20076 The @kbd{v v} (@code{calc-reverse-vector}) [@code{rev}] command reverses
20077 a vector end-for-end. Given a matrix, it reverses the order of the rows.
20078 (To reverse the columns instead, just use @kbd{v t v v v t}. The same
20079 principle can be used to apply other vector commands to the columns of
20084 @pindex calc-mask-vector
20086 The @kbd{v m} (@code{calc-mask-vector}) [@code{vmask}] command uses
20087 one vector as a mask to extract elements of another vector. The mask
20088 is in the second-to-top position; the target vector is on the top of
20089 the stack. These vectors must have the same length. The result is
20090 the same as the target vector, but with all elements which correspond
20091 to zeros in the mask vector deleted. Thus, for example,
20092 @samp{vmask([1, 0, 1, 0, 1], [a, b, c, d, e])} produces @samp{[a, c, e]}.
20093 @xref{Logical Operations}.
20097 @pindex calc-expand-vector
20099 The @kbd{v e} (@code{calc-expand-vector}) [@code{vexp}] command
20100 expands a vector according to another mask vector. The result is a
20101 vector the same length as the mask, but with nonzero elements replaced
20102 by successive elements from the target vector. The length of the target
20103 vector is normally the number of nonzero elements in the mask. If the
20104 target vector is longer, its last few elements are lost. If the target
20105 vector is shorter, the last few nonzero mask elements are left
20106 unreplaced in the result. Thus @samp{vexp([2, 0, 3, 0, 7], [a, b])}
20107 produces @samp{[a, 0, b, 0, 7]}.
20111 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H v e} takes a filler value from the
20112 top of the stack; the mask and target vectors come from the third and
20113 second elements of the stack. This filler is used where the mask is
20114 zero: @samp{vexp([2, 0, 3, 0, 7], [a, b], z)} produces
20115 @samp{[a, z, c, z, 7]}. If the filler value is itself a vector,
20116 then successive values are taken from it, so that the effect is to
20117 interleave two vectors according to the mask:
20118 @samp{vexp([2, 0, 3, 7, 0, 0], [a, b], [x, y])} produces
20119 @samp{[a, x, b, 7, y, 0]}.
20121 Another variation on the masking idea is to combine @samp{[a, b, c, d, e]}
20122 with the mask @samp{[1, 0, 1, 0, 1]} to produce @samp{[a, 0, c, 0, e]}.
20123 You can accomplish this with @kbd{V M a &}, mapping the logical ``and''
20124 operation across the two vectors. @xref{Logical Operations}. Note that
20125 the @code{? :} operation also discussed there allows other types of
20126 masking using vectors.
20128 @node Vector and Matrix Arithmetic, Set Operations, Manipulating Vectors, Matrix Functions
20129 @section Vector and Matrix Arithmetic
20132 Basic arithmetic operations like addition and multiplication are defined
20133 for vectors and matrices as well as for numbers. Division of matrices, in
20134 the sense of multiplying by the inverse, is supported. (Division by a
20135 matrix actually uses LU-decomposition for greater accuracy and speed.)
20136 @xref{Basic Arithmetic}.
20138 The following functions are applied element-wise if their arguments are
20139 vectors or matrices: @code{change-sign}, @code{conj}, @code{arg},
20140 @code{re}, @code{im}, @code{polar}, @code{rect}, @code{clean},
20141 @code{float}, @code{frac}. @xref{Function Index}.
20145 @pindex calc-conj-transpose
20147 The @kbd{V J} (@code{calc-conj-transpose}) [@code{ctrn}] command computes
20148 the conjugate transpose of its argument, i.e., @samp{conj(trn(x))}.
20153 @kindex A (vectors)
20154 @pindex calc-abs (vectors)
20158 @tindex abs (vectors)
20159 The @kbd{A} (@code{calc-abs}) [@code{abs}] command computes the
20160 Frobenius norm of a vector or matrix argument. This is the square
20161 root of the sum of the squares of the absolute values of the
20162 elements of the vector or matrix. If the vector is interpreted as
20163 a point in two- or three-dimensional space, this is the distance
20164 from that point to the origin.
20170 The @kbd{v n} (@code{calc-rnorm}) [@code{rnorm}] command computes the
20171 infinity-norm of a vector, or the row norm of a matrix. For a plain
20172 vector, this is the maximum of the absolute values of the elements. For
20173 a matrix, this is the maximum of the row-absolute-value-sums, i.e., of
20174 the sums of the absolute values of the elements along the various rows.
20180 The @kbd{V N} (@code{calc-cnorm}) [@code{cnorm}] command computes
20181 the one-norm of a vector, or column norm of a matrix. For a plain
20182 vector, this is the sum of the absolute values of the elements.
20183 For a matrix, this is the maximum of the column-absolute-value-sums.
20184 General @expr{k}-norms for @expr{k} other than one or infinity are
20185 not provided. However, the 2-norm (or Frobenius norm) is provided for
20186 vectors by the @kbd{A} (@code{calc-abs}) command.
20192 The @kbd{V C} (@code{calc-cross}) [@code{cross}] command computes the
20193 right-handed cross product of two vectors, each of which must have
20194 exactly three elements.
20199 @kindex & (matrices)
20200 @pindex calc-inv (matrices)
20204 @tindex inv (matrices)
20205 The @kbd{&} (@code{calc-inv}) [@code{inv}] command computes the
20206 inverse of a square matrix. If the matrix is singular, the inverse
20207 operation is left in symbolic form. Matrix inverses are recorded so
20208 that once an inverse (or determinant) of a particular matrix has been
20209 computed, the inverse and determinant of the matrix can be recomputed
20210 quickly in the future.
20212 If the argument to @kbd{&} is a plain number @expr{x}, this
20213 command simply computes @expr{1/x}. This is okay, because the
20214 @samp{/} operator also does a matrix inversion when dividing one
20221 The @kbd{V D} (@code{calc-mdet}) [@code{det}] command computes the
20222 determinant of a square matrix.
20228 The @kbd{V L} (@code{calc-mlud}) [@code{lud}] command computes the
20229 LU decomposition of a matrix. The result is a list of three matrices
20230 which, when multiplied together left-to-right, form the original matrix.
20231 The first is a permutation matrix that arises from pivoting in the
20232 algorithm, the second is lower-triangular with ones on the diagonal,
20233 and the third is upper-triangular.
20237 @pindex calc-mtrace
20239 The @kbd{V T} (@code{calc-mtrace}) [@code{tr}] command computes the
20240 trace of a square matrix. This is defined as the sum of the diagonal
20241 elements of the matrix.
20247 The @kbd{V K} (@code{calc-kron}) [@code{kron}] command computes
20248 the Kronecker product of two matrices.
20250 @node Set Operations, Statistical Operations, Vector and Matrix Arithmetic, Matrix Functions
20251 @section Set Operations using Vectors
20254 @cindex Sets, as vectors
20255 Calc includes several commands which interpret vectors as @dfn{sets} of
20256 objects. A set is a collection of objects; any given object can appear
20257 only once in the set. Calc stores sets as vectors of objects in
20258 sorted order. Objects in a Calc set can be any of the usual things,
20259 such as numbers, variables, or formulas. Two set elements are considered
20260 equal if they are identical, except that numerically equal numbers like
20261 the integer 4 and the float 4.0 are considered equal even though they
20262 are not ``identical.'' Variables are treated like plain symbols without
20263 attached values by the set operations; subtracting the set @samp{[b]}
20264 from @samp{[a, b]} always yields the set @samp{[a]} even though if
20265 the variables @samp{a} and @samp{b} both equaled 17, you might
20266 expect the answer @samp{[]}.
20268 If a set contains interval forms, then it is assumed to be a set of
20269 real numbers. In this case, all set operations require the elements
20270 of the set to be only things that are allowed in intervals: Real
20271 numbers, plus and minus infinity, HMS forms, and date forms. If
20272 there are variables or other non-real objects present in a real set,
20273 all set operations on it will be left in unevaluated form.
20275 If the input to a set operation is a plain number or interval form
20276 @var{a}, it is treated like the one-element vector @samp{[@var{a}]}.
20277 The result is always a vector, except that if the set consists of a
20278 single interval, the interval itself is returned instead.
20280 @xref{Logical Operations}, for the @code{in} function which tests if
20281 a certain value is a member of a given set. To test if the set @expr{A}
20282 is a subset of the set @expr{B}, use @samp{vdiff(A, B) = []}.
20286 @pindex calc-remove-duplicates
20288 The @kbd{V +} (@code{calc-remove-duplicates}) [@code{rdup}] command
20289 converts an arbitrary vector into set notation. It works by sorting
20290 the vector as if by @kbd{V S}, then removing duplicates. (For example,
20291 @kbd{[a, 5, 4, a, 4.0]} is sorted to @samp{[4, 4.0, 5, a, a]} and then
20292 reduced to @samp{[4, 5, a]}). Overlapping intervals are merged as
20293 necessary. You rarely need to use @kbd{V +} explicitly, since all the
20294 other set-based commands apply @kbd{V +} to their inputs before using
20299 @pindex calc-set-union
20301 The @kbd{V V} (@code{calc-set-union}) [@code{vunion}] command computes
20302 the union of two sets. An object is in the union of two sets if and
20303 only if it is in either (or both) of the input sets. (You could
20304 accomplish the same thing by concatenating the sets with @kbd{|},
20305 then using @kbd{V +}.)
20309 @pindex calc-set-intersect
20311 The @kbd{V ^} (@code{calc-set-intersect}) [@code{vint}] command computes
20312 the intersection of two sets. An object is in the intersection if
20313 and only if it is in both of the input sets. Thus if the input
20314 sets are disjoint, i.e., if they share no common elements, the result
20315 will be the empty vector @samp{[]}. Note that the characters @kbd{V}
20316 and @kbd{^} were chosen to be close to the conventional mathematical
20318 @texline union@tie{}(@math{A \cup B})
20321 @texline intersection@tie{}(@math{A \cap B}).
20322 @infoline intersection.
20326 @pindex calc-set-difference
20328 The @kbd{V -} (@code{calc-set-difference}) [@code{vdiff}] command computes
20329 the difference between two sets. An object is in the difference
20330 @expr{A - B} if and only if it is in @expr{A} but not in @expr{B}.
20331 Thus subtracting @samp{[y,z]} from a set will remove the elements
20332 @samp{y} and @samp{z} if they are present. You can also think of this
20333 as a general @dfn{set complement} operator; if @expr{A} is the set of
20334 all possible values, then @expr{A - B} is the ``complement'' of @expr{B}.
20335 Obviously this is only practical if the set of all possible values in
20336 your problem is small enough to list in a Calc vector (or simple
20337 enough to express in a few intervals).
20341 @pindex calc-set-xor
20343 The @kbd{V X} (@code{calc-set-xor}) [@code{vxor}] command computes
20344 the ``exclusive-or,'' or ``symmetric difference'' of two sets.
20345 An object is in the symmetric difference of two sets if and only
20346 if it is in one, but @emph{not} both, of the sets. Objects that
20347 occur in both sets ``cancel out.''
20351 @pindex calc-set-complement
20353 The @kbd{V ~} (@code{calc-set-complement}) [@code{vcompl}] command
20354 computes the complement of a set with respect to the real numbers.
20355 Thus @samp{vcompl(x)} is equivalent to @samp{vdiff([-inf .. inf], x)}.
20356 For example, @samp{vcompl([2, (3 .. 4]])} evaluates to
20357 @samp{[[-inf .. 2), (2 .. 3], (4 .. inf]]}.
20361 @pindex calc-set-floor
20363 The @kbd{V F} (@code{calc-set-floor}) [@code{vfloor}] command
20364 reinterprets a set as a set of integers. Any non-integer values,
20365 and intervals that do not enclose any integers, are removed. Open
20366 intervals are converted to equivalent closed intervals. Successive
20367 integers are converted into intervals of integers. For example, the
20368 complement of the set @samp{[2, 6, 7, 8]} is messy, but if you wanted
20369 the complement with respect to the set of integers you could type
20370 @kbd{V ~ V F} to get @samp{[[-inf .. 1], [3 .. 5], [9 .. inf]]}.
20374 @pindex calc-set-enumerate
20376 The @kbd{V E} (@code{calc-set-enumerate}) [@code{venum}] command
20377 converts a set of integers into an explicit vector. Intervals in
20378 the set are expanded out to lists of all integers encompassed by
20379 the intervals. This only works for finite sets (i.e., sets which
20380 do not involve @samp{-inf} or @samp{inf}).
20384 @pindex calc-set-span
20386 The @kbd{V :} (@code{calc-set-span}) [@code{vspan}] command converts any
20387 set of reals into an interval form that encompasses all its elements.
20388 The lower limit will be the smallest element in the set; the upper
20389 limit will be the largest element. For an empty set, @samp{vspan([])}
20390 returns the empty interval @w{@samp{[0 .. 0)}}.
20394 @pindex calc-set-cardinality
20396 The @kbd{V #} (@code{calc-set-cardinality}) [@code{vcard}] command counts
20397 the number of integers in a set. The result is the length of the vector
20398 that would be produced by @kbd{V E}, although the computation is much
20399 more efficient than actually producing that vector.
20401 @cindex Sets, as binary numbers
20402 Another representation for sets that may be more appropriate in some
20403 cases is binary numbers. If you are dealing with sets of integers
20404 in the range 0 to 49, you can use a 50-bit binary number where a
20405 particular bit is 1 if the corresponding element is in the set.
20406 @xref{Binary Functions}, for a list of commands that operate on
20407 binary numbers. Note that many of the above set operations have
20408 direct equivalents in binary arithmetic: @kbd{b o} (@code{calc-or}),
20409 @kbd{b a} (@code{calc-and}), @kbd{b d} (@code{calc-diff}),
20410 @kbd{b x} (@code{calc-xor}), and @kbd{b n} (@code{calc-not}),
20411 respectively. You can use whatever representation for sets is most
20416 @pindex calc-pack-bits
20417 @pindex calc-unpack-bits
20420 The @kbd{b u} (@code{calc-unpack-bits}) [@code{vunpack}] command
20421 converts an integer that represents a set in binary into a set
20422 in vector/interval notation. For example, @samp{vunpack(67)}
20423 returns @samp{[[0 .. 1], 6]}. If the input is negative, the set
20424 it represents is semi-infinite: @samp{vunpack(-4) = [2 .. inf)}.
20425 Use @kbd{V E} afterwards to expand intervals to individual
20426 values if you wish. Note that this command uses the @kbd{b}
20427 (binary) prefix key.
20429 The @kbd{b p} (@code{calc-pack-bits}) [@code{vpack}] command
20430 converts the other way, from a vector or interval representing
20431 a set of nonnegative integers into a binary integer describing
20432 the same set. The set may include positive infinity, but must
20433 not include any negative numbers. The input is interpreted as a
20434 set of integers in the sense of @kbd{V F} (@code{vfloor}). Beware
20435 that a simple input like @samp{[100]} can result in a huge integer
20437 @texline (@math{2^{100}}, a 31-digit integer, in this case).
20438 @infoline (@expr{2^100}, a 31-digit integer, in this case).
20440 @node Statistical Operations, Reducing and Mapping, Set Operations, Matrix Functions
20441 @section Statistical Operations on Vectors
20444 @cindex Statistical functions
20445 The commands in this section take vectors as arguments and compute
20446 various statistical measures on the data stored in the vectors. The
20447 references used in the definitions of these functions are Bevington's
20448 @emph{Data Reduction and Error Analysis for the Physical Sciences},
20449 and @emph{Numerical Recipes} by Press, Flannery, Teukolsky and
20452 The statistical commands use the @kbd{u} prefix key followed by
20453 a shifted letter or other character.
20455 @xref{Manipulating Vectors}, for a description of @kbd{V H}
20456 (@code{calc-histogram}).
20458 @xref{Curve Fitting}, for the @kbd{a F} command for doing
20459 least-squares fits to statistical data.
20461 @xref{Probability Distribution Functions}, for several common
20462 probability distribution functions.
20465 * Single-Variable Statistics::
20466 * Paired-Sample Statistics::
20469 @node Single-Variable Statistics, Paired-Sample Statistics, Statistical Operations, Statistical Operations
20470 @subsection Single-Variable Statistics
20473 These functions do various statistical computations on single
20474 vectors. Given a numeric prefix argument, they actually pop
20475 @var{n} objects from the stack and combine them into a data
20476 vector. Each object may be either a number or a vector; if a
20477 vector, any sub-vectors inside it are ``flattened'' as if by
20478 @kbd{v a 0}; @pxref{Manipulating Vectors}. By default one object
20479 is popped, which (in order to be useful) is usually a vector.
20481 If an argument is a variable name, and the value stored in that
20482 variable is a vector, then the stored vector is used. This method
20483 has the advantage that if your data vector is large, you can avoid
20484 the slow process of manipulating it directly on the stack.
20486 These functions are left in symbolic form if any of their arguments
20487 are not numbers or vectors, e.g., if an argument is a formula, or
20488 a non-vector variable. However, formulas embedded within vector
20489 arguments are accepted; the result is a symbolic representation
20490 of the computation, based on the assumption that the formula does
20491 not itself represent a vector. All varieties of numbers such as
20492 error forms and interval forms are acceptable.
20494 Some of the functions in this section also accept a single error form
20495 or interval as an argument. They then describe a property of the
20496 normal or uniform (respectively) statistical distribution described
20497 by the argument. The arguments are interpreted in the same way as
20498 the @var{M} argument of the random number function @kbd{k r}. In
20499 particular, an interval with integer limits is considered an integer
20500 distribution, so that @samp{[2 .. 6)} is the same as @samp{[2 .. 5]}.
20501 An interval with at least one floating-point limit is a continuous
20502 distribution: @samp{[2.0 .. 6.0)} is @emph{not} the same as
20503 @samp{[2.0 .. 5.0]}!
20506 @pindex calc-vector-count
20508 The @kbd{u #} (@code{calc-vector-count}) [@code{vcount}] command
20509 computes the number of data values represented by the inputs.
20510 For example, @samp{vcount(1, [2, 3], [[4, 5], [], x, y])} returns 7.
20511 If the argument is a single vector with no sub-vectors, this
20512 simply computes the length of the vector.
20516 @pindex calc-vector-sum
20517 @pindex calc-vector-prod
20520 @cindex Summations (statistical)
20521 The @kbd{u +} (@code{calc-vector-sum}) [@code{vsum}] command
20522 computes the sum of the data values. The @kbd{u *}
20523 (@code{calc-vector-prod}) [@code{vprod}] command computes the
20524 product of the data values. If the input is a single flat vector,
20525 these are the same as @kbd{V R +} and @kbd{V R *}
20526 (@pxref{Reducing and Mapping}).
20530 @pindex calc-vector-max
20531 @pindex calc-vector-min
20534 The @kbd{u X} (@code{calc-vector-max}) [@code{vmax}] command
20535 computes the maximum of the data values, and the @kbd{u N}
20536 (@code{calc-vector-min}) [@code{vmin}] command computes the minimum.
20537 If the argument is an interval, this finds the minimum or maximum
20538 value in the interval. (Note that @samp{vmax([2..6)) = 5} as
20539 described above.) If the argument is an error form, this returns
20540 plus or minus infinity.
20543 @pindex calc-vector-mean
20545 @cindex Mean of data values
20546 The @kbd{u M} (@code{calc-vector-mean}) [@code{vmean}] command
20547 computes the average (arithmetic mean) of the data values.
20548 If the inputs are error forms
20549 @texline @math{x \pm \sigma},
20550 @infoline @samp{x +/- s},
20551 this is the weighted mean of the @expr{x} values with weights
20552 @texline @math{1 /\sigma^2}.
20553 @infoline @expr{1 / s^2}.
20556 $$ \mu = { \displaystyle \sum { x_i \over \sigma_i^2 } \over
20557 \displaystyle \sum { 1 \over \sigma_i^2 } } $$
20559 If the inputs are not error forms, this is simply the sum of the
20560 values divided by the count of the values.
20562 Note that a plain number can be considered an error form with
20564 @texline @math{\sigma = 0}.
20565 @infoline @expr{s = 0}.
20566 If the input to @kbd{u M} is a mixture of
20567 plain numbers and error forms, the result is the mean of the
20568 plain numbers, ignoring all values with non-zero errors. (By the
20569 above definitions it's clear that a plain number effectively
20570 has an infinite weight, next to which an error form with a finite
20571 weight is completely negligible.)
20573 This function also works for distributions (error forms or
20574 intervals). The mean of an error form `@var{a} @tfn{+/-} @var{b}' is simply
20575 @expr{a}. The mean of an interval is the mean of the minimum
20576 and maximum values of the interval.
20579 @pindex calc-vector-mean-error
20581 The @kbd{I u M} (@code{calc-vector-mean-error}) [@code{vmeane}]
20582 command computes the mean of the data points expressed as an
20583 error form. This includes the estimated error associated with
20584 the mean. If the inputs are error forms, the error is the square
20585 root of the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the squares
20586 of the input errors. (I.e., the variance is the reciprocal of the
20587 sum of the reciprocals of the variances.)
20590 $$ \sigma_\mu^2 = {1 \over \displaystyle \sum {1 \over \sigma_i^2}} $$
20592 If the inputs are plain
20593 numbers, the error is equal to the standard deviation of the values
20594 divided by the square root of the number of values. (This works
20595 out to be equivalent to calculating the standard deviation and
20596 then assuming each value's error is equal to this standard
20600 $$ \sigma_\mu^2 = {\sigma^2 \over N} $$
20604 @pindex calc-vector-median
20606 @cindex Median of data values
20607 The @kbd{H u M} (@code{calc-vector-median}) [@code{vmedian}]
20608 command computes the median of the data values. The values are
20609 first sorted into numerical order; the median is the middle
20610 value after sorting. (If the number of data values is even,
20611 the median is taken to be the average of the two middle values.)
20612 The median function is different from the other functions in
20613 this section in that the arguments must all be real numbers;
20614 variables are not accepted even when nested inside vectors.
20615 (Otherwise it is not possible to sort the data values.) If
20616 any of the input values are error forms, their error parts are
20619 The median function also accepts distributions. For both normal
20620 (error form) and uniform (interval) distributions, the median is
20621 the same as the mean.
20624 @pindex calc-vector-harmonic-mean
20626 @cindex Harmonic mean
20627 The @kbd{H I u M} (@code{calc-vector-harmonic-mean}) [@code{vhmean}]
20628 command computes the harmonic mean of the data values. This is
20629 defined as the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals
20633 $$ { N \over \displaystyle \sum {1 \over x_i} } $$
20637 @pindex calc-vector-geometric-mean
20639 @cindex Geometric mean
20640 The @kbd{u G} (@code{calc-vector-geometric-mean}) [@code{vgmean}]
20641 command computes the geometric mean of the data values. This
20642 is the @var{n}th root of the product of the values. This is also
20643 equal to the @code{exp} of the arithmetic mean of the logarithms
20644 of the data values.
20647 $$ \exp \left ( \sum { \ln x_i } \right ) =
20648 \left ( \prod { x_i } \right)^{1 / N} $$
20653 The @kbd{H u G} [@code{agmean}] command computes the ``arithmetic-geometric
20654 mean'' of two numbers taken from the stack. This is computed by
20655 replacing the two numbers with their arithmetic mean and geometric
20656 mean, then repeating until the two values converge.
20659 $$ a_{i+1} = { a_i + b_i \over 2 } , \qquad b_{i+1} = \sqrt{a_i b_i} $$
20662 @cindex Root-mean-square
20663 Another commonly used mean, the RMS (root-mean-square), can be computed
20664 for a vector of numbers simply by using the @kbd{A} command.
20667 @pindex calc-vector-sdev
20669 @cindex Standard deviation
20670 @cindex Sample statistics
20671 The @kbd{u S} (@code{calc-vector-sdev}) [@code{vsdev}] command
20672 computes the standard
20673 @texline deviation@tie{}@math{\sigma}
20674 @infoline deviation
20675 of the data values. If the values are error forms, the errors are used
20676 as weights just as for @kbd{u M}. This is the @emph{sample} standard
20677 deviation, whose value is the square root of the sum of the squares of
20678 the differences between the values and the mean of the @expr{N} values,
20679 divided by @expr{N-1}.
20682 $$ \sigma^2 = {1 \over N - 1} \sum (x_i - \mu)^2 $$
20685 This function also applies to distributions. The standard deviation
20686 of a single error form is simply the error part. The standard deviation
20687 of a continuous interval happens to equal the difference between the
20689 @texline @math{\sqrt{12}}.
20690 @infoline @expr{sqrt(12)}.
20691 The standard deviation of an integer interval is the same as the
20692 standard deviation of a vector of those integers.
20695 @pindex calc-vector-pop-sdev
20697 @cindex Population statistics
20698 The @kbd{I u S} (@code{calc-vector-pop-sdev}) [@code{vpsdev}]
20699 command computes the @emph{population} standard deviation.
20700 It is defined by the same formula as above but dividing
20701 by @expr{N} instead of by @expr{N-1}. The population standard
20702 deviation is used when the input represents the entire set of
20703 data values in the distribution; the sample standard deviation
20704 is used when the input represents a sample of the set of all
20705 data values, so that the mean computed from the input is itself
20706 only an estimate of the true mean.
20709 $$ \sigma^2 = {1 \over N} \sum (x_i - \mu)^2 $$
20712 For error forms and continuous intervals, @code{vpsdev} works
20713 exactly like @code{vsdev}. For integer intervals, it computes the
20714 population standard deviation of the equivalent vector of integers.
20718 @pindex calc-vector-variance
20719 @pindex calc-vector-pop-variance
20722 @cindex Variance of data values
20723 The @kbd{H u S} (@code{calc-vector-variance}) [@code{vvar}] and
20724 @kbd{H I u S} (@code{calc-vector-pop-variance}) [@code{vpvar}]
20725 commands compute the variance of the data values. The variance
20727 @texline square@tie{}@math{\sigma^2}
20729 of the standard deviation, i.e., the sum of the
20730 squares of the deviations of the data values from the mean.
20731 (This definition also applies when the argument is a distribution.)
20737 The @code{vflat} algebraic function returns a vector of its
20738 arguments, interpreted in the same way as the other functions
20739 in this section. For example, @samp{vflat(1, [2, [3, 4]], 5)}
20740 returns @samp{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}.
20742 @node Paired-Sample Statistics, , Single-Variable Statistics, Statistical Operations
20743 @subsection Paired-Sample Statistics
20746 The functions in this section take two arguments, which must be
20747 vectors of equal size. The vectors are each flattened in the same
20748 way as by the single-variable statistical functions. Given a numeric
20749 prefix argument of 1, these functions instead take one object from
20750 the stack, which must be an
20751 @texline @math{N\times2}
20753 matrix of data values. Once again, variable names can be used in place
20754 of actual vectors and matrices.
20757 @pindex calc-vector-covariance
20760 The @kbd{u C} (@code{calc-vector-covariance}) [@code{vcov}] command
20761 computes the sample covariance of two vectors. The covariance
20762 of vectors @var{x} and @var{y} is the sum of the products of the
20763 differences between the elements of @var{x} and the mean of @var{x}
20764 times the differences between the corresponding elements of @var{y}
20765 and the mean of @var{y}, all divided by @expr{N-1}. Note that
20766 the variance of a vector is just the covariance of the vector
20767 with itself. Once again, if the inputs are error forms the
20768 errors are used as weight factors. If both @var{x} and @var{y}
20769 are composed of error forms, the error for a given data point
20770 is taken as the square root of the sum of the squares of the two
20774 $$ \sigma_{x\!y}^2 = {1 \over N-1} \sum (x_i - \mu_x) (y_i - \mu_y) $$
20775 $$ \sigma_{x\!y}^2 =
20776 {\displaystyle {1 \over N-1}
20777 \sum {(x_i - \mu_x) (y_i - \mu_y) \over \sigma_i^2}
20778 \over \displaystyle {1 \over N} \sum {1 \over \sigma_i^2}}
20783 @pindex calc-vector-pop-covariance
20785 The @kbd{I u C} (@code{calc-vector-pop-covariance}) [@code{vpcov}]
20786 command computes the population covariance, which is the same as the
20787 sample covariance computed by @kbd{u C} except dividing by @expr{N}
20788 instead of @expr{N-1}.
20791 @pindex calc-vector-correlation
20793 @cindex Correlation coefficient
20794 @cindex Linear correlation
20795 The @kbd{H u C} (@code{calc-vector-correlation}) [@code{vcorr}]
20796 command computes the linear correlation coefficient of two vectors.
20797 This is defined by the covariance of the vectors divided by the
20798 product of their standard deviations. (There is no difference
20799 between sample or population statistics here.)
20802 $$ r_{x\!y} = { \sigma_{x\!y}^2 \over \sigma_x^2 \sigma_y^2 } $$
20805 @node Reducing and Mapping, Vector and Matrix Formats, Statistical Operations, Matrix Functions
20806 @section Reducing and Mapping Vectors
20809 The commands in this section allow for more general operations on the
20810 elements of vectors.
20816 The simplest of these operations is @kbd{V A} (@code{calc-apply})
20817 [@code{apply}], which applies a given operator to the elements of a vector.
20818 For example, applying the hypothetical function @code{f} to the vector
20819 @w{@samp{[1, 2, 3]}} would produce the function call @samp{f(1, 2, 3)}.
20820 Applying the @code{+} function to the vector @samp{[a, b]} gives
20821 @samp{a + b}. Applying @code{+} to the vector @samp{[a, b, c]} is an
20822 error, since the @code{+} function expects exactly two arguments.
20824 While @kbd{V A} is useful in some cases, you will usually find that either
20825 @kbd{V R} or @kbd{V M}, described below, is closer to what you want.
20828 * Specifying Operators::
20831 * Nesting and Fixed Points::
20832 * Generalized Products::
20835 @node Specifying Operators, Mapping, Reducing and Mapping, Reducing and Mapping
20836 @subsection Specifying Operators
20839 Commands in this section (like @kbd{V A}) prompt you to press the key
20840 corresponding to the desired operator. Press @kbd{?} for a partial
20841 list of the available operators. Generally, an operator is any key or
20842 sequence of keys that would normally take one or more arguments from
20843 the stack and replace them with a result. For example, @kbd{V A H C}
20844 uses the hyperbolic cosine operator, @code{cosh}. (Since @code{cosh}
20845 expects one argument, @kbd{V A H C} requires a vector with a single
20846 element as its argument.)
20848 You can press @kbd{x} at the operator prompt to select any algebraic
20849 function by name to use as the operator. This includes functions you
20850 have defined yourself using the @kbd{Z F} command. (@xref{Algebraic
20851 Definitions}.) If you give a name for which no function has been
20852 defined, the result is left in symbolic form, as in @samp{f(1, 2, 3)}.
20853 Calc will prompt for the number of arguments the function takes if it
20854 can't figure it out on its own (say, because you named a function that
20855 is currently undefined). It is also possible to type a digit key before
20856 the function name to specify the number of arguments, e.g.,
20857 @kbd{V M 3 x f @key{RET}} calls @code{f} with three arguments even if it
20858 looks like it ought to have only two. This technique may be necessary
20859 if the function allows a variable number of arguments. For example,
20860 the @kbd{v e} [@code{vexp}] function accepts two or three arguments;
20861 if you want to map with the three-argument version, you will have to
20862 type @kbd{V M 3 v e}.
20864 It is also possible to apply any formula to a vector by treating that
20865 formula as a function. When prompted for the operator to use, press
20866 @kbd{'} (the apostrophe) and type your formula as an algebraic entry.
20867 You will then be prompted for the argument list, which defaults to a
20868 list of all variables that appear in the formula, sorted into alphabetic
20869 order. For example, suppose you enter the formula @w{@samp{x + 2y^x}}.
20870 The default argument list would be @samp{(x y)}, which means that if
20871 this function is applied to the arguments @samp{[3, 10]} the result will
20872 be @samp{3 + 2*10^3}. (If you plan to use a certain formula in this
20873 way often, you might consider defining it as a function with @kbd{Z F}.)
20875 Another way to specify the arguments to the formula you enter is with
20876 @kbd{$}, @kbd{$$}, and so on. For example, @kbd{V A ' $$ + 2$^$$}
20877 has the same effect as the previous example. The argument list is
20878 automatically taken to be @samp{($$ $)}. (The order of the arguments
20879 may seem backwards, but it is analogous to the way normal algebraic
20880 entry interacts with the stack.)
20882 If you press @kbd{$} at the operator prompt, the effect is similar to
20883 the apostrophe except that the relevant formula is taken from top-of-stack
20884 instead. The actual vector arguments of the @kbd{V A $} or related command
20885 then start at the second-to-top stack position. You will still be
20886 prompted for an argument list.
20888 @cindex Nameless functions
20889 @cindex Generic functions
20890 A function can be written without a name using the notation @samp{<#1 - #2>},
20891 which means ``a function of two arguments that computes the first
20892 argument minus the second argument.'' The symbols @samp{#1} and @samp{#2}
20893 are placeholders for the arguments. You can use any names for these
20894 placeholders if you wish, by including an argument list followed by a
20895 colon: @samp{<x, y : x - y>}. When you type @kbd{V A ' $$ + 2$^$$ @key{RET}},
20896 Calc builds the nameless function @samp{<#1 + 2 #2^#1>} as the function
20897 to map across the vectors. When you type @kbd{V A ' x + 2y^x @key{RET} @key{RET}},
20898 Calc builds the nameless function @w{@samp{<x, y : x + 2 y^x>}}. In both
20899 cases, Calc also writes the nameless function to the Trail so that you
20900 can get it back later if you wish.
20902 If there is only one argument, you can write @samp{#} in place of @samp{#1}.
20903 (Note that @samp{< >} notation is also used for date forms. Calc tells
20904 that @samp{<@var{stuff}>} is a nameless function by the presence of
20905 @samp{#} signs inside @var{stuff}, or by the fact that @var{stuff}
20906 begins with a list of variables followed by a colon.)
20908 You can type a nameless function directly to @kbd{V A '}, or put one on
20909 the stack and use it with @w{@kbd{V A $}}. Calc will not prompt for an
20910 argument list in this case, since the nameless function specifies the
20911 argument list as well as the function itself. In @kbd{V A '}, you can
20912 omit the @samp{< >} marks if you use @samp{#} notation for the arguments,
20913 so that @kbd{V A ' #1+#2 @key{RET}} is the same as @kbd{V A ' <#1+#2> @key{RET}},
20914 which in turn is the same as @kbd{V A ' $$+$ @key{RET}}.
20916 @cindex Lambda expressions
20921 The internal format for @samp{<x, y : x + y>} is @samp{lambda(x, y, x + y)}.
20922 (The word @code{lambda} derives from Lisp notation and the theory of
20923 functions.) The internal format for @samp{<#1 + #2>} is @samp{lambda(ArgA,
20924 ArgB, ArgA + ArgB)}. Note that there is no actual Calc function called
20925 @code{lambda}; the whole point is that the @code{lambda} expression is
20926 used in its symbolic form, not evaluated for an answer until it is applied
20927 to specific arguments by a command like @kbd{V A} or @kbd{V M}.
20929 (Actually, @code{lambda} does have one special property: Its arguments
20930 are never evaluated; for example, putting @samp{<(2/3) #>} on the stack
20931 will not simplify the @samp{2/3} until the nameless function is actually
20960 As usual, commands like @kbd{V A} have algebraic function name equivalents.
20961 For example, @kbd{V A k g} with an argument of @samp{v} is equivalent to
20962 @samp{apply(gcd, v)}. The first argument specifies the operator name,
20963 and is either a variable whose name is the same as the function name,
20964 or a nameless function like @samp{<#^3+1>}. Operators that are normally
20965 written as algebraic symbols have the names @code{add}, @code{sub},
20966 @code{mul}, @code{div}, @code{pow}, @code{neg}, @code{mod}, and
20973 The @code{call} function builds a function call out of several arguments:
20974 @samp{call(gcd, x, y)} is the same as @samp{apply(gcd, [x, y])}, which
20975 in turn is the same as @samp{gcd(x, y)}. The first argument of @code{call},
20976 like the other functions described here, may be either a variable naming a
20977 function, or a nameless function (@samp{call(<#1+2#2>, x, y)} is the same
20980 (Experts will notice that it's not quite proper to use a variable to name
20981 a function, since the name @code{gcd} corresponds to the Lisp variable
20982 @code{var-gcd} but to the Lisp function @code{calcFunc-gcd}. Calc
20983 automatically makes this translation, so you don't have to worry
20986 @node Mapping, Reducing, Specifying Operators, Reducing and Mapping
20987 @subsection Mapping
20994 The @kbd{V M} (@code{calc-map}) [@code{map}] command applies a given
20995 operator elementwise to one or more vectors. For example, mapping
20996 @code{A} [@code{abs}] produces a vector of the absolute values of the
20997 elements in the input vector. Mapping @code{+} pops two vectors from
20998 the stack, which must be of equal length, and produces a vector of the
20999 pairwise sums of the elements. If either argument is a non-vector, it
21000 is duplicated for each element of the other vector. For example,
21001 @kbd{[1,2,3] 2 V M ^} squares the elements of the specified vector.
21002 With the 2 listed first, it would have computed a vector of powers of
21003 two. Mapping a user-defined function pops as many arguments from the
21004 stack as the function requires. If you give an undefined name, you will
21005 be prompted for the number of arguments to use.
21007 If any argument to @kbd{V M} is a matrix, the operator is normally mapped
21008 across all elements of the matrix. For example, given the matrix
21009 @expr{[[1, -2, 3], [-4, 5, -6]]}, @kbd{V M A} takes six absolute values to
21011 @texline @math{3\times2}
21013 matrix, @expr{[[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6]]}.
21016 The command @kbd{V M _} [@code{mapr}] (i.e., type an underscore at the
21017 operator prompt) maps by rows instead. For example, @kbd{V M _ A} views
21018 the above matrix as a vector of two 3-element row vectors. It produces
21019 a new vector which contains the absolute values of those row vectors,
21020 namely @expr{[3.74, 8.77]}. (Recall, the absolute value of a vector is
21021 defined as the square root of the sum of the squares of the elements.)
21022 Some operators accept vectors and return new vectors; for example,
21023 @kbd{v v} reverses a vector, so @kbd{V M _ v v} would reverse each row
21024 of the matrix to get a new matrix, @expr{[[3, -2, 1], [-6, 5, -4]]}.
21026 Sometimes a vector of vectors (representing, say, strings, sets, or lists)
21027 happens to look like a matrix. If so, remember to use @kbd{V M _} if you
21028 want to map a function across the whole strings or sets rather than across
21029 their individual elements.
21032 The command @kbd{V M :} [@code{mapc}] maps by columns. Basically, it
21033 transposes the input matrix, maps by rows, and then, if the result is a
21034 matrix, transposes again. For example, @kbd{V M : A} takes the absolute
21035 values of the three columns of the matrix, treating each as a 2-vector,
21036 and @kbd{V M : v v} reverses the columns to get the matrix
21037 @expr{[[-4, 5, -6], [1, -2, 3]]}.
21039 (The symbols @kbd{_} and @kbd{:} were chosen because they had row-like
21040 and column-like appearances, and were not already taken by useful
21041 operators. Also, they appear shifted on most keyboards so they are easy
21042 to type after @kbd{V M}.)
21044 The @kbd{_} and @kbd{:} modifiers have no effect on arguments that are
21045 not matrices (so if none of the arguments are matrices, they have no
21046 effect at all). If some of the arguments are matrices and others are
21047 plain numbers, the plain numbers are held constant for all rows of the
21048 matrix (so that @kbd{2 V M _ ^} squares every row of a matrix; squaring
21049 a vector takes a dot product of the vector with itself).
21051 If some of the arguments are vectors with the same lengths as the
21052 rows (for @kbd{V M _}) or columns (for @kbd{V M :}) of the matrix
21053 arguments, those vectors are also held constant for every row or
21056 Sometimes it is useful to specify another mapping command as the operator
21057 to use with @kbd{V M}. For example, @kbd{V M _ V A +} applies @kbd{V A +}
21058 to each row of the input matrix, which in turn adds the two values on that
21059 row. If you give another vector-operator command as the operator for
21060 @kbd{V M}, it automatically uses map-by-rows mode if you don't specify
21061 otherwise; thus @kbd{V M V A +} is equivalent to @kbd{V M _ V A +}. (If
21062 you really want to map-by-elements another mapping command, you can use
21063 a triple-nested mapping command: @kbd{V M V M V A +} means to map
21064 @kbd{V M V A +} over the rows of the matrix; in turn, @kbd{V A +} is
21065 mapped over the elements of each row.)
21069 Previous versions of Calc had ``map across'' and ``map down'' modes
21070 that are now considered obsolete; the old ``map across'' is now simply
21071 @kbd{V M V A}, and ``map down'' is now @kbd{V M : V A}. The algebraic
21072 functions @code{mapa} and @code{mapd} are still supported, though.
21073 Note also that, while the old mapping modes were persistent (once you
21074 set the mode, it would apply to later mapping commands until you reset
21075 it), the new @kbd{:} and @kbd{_} modifiers apply only to the current
21076 mapping command. The default @kbd{V M} always means map-by-elements.
21078 @xref{Algebraic Manipulation}, for the @kbd{a M} command, which is like
21079 @kbd{V M} but for equations and inequalities instead of vectors.
21080 @xref{Storing Variables}, for the @kbd{s m} command which modifies a
21081 variable's stored value using a @kbd{V M}-like operator.
21083 @node Reducing, Nesting and Fixed Points, Mapping, Reducing and Mapping
21084 @subsection Reducing
21089 @pindex calc-reduce
21091 The @kbd{V R} (@code{calc-reduce}) [@code{reduce}] command applies a given
21092 binary operator across all the elements of a vector. A binary operator is
21093 a function such as @code{+} or @code{max} which takes two arguments. For
21094 example, reducing @code{+} over a vector computes the sum of the elements
21095 of the vector. Reducing @code{-} computes the first element minus each of
21096 the remaining elements. Reducing @code{max} computes the maximum element
21097 and so on. In general, reducing @code{f} over the vector @samp{[a, b, c, d]}
21098 produces @samp{f(f(f(a, b), c), d)}.
21103 The @kbd{I V R} [@code{rreduce}] command is similar to @kbd{V R} except
21104 that works from right to left through the vector. For example, plain
21105 @kbd{V R -} on the vector @samp{[a, b, c, d]} produces @samp{a - b - c - d}
21106 but @kbd{I V R -} on the same vector produces @samp{a - (b - (c - d))},
21107 or @samp{a - b + c - d}. This ``alternating sum'' occurs frequently
21108 in power series expansions.
21113 The @kbd{V U} (@code{calc-accumulate}) [@code{accum}] command does an
21114 accumulation operation. Here Calc does the corresponding reduction
21115 operation, but instead of producing only the final result, it produces
21116 a vector of all the intermediate results. Accumulating @code{+} over
21117 the vector @samp{[a, b, c, d]} produces the vector
21118 @samp{[a, a + b, a + b + c, a + b + c + d]}.
21123 The @kbd{I V U} [@code{raccum}] command does a right-to-left accumulation.
21124 For example, @kbd{I V U -} on the vector @samp{[a, b, c, d]} produces the
21125 vector @samp{[a - b + c - d, b - c + d, c - d, d]}.
21131 As for @kbd{V M}, @kbd{V R} normally reduces a matrix elementwise. For
21132 example, given the matrix @expr{[[a, b, c], [d, e, f]]}, @kbd{V R +} will
21133 compute @expr{a + b + c + d + e + f}. You can type @kbd{V R _} or
21134 @kbd{V R :} to modify this behavior. The @kbd{V R _} [@code{reducea}]
21135 command reduces ``across'' the matrix; it reduces each row of the matrix
21136 as a vector, then collects the results. Thus @kbd{V R _ +} of this
21137 matrix would produce @expr{[a + b + c, d + e + f]}. Similarly, @kbd{V R :}
21138 [@code{reduced}] reduces down; @kbd{V R : +} would produce @expr{[a + d,
21143 There is a third ``by rows'' mode for reduction that is occasionally
21144 useful; @kbd{V R =} [@code{reducer}] simply reduces the operator over
21145 the rows of the matrix themselves. Thus @kbd{V R = +} on the above
21146 matrix would get the same result as @kbd{V R : +}, since adding two
21147 row vectors is equivalent to adding their elements. But @kbd{V R = *}
21148 would multiply the two rows (to get a single number, their dot product),
21149 while @kbd{V R : *} would produce a vector of the products of the columns.
21151 These three matrix reduction modes work with @kbd{V R} and @kbd{I V R},
21152 but they are not currently supported with @kbd{V U} or @kbd{I V U}.
21156 The obsolete reduce-by-columns function, @code{reducec}, is still
21157 supported but there is no way to get it through the @kbd{V R} command.
21159 The commands @kbd{C-x * :} and @kbd{C-x * _} are equivalent to typing
21160 @kbd{C-x * r} to grab a rectangle of data into Calc, and then typing
21161 @kbd{V R : +} or @kbd{V R _ +}, respectively, to sum the columns or
21162 rows of the matrix. @xref{Grabbing From Buffers}.
21164 @node Nesting and Fixed Points, Generalized Products, Reducing, Reducing and Mapping
21165 @subsection Nesting and Fixed Points
21171 The @kbd{H V R} [@code{nest}] command applies a function to a given
21172 argument repeatedly. It takes two values, @samp{a} and @samp{n}, from
21173 the stack, where @samp{n} must be an integer. It then applies the
21174 function nested @samp{n} times; if the function is @samp{f} and @samp{n}
21175 is 3, the result is @samp{f(f(f(a)))}. The number @samp{n} may be
21176 negative if Calc knows an inverse for the function @samp{f}; for
21177 example, @samp{nest(sin, a, -2)} returns @samp{arcsin(arcsin(a))}.
21182 The @kbd{H V U} [@code{anest}] command is an accumulating version of
21183 @code{nest}: It returns a vector of @samp{n+1} values, e.g.,
21184 @samp{[a, f(a), f(f(a)), f(f(f(a)))]}. If @samp{n} is negative and
21185 @samp{F} is the inverse of @samp{f}, then the result is of the
21186 form @samp{[a, F(a), F(F(a)), F(F(F(a)))]}.
21191 @cindex Fixed points
21192 The @kbd{H I V R} [@code{fixp}] command is like @kbd{H V R}, except
21193 that it takes only an @samp{a} value from the stack; the function is
21194 applied until it reaches a ``fixed point,'' i.e., until the result
21200 The @kbd{H I V U} [@code{afixp}] command is an accumulating @code{fixp}.
21201 The first element of the return vector will be the initial value @samp{a};
21202 the last element will be the final result that would have been returned
21205 For example, 0.739085 is a fixed point of the cosine function (in radians):
21206 @samp{cos(0.739085) = 0.739085}. You can find this value by putting, say,
21207 1.0 on the stack and typing @kbd{H I V U C}. (We use the accumulating
21208 version so we can see the intermediate results: @samp{[1, 0.540302, 0.857553,
21209 0.65329, ...]}. With a precision of six, this command will take 36 steps
21210 to converge to 0.739085.)
21212 Newton's method for finding roots is a classic example of iteration
21213 to a fixed point. To find the square root of five starting with an
21214 initial guess, Newton's method would look for a fixed point of the
21215 function @samp{(x + 5/x) / 2}. Putting a guess of 1 on the stack
21216 and typing @kbd{H I V R ' ($ + 5/$)/2 @key{RET}} quickly yields the result
21217 2.23607. This is equivalent to using the @kbd{a R} (@code{calc-find-root})
21218 command to find a root of the equation @samp{x^2 = 5}.
21220 These examples used numbers for @samp{a} values. Calc keeps applying
21221 the function until two successive results are equal to within the
21222 current precision. For complex numbers, both the real parts and the
21223 imaginary parts must be equal to within the current precision. If
21224 @samp{a} is a formula (say, a variable name), then the function is
21225 applied until two successive results are exactly the same formula.
21226 It is up to you to ensure that the function will eventually converge;
21227 if it doesn't, you may have to press @kbd{C-g} to stop the Calculator.
21229 The algebraic @code{fixp} function takes two optional arguments, @samp{n}
21230 and @samp{tol}. The first is the maximum number of steps to be allowed,
21231 and must be either an integer or the symbol @samp{inf} (infinity, the
21232 default). The second is a convergence tolerance. If a tolerance is
21233 specified, all results during the calculation must be numbers, not
21234 formulas, and the iteration stops when the magnitude of the difference
21235 between two successive results is less than or equal to the tolerance.
21236 (This implies that a tolerance of zero iterates until the results are
21239 Putting it all together, @samp{fixp(<(# + A/#)/2>, B, 20, 1e-10)}
21240 computes the square root of @samp{A} given the initial guess @samp{B},
21241 stopping when the result is correct within the specified tolerance, or
21242 when 20 steps have been taken, whichever is sooner.
21244 @node Generalized Products, , Nesting and Fixed Points, Reducing and Mapping
21245 @subsection Generalized Products
21249 @pindex calc-outer-product
21251 The @kbd{V O} (@code{calc-outer-product}) [@code{outer}] command applies
21252 a given binary operator to all possible pairs of elements from two
21253 vectors, to produce a matrix. For example, @kbd{V O *} with @samp{[a, b]}
21254 and @samp{[x, y, z]} on the stack produces a multiplication table:
21255 @samp{[[a x, a y, a z], [b x, b y, b z]]}. Element @var{r},@var{c} of
21256 the result matrix is obtained by applying the operator to element @var{r}
21257 of the lefthand vector and element @var{c} of the righthand vector.
21261 @pindex calc-inner-product
21263 The @kbd{V I} (@code{calc-inner-product}) [@code{inner}] command computes
21264 the generalized inner product of two vectors or matrices, given a
21265 ``multiplicative'' operator and an ``additive'' operator. These can each
21266 actually be any binary operators; if they are @samp{*} and @samp{+},
21267 respectively, the result is a standard matrix multiplication. Element
21268 @var{r},@var{c} of the result matrix is obtained by mapping the
21269 multiplicative operator across row @var{r} of the lefthand matrix and
21270 column @var{c} of the righthand matrix, and then reducing with the additive
21271 operator. Just as for the standard @kbd{*} command, this can also do a
21272 vector-matrix or matrix-vector inner product, or a vector-vector
21273 generalized dot product.
21275 Since @kbd{V I} requires two operators, it prompts twice. In each case,
21276 you can use any of the usual methods for entering the operator. If you
21277 use @kbd{$} twice to take both operator formulas from the stack, the
21278 first (multiplicative) operator is taken from the top of the stack
21279 and the second (additive) operator is taken from second-to-top.
21281 @node Vector and Matrix Formats, , Reducing and Mapping, Matrix Functions
21282 @section Vector and Matrix Display Formats
21285 Commands for controlling vector and matrix display use the @kbd{v} prefix
21286 instead of the usual @kbd{d} prefix. But they are display modes; in
21287 particular, they are influenced by the @kbd{I} and @kbd{H} prefix keys
21288 in the same way (@pxref{Display Modes}). Matrix display is also
21289 influenced by the @kbd{d O} (@code{calc-flat-language}) mode;
21290 @pxref{Normal Language Modes}.
21294 @pindex calc-matrix-left-justify
21297 @pindex calc-matrix-center-justify
21300 @pindex calc-matrix-right-justify
21301 The commands @kbd{v <} (@code{calc-matrix-left-justify}), @kbd{v >}
21302 (@code{calc-matrix-right-justify}), and @w{@kbd{v =}}
21303 (@code{calc-matrix-center-justify}) control whether matrix elements
21304 are justified to the left, right, or center of their columns.
21308 @pindex calc-vector-brackets
21311 @pindex calc-vector-braces
21314 @pindex calc-vector-parens
21315 The @kbd{v [} (@code{calc-vector-brackets}) command turns the square
21316 brackets that surround vectors and matrices displayed in the stack on
21317 and off. The @kbd{v @{} (@code{calc-vector-braces}) and @kbd{v (}
21318 (@code{calc-vector-parens}) commands use curly braces or parentheses,
21319 respectively, instead of square brackets. For example, @kbd{v @{} might
21320 be used in preparation for yanking a matrix into a buffer running
21321 Mathematica. (In fact, the Mathematica language mode uses this mode;
21322 @pxref{Mathematica Language Mode}.) Note that, regardless of the
21323 display mode, either brackets or braces may be used to enter vectors,
21324 and parentheses may never be used for this purpose.
21332 @pindex calc-matrix-brackets
21333 The @kbd{v ]} (@code{calc-matrix-brackets}) command controls the
21334 ``big'' style display of matrices, for matrices which have more than
21335 one row. It prompts for a string of code letters; currently
21336 implemented letters are @code{R}, which enables brackets on each row
21337 of the matrix; @code{O}, which enables outer brackets in opposite
21338 corners of the matrix; and @code{C}, which enables commas or
21339 semicolons at the ends of all rows but the last. The default format
21340 is @samp{RO}. (Before Calc 2.00, the format was fixed at @samp{ROC}.)
21341 Here are some example matrices:
21345 [ [ 123, 0, 0 ] [ [ 123, 0, 0 ],
21346 [ 0, 123, 0 ] [ 0, 123, 0 ],
21347 [ 0, 0, 123 ] ] [ 0, 0, 123 ] ]
21356 [ 123, 0, 0 [ 123, 0, 0 ;
21357 0, 123, 0 0, 123, 0 ;
21358 0, 0, 123 ] 0, 0, 123 ]
21367 [ 123, 0, 0 ] 123, 0, 0
21368 [ 0, 123, 0 ] 0, 123, 0
21369 [ 0, 0, 123 ] 0, 0, 123
21376 Note that of the formats shown here, @samp{RO}, @samp{ROC}, and
21377 @samp{OC} are all recognized as matrices during reading, while
21378 the others are useful for display only.
21382 @pindex calc-vector-commas
21383 The @kbd{v ,} (@code{calc-vector-commas}) command turns commas on and
21384 off in vector and matrix display.
21386 In vectors of length one, and in all vectors when commas have been
21387 turned off, Calc adds extra parentheses around formulas that might
21388 otherwise be ambiguous. For example, @samp{[a b]} could be a vector
21389 of the one formula @samp{a b}, or it could be a vector of two
21390 variables with commas turned off. Calc will display the former
21391 case as @samp{[(a b)]}. You can disable these extra parentheses
21392 (to make the output less cluttered at the expense of allowing some
21393 ambiguity) by adding the letter @code{P} to the control string you
21394 give to @kbd{v ]} (as described above).
21398 @pindex calc-full-vectors
21399 The @kbd{v .} (@code{calc-full-vectors}) command turns abbreviated
21400 display of long vectors on and off. In this mode, vectors of six
21401 or more elements, or matrices of six or more rows or columns, will
21402 be displayed in an abbreviated form that displays only the first
21403 three elements and the last element: @samp{[a, b, c, ..., z]}.
21404 When very large vectors are involved this will substantially
21405 improve Calc's display speed.
21408 @pindex calc-full-trail-vectors
21409 The @kbd{t .} (@code{calc-full-trail-vectors}) command controls a
21410 similar mode for recording vectors in the Trail. If you turn on
21411 this mode, vectors of six or more elements and matrices of six or
21412 more rows or columns will be abbreviated when they are put in the
21413 Trail. The @kbd{t y} (@code{calc-trail-yank}) command will be
21414 unable to recover those vectors. If you are working with very
21415 large vectors, this mode will improve the speed of all operations
21416 that involve the trail.
21420 @pindex calc-break-vectors
21421 The @kbd{v /} (@code{calc-break-vectors}) command turns multi-line
21422 vector display on and off. Normally, matrices are displayed with one
21423 row per line but all other types of vectors are displayed in a single
21424 line. This mode causes all vectors, whether matrices or not, to be
21425 displayed with a single element per line. Sub-vectors within the
21426 vectors will still use the normal linear form.
21428 @node Algebra, Units, Matrix Functions, Top
21432 This section covers the Calc features that help you work with
21433 algebraic formulas. First, the general sub-formula selection
21434 mechanism is described; this works in conjunction with any Calc
21435 commands. Then, commands for specific algebraic operations are
21436 described. Finally, the flexible @dfn{rewrite rule} mechanism
21439 The algebraic commands use the @kbd{a} key prefix; selection
21440 commands use the @kbd{j} (for ``just a letter that wasn't used
21441 for anything else'') prefix.
21443 @xref{Editing Stack Entries}, to see how to manipulate formulas
21444 using regular Emacs editing commands.
21446 When doing algebraic work, you may find several of the Calculator's
21447 modes to be helpful, including Algebraic Simplification mode (@kbd{m A})
21448 or No-Simplification mode (@kbd{m O}),
21449 Algebraic entry mode (@kbd{m a}), Fraction mode (@kbd{m f}), and
21450 Symbolic mode (@kbd{m s}). @xref{Mode Settings}, for discussions
21451 of these modes. You may also wish to select Big display mode (@kbd{d B}).
21452 @xref{Normal Language Modes}.
21455 * Selecting Subformulas::
21456 * Algebraic Manipulation::
21457 * Simplifying Formulas::
21460 * Solving Equations::
21461 * Numerical Solutions::
21464 * Logical Operations::
21468 @node Selecting Subformulas, Algebraic Manipulation, Algebra, Algebra
21469 @section Selecting Sub-Formulas
21473 @cindex Sub-formulas
21474 @cindex Parts of formulas
21475 When working with an algebraic formula it is often necessary to
21476 manipulate a portion of the formula rather than the formula as a
21477 whole. Calc allows you to ``select'' a portion of any formula on
21478 the stack. Commands which would normally operate on that stack
21479 entry will now operate only on the sub-formula, leaving the
21480 surrounding part of the stack entry alone.
21482 One common non-algebraic use for selection involves vectors. To work
21483 on one element of a vector in-place, simply select that element as a
21484 ``sub-formula'' of the vector.
21487 * Making Selections::
21488 * Changing Selections::
21489 * Displaying Selections::
21490 * Operating on Selections::
21491 * Rearranging with Selections::
21494 @node Making Selections, Changing Selections, Selecting Subformulas, Selecting Subformulas
21495 @subsection Making Selections
21499 @pindex calc-select-here
21500 To select a sub-formula, move the Emacs cursor to any character in that
21501 sub-formula, and press @w{@kbd{j s}} (@code{calc-select-here}). Calc will
21502 highlight the smallest portion of the formula that contains that
21503 character. By default the sub-formula is highlighted by blanking out
21504 all of the rest of the formula with dots. Selection works in any
21505 display mode but is perhaps easiest in Big mode (@kbd{d B}).
21506 Suppose you enter the following formula:
21518 (by typing @kbd{' ((a+b)^3 + sqrt(c)) / (2x+1)}). If you move the
21519 cursor to the letter @samp{b} and press @w{@kbd{j s}}, the display changes
21532 Every character not part of the sub-formula @samp{b} has been changed
21533 to a dot. The @samp{*} next to the line number is to remind you that
21534 the formula has a portion of it selected. (In this case, it's very
21535 obvious, but it might not always be. If Embedded mode is enabled,
21536 the word @samp{Sel} also appears in the mode line because the stack
21537 may not be visible. @pxref{Embedded Mode}.)
21539 If you had instead placed the cursor on the parenthesis immediately to
21540 the right of the @samp{b}, the selection would have been:
21552 The portion selected is always large enough to be considered a complete
21553 formula all by itself, so selecting the parenthesis selects the whole
21554 formula that it encloses. Putting the cursor on the @samp{+} sign
21555 would have had the same effect.
21557 (Strictly speaking, the Emacs cursor is really the manifestation of
21558 the Emacs ``point,'' which is a position @emph{between} two characters
21559 in the buffer. So purists would say that Calc selects the smallest
21560 sub-formula which contains the character to the right of ``point.'')
21562 If you supply a numeric prefix argument @var{n}, the selection is
21563 expanded to the @var{n}th enclosing sub-formula. Thus, positioning
21564 the cursor on the @samp{b} and typing @kbd{C-u 1 j s} will select
21565 @samp{a + b}; typing @kbd{C-u 2 j s} will select @samp{(a + b)^3},
21568 If the cursor is not on any part of the formula, or if you give a
21569 numeric prefix that is too large, the entire formula is selected.
21571 If the cursor is on the @samp{.} line that marks the top of the stack
21572 (i.e., its normal ``rest position''), this command selects the entire
21573 formula at stack level 1. Most selection commands similarly operate
21574 on the formula at the top of the stack if you haven't positioned the
21575 cursor on any stack entry.
21578 @pindex calc-select-additional
21579 The @kbd{j a} (@code{calc-select-additional}) command enlarges the
21580 current selection to encompass the cursor. To select the smallest
21581 sub-formula defined by two different points, move to the first and
21582 press @kbd{j s}, then move to the other and press @kbd{j a}. This
21583 is roughly analogous to using @kbd{C-@@} (@code{set-mark-command}) to
21584 select the two ends of a region of text during normal Emacs editing.
21587 @pindex calc-select-once
21588 The @kbd{j o} (@code{calc-select-once}) command selects a formula in
21589 exactly the same way as @kbd{j s}, except that the selection will
21590 last only as long as the next command that uses it. For example,
21591 @kbd{j o 1 +} is a handy way to add one to the sub-formula indicated
21594 (A somewhat more precise definition: The @kbd{j o} command sets a flag
21595 such that the next command involving selected stack entries will clear
21596 the selections on those stack entries afterwards. All other selection
21597 commands except @kbd{j a} and @kbd{j O} clear this flag.)
21601 @pindex calc-select-here-maybe
21602 @pindex calc-select-once-maybe
21603 The @kbd{j S} (@code{calc-select-here-maybe}) and @kbd{j O}
21604 (@code{calc-select-once-maybe}) commands are equivalent to @kbd{j s}
21605 and @kbd{j o}, respectively, except that if the formula already
21606 has a selection they have no effect. This is analogous to the
21607 behavior of some commands such as @kbd{j r} (@code{calc-rewrite-selection};
21608 @pxref{Selections with Rewrite Rules}) and is mainly intended to be
21609 used in keyboard macros that implement your own selection-oriented
21612 Selection of sub-formulas normally treats associative terms like
21613 @samp{a + b - c + d} and @samp{x * y * z} as single levels of the formula.
21614 If you place the cursor anywhere inside @samp{a + b - c + d} except
21615 on one of the variable names and use @kbd{j s}, you will select the
21616 entire four-term sum.
21619 @pindex calc-break-selections
21620 The @kbd{j b} (@code{calc-break-selections}) command controls a mode
21621 in which the ``deep structure'' of these associative formulas shows
21622 through. Calc actually stores the above formulas as
21623 @samp{((a + b) - c) + d} and @samp{x * (y * z)}. (Note that for certain
21624 obscure reasons, by default Calc treats multiplication as
21625 right-associative.) Once you have enabled @kbd{j b} mode, selecting
21626 with the cursor on the @samp{-} sign would only select the @samp{a + b -
21627 c} portion, which makes sense when the deep structure of the sum is
21628 considered. There is no way to select the @samp{b - c + d} portion;
21629 although this might initially look like just as legitimate a sub-formula
21630 as @samp{a + b - c}, the deep structure shows that it isn't. The @kbd{d
21631 U} command can be used to view the deep structure of any formula
21632 (@pxref{Normal Language Modes}).
21634 When @kbd{j b} mode has not been enabled, the deep structure is
21635 generally hidden by the selection commands---what you see is what
21639 @pindex calc-unselect
21640 The @kbd{j u} (@code{calc-unselect}) command unselects the formula
21641 that the cursor is on. If there was no selection in the formula,
21642 this command has no effect. With a numeric prefix argument, it
21643 unselects the @var{n}th stack element rather than using the cursor
21647 @pindex calc-clear-selections
21648 The @kbd{j c} (@code{calc-clear-selections}) command unselects all
21651 @node Changing Selections, Displaying Selections, Making Selections, Selecting Subformulas
21652 @subsection Changing Selections
21656 @pindex calc-select-more
21657 Once you have selected a sub-formula, you can expand it using the
21658 @w{@kbd{j m}} (@code{calc-select-more}) command. If @samp{a + b} is
21659 selected, pressing @w{@kbd{j m}} repeatedly works as follows:
21664 (a + b) . . . (a + b) + V c (a + b) + V c
21665 1* ............... 1* ............... 1* ---------------
21666 . . . . . . . . 2 x + 1
21671 In the last example, the entire formula is selected. This is roughly
21672 the same as having no selection at all, but because there are subtle
21673 differences the @samp{*} character is still there on the line number.
21675 With a numeric prefix argument @var{n}, @kbd{j m} expands @var{n}
21676 times (or until the entire formula is selected). Note that @kbd{j s}
21677 with argument @var{n} is equivalent to plain @kbd{j s} followed by
21678 @kbd{j m} with argument @var{n}. If @w{@kbd{j m}} is used when there
21679 is no current selection, it is equivalent to @w{@kbd{j s}}.
21681 Even though @kbd{j m} does not explicitly use the location of the
21682 cursor within the formula, it nevertheless uses the cursor to determine
21683 which stack element to operate on. As usual, @kbd{j m} when the cursor
21684 is not on any stack element operates on the top stack element.
21687 @pindex calc-select-less
21688 The @kbd{j l} (@code{calc-select-less}) command reduces the current
21689 selection around the cursor position. That is, it selects the
21690 immediate sub-formula of the current selection which contains the
21691 cursor, the opposite of @kbd{j m}. If the cursor is not inside the
21692 current selection, the command de-selects the formula.
21695 @pindex calc-select-part
21696 The @kbd{j 1} through @kbd{j 9} (@code{calc-select-part}) commands
21697 select the @var{n}th sub-formula of the current selection. They are
21698 like @kbd{j l} (@code{calc-select-less}) except they use counting
21699 rather than the cursor position to decide which sub-formula to select.
21700 For example, if the current selection is @kbd{a + b + c} or
21701 @kbd{f(a, b, c)} or @kbd{[a, b, c]}, then @kbd{j 1} selects @samp{a},
21702 @kbd{j 2} selects @samp{b}, and @kbd{j 3} selects @samp{c}; in each of
21703 these cases, @kbd{j 4} through @kbd{j 9} would be errors.
21705 If there is no current selection, @kbd{j 1} through @kbd{j 9} select
21706 the @var{n}th top-level sub-formula. (In other words, they act as if
21707 the entire stack entry were selected first.) To select the @var{n}th
21708 sub-formula where @var{n} is greater than nine, you must instead invoke
21709 @w{@kbd{j 1}} with @var{n} as a numeric prefix argument.
21713 @pindex calc-select-next
21714 @pindex calc-select-previous
21715 The @kbd{j n} (@code{calc-select-next}) and @kbd{j p}
21716 (@code{calc-select-previous}) commands change the current selection
21717 to the next or previous sub-formula at the same level. For example,
21718 if @samp{b} is selected in @w{@samp{2 + a*b*c + x}}, then @kbd{j n}
21719 selects @samp{c}. Further @kbd{j n} commands would be in error because,
21720 even though there is something to the right of @samp{c} (namely, @samp{x}),
21721 it is not at the same level; in this case, it is not a term of the
21722 same product as @samp{b} and @samp{c}. However, @kbd{j m} (to select
21723 the whole product @samp{a*b*c} as a term of the sum) followed by
21724 @w{@kbd{j n}} would successfully select the @samp{x}.
21726 Similarly, @kbd{j p} moves the selection from the @samp{b} in this
21727 sample formula to the @samp{a}. Both commands accept numeric prefix
21728 arguments to move several steps at a time.
21730 It is interesting to compare Calc's selection commands with the
21731 Emacs Info system's commands for navigating through hierarchically
21732 organized documentation. Calc's @kbd{j n} command is completely
21733 analogous to Info's @kbd{n} command. Likewise, @kbd{j p} maps to
21734 @kbd{p}, @kbd{j 2} maps to @kbd{2}, and Info's @kbd{u} is like @kbd{j m}.
21735 (Note that @kbd{j u} stands for @code{calc-unselect}, not ``up''.)
21736 The Info @kbd{m} command is somewhat similar to Calc's @kbd{j s} and
21737 @kbd{j l}; in each case, you can jump directly to a sub-component
21738 of the hierarchy simply by pointing to it with the cursor.
21740 @node Displaying Selections, Operating on Selections, Changing Selections, Selecting Subformulas
21741 @subsection Displaying Selections
21745 @pindex calc-show-selections
21746 The @kbd{j d} (@code{calc-show-selections}) command controls how
21747 selected sub-formulas are displayed. One of the alternatives is
21748 illustrated in the above examples; if we press @kbd{j d} we switch
21749 to the other style in which the selected portion itself is obscured
21755 (a + b) . . . ## # ## + V c
21756 1* ............... 1* ---------------
21761 @node Operating on Selections, Rearranging with Selections, Displaying Selections, Selecting Subformulas
21762 @subsection Operating on Selections
21765 Once a selection is made, all Calc commands that manipulate items
21766 on the stack will operate on the selected portions of the items
21767 instead. (Note that several stack elements may have selections
21768 at once, though there can be only one selection at a time in any
21769 given stack element.)
21772 @pindex calc-enable-selections
21773 The @kbd{j e} (@code{calc-enable-selections}) command disables the
21774 effect that selections have on Calc commands. The current selections
21775 still exist, but Calc commands operate on whole stack elements anyway.
21776 This mode can be identified by the fact that the @samp{*} markers on
21777 the line numbers are gone, even though selections are visible. To
21778 reactivate the selections, press @kbd{j e} again.
21780 To extract a sub-formula as a new formula, simply select the
21781 sub-formula and press @key{RET}. This normally duplicates the top
21782 stack element; here it duplicates only the selected portion of that
21785 To replace a sub-formula with something different, you can enter the
21786 new value onto the stack and press @key{TAB}. This normally exchanges
21787 the top two stack elements; here it swaps the value you entered into
21788 the selected portion of the formula, returning the old selected
21789 portion to the top of the stack.
21794 (a + b) . . . 17 x y . . . 17 x y + V c
21795 2* ............... 2* ............. 2: -------------
21796 . . . . . . . . 2 x + 1
21799 1: 17 x y 1: (a + b) 1: (a + b)
21803 In this example we select a sub-formula of our original example,
21804 enter a new formula, @key{TAB} it into place, then deselect to see
21805 the complete, edited formula.
21807 If you want to swap whole formulas around even though they contain
21808 selections, just use @kbd{j e} before and after.
21811 @pindex calc-enter-selection
21812 The @kbd{j '} (@code{calc-enter-selection}) command is another way
21813 to replace a selected sub-formula. This command does an algebraic
21814 entry just like the regular @kbd{'} key. When you press @key{RET},
21815 the formula you type replaces the original selection. You can use
21816 the @samp{$} symbol in the formula to refer to the original
21817 selection. If there is no selection in the formula under the cursor,
21818 the cursor is used to make a temporary selection for the purposes of
21819 the command. Thus, to change a term of a formula, all you have to
21820 do is move the Emacs cursor to that term and press @kbd{j '}.
21823 @pindex calc-edit-selection
21824 The @kbd{j `} (@code{calc-edit-selection}) command is a similar
21825 analogue of the @kbd{`} (@code{calc-edit}) command. It edits the
21826 selected sub-formula in a separate buffer. If there is no
21827 selection, it edits the sub-formula indicated by the cursor.
21829 To delete a sub-formula, press @key{DEL}. This generally replaces
21830 the sub-formula with the constant zero, but in a few suitable contexts
21831 it uses the constant one instead. The @key{DEL} key automatically
21832 deselects and re-simplifies the entire formula afterwards. Thus:
21837 17 x y + # # 17 x y 17 # y 17 y
21838 1* ------------- 1: ------- 1* ------- 1: -------
21839 2 x + 1 2 x + 1 2 x + 1 2 x + 1
21843 In this example, we first delete the @samp{sqrt(c)} term; Calc
21844 accomplishes this by replacing @samp{sqrt(c)} with zero and
21845 resimplifying. We then delete the @kbd{x} in the numerator;
21846 since this is part of a product, Calc replaces it with @samp{1}
21849 If you select an element of a vector and press @key{DEL}, that
21850 element is deleted from the vector. If you delete one side of
21851 an equation or inequality, only the opposite side remains.
21853 @kindex j @key{DEL}
21854 @pindex calc-del-selection
21855 The @kbd{j @key{DEL}} (@code{calc-del-selection}) command is like
21856 @key{DEL} but with the auto-selecting behavior of @kbd{j '} and
21857 @kbd{j `}. It deletes the selected portion of the formula
21858 indicated by the cursor, or, in the absence of a selection, it
21859 deletes the sub-formula indicated by the cursor position.
21861 @kindex j @key{RET}
21862 @pindex calc-grab-selection
21863 (There is also an auto-selecting @kbd{j @key{RET}} (@code{calc-copy-selection})
21866 Normal arithmetic operations also apply to sub-formulas. Here we
21867 select the denominator, press @kbd{5 -} to subtract five from the
21868 denominator, press @kbd{n} to negate the denominator, then
21869 press @kbd{Q} to take the square root.
21873 .. . .. . .. . .. .
21874 1* ....... 1* ....... 1* ....... 1* ..........
21875 2 x + 1 2 x - 4 4 - 2 x _________
21880 Certain types of operations on selections are not allowed. For
21881 example, for an arithmetic function like @kbd{-} no more than one of
21882 the arguments may be a selected sub-formula. (As the above example
21883 shows, the result of the subtraction is spliced back into the argument
21884 which had the selection; if there were more than one selection involved,
21885 this would not be well-defined.) If you try to subtract two selections,
21886 the command will abort with an error message.
21888 Operations on sub-formulas sometimes leave the formula as a whole
21889 in an ``un-natural'' state. Consider negating the @samp{2 x} term
21890 of our sample formula by selecting it and pressing @kbd{n}
21891 (@code{calc-change-sign}).
21896 1* .......... 1* ...........
21897 ......... ..........
21898 . . . 2 x . . . -2 x
21902 Unselecting the sub-formula reveals that the minus sign, which would
21903 normally have cancelled out with the subtraction automatically, has
21904 not been able to do so because the subtraction was not part of the
21905 selected portion. Pressing @kbd{=} (@code{calc-evaluate}) or doing
21906 any other mathematical operation on the whole formula will cause it
21912 1: ----------- 1: ----------
21913 __________ _________
21914 V 4 - -2 x V 4 + 2 x
21918 @node Rearranging with Selections, , Operating on Selections, Selecting Subformulas
21919 @subsection Rearranging Formulas using Selections
21923 @pindex calc-commute-right
21924 The @kbd{j R} (@code{calc-commute-right}) command moves the selected
21925 sub-formula to the right in its surrounding formula. Generally the
21926 selection is one term of a sum or product; the sum or product is
21927 rearranged according to the commutative laws of algebra.
21929 As with @kbd{j '} and @kbd{j @key{DEL}}, the term under the cursor is used
21930 if there is no selection in the current formula. All commands described
21931 in this section share this property. In this example, we place the
21932 cursor on the @samp{a} and type @kbd{j R}, then repeat.
21935 1: a + b - c 1: b + a - c 1: b - c + a
21939 Note that in the final step above, the @samp{a} is switched with
21940 the @samp{c} but the signs are adjusted accordingly. When moving
21941 terms of sums and products, @kbd{j R} will never change the
21942 mathematical meaning of the formula.
21944 The selected term may also be an element of a vector or an argument
21945 of a function. The term is exchanged with the one to its right.
21946 In this case, the ``meaning'' of the vector or function may of
21947 course be drastically changed.
21950 1: [a, b, c] 1: [b, a, c] 1: [b, c, a]
21952 1: f(a, b, c) 1: f(b, a, c) 1: f(b, c, a)
21956 @pindex calc-commute-left
21957 The @kbd{j L} (@code{calc-commute-left}) command is like @kbd{j R}
21958 except that it swaps the selected term with the one to its left.
21960 With numeric prefix arguments, these commands move the selected
21961 term several steps at a time. It is an error to try to move a
21962 term left or right past the end of its enclosing formula.
21963 With numeric prefix arguments of zero, these commands move the
21964 selected term as far as possible in the given direction.
21967 @pindex calc-sel-distribute
21968 The @kbd{j D} (@code{calc-sel-distribute}) command mixes the selected
21969 sum or product into the surrounding formula using the distributive
21970 law. For example, in @samp{a * (b - c)} with the @samp{b - c}
21971 selected, the result is @samp{a b - a c}. This also distributes
21972 products or quotients into surrounding powers, and can also do
21973 transformations like @samp{exp(a + b)} to @samp{exp(a) exp(b)},
21974 where @samp{a + b} is the selected term, and @samp{ln(a ^ b)}
21975 to @samp{ln(a) b}, where @samp{a ^ b} is the selected term.
21977 For multiple-term sums or products, @kbd{j D} takes off one term
21978 at a time: @samp{a * (b + c - d)} goes to @samp{a * (c - d) + a b}
21979 with the @samp{c - d} selected so that you can type @kbd{j D}
21980 repeatedly to expand completely. The @kbd{j D} command allows a
21981 numeric prefix argument which specifies the maximum number of
21982 times to expand at once; the default is one time only.
21984 @vindex DistribRules
21985 The @kbd{j D} command is implemented using rewrite rules.
21986 @xref{Selections with Rewrite Rules}. The rules are stored in
21987 the Calc variable @code{DistribRules}. A convenient way to view
21988 these rules is to use @kbd{s e} (@code{calc-edit-variable}) which
21989 displays and edits the stored value of a variable. Press @kbd{C-c C-c}
21990 to return from editing mode; be careful not to make any actual changes
21991 or else you will affect the behavior of future @kbd{j D} commands!
21993 To extend @kbd{j D} to handle new cases, just edit @code{DistribRules}
21994 as described above. You can then use the @kbd{s p} command to save
21995 this variable's value permanently for future Calc sessions.
21996 @xref{Operations on Variables}.
21999 @pindex calc-sel-merge
22001 The @kbd{j M} (@code{calc-sel-merge}) command is the complement
22002 of @kbd{j D}; given @samp{a b - a c} with either @samp{a b} or
22003 @samp{a c} selected, the result is @samp{a * (b - c)}. Once
22004 again, @kbd{j M} can also merge calls to functions like @code{exp}
22005 and @code{ln}; examine the variable @code{MergeRules} to see all
22006 the relevant rules.
22009 @pindex calc-sel-commute
22010 @vindex CommuteRules
22011 The @kbd{j C} (@code{calc-sel-commute}) command swaps the arguments
22012 of the selected sum, product, or equation. It always behaves as
22013 if @kbd{j b} mode were in effect, i.e., the sum @samp{a + b + c} is
22014 treated as the nested sums @samp{(a + b) + c} by this command.
22015 If you put the cursor on the first @samp{+}, the result is
22016 @samp{(b + a) + c}; if you put the cursor on the second @samp{+}, the
22017 result is @samp{c + (a + b)} (which the default simplifications
22018 will rearrange to @samp{(c + a) + b}). The relevant rules are stored
22019 in the variable @code{CommuteRules}.
22021 You may need to turn default simplifications off (with the @kbd{m O}
22022 command) in order to get the full benefit of @kbd{j C}. For example,
22023 commuting @samp{a - b} produces @samp{-b + a}, but the default
22024 simplifications will ``simplify'' this right back to @samp{a - b} if
22025 you don't turn them off. The same is true of some of the other
22026 manipulations described in this section.
22029 @pindex calc-sel-negate
22030 @vindex NegateRules
22031 The @kbd{j N} (@code{calc-sel-negate}) command replaces the selected
22032 term with the negative of that term, then adjusts the surrounding
22033 formula in order to preserve the meaning. For example, given
22034 @samp{exp(a - b)} where @samp{a - b} is selected, the result is
22035 @samp{1 / exp(b - a)}. By contrast, selecting a term and using the
22036 regular @kbd{n} (@code{calc-change-sign}) command negates the
22037 term without adjusting the surroundings, thus changing the meaning
22038 of the formula as a whole. The rules variable is @code{NegateRules}.
22041 @pindex calc-sel-invert
22042 @vindex InvertRules
22043 The @kbd{j &} (@code{calc-sel-invert}) command is similar to @kbd{j N}
22044 except it takes the reciprocal of the selected term. For example,
22045 given @samp{a - ln(b)} with @samp{b} selected, the result is
22046 @samp{a + ln(1/b)}. The rules variable is @code{InvertRules}.
22049 @pindex calc-sel-jump-equals
22051 The @kbd{j E} (@code{calc-sel-jump-equals}) command moves the
22052 selected term from one side of an equation to the other. Given
22053 @samp{a + b = c + d} with @samp{c} selected, the result is
22054 @samp{a + b - c = d}. This command also works if the selected
22055 term is part of a @samp{*}, @samp{/}, or @samp{^} formula. The
22056 relevant rules variable is @code{JumpRules}.
22060 @pindex calc-sel-isolate
22061 The @kbd{j I} (@code{calc-sel-isolate}) command isolates the
22062 selected term on its side of an equation. It uses the @kbd{a S}
22063 (@code{calc-solve-for}) command to solve the equation, and the
22064 Hyperbolic flag affects it in the same way. @xref{Solving Equations}.
22065 When it applies, @kbd{j I} is often easier to use than @kbd{j E}.
22066 It understands more rules of algebra, and works for inequalities
22067 as well as equations.
22071 @pindex calc-sel-mult-both-sides
22072 @pindex calc-sel-div-both-sides
22073 The @kbd{j *} (@code{calc-sel-mult-both-sides}) command prompts for a
22074 formula using algebraic entry, then multiplies both sides of the
22075 selected quotient or equation by that formula. It simplifies each
22076 side with @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}) before re-forming the
22077 quotient or equation. You can suppress this simplification by
22078 providing a prefix argument: @kbd{C-u j *}. There is also a @kbd{j /}
22079 (@code{calc-sel-div-both-sides}) which is similar to @kbd{j *} but
22080 dividing instead of multiplying by the factor you enter.
22082 If the selection is a quotient with numerator 1, then Calc's default
22083 simplifications would normally cancel the new factors. To prevent
22084 this, when the @kbd{j *} command is used on a selection whose numerator is
22085 1 or -1, the denominator is expanded at the top level using the
22086 distributive law (as if using the @kbd{C-u 1 a x} command). Suppose the
22087 formula on the stack is @samp{1 / (a + 1)} and you wish to multiplying the
22088 top and bottom by @samp{a - 1}. Calc's default simplifications would
22089 normally change the result @samp{(a - 1) /(a + 1) (a - 1)} back
22090 to the original form by cancellation; when @kbd{j *} is used, Calc
22091 expands the denominator to @samp{a (a - 1) + a - 1} to prevent this.
22093 If you wish the @kbd{j *} command to completely expand the denominator
22094 of a quotient you can call it with a zero prefix: @kbd{C-u 0 j *}. For
22095 example, if the formula on the stack is @samp{1 / (sqrt(a) + 1)}, you may
22096 wish to eliminate the square root in the denominator by multiplying
22097 the top and bottom by @samp{sqrt(a) - 1}. If you did this simply by using
22098 a simple @kbd{j *} command, you would get
22099 @samp{(sqrt(a)-1)/ (sqrt(a) (sqrt(a) - 1) + sqrt(a) - 1)}. Instead,
22100 you would probably want to use @kbd{C-u 0 j *}, which would expand the
22101 bottom and give you the desired result @samp{(sqrt(a)-1)/(a-1)}. More
22102 generally, if @kbd{j *} is called with an argument of a positive
22103 integer @var{n}, then the denominator of the expression will be
22104 expanded @var{n} times (as if with the @kbd{C-u @var{n} a x} command).
22106 If the selection is an inequality, @kbd{j *} and @kbd{j /} will
22107 accept any factor, but will warn unless they can prove the factor
22108 is either positive or negative. (In the latter case the direction
22109 of the inequality will be switched appropriately.) @xref{Declarations},
22110 for ways to inform Calc that a given variable is positive or
22111 negative. If Calc can't tell for sure what the sign of the factor
22112 will be, it will assume it is positive and display a warning
22115 For selections that are not quotients, equations, or inequalities,
22116 these commands pull out a multiplicative factor: They divide (or
22117 multiply) by the entered formula, simplify, then multiply (or divide)
22118 back by the formula.
22122 @pindex calc-sel-add-both-sides
22123 @pindex calc-sel-sub-both-sides
22124 The @kbd{j +} (@code{calc-sel-add-both-sides}) and @kbd{j -}
22125 (@code{calc-sel-sub-both-sides}) commands analogously add to or
22126 subtract from both sides of an equation or inequality. For other
22127 types of selections, they extract an additive factor. A numeric
22128 prefix argument suppresses simplification of the intermediate
22132 @pindex calc-sel-unpack
22133 The @kbd{j U} (@code{calc-sel-unpack}) command replaces the
22134 selected function call with its argument. For example, given
22135 @samp{a + sin(x^2)} with @samp{sin(x^2)} selected, the result
22136 is @samp{a + x^2}. (The @samp{x^2} will remain selected; if you
22137 wanted to change the @code{sin} to @code{cos}, just press @kbd{C}
22138 now to take the cosine of the selected part.)
22141 @pindex calc-sel-evaluate
22142 The @kbd{j v} (@code{calc-sel-evaluate}) command performs the
22143 normal default simplifications on the selected sub-formula.
22144 These are the simplifications that are normally done automatically
22145 on all results, but which may have been partially inhibited by
22146 previous selection-related operations, or turned off altogether
22147 by the @kbd{m O} command. This command is just an auto-selecting
22148 version of the @w{@kbd{a v}} command (@pxref{Algebraic Manipulation}).
22150 With a numeric prefix argument of 2, @kbd{C-u 2 j v} applies
22151 the @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}) command to the selected
22152 sub-formula. With a prefix argument of 3 or more, e.g., @kbd{C-u j v}
22153 applies the @kbd{a e} (@code{calc-simplify-extended}) command.
22154 @xref{Simplifying Formulas}. With a negative prefix argument
22155 it simplifies at the top level only, just as with @kbd{a v}.
22156 Here the ``top'' level refers to the top level of the selected
22160 @pindex calc-sel-expand-formula
22161 The @kbd{j "} (@code{calc-sel-expand-formula}) command is to @kbd{a "}
22162 (@pxref{Algebraic Manipulation}) what @kbd{j v} is to @kbd{a v}.
22164 You can use the @kbd{j r} (@code{calc-rewrite-selection}) command
22165 to define other algebraic operations on sub-formulas. @xref{Rewrite Rules}.
22167 @node Algebraic Manipulation, Simplifying Formulas, Selecting Subformulas, Algebra
22168 @section Algebraic Manipulation
22171 The commands in this section perform general-purpose algebraic
22172 manipulations. They work on the whole formula at the top of the
22173 stack (unless, of course, you have made a selection in that
22176 Many algebra commands prompt for a variable name or formula. If you
22177 answer the prompt with a blank line, the variable or formula is taken
22178 from top-of-stack, and the normal argument for the command is taken
22179 from the second-to-top stack level.
22182 @pindex calc-alg-evaluate
22183 The @kbd{a v} (@code{calc-alg-evaluate}) command performs the normal
22184 default simplifications on a formula; for example, @samp{a - -b} is
22185 changed to @samp{a + b}. These simplifications are normally done
22186 automatically on all Calc results, so this command is useful only if
22187 you have turned default simplifications off with an @kbd{m O}
22188 command. @xref{Simplification Modes}.
22190 It is often more convenient to type @kbd{=}, which is like @kbd{a v}
22191 but which also substitutes stored values for variables in the formula.
22192 Use @kbd{a v} if you want the variables to ignore their stored values.
22194 If you give a numeric prefix argument of 2 to @kbd{a v}, it simplifies
22195 as if in Algebraic Simplification mode. This is equivalent to typing
22196 @kbd{a s}; @pxref{Simplifying Formulas}. If you give a numeric prefix
22197 of 3 or more, it uses Extended Simplification mode (@kbd{a e}).
22199 If you give a negative prefix argument @mathit{-1}, @mathit{-2}, or @mathit{-3},
22200 it simplifies in the corresponding mode but only works on the top-level
22201 function call of the formula. For example, @samp{(2 + 3) * (2 + 3)} will
22202 simplify to @samp{(2 + 3)^2}, without simplifying the sub-formulas
22203 @samp{2 + 3}. As another example, typing @kbd{V R +} to sum the vector
22204 @samp{[1, 2, 3, 4]} produces the formula @samp{reduce(add, [1, 2, 3, 4])}
22205 in No-Simplify mode. Using @kbd{a v} will evaluate this all the way to
22206 10; using @kbd{C-u - a v} will evaluate it only to @samp{1 + 2 + 3 + 4}.
22207 (@xref{Reducing and Mapping}.)
22211 The @kbd{=} command corresponds to the @code{evalv} function, and
22212 the related @kbd{N} command, which is like @kbd{=} but temporarily
22213 disables Symbolic mode (@kbd{m s}) during the evaluation, corresponds
22214 to the @code{evalvn} function. (These commands interpret their prefix
22215 arguments differently than @kbd{a v}; @kbd{=} treats the prefix as
22216 the number of stack elements to evaluate at once, and @kbd{N} treats
22217 it as a temporary different working precision.)
22219 The @code{evalvn} function can take an alternate working precision
22220 as an optional second argument. This argument can be either an
22221 integer, to set the precision absolutely, or a vector containing
22222 a single integer, to adjust the precision relative to the current
22223 precision. Note that @code{evalvn} with a larger than current
22224 precision will do the calculation at this higher precision, but the
22225 result will as usual be rounded back down to the current precision
22226 afterward. For example, @samp{evalvn(pi - 3.1415)} at a precision
22227 of 12 will return @samp{9.265359e-5}; @samp{evalvn(pi - 3.1415, 30)}
22228 will return @samp{9.26535897932e-5} (computing a 25-digit result which
22229 is then rounded down to 12); and @samp{evalvn(pi - 3.1415, [-2])}
22230 will return @samp{9.2654e-5}.
22233 @pindex calc-expand-formula
22234 The @kbd{a "} (@code{calc-expand-formula}) command expands functions
22235 into their defining formulas wherever possible. For example,
22236 @samp{deg(x^2)} is changed to @samp{180 x^2 / pi}. Most functions,
22237 like @code{sin} and @code{gcd}, are not defined by simple formulas
22238 and so are unaffected by this command. One important class of
22239 functions which @emph{can} be expanded is the user-defined functions
22240 created by the @kbd{Z F} command. @xref{Algebraic Definitions}.
22241 Other functions which @kbd{a "} can expand include the probability
22242 distribution functions, most of the financial functions, and the
22243 hyperbolic and inverse hyperbolic functions. A numeric prefix argument
22244 affects @kbd{a "} in the same way as it does @kbd{a v}: A positive
22245 argument expands all functions in the formula and then simplifies in
22246 various ways; a negative argument expands and simplifies only the
22247 top-level function call.
22250 @pindex calc-map-equation
22252 The @kbd{a M} (@code{calc-map-equation}) [@code{mapeq}] command applies
22253 a given function or operator to one or more equations. It is analogous
22254 to @kbd{V M}, which operates on vectors instead of equations.
22255 @pxref{Reducing and Mapping}. For example, @kbd{a M S} changes
22256 @samp{x = y+1} to @samp{sin(x) = sin(y+1)}, and @kbd{a M +} with
22257 @samp{x = y+1} and @expr{6} on the stack produces @samp{x+6 = y+7}.
22258 With two equations on the stack, @kbd{a M +} would add the lefthand
22259 sides together and the righthand sides together to get the two
22260 respective sides of a new equation.
22262 Mapping also works on inequalities. Mapping two similar inequalities
22263 produces another inequality of the same type. Mapping an inequality
22264 with an equation produces an inequality of the same type. Mapping a
22265 @samp{<=} with a @samp{<} or @samp{!=} (not-equal) produces a @samp{<}.
22266 If inequalities with opposite direction (e.g., @samp{<} and @samp{>})
22267 are mapped, the direction of the second inequality is reversed to
22268 match the first: Using @kbd{a M +} on @samp{a < b} and @samp{a > 2}
22269 reverses the latter to get @samp{2 < a}, which then allows the
22270 combination @samp{a + 2 < b + a}, which the @kbd{a s} command can
22271 then simplify to get @samp{2 < b}.
22273 Using @kbd{a M *}, @kbd{a M /}, @kbd{a M n}, or @kbd{a M &} to negate
22274 or invert an inequality will reverse the direction of the inequality.
22275 Other adjustments to inequalities are @emph{not} done automatically;
22276 @kbd{a M S} will change @w{@samp{x < y}} to @samp{sin(x) < sin(y)} even
22277 though this is not true for all values of the variables.
22281 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H a M} [@code{mapeqp}] does a plain
22282 mapping operation without reversing the direction of any inequalities.
22283 Thus, @kbd{H a M &} would change @kbd{x > 2} to @kbd{1/x > 0.5}.
22284 (This change is mathematically incorrect, but perhaps you were
22285 fixing an inequality which was already incorrect.)
22289 With the Inverse flag, @kbd{I a M} [@code{mapeqr}] always reverses
22290 the direction of the inequality. You might use @kbd{I a M C} to
22291 change @samp{x < y} to @samp{cos(x) > cos(y)} if you know you are
22292 working with small positive angles.
22295 @pindex calc-substitute
22297 The @kbd{a b} (@code{calc-substitute}) [@code{subst}] command substitutes
22299 of some variable or sub-expression of an expression with a new
22300 sub-expression. For example, substituting @samp{sin(x)} with @samp{cos(y)}
22301 in @samp{2 sin(x)^2 + x sin(x) + sin(2 x)} produces
22302 @samp{2 cos(y)^2 + x cos(y) + @w{sin(2 x)}}.
22303 Note that this is a purely structural substitution; the lone @samp{x} and
22304 the @samp{sin(2 x)} stayed the same because they did not look like
22305 @samp{sin(x)}. @xref{Rewrite Rules}, for a more general method for
22306 doing substitutions.
22308 The @kbd{a b} command normally prompts for two formulas, the old
22309 one and the new one. If you enter a blank line for the first
22310 prompt, all three arguments are taken from the stack (new, then old,
22311 then target expression). If you type an old formula but then enter a
22312 blank line for the new one, the new formula is taken from top-of-stack
22313 and the target from second-to-top. If you answer both prompts, the
22314 target is taken from top-of-stack as usual.
22316 Note that @kbd{a b} has no understanding of commutativity or
22317 associativity. The pattern @samp{x+y} will not match the formula
22318 @samp{y+x}. Also, @samp{y+z} will not match inside the formula @samp{x+y+z}
22319 because the @samp{+} operator is left-associative, so the ``deep
22320 structure'' of that formula is @samp{(x+y) + z}. Use @kbd{d U}
22321 (@code{calc-unformatted-language}) mode to see the true structure of
22322 a formula. The rewrite rule mechanism, discussed later, does not have
22325 As an algebraic function, @code{subst} takes three arguments:
22326 Target expression, old, new. Note that @code{subst} is always
22327 evaluated immediately, even if its arguments are variables, so if
22328 you wish to put a call to @code{subst} onto the stack you must
22329 turn the default simplifications off first (with @kbd{m O}).
22331 @node Simplifying Formulas, Polynomials, Algebraic Manipulation, Algebra
22332 @section Simplifying Formulas
22338 @pindex calc-simplify
22340 The @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}) [@code{simplify}] command applies
22341 various algebraic rules to simplify a formula. This includes rules which
22342 are not part of the default simplifications because they may be too slow
22343 to apply all the time, or may not be desirable all of the time. For
22344 example, non-adjacent terms of sums are combined, as in @samp{a + b + 2 a}
22345 to @samp{b + 3 a}, and some formulas like @samp{sin(arcsin(x))} are
22346 simplified to @samp{x}.
22348 The sections below describe all the various kinds of algebraic
22349 simplifications Calc provides in full detail. None of Calc's
22350 simplification commands are designed to pull rabbits out of hats;
22351 they simply apply certain specific rules to put formulas into
22352 less redundant or more pleasing forms. Serious algebra in Calc
22353 must be done manually, usually with a combination of selections
22354 and rewrite rules. @xref{Rearranging with Selections}.
22355 @xref{Rewrite Rules}.
22357 @xref{Simplification Modes}, for commands to control what level of
22358 simplification occurs automatically. Normally only the ``default
22359 simplifications'' occur.
22361 There are some simplifications that, while sometimes useful, are never
22362 done automatically. For example, the @kbd{I} prefix can be given to
22363 @kbd{a s}; the @kbd{I a s} command will change any trigonometric
22364 function to the appropriate combination of @samp{sin}s and @samp{cos}s
22365 before simplifying. This can be useful in simplifying even mildly
22366 complicated trigonometric expressions. For example, while @kbd{a s}
22367 can reduce @samp{sin(x) csc(x)} to @samp{1}, it will not simplify
22368 @samp{sin(x)^2 csc(x)}. The command @kbd{I a s} can be used to
22369 simplify this latter expression; it will transform @samp{sin(x)^2
22370 csc(x)} into @samp{sin(x)}. However, @kbd{I a s} will also perform
22371 some ``simplifications'' which may not be desired; for example, it
22372 will transform @samp{tan(x)^2} into @samp{sin(x)^2 / cos(x)^2}. The
22373 Hyperbolic prefix @kbd{H} can be used similarly; the @kbd{H a s} will
22374 replace any hyperbolic functions in the formula with the appropriate
22375 combinations of @samp{sinh}s and @samp{cosh}s before simplifying.
22379 * Default Simplifications::
22380 * Algebraic Simplifications::
22381 * Unsafe Simplifications::
22382 * Simplification of Units::
22385 @node Default Simplifications, Algebraic Simplifications, Simplifying Formulas, Simplifying Formulas
22386 @subsection Default Simplifications
22389 @cindex Default simplifications
22390 This section describes the ``default simplifications,'' those which are
22391 normally applied to all results. For example, if you enter the variable
22392 @expr{x} on the stack twice and push @kbd{+}, Calc's default
22393 simplifications automatically change @expr{x + x} to @expr{2 x}.
22395 The @kbd{m O} command turns off the default simplifications, so that
22396 @expr{x + x} will remain in this form unless you give an explicit
22397 ``simplify'' command like @kbd{=} or @kbd{a v}. @xref{Algebraic
22398 Manipulation}. The @kbd{m D} command turns the default simplifications
22401 The most basic default simplification is the evaluation of functions.
22402 For example, @expr{2 + 3} is evaluated to @expr{5}, and @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(9)}
22403 is evaluated to @expr{3}. Evaluation does not occur if the arguments
22404 to a function are somehow of the wrong type @expr{@tfn{tan}([2,3,4])}),
22405 range (@expr{@tfn{tan}(90)}), or number (@expr{@tfn{tan}(3,5)}),
22406 or if the function name is not recognized (@expr{@tfn{f}(5)}), or if
22407 Symbolic mode (@pxref{Symbolic Mode}) prevents evaluation
22408 (@expr{@tfn{sqrt}(2)}).
22410 Calc simplifies (evaluates) the arguments to a function before it
22411 simplifies the function itself. Thus @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(5+4)} is
22412 simplified to @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(9)} before the @code{sqrt} function
22413 itself is applied. There are very few exceptions to this rule:
22414 @code{quote}, @code{lambda}, and @code{condition} (the @code{::}
22415 operator) do not evaluate their arguments, @code{if} (the @code{? :}
22416 operator) does not evaluate all of its arguments, and @code{evalto}
22417 does not evaluate its lefthand argument.
22419 Most commands apply the default simplifications to all arguments they
22420 take from the stack, perform a particular operation, then simplify
22421 the result before pushing it back on the stack. In the common special
22422 case of regular arithmetic commands like @kbd{+} and @kbd{Q} [@code{sqrt}],
22423 the arguments are simply popped from the stack and collected into a
22424 suitable function call, which is then simplified (the arguments being
22425 simplified first as part of the process, as described above).
22427 The default simplifications are too numerous to describe completely
22428 here, but this section will describe the ones that apply to the
22429 major arithmetic operators. This list will be rather technical in
22430 nature, and will probably be interesting to you only if you are
22431 a serious user of Calc's algebra facilities.
22437 As well as the simplifications described here, if you have stored
22438 any rewrite rules in the variable @code{EvalRules} then these rules
22439 will also be applied before any built-in default simplifications.
22440 @xref{Automatic Rewrites}, for details.
22446 And now, on with the default simplifications:
22448 Arithmetic operators like @kbd{+} and @kbd{*} always take two
22449 arguments in Calc's internal form. Sums and products of three or
22450 more terms are arranged by the associative law of algebra into
22451 a left-associative form for sums, @expr{((a + b) + c) + d}, and
22452 (by default) a right-associative form for products,
22453 @expr{a * (b * (c * d))}. Formulas like @expr{(a + b) + (c + d)} are
22454 rearranged to left-associative form, though this rarely matters since
22455 Calc's algebra commands are designed to hide the inner structure of sums
22456 and products as much as possible. Sums and products in their proper
22457 associative form will be written without parentheses in the examples
22460 Sums and products are @emph{not} rearranged according to the
22461 commutative law (@expr{a + b} to @expr{b + a}) except in a few
22462 special cases described below. Some algebra programs always
22463 rearrange terms into a canonical order, which enables them to
22464 see that @expr{a b + b a} can be simplified to @expr{2 a b}.
22465 Calc assumes you have put the terms into the order you want
22466 and generally leaves that order alone, with the consequence
22467 that formulas like the above will only be simplified if you
22468 explicitly give the @kbd{a s} command. @xref{Algebraic
22471 Differences @expr{a - b} are treated like sums @expr{a + (-b)}
22472 for purposes of simplification; one of the default simplifications
22473 is to rewrite @expr{a + (-b)} or @expr{(-b) + a}, where @expr{-b}
22474 represents a ``negative-looking'' term, into @expr{a - b} form.
22475 ``Negative-looking'' means negative numbers, negated formulas like
22476 @expr{-x}, and products or quotients in which either term is
22479 Other simplifications involving negation are @expr{-(-x)} to @expr{x};
22480 @expr{-(a b)} or @expr{-(a/b)} where either @expr{a} or @expr{b} is
22481 negative-looking, simplified by negating that term, or else where
22482 @expr{a} or @expr{b} is any number, by negating that number;
22483 @expr{-(a + b)} to @expr{-a - b}, and @expr{-(b - a)} to @expr{a - b}.
22484 (This, and rewriting @expr{(-b) + a} to @expr{a - b}, are the only
22485 cases where the order of terms in a sum is changed by the default
22488 The distributive law is used to simplify sums in some cases:
22489 @expr{a x + b x} to @expr{(a + b) x}, where @expr{a} represents
22490 a number or an implicit 1 or @mathit{-1} (as in @expr{x} or @expr{-x})
22491 and similarly for @expr{b}. Use the @kbd{a c}, @w{@kbd{a f}}, or
22492 @kbd{j M} commands to merge sums with non-numeric coefficients
22493 using the distributive law.
22495 The distributive law is only used for sums of two terms, or
22496 for adjacent terms in a larger sum. Thus @expr{a + b + b + c}
22497 is simplified to @expr{a + 2 b + c}, but @expr{a + b + c + b}
22498 is not simplified. The reason is that comparing all terms of a
22499 sum with one another would require time proportional to the
22500 square of the number of terms; Calc relegates potentially slow
22501 operations like this to commands that have to be invoked
22502 explicitly, like @kbd{a s}.
22504 Finally, @expr{a + 0} and @expr{0 + a} are simplified to @expr{a}.
22505 A consequence of the above rules is that @expr{0 - a} is simplified
22512 The products @expr{1 a} and @expr{a 1} are simplified to @expr{a};
22513 @expr{(-1) a} and @expr{a (-1)} are simplified to @expr{-a};
22514 @expr{0 a} and @expr{a 0} are simplified to @expr{0}, except that
22515 in Matrix mode where @expr{a} is not provably scalar the result
22516 is the generic zero matrix @samp{idn(0)}, and that if @expr{a} is
22517 infinite the result is @samp{nan}.
22519 Also, @expr{(-a) b} and @expr{a (-b)} are simplified to @expr{-(a b)},
22520 where this occurs for negated formulas but not for regular negative
22523 Products are commuted only to move numbers to the front:
22524 @expr{a b 2} is commuted to @expr{2 a b}.
22526 The product @expr{a (b + c)} is distributed over the sum only if
22527 @expr{a} and at least one of @expr{b} and @expr{c} are numbers:
22528 @expr{2 (x + 3)} goes to @expr{2 x + 6}. The formula
22529 @expr{(-a) (b - c)}, where @expr{-a} is a negative number, is
22530 rewritten to @expr{a (c - b)}.
22532 The distributive law of products and powers is used for adjacent
22533 terms of the product: @expr{x^a x^b} goes to
22534 @texline @math{x^{a+b}}
22535 @infoline @expr{x^(a+b)}
22536 where @expr{a} is a number, or an implicit 1 (as in @expr{x}),
22537 or the implicit one-half of @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(x)}, and similarly for
22538 @expr{b}. The result is written using @samp{sqrt} or @samp{1/sqrt}
22539 if the sum of the powers is @expr{1/2} or @expr{-1/2}, respectively.
22540 If the sum of the powers is zero, the product is simplified to
22541 @expr{1} or to @samp{idn(1)} if Matrix mode is enabled.
22543 The product of a negative power times anything but another negative
22544 power is changed to use division:
22545 @texline @math{x^{-2} y}
22546 @infoline @expr{x^(-2) y}
22547 goes to @expr{y / x^2} unless Matrix mode is
22548 in effect and neither @expr{x} nor @expr{y} are scalar (in which
22549 case it is considered unsafe to rearrange the order of the terms).
22551 Finally, @expr{a (b/c)} is rewritten to @expr{(a b)/c}, and also
22552 @expr{(a/b) c} is changed to @expr{(a c)/b} unless in Matrix mode.
22558 Simplifications for quotients are analogous to those for products.
22559 The quotient @expr{0 / x} is simplified to @expr{0}, with the same
22560 exceptions that were noted for @expr{0 x}. Likewise, @expr{x / 1}
22561 and @expr{x / (-1)} are simplified to @expr{x} and @expr{-x},
22564 The quotient @expr{x / 0} is left unsimplified or changed to an
22565 infinite quantity, as directed by the current infinite mode.
22566 @xref{Infinite Mode}.
22569 @texline @math{a / b^{-c}}
22570 @infoline @expr{a / b^(-c)}
22571 is changed to @expr{a b^c}, where @expr{-c} is any negative-looking
22572 power. Also, @expr{1 / b^c} is changed to
22573 @texline @math{b^{-c}}
22574 @infoline @expr{b^(-c)}
22575 for any power @expr{c}.
22577 Also, @expr{(-a) / b} and @expr{a / (-b)} go to @expr{-(a/b)};
22578 @expr{(a/b) / c} goes to @expr{a / (b c)}; and @expr{a / (b/c)}
22579 goes to @expr{(a c) / b} unless Matrix mode prevents this
22580 rearrangement. Similarly, @expr{a / (b:c)} is simplified to
22581 @expr{(c:b) a} for any fraction @expr{b:c}.
22583 The distributive law is applied to @expr{(a + b) / c} only if
22584 @expr{c} and at least one of @expr{a} and @expr{b} are numbers.
22585 Quotients of powers and square roots are distributed just as
22586 described for multiplication.
22588 Quotients of products cancel only in the leading terms of the
22589 numerator and denominator. In other words, @expr{a x b / a y b}
22590 is cancelled to @expr{x b / y b} but not to @expr{x / y}. Once
22591 again this is because full cancellation can be slow; use @kbd{a s}
22592 to cancel all terms of the quotient.
22594 Quotients of negative-looking values are simplified according
22595 to @expr{(-a) / (-b)} to @expr{a / b}, @expr{(-a) / (b - c)}
22596 to @expr{a / (c - b)}, and @expr{(a - b) / (-c)} to @expr{(b - a) / c}.
22602 The formula @expr{x^0} is simplified to @expr{1}, or to @samp{idn(1)}
22603 in Matrix mode. The formula @expr{0^x} is simplified to @expr{0}
22604 unless @expr{x} is a negative number, complex number or zero.
22605 If @expr{x} is negative, complex or @expr{0.0}, @expr{0^x} is an
22606 infinity or an unsimplified formula according to the current infinite
22607 mode. The expression @expr{0^0} is simplified to @expr{1}.
22609 Powers of products or quotients @expr{(a b)^c}, @expr{(a/b)^c}
22610 are distributed to @expr{a^c b^c}, @expr{a^c / b^c} only if @expr{c}
22611 is an integer, or if either @expr{a} or @expr{b} are nonnegative
22612 real numbers. Powers of powers @expr{(a^b)^c} are simplified to
22613 @texline @math{a^{b c}}
22614 @infoline @expr{a^(b c)}
22615 only when @expr{c} is an integer and @expr{b c} also
22616 evaluates to an integer. Without these restrictions these simplifications
22617 would not be safe because of problems with principal values.
22619 @texline @math{((-3)^{1/2})^2}
22620 @infoline @expr{((-3)^1:2)^2}
22621 is safe to simplify, but
22622 @texline @math{((-3)^2)^{1/2}}
22623 @infoline @expr{((-3)^2)^1:2}
22624 is not.) @xref{Declarations}, for ways to inform Calc that your
22625 variables satisfy these requirements.
22627 As a special case of this rule, @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(x)^n} is simplified to
22628 @texline @math{x^{n/2}}
22629 @infoline @expr{x^(n/2)}
22630 only for even integers @expr{n}.
22632 If @expr{a} is known to be real, @expr{b} is an even integer, and
22633 @expr{c} is a half- or quarter-integer, then @expr{(a^b)^c} is
22634 simplified to @expr{@tfn{abs}(a^(b c))}.
22636 Also, @expr{(-a)^b} is simplified to @expr{a^b} if @expr{b} is an
22637 even integer, or to @expr{-(a^b)} if @expr{b} is an odd integer,
22638 for any negative-looking expression @expr{-a}.
22640 Square roots @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(x)} generally act like one-half powers
22641 @texline @math{x^{1:2}}
22642 @infoline @expr{x^1:2}
22643 for the purposes of the above-listed simplifications.
22646 @texline @math{1 / x^{1:2}}
22647 @infoline @expr{1 / x^1:2}
22649 @texline @math{x^{-1:2}},
22650 @infoline @expr{x^(-1:2)},
22651 but @expr{1 / @tfn{sqrt}(x)} is left alone.
22657 Generic identity matrices (@pxref{Matrix Mode}) are simplified by the
22658 following rules: @expr{@tfn{idn}(a) + b} to @expr{a + b} if @expr{b}
22659 is provably scalar, or expanded out if @expr{b} is a matrix;
22660 @expr{@tfn{idn}(a) + @tfn{idn}(b)} to @expr{@tfn{idn}(a + b)};
22661 @expr{-@tfn{idn}(a)} to @expr{@tfn{idn}(-a)}; @expr{a @tfn{idn}(b)} to
22662 @expr{@tfn{idn}(a b)} if @expr{a} is provably scalar, or to @expr{a b}
22663 if @expr{a} is provably non-scalar; @expr{@tfn{idn}(a) @tfn{idn}(b)} to
22664 @expr{@tfn{idn}(a b)}; analogous simplifications for quotients involving
22665 @code{idn}; and @expr{@tfn{idn}(a)^n} to @expr{@tfn{idn}(a^n)} where
22666 @expr{n} is an integer.
22672 The @code{floor} function and other integer truncation functions
22673 vanish if the argument is provably integer-valued, so that
22674 @expr{@tfn{floor}(@tfn{round}(x))} simplifies to @expr{@tfn{round}(x)}.
22675 Also, combinations of @code{float}, @code{floor} and its friends,
22676 and @code{ffloor} and its friends, are simplified in appropriate
22677 ways. @xref{Integer Truncation}.
22679 The expression @expr{@tfn{abs}(-x)} changes to @expr{@tfn{abs}(x)}.
22680 The expression @expr{@tfn{abs}(@tfn{abs}(x))} changes to
22681 @expr{@tfn{abs}(x)}; in fact, @expr{@tfn{abs}(x)} changes to @expr{x} or
22682 @expr{-x} if @expr{x} is provably nonnegative or nonpositive
22683 (@pxref{Declarations}).
22685 While most functions do not recognize the variable @code{i} as an
22686 imaginary number, the @code{arg} function does handle the two cases
22687 @expr{@tfn{arg}(@tfn{i})} and @expr{@tfn{arg}(-@tfn{i})} just for convenience.
22689 The expression @expr{@tfn{conj}(@tfn{conj}(x))} simplifies to @expr{x}.
22690 Various other expressions involving @code{conj}, @code{re}, and
22691 @code{im} are simplified, especially if some of the arguments are
22692 provably real or involve the constant @code{i}. For example,
22693 @expr{@tfn{conj}(a + b i)} is changed to
22694 @expr{@tfn{conj}(a) - @tfn{conj}(b) i}, or to @expr{a - b i} if @expr{a}
22695 and @expr{b} are known to be real.
22697 Functions like @code{sin} and @code{arctan} generally don't have
22698 any default simplifications beyond simply evaluating the functions
22699 for suitable numeric arguments and infinity. The @kbd{a s} command
22700 described in the next section does provide some simplifications for
22701 these functions, though.
22703 One important simplification that does occur is that
22704 @expr{@tfn{ln}(@tfn{e})} is simplified to 1, and @expr{@tfn{ln}(@tfn{e}^x)} is
22705 simplified to @expr{x} for any @expr{x}. This occurs even if you have
22706 stored a different value in the Calc variable @samp{e}; but this would
22707 be a bad idea in any case if you were also using natural logarithms!
22709 Among the logical functions, @tfn{!(@var{a} <= @var{b})} changes to
22710 @tfn{@var{a} > @var{b}} and so on. Equations and inequalities where both sides
22711 are either negative-looking or zero are simplified by negating both sides
22712 and reversing the inequality. While it might seem reasonable to simplify
22713 @expr{!!x} to @expr{x}, this would not be valid in general because
22714 @expr{!!2} is 1, not 2.
22716 Most other Calc functions have few if any default simplifications
22717 defined, aside of course from evaluation when the arguments are
22720 @node Algebraic Simplifications, Unsafe Simplifications, Default Simplifications, Simplifying Formulas
22721 @subsection Algebraic Simplifications
22724 @cindex Algebraic simplifications
22725 The @kbd{a s} command makes simplifications that may be too slow to
22726 do all the time, or that may not be desirable all of the time.
22727 If you find these simplifications are worthwhile, you can type
22728 @kbd{m A} to have Calc apply them automatically.
22730 This section describes all simplifications that are performed by
22731 the @kbd{a s} command. Note that these occur in addition to the
22732 default simplifications; even if the default simplifications have
22733 been turned off by an @kbd{m O} command, @kbd{a s} will turn them
22734 back on temporarily while it simplifies the formula.
22736 There is a variable, @code{AlgSimpRules}, in which you can put rewrites
22737 to be applied by @kbd{a s}. Its use is analogous to @code{EvalRules},
22738 but without the special restrictions. Basically, the simplifier does
22739 @samp{@w{a r} AlgSimpRules} with an infinite repeat count on the whole
22740 expression being simplified, then it traverses the expression applying
22741 the built-in rules described below. If the result is different from
22742 the original expression, the process repeats with the default
22743 simplifications (including @code{EvalRules}), then @code{AlgSimpRules},
22744 then the built-in simplifications, and so on.
22750 Sums are simplified in two ways. Constant terms are commuted to the
22751 end of the sum, so that @expr{a + 2 + b} changes to @expr{a + b + 2}.
22752 The only exception is that a constant will not be commuted away
22753 from the first position of a difference, i.e., @expr{2 - x} is not
22754 commuted to @expr{-x + 2}.
22756 Also, terms of sums are combined by the distributive law, as in
22757 @expr{x + y + 2 x} to @expr{y + 3 x}. This always occurs for
22758 adjacent terms, but @kbd{a s} compares all pairs of terms including
22765 Products are sorted into a canonical order using the commutative
22766 law. For example, @expr{b c a} is commuted to @expr{a b c}.
22767 This allows easier comparison of products; for example, the default
22768 simplifications will not change @expr{x y + y x} to @expr{2 x y},
22769 but @kbd{a s} will; it first rewrites the sum to @expr{x y + x y},
22770 and then the default simplifications are able to recognize a sum
22771 of identical terms.
22773 The canonical ordering used to sort terms of products has the
22774 property that real-valued numbers, interval forms and infinities
22775 come first, and are sorted into increasing order. The @kbd{V S}
22776 command uses the same ordering when sorting a vector.
22778 Sorting of terms of products is inhibited when Matrix mode is
22779 turned on; in this case, Calc will never exchange the order of
22780 two terms unless it knows at least one of the terms is a scalar.
22782 Products of powers are distributed by comparing all pairs of
22783 terms, using the same method that the default simplifications
22784 use for adjacent terms of products.
22786 Even though sums are not sorted, the commutative law is still
22787 taken into account when terms of a product are being compared.
22788 Thus @expr{(x + y) (y + x)} will be simplified to @expr{(x + y)^2}.
22789 A subtle point is that @expr{(x - y) (y - x)} will @emph{not}
22790 be simplified to @expr{-(x - y)^2}; Calc does not notice that
22791 one term can be written as a constant times the other, even if
22792 that constant is @mathit{-1}.
22794 A fraction times any expression, @expr{(a:b) x}, is changed to
22795 a quotient involving integers: @expr{a x / b}. This is not
22796 done for floating-point numbers like @expr{0.5}, however. This
22797 is one reason why you may find it convenient to turn Fraction mode
22798 on while doing algebra; @pxref{Fraction Mode}.
22804 Quotients are simplified by comparing all terms in the numerator
22805 with all terms in the denominator for possible cancellation using
22806 the distributive law. For example, @expr{a x^2 b / c x^3 d} will
22807 cancel @expr{x^2} from the top and bottom to get @expr{a b / c x d}.
22808 (The terms in the denominator will then be rearranged to @expr{c d x}
22809 as described above.) If there is any common integer or fractional
22810 factor in the numerator and denominator, it is cancelled out;
22811 for example, @expr{(4 x + 6) / 8 x} simplifies to @expr{(2 x + 3) / 4 x}.
22813 Non-constant common factors are not found even by @kbd{a s}. To
22814 cancel the factor @expr{a} in @expr{(a x + a) / a^2} you could first
22815 use @kbd{j M} on the product @expr{a x} to Merge the numerator to
22816 @expr{a (1+x)}, which can then be simplified successfully.
22822 Integer powers of the variable @code{i} are simplified according
22823 to the identity @expr{i^2 = -1}. If you store a new value other
22824 than the complex number @expr{(0,1)} in @code{i}, this simplification
22825 will no longer occur. This is done by @kbd{a s} instead of by default
22826 in case someone (unwisely) uses the name @code{i} for a variable
22827 unrelated to complex numbers; it would be unfortunate if Calc
22828 quietly and automatically changed this formula for reasons the
22829 user might not have been thinking of.
22831 Square roots of integer or rational arguments are simplified in
22832 several ways. (Note that these will be left unevaluated only in
22833 Symbolic mode.) First, square integer or rational factors are
22834 pulled out so that @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(8)} is rewritten as
22835 @texline @math{2\,@tfn{sqrt}(2)}.
22836 @infoline @expr{2 sqrt(2)}.
22837 Conceptually speaking this implies factoring the argument into primes
22838 and moving pairs of primes out of the square root, but for reasons of
22839 efficiency Calc only looks for primes up to 29.
22841 Square roots in the denominator of a quotient are moved to the
22842 numerator: @expr{1 / @tfn{sqrt}(3)} changes to @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(3) / 3}.
22843 The same effect occurs for the square root of a fraction:
22844 @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(2:3)} changes to @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(6) / 3}.
22850 The @code{%} (modulo) operator is simplified in several ways
22851 when the modulus @expr{M} is a positive real number. First, if
22852 the argument is of the form @expr{x + n} for some real number
22853 @expr{n}, then @expr{n} is itself reduced modulo @expr{M}. For
22854 example, @samp{(x - 23) % 10} is simplified to @samp{(x + 7) % 10}.
22856 If the argument is multiplied by a constant, and this constant
22857 has a common integer divisor with the modulus, then this factor is
22858 cancelled out. For example, @samp{12 x % 15} is changed to
22859 @samp{3 (4 x % 5)} by factoring out 3. Also, @samp{(12 x + 1) % 15}
22860 is changed to @samp{3 ((4 x + 1:3) % 5)}. While these forms may
22861 not seem ``simpler,'' they allow Calc to discover useful information
22862 about modulo forms in the presence of declarations.
22864 If the modulus is 1, then Calc can use @code{int} declarations to
22865 evaluate the expression. For example, the idiom @samp{x % 2} is
22866 often used to check whether a number is odd or even. As described
22867 above, @w{@samp{2 n % 2}} and @samp{(2 n + 1) % 2} are simplified to
22868 @samp{2 (n % 1)} and @samp{2 ((n + 1:2) % 1)}, respectively; Calc
22869 can simplify these to 0 and 1 (respectively) if @code{n} has been
22870 declared to be an integer.
22876 Trigonometric functions are simplified in several ways. Whenever a
22877 products of two trigonometric functions can be replaced by a single
22878 function, the replacement is made; for example,
22879 @expr{@tfn{tan}(x) @tfn{cos}(x)} is simplified to @expr{@tfn{sin}(x)}.
22880 Reciprocals of trigonometric functions are replaced by their reciprocal
22881 function; for example, @expr{1/@tfn{sec}(x)} is simplified to
22882 @expr{@tfn{cos}(x)}. The corresponding simplifications for the
22883 hyperbolic functions are also handled.
22885 Trigonometric functions of their inverse functions are
22886 simplified. The expression @expr{@tfn{sin}(@tfn{arcsin}(x))} is
22887 simplified to @expr{x}, and similarly for @code{cos} and @code{tan}.
22888 Trigonometric functions of inverses of different trigonometric
22889 functions can also be simplified, as in @expr{@tfn{sin}(@tfn{arccos}(x))}
22890 to @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(1 - x^2)}.
22892 If the argument to @code{sin} is negative-looking, it is simplified to
22893 @expr{-@tfn{sin}(x)}, and similarly for @code{cos} and @code{tan}.
22894 Finally, certain special values of the argument are recognized;
22895 @pxref{Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions}.
22897 Hyperbolic functions of their inverses and of negative-looking
22898 arguments are also handled, as are exponentials of inverse
22899 hyperbolic functions.
22901 No simplifications for inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic
22902 functions are known, except for negative arguments of @code{arcsin},
22903 @code{arctan}, @code{arcsinh}, and @code{arctanh}. Note that
22904 @expr{@tfn{arcsin}(@tfn{sin}(x))} can @emph{not} safely change to
22905 @expr{x}, since this only correct within an integer multiple of
22906 @texline @math{2 \pi}
22907 @infoline @expr{2 pi}
22908 radians or 360 degrees. However, @expr{@tfn{arcsinh}(@tfn{sinh}(x))} is
22909 simplified to @expr{x} if @expr{x} is known to be real.
22911 Several simplifications that apply to logarithms and exponentials
22912 are that @expr{@tfn{exp}(@tfn{ln}(x))},
22913 @texline @tfn{e}@math{^{\ln(x)}},
22914 @infoline @expr{e^@tfn{ln}(x)},
22916 @texline @math{10^{{\rm log10}(x)}}
22917 @infoline @expr{10^@tfn{log10}(x)}
22918 all reduce to @expr{x}. Also, @expr{@tfn{ln}(@tfn{exp}(x))}, etc., can
22919 reduce to @expr{x} if @expr{x} is provably real. The form
22920 @expr{@tfn{exp}(x)^y} is simplified to @expr{@tfn{exp}(x y)}. If @expr{x}
22921 is a suitable multiple of
22922 @texline @math{\pi i}
22923 @infoline @expr{pi i}
22924 (as described above for the trigonometric functions), then
22925 @expr{@tfn{exp}(x)} or @expr{e^x} will be expanded. Finally,
22926 @expr{@tfn{ln}(x)} is simplified to a form involving @code{pi} and
22927 @code{i} where @expr{x} is provably negative, positive imaginary, or
22928 negative imaginary.
22930 The error functions @code{erf} and @code{erfc} are simplified when
22931 their arguments are negative-looking or are calls to the @code{conj}
22938 Equations and inequalities are simplified by cancelling factors
22939 of products, quotients, or sums on both sides. Inequalities
22940 change sign if a negative multiplicative factor is cancelled.
22941 Non-constant multiplicative factors as in @expr{a b = a c} are
22942 cancelled from equations only if they are provably nonzero (generally
22943 because they were declared so; @pxref{Declarations}). Factors
22944 are cancelled from inequalities only if they are nonzero and their
22947 Simplification also replaces an equation or inequality with
22948 1 or 0 (``true'' or ``false'') if it can through the use of
22949 declarations. If @expr{x} is declared to be an integer greater
22950 than 5, then @expr{x < 3}, @expr{x = 3}, and @expr{x = 7.5} are
22951 all simplified to 0, but @expr{x > 3} is simplified to 1.
22952 By a similar analysis, @expr{abs(x) >= 0} is simplified to 1,
22953 as is @expr{x^2 >= 0} if @expr{x} is known to be real.
22955 @node Unsafe Simplifications, Simplification of Units, Algebraic Simplifications, Simplifying Formulas
22956 @subsection ``Unsafe'' Simplifications
22959 @cindex Unsafe simplifications
22960 @cindex Extended simplification
22962 @pindex calc-simplify-extended
22964 @mindex esimpl@idots
22967 The @kbd{a e} (@code{calc-simplify-extended}) [@code{esimplify}] command
22969 except that it applies some additional simplifications which are not
22970 ``safe'' in all cases. Use this only if you know the values in your
22971 formula lie in the restricted ranges for which these simplifications
22972 are valid. The symbolic integrator uses @kbd{a e};
22973 one effect of this is that the integrator's results must be used with
22974 caution. Where an integral table will often attach conditions like
22975 ``for positive @expr{a} only,'' Calc (like most other symbolic
22976 integration programs) will simply produce an unqualified result.
22978 Because @kbd{a e}'s simplifications are unsafe, it is sometimes better
22979 to type @kbd{C-u -3 a v}, which does extended simplification only
22980 on the top level of the formula without affecting the sub-formulas.
22981 In fact, @kbd{C-u -3 j v} allows you to target extended simplification
22982 to any specific part of a formula.
22984 The variable @code{ExtSimpRules} contains rewrites to be applied by
22985 the @kbd{a e} command. These are applied in addition to
22986 @code{EvalRules} and @code{AlgSimpRules}. (The @kbd{a r AlgSimpRules}
22987 step described above is simply followed by an @kbd{a r ExtSimpRules} step.)
22989 Following is a complete list of ``unsafe'' simplifications performed
22996 Inverse trigonometric or hyperbolic functions, called with their
22997 corresponding non-inverse functions as arguments, are simplified
22998 by @kbd{a e}. For example, @expr{@tfn{arcsin}(@tfn{sin}(x))} changes
22999 to @expr{x}. Also, @expr{@tfn{arcsin}(@tfn{cos}(x))} and
23000 @expr{@tfn{arccos}(@tfn{sin}(x))} both change to @expr{@tfn{pi}/2 - x}.
23001 These simplifications are unsafe because they are valid only for
23002 values of @expr{x} in a certain range; outside that range, values
23003 are folded down to the 360-degree range that the inverse trigonometric
23004 functions always produce.
23006 Powers of powers @expr{(x^a)^b} are simplified to
23007 @texline @math{x^{a b}}
23008 @infoline @expr{x^(a b)}
23009 for all @expr{a} and @expr{b}. These results will be valid only
23010 in a restricted range of @expr{x}; for example, in
23011 @texline @math{(x^2)^{1:2}}
23012 @infoline @expr{(x^2)^1:2}
23013 the powers cancel to get @expr{x}, which is valid for positive values
23014 of @expr{x} but not for negative or complex values.
23016 Similarly, @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(x^a)} and @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(x)^a} are both
23017 simplified (possibly unsafely) to
23018 @texline @math{x^{a/2}}.
23019 @infoline @expr{x^(a/2)}.
23021 Forms like @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(1 - sin(x)^2)} are simplified to, e.g.,
23022 @expr{@tfn{cos}(x)}. Calc has identities of this sort for @code{sin},
23023 @code{cos}, @code{tan}, @code{sinh}, and @code{cosh}.
23025 Arguments of square roots are partially factored to look for
23026 squared terms that can be extracted. For example,
23027 @expr{@tfn{sqrt}(a^2 b^3 + a^3 b^2)} simplifies to
23028 @expr{a b @tfn{sqrt}(a+b)}.
23030 The simplifications of @expr{@tfn{ln}(@tfn{exp}(x))},
23031 @expr{@tfn{ln}(@tfn{e}^x)}, and @expr{@tfn{log10}(10^x)} to @expr{x} are also
23032 unsafe because of problems with principal values (although these
23033 simplifications are safe if @expr{x} is known to be real).
23035 Common factors are cancelled from products on both sides of an
23036 equation, even if those factors may be zero: @expr{a x / b x}
23037 to @expr{a / b}. Such factors are never cancelled from
23038 inequalities: Even @kbd{a e} is not bold enough to reduce
23039 @expr{a x < b x} to @expr{a < b} (or @expr{a > b}, depending
23040 on whether you believe @expr{x} is positive or negative).
23041 The @kbd{a M /} command can be used to divide a factor out of
23042 both sides of an inequality.
23044 @node Simplification of Units, , Unsafe Simplifications, Simplifying Formulas
23045 @subsection Simplification of Units
23048 The simplifications described in this section are applied by the
23049 @kbd{u s} (@code{calc-simplify-units}) command. These are in addition
23050 to the regular @kbd{a s} (but not @kbd{a e}) simplifications described
23051 earlier. @xref{Basic Operations on Units}.
23053 The variable @code{UnitSimpRules} contains rewrites to be applied by
23054 the @kbd{u s} command. These are applied in addition to @code{EvalRules}
23055 and @code{AlgSimpRules}.
23057 Scalar mode is automatically put into effect when simplifying units.
23058 @xref{Matrix Mode}.
23060 Sums @expr{a + b} involving units are simplified by extracting the
23061 units of @expr{a} as if by the @kbd{u x} command (call the result
23062 @expr{u_a}), then simplifying the expression @expr{b / u_a}
23063 using @kbd{u b} and @kbd{u s}. If the result has units then the sum
23064 is inconsistent and is left alone. Otherwise, it is rewritten
23065 in terms of the units @expr{u_a}.
23067 If units auto-ranging mode is enabled, products or quotients in
23068 which the first argument is a number which is out of range for the
23069 leading unit are modified accordingly.
23071 When cancelling and combining units in products and quotients,
23072 Calc accounts for unit names that differ only in the prefix letter.
23073 For example, @samp{2 km m} is simplified to @samp{2000 m^2}.
23074 However, compatible but different units like @code{ft} and @code{in}
23075 are not combined in this way.
23077 Quotients @expr{a / b} are simplified in three additional ways. First,
23078 if @expr{b} is a number or a product beginning with a number, Calc
23079 computes the reciprocal of this number and moves it to the numerator.
23081 Second, for each pair of unit names from the numerator and denominator
23082 of a quotient, if the units are compatible (e.g., they are both
23083 units of area) then they are replaced by the ratio between those
23084 units. For example, in @samp{3 s in N / kg cm} the units
23085 @samp{in / cm} will be replaced by @expr{2.54}.
23087 Third, if the units in the quotient exactly cancel out, so that
23088 a @kbd{u b} command on the quotient would produce a dimensionless
23089 number for an answer, then the quotient simplifies to that number.
23091 For powers and square roots, the ``unsafe'' simplifications
23092 @expr{(a b)^c} to @expr{a^c b^c}, @expr{(a/b)^c} to @expr{a^c / b^c},
23093 and @expr{(a^b)^c} to
23094 @texline @math{a^{b c}}
23095 @infoline @expr{a^(b c)}
23096 are done if the powers are real numbers. (These are safe in the context
23097 of units because all numbers involved can reasonably be assumed to be
23100 Also, if a unit name is raised to a fractional power, and the
23101 base units in that unit name all occur to powers which are a
23102 multiple of the denominator of the power, then the unit name
23103 is expanded out into its base units, which can then be simplified
23104 according to the previous paragraph. For example, @samp{acre^1.5}
23105 is simplified by noting that @expr{1.5 = 3:2}, that @samp{acre}
23106 is defined in terms of @samp{m^2}, and that the 2 in the power of
23107 @code{m} is a multiple of 2 in @expr{3:2}. Thus, @code{acre^1.5} is
23108 replaced by approximately
23109 @texline @math{(4046 m^2)^{1.5}}
23110 @infoline @expr{(4046 m^2)^1.5},
23111 which is then changed to
23112 @texline @math{4046^{1.5} \, (m^2)^{1.5}},
23113 @infoline @expr{4046^1.5 (m^2)^1.5},
23114 then to @expr{257440 m^3}.
23116 The functions @code{float}, @code{frac}, @code{clean}, @code{abs},
23117 as well as @code{floor} and the other integer truncation functions,
23118 applied to unit names or products or quotients involving units, are
23119 simplified. For example, @samp{round(1.6 in)} is changed to
23120 @samp{round(1.6) round(in)}; the lefthand term evaluates to 2,
23121 and the righthand term simplifies to @code{in}.
23123 The functions @code{sin}, @code{cos}, and @code{tan} with arguments
23124 that have angular units like @code{rad} or @code{arcmin} are
23125 simplified by converting to base units (radians), then evaluating
23126 with the angular mode temporarily set to radians.
23128 @node Polynomials, Calculus, Simplifying Formulas, Algebra
23129 @section Polynomials
23131 A @dfn{polynomial} is a sum of terms which are coefficients times
23132 various powers of a ``base'' variable. For example, @expr{2 x^2 + 3 x - 4}
23133 is a polynomial in @expr{x}. Some formulas can be considered
23134 polynomials in several different variables: @expr{1 + 2 x + 3 y + 4 x y^2}
23135 is a polynomial in both @expr{x} and @expr{y}. Polynomial coefficients
23136 are often numbers, but they may in general be any formulas not
23137 involving the base variable.
23140 @pindex calc-factor
23142 The @kbd{a f} (@code{calc-factor}) [@code{factor}] command factors a
23143 polynomial into a product of terms. For example, the polynomial
23144 @expr{x^3 + 2 x^2 + x} is factored into @samp{x*(x+1)^2}. As another
23145 example, @expr{a c + b d + b c + a d} is factored into the product
23146 @expr{(a + b) (c + d)}.
23148 Calc currently has three algorithms for factoring. Formulas which are
23149 linear in several variables, such as the second example above, are
23150 merged according to the distributive law. Formulas which are
23151 polynomials in a single variable, with constant integer or fractional
23152 coefficients, are factored into irreducible linear and/or quadratic
23153 terms. The first example above factors into three linear terms
23154 (@expr{x}, @expr{x+1}, and @expr{x+1} again). Finally, formulas
23155 which do not fit the above criteria are handled by the algebraic
23158 Calc's polynomial factorization algorithm works by using the general
23159 root-finding command (@w{@kbd{a P}}) to solve for the roots of the
23160 polynomial. It then looks for roots which are rational numbers
23161 or complex-conjugate pairs, and converts these into linear and
23162 quadratic terms, respectively. Because it uses floating-point
23163 arithmetic, it may be unable to find terms that involve large
23164 integers (whose number of digits approaches the current precision).
23165 Also, irreducible factors of degree higher than quadratic are not
23166 found, and polynomials in more than one variable are not treated.
23167 (A more robust factorization algorithm may be included in a future
23170 @vindex FactorRules
23182 The rewrite-based factorization method uses rules stored in the variable
23183 @code{FactorRules}. @xref{Rewrite Rules}, for a discussion of the
23184 operation of rewrite rules. The default @code{FactorRules} are able
23185 to factor quadratic forms symbolically into two linear terms,
23186 @expr{(a x + b) (c x + d)}. You can edit these rules to include other
23187 cases if you wish. To use the rules, Calc builds the formula
23188 @samp{thecoefs(x, [a, b, c, ...])} where @code{x} is the polynomial
23189 base variable and @code{a}, @code{b}, etc., are polynomial coefficients
23190 (which may be numbers or formulas). The constant term is written first,
23191 i.e., in the @code{a} position. When the rules complete, they should have
23192 changed the formula into the form @samp{thefactors(x, [f1, f2, f3, ...])}
23193 where each @code{fi} should be a factored term, e.g., @samp{x - ai}.
23194 Calc then multiplies these terms together to get the complete
23195 factored form of the polynomial. If the rules do not change the
23196 @code{thecoefs} call to a @code{thefactors} call, @kbd{a f} leaves the
23197 polynomial alone on the assumption that it is unfactorable. (Note that
23198 the function names @code{thecoefs} and @code{thefactors} are used only
23199 as placeholders; there are no actual Calc functions by those names.)
23203 The @kbd{H a f} [@code{factors}] command also factors a polynomial,
23204 but it returns a list of factors instead of an expression which is the
23205 product of the factors. Each factor is represented by a sub-vector
23206 of the factor, and the power with which it appears. For example,
23207 @expr{x^5 + x^4 - 33 x^3 + 63 x^2} factors to @expr{(x + 7) x^2 (x - 3)^2}
23208 in @kbd{a f}, or to @expr{[ [x, 2], [x+7, 1], [x-3, 2] ]} in @kbd{H a f}.
23209 If there is an overall numeric factor, it always comes first in the list.
23210 The functions @code{factor} and @code{factors} allow a second argument
23211 when written in algebraic form; @samp{factor(x,v)} factors @expr{x} with
23212 respect to the specific variable @expr{v}. The default is to factor with
23213 respect to all the variables that appear in @expr{x}.
23216 @pindex calc-collect
23218 The @kbd{a c} (@code{calc-collect}) [@code{collect}] command rearranges a
23220 polynomial in a given variable, ordered in decreasing powers of that
23221 variable. For example, given @expr{1 + 2 x + 3 y + 4 x y^2} on
23222 the stack, @kbd{a c x} would produce @expr{(2 + 4 y^2) x + (1 + 3 y)},
23223 and @kbd{a c y} would produce @expr{(4 x) y^2 + 3 y + (1 + 2 x)}.
23224 The polynomial will be expanded out using the distributive law as
23225 necessary: Collecting @expr{x} in @expr{(x - 1)^3} produces
23226 @expr{x^3 - 3 x^2 + 3 x - 1}. Terms not involving @expr{x} will
23229 The ``variable'' you specify at the prompt can actually be any
23230 expression: @kbd{a c ln(x+1)} will collect together all terms multiplied
23231 by @samp{ln(x+1)} or integer powers thereof. If @samp{x} also appears
23232 in the formula in a context other than @samp{ln(x+1)}, @kbd{a c} will
23233 treat those occurrences as unrelated to @samp{ln(x+1)}, i.e., as constants.
23236 @pindex calc-expand
23238 The @kbd{a x} (@code{calc-expand}) [@code{expand}] command expands an
23239 expression by applying the distributive law everywhere. It applies to
23240 products, quotients, and powers involving sums. By default, it fully
23241 distributes all parts of the expression. With a numeric prefix argument,
23242 the distributive law is applied only the specified number of times, then
23243 the partially expanded expression is left on the stack.
23245 The @kbd{a x} and @kbd{j D} commands are somewhat redundant. Use
23246 @kbd{a x} if you want to expand all products of sums in your formula.
23247 Use @kbd{j D} if you want to expand a particular specified term of
23248 the formula. There is an exactly analogous correspondence between
23249 @kbd{a f} and @kbd{j M}. (The @kbd{j D} and @kbd{j M} commands
23250 also know many other kinds of expansions, such as
23251 @samp{exp(a + b) = exp(a) exp(b)}, which @kbd{a x} and @kbd{a f}
23254 Calc's automatic simplifications will sometimes reverse a partial
23255 expansion. For example, the first step in expanding @expr{(x+1)^3} is
23256 to write @expr{(x+1) (x+1)^2}. If @kbd{a x} stops there and tries
23257 to put this formula onto the stack, though, Calc will automatically
23258 simplify it back to @expr{(x+1)^3} form. The solution is to turn
23259 simplification off first (@pxref{Simplification Modes}), or to run
23260 @kbd{a x} without a numeric prefix argument so that it expands all
23261 the way in one step.
23266 The @kbd{a a} (@code{calc-apart}) [@code{apart}] command expands a
23267 rational function by partial fractions. A rational function is the
23268 quotient of two polynomials; @code{apart} pulls this apart into a
23269 sum of rational functions with simple denominators. In algebraic
23270 notation, the @code{apart} function allows a second argument that
23271 specifies which variable to use as the ``base''; by default, Calc
23272 chooses the base variable automatically.
23275 @pindex calc-normalize-rat
23277 The @kbd{a n} (@code{calc-normalize-rat}) [@code{nrat}] command
23278 attempts to arrange a formula into a quotient of two polynomials.
23279 For example, given @expr{1 + (a + b/c) / d}, the result would be
23280 @expr{(b + a c + c d) / c d}. The quotient is reduced, so that
23281 @kbd{a n} will simplify @expr{(x^2 + 2x + 1) / (x^2 - 1)} by dividing
23282 out the common factor @expr{x + 1}, yielding @expr{(x + 1) / (x - 1)}.
23285 @pindex calc-poly-div
23287 The @kbd{a \} (@code{calc-poly-div}) [@code{pdiv}] command divides
23288 two polynomials @expr{u} and @expr{v}, yielding a new polynomial
23289 @expr{q}. If several variables occur in the inputs, the inputs are
23290 considered multivariate polynomials. (Calc divides by the variable
23291 with the largest power in @expr{u} first, or, in the case of equal
23292 powers, chooses the variables in alphabetical order.) For example,
23293 dividing @expr{x^2 + 3 x + 2} by @expr{x + 2} yields @expr{x + 1}.
23294 The remainder from the division, if any, is reported at the bottom
23295 of the screen and is also placed in the Trail along with the quotient.
23297 Using @code{pdiv} in algebraic notation, you can specify the particular
23298 variable to be used as the base: @code{pdiv(@var{a},@var{b},@var{x})}.
23299 If @code{pdiv} is given only two arguments (as is always the case with
23300 the @kbd{a \} command), then it does a multivariate division as outlined
23304 @pindex calc-poly-rem
23306 The @kbd{a %} (@code{calc-poly-rem}) [@code{prem}] command divides
23307 two polynomials and keeps the remainder @expr{r}. The quotient
23308 @expr{q} is discarded. For any formulas @expr{a} and @expr{b}, the
23309 results of @kbd{a \} and @kbd{a %} satisfy @expr{a = q b + r}.
23310 (This is analogous to plain @kbd{\} and @kbd{%}, which compute the
23311 integer quotient and remainder from dividing two numbers.)
23315 @pindex calc-poly-div-rem
23318 The @kbd{a /} (@code{calc-poly-div-rem}) [@code{pdivrem}] command
23319 divides two polynomials and reports both the quotient and the
23320 remainder as a vector @expr{[q, r]}. The @kbd{H a /} [@code{pdivide}]
23321 command divides two polynomials and constructs the formula
23322 @expr{q + r/b} on the stack. (Naturally if the remainder is zero,
23323 this will immediately simplify to @expr{q}.)
23326 @pindex calc-poly-gcd
23328 The @kbd{a g} (@code{calc-poly-gcd}) [@code{pgcd}] command computes
23329 the greatest common divisor of two polynomials. (The GCD actually
23330 is unique only to within a constant multiplier; Calc attempts to
23331 choose a GCD which will be unsurprising.) For example, the @kbd{a n}
23332 command uses @kbd{a g} to take the GCD of the numerator and denominator
23333 of a quotient, then divides each by the result using @kbd{a \}. (The
23334 definition of GCD ensures that this division can take place without
23335 leaving a remainder.)
23337 While the polynomials used in operations like @kbd{a /} and @kbd{a g}
23338 often have integer coefficients, this is not required. Calc can also
23339 deal with polynomials over the rationals or floating-point reals.
23340 Polynomials with modulo-form coefficients are also useful in many
23341 applications; if you enter @samp{(x^2 + 3 x - 1) mod 5}, Calc
23342 automatically transforms this into a polynomial over the field of
23343 integers mod 5: @samp{(1 mod 5) x^2 + (3 mod 5) x + (4 mod 5)}.
23345 Congratulations and thanks go to Ove Ewerlid
23346 (@code{ewerlid@@mizar.DoCS.UU.SE}), who contributed many of the
23347 polynomial routines used in the above commands.
23349 @xref{Decomposing Polynomials}, for several useful functions for
23350 extracting the individual coefficients of a polynomial.
23352 @node Calculus, Solving Equations, Polynomials, Algebra
23356 The following calculus commands do not automatically simplify their
23357 inputs or outputs using @code{calc-simplify}. You may find it helps
23358 to do this by hand by typing @kbd{a s} or @kbd{a e}. It may also help
23359 to use @kbd{a x} and/or @kbd{a c} to arrange a result in the most
23363 * Differentiation::
23365 * Customizing the Integrator::
23366 * Numerical Integration::
23370 @node Differentiation, Integration, Calculus, Calculus
23371 @subsection Differentiation
23376 @pindex calc-derivative
23379 The @kbd{a d} (@code{calc-derivative}) [@code{deriv}] command computes
23380 the derivative of the expression on the top of the stack with respect to
23381 some variable, which it will prompt you to enter. Normally, variables
23382 in the formula other than the specified differentiation variable are
23383 considered constant, i.e., @samp{deriv(y,x)} is reduced to zero. With
23384 the Hyperbolic flag, the @code{tderiv} (total derivative) operation is used
23385 instead, in which derivatives of variables are not reduced to zero
23386 unless those variables are known to be ``constant,'' i.e., independent
23387 of any other variables. (The built-in special variables like @code{pi}
23388 are considered constant, as are variables that have been declared
23389 @code{const}; @pxref{Declarations}.)
23391 With a numeric prefix argument @var{n}, this command computes the
23392 @var{n}th derivative.
23394 When working with trigonometric functions, it is best to switch to
23395 Radians mode first (with @w{@kbd{m r}}). The derivative of @samp{sin(x)}
23396 in degrees is @samp{(pi/180) cos(x)}, probably not the expected
23399 If you use the @code{deriv} function directly in an algebraic formula,
23400 you can write @samp{deriv(f,x,x0)} which represents the derivative
23401 of @expr{f} with respect to @expr{x}, evaluated at the point
23402 @texline @math{x=x_0}.
23403 @infoline @expr{x=x0}.
23405 If the formula being differentiated contains functions which Calc does
23406 not know, the derivatives of those functions are produced by adding
23407 primes (apostrophe characters). For example, @samp{deriv(f(2x), x)}
23408 produces @samp{2 f'(2 x)}, where the function @code{f'} represents the
23409 derivative of @code{f}.
23411 For functions you have defined with the @kbd{Z F} command, Calc expands
23412 the functions according to their defining formulas unless you have
23413 also defined @code{f'} suitably. For example, suppose we define
23414 @samp{sinc(x) = sin(x)/x} using @kbd{Z F}. If we then differentiate
23415 the formula @samp{sinc(2 x)}, the formula will be expanded to
23416 @samp{sin(2 x) / (2 x)} and differentiated. However, if we also
23417 define @samp{sinc'(x) = dsinc(x)}, say, then Calc will write the
23418 result as @samp{2 dsinc(2 x)}. @xref{Algebraic Definitions}.
23420 For multi-argument functions @samp{f(x,y,z)}, the derivative with respect
23421 to the first argument is written @samp{f'(x,y,z)}; derivatives with
23422 respect to the other arguments are @samp{f'2(x,y,z)} and @samp{f'3(x,y,z)}.
23423 Various higher-order derivatives can be formed in the obvious way, e.g.,
23424 @samp{f'@var{}'(x)} (the second derivative of @code{f}) or
23425 @samp{f'@var{}'2'3(x,y,z)} (@code{f} differentiated with respect to each
23428 @node Integration, Customizing the Integrator, Differentiation, Calculus
23429 @subsection Integration
23433 @pindex calc-integral
23435 The @kbd{a i} (@code{calc-integral}) [@code{integ}] command computes the
23436 indefinite integral of the expression on the top of the stack with
23437 respect to a prompted-for variable. The integrator is not guaranteed to
23438 work for all integrable functions, but it is able to integrate several
23439 large classes of formulas. In particular, any polynomial or rational
23440 function (a polynomial divided by a polynomial) is acceptable.
23441 (Rational functions don't have to be in explicit quotient form, however;
23442 @texline @math{x/(1+x^{-2})}
23443 @infoline @expr{x/(1+x^-2)}
23444 is not strictly a quotient of polynomials, but it is equivalent to
23445 @expr{x^3/(x^2+1)}, which is.) Also, square roots of terms involving
23446 @expr{x} and @expr{x^2} may appear in rational functions being
23447 integrated. Finally, rational functions involving trigonometric or
23448 hyperbolic functions can be integrated.
23450 With an argument (@kbd{C-u a i}), this command will compute the definite
23451 integral of the expression on top of the stack. In this case, the
23452 command will again prompt for an integration variable, then prompt for a
23453 lower limit and an upper limit.
23456 If you use the @code{integ} function directly in an algebraic formula,
23457 you can also write @samp{integ(f,x,v)} which expresses the resulting
23458 indefinite integral in terms of variable @code{v} instead of @code{x}.
23459 With four arguments, @samp{integ(f(x),x,a,b)} represents a definite
23460 integral from @code{a} to @code{b}.
23463 If you use the @code{integ} function directly in an algebraic formula,
23464 you can also write @samp{integ(f,x,v)} which expresses the resulting
23465 indefinite integral in terms of variable @code{v} instead of @code{x}.
23466 With four arguments, @samp{integ(f(x),x,a,b)} represents a definite
23467 integral $\int_a^b f(x) \, dx$.
23470 Please note that the current implementation of Calc's integrator sometimes
23471 produces results that are significantly more complex than they need to
23472 be. For example, the integral Calc finds for
23473 @texline @math{1/(x+\sqrt{x^2+1})}
23474 @infoline @expr{1/(x+sqrt(x^2+1))}
23475 is several times more complicated than the answer Mathematica
23476 returns for the same input, although the two forms are numerically
23477 equivalent. Also, any indefinite integral should be considered to have
23478 an arbitrary constant of integration added to it, although Calc does not
23479 write an explicit constant of integration in its result. For example,
23480 Calc's solution for
23481 @texline @math{1/(1+\tan x)}
23482 @infoline @expr{1/(1+tan(x))}
23483 differs from the solution given in the @emph{CRC Math Tables} by a
23485 @texline @math{\pi i / 2}
23486 @infoline @expr{pi i / 2},
23487 due to a different choice of constant of integration.
23489 The Calculator remembers all the integrals it has done. If conditions
23490 change in a way that would invalidate the old integrals, say, a switch
23491 from Degrees to Radians mode, then they will be thrown out. If you
23492 suspect this is not happening when it should, use the
23493 @code{calc-flush-caches} command; @pxref{Caches}.
23496 Calc normally will pursue integration by substitution or integration by
23497 parts up to 3 nested times before abandoning an approach as fruitless.
23498 If the integrator is taking too long, you can lower this limit by storing
23499 a number (like 2) in the variable @code{IntegLimit}. (The @kbd{s I}
23500 command is a convenient way to edit @code{IntegLimit}.) If this variable
23501 has no stored value or does not contain a nonnegative integer, a limit
23502 of 3 is used. The lower this limit is, the greater the chance that Calc
23503 will be unable to integrate a function it could otherwise handle. Raising
23504 this limit allows the Calculator to solve more integrals, though the time
23505 it takes may grow exponentially. You can monitor the integrator's actions
23506 by creating an Emacs buffer called @code{*Trace*}. If such a buffer
23507 exists, the @kbd{a i} command will write a log of its actions there.
23509 If you want to manipulate integrals in a purely symbolic way, you can
23510 set the integration nesting limit to 0 to prevent all but fast
23511 table-lookup solutions of integrals. You might then wish to define
23512 rewrite rules for integration by parts, various kinds of substitutions,
23513 and so on. @xref{Rewrite Rules}.
23515 @node Customizing the Integrator, Numerical Integration, Integration, Calculus
23516 @subsection Customizing the Integrator
23520 Calc has two built-in rewrite rules called @code{IntegRules} and
23521 @code{IntegAfterRules} which you can edit to define new integration
23522 methods. @xref{Rewrite Rules}. At each step of the integration process,
23523 Calc wraps the current integrand in a call to the fictitious function
23524 @samp{integtry(@var{expr},@var{var})}, where @var{expr} is the
23525 integrand and @var{var} is the integration variable. If your rules
23526 rewrite this to be a plain formula (not a call to @code{integtry}), then
23527 Calc will use this formula as the integral of @var{expr}. For example,
23528 the rule @samp{integtry(mysin(x),x) := -mycos(x)} would define a rule to
23529 integrate a function @code{mysin} that acts like the sine function.
23530 Then, putting @samp{4 mysin(2y+1)} on the stack and typing @kbd{a i y}
23531 will produce the integral @samp{-2 mycos(2y+1)}. Note that Calc has
23532 automatically made various transformations on the integral to allow it
23533 to use your rule; integral tables generally give rules for
23534 @samp{mysin(a x + b)}, but you don't need to use this much generality
23535 in your @code{IntegRules}.
23537 @cindex Exponential integral Ei(x)
23542 As a more serious example, the expression @samp{exp(x)/x} cannot be
23543 integrated in terms of the standard functions, so the ``exponential
23544 integral'' function
23545 @texline @math{{\rm Ei}(x)}
23546 @infoline @expr{Ei(x)}
23547 was invented to describe it.
23548 We can get Calc to do this integral in terms of a made-up @code{Ei}
23549 function by adding the rule @samp{[integtry(exp(x)/x, x) := Ei(x)]}
23550 to @code{IntegRules}. Now entering @samp{exp(2x)/x} on the stack
23551 and typing @kbd{a i x} yields @samp{Ei(2 x)}. This new rule will
23552 work with Calc's various built-in integration methods (such as
23553 integration by substitution) to solve a variety of other problems
23554 involving @code{Ei}: For example, now Calc will also be able to
23555 integrate @samp{exp(exp(x))} and @samp{ln(ln(x))} (to get @samp{Ei(exp(x))}
23556 and @samp{x ln(ln(x)) - Ei(ln(x))}, respectively).
23558 Your rule may do further integration by calling @code{integ}. For
23559 example, @samp{integtry(twice(u),x) := twice(integ(u))} allows Calc
23560 to integrate @samp{twice(sin(x))} to get @samp{twice(-cos(x))}.
23561 Note that @code{integ} was called with only one argument. This notation
23562 is allowed only within @code{IntegRules}; it means ``integrate this
23563 with respect to the same integration variable.'' If Calc is unable
23564 to integrate @code{u}, the integration that invoked @code{IntegRules}
23565 also fails. Thus integrating @samp{twice(f(x))} fails, returning the
23566 unevaluated integral @samp{integ(twice(f(x)), x)}. It is still valid
23567 to call @code{integ} with two or more arguments, however; in this case,
23568 if @code{u} is not integrable, @code{twice} itself will still be
23569 integrated: If the above rule is changed to @samp{... := twice(integ(u,x))},
23570 then integrating @samp{twice(f(x))} will yield @samp{twice(integ(f(x),x))}.
23572 If a rule instead produces the formula @samp{integsubst(@var{sexpr},
23573 @var{svar})}, either replacing the top-level @code{integtry} call or
23574 nested anywhere inside the expression, then Calc will apply the
23575 substitution @samp{@var{u} = @var{sexpr}(@var{svar})} to try to
23576 integrate the original @var{expr}. For example, the rule
23577 @samp{sqrt(a) := integsubst(sqrt(x),x)} says that if Calc ever finds
23578 a square root in the integrand, it should attempt the substitution
23579 @samp{u = sqrt(x)}. (This particular rule is unnecessary because
23580 Calc always tries ``obvious'' substitutions where @var{sexpr} actually
23581 appears in the integrand.) The variable @var{svar} may be the same
23582 as the @var{var} that appeared in the call to @code{integtry}, but
23585 When integrating according to an @code{integsubst}, Calc uses the
23586 equation solver to find the inverse of @var{sexpr} (if the integrand
23587 refers to @var{var} anywhere except in subexpressions that exactly
23588 match @var{sexpr}). It uses the differentiator to find the derivative
23589 of @var{sexpr} and/or its inverse (it has two methods that use one
23590 derivative or the other). You can also specify these items by adding
23591 extra arguments to the @code{integsubst} your rules construct; the
23592 general form is @samp{integsubst(@var{sexpr}, @var{svar}, @var{sinv},
23593 @var{sprime})}, where @var{sinv} is the inverse of @var{sexpr} (still
23594 written as a function of @var{svar}), and @var{sprime} is the
23595 derivative of @var{sexpr} with respect to @var{svar}. If you don't
23596 specify these things, and Calc is not able to work them out on its
23597 own with the information it knows, then your substitution rule will
23598 work only in very specific, simple cases.
23600 Calc applies @code{IntegRules} as if by @kbd{C-u 1 a r IntegRules};
23601 in other words, Calc stops rewriting as soon as any rule in your rule
23602 set succeeds. (If it weren't for this, the @samp{integsubst(sqrt(x),x)}
23603 example above would keep on adding layers of @code{integsubst} calls
23606 @vindex IntegSimpRules
23607 Another set of rules, stored in @code{IntegSimpRules}, are applied
23608 every time the integrator uses @kbd{a s} to simplify an intermediate
23609 result. For example, putting the rule @samp{twice(x) := 2 x} into
23610 @code{IntegSimpRules} would tell Calc to convert the @code{twice}
23611 function into a form it knows whenever integration is attempted.
23613 One more way to influence the integrator is to define a function with
23614 the @kbd{Z F} command (@pxref{Algebraic Definitions}). Calc's
23615 integrator automatically expands such functions according to their
23616 defining formulas, even if you originally asked for the function to
23617 be left unevaluated for symbolic arguments. (Certain other Calc
23618 systems, such as the differentiator and the equation solver, also
23621 @vindex IntegAfterRules
23622 Sometimes Calc is able to find a solution to your integral, but it
23623 expresses the result in a way that is unnecessarily complicated. If
23624 this happens, you can either use @code{integsubst} as described
23625 above to try to hint at a more direct path to the desired result, or
23626 you can use @code{IntegAfterRules}. This is an extra rule set that
23627 runs after the main integrator returns its result; basically, Calc does
23628 an @kbd{a r IntegAfterRules} on the result before showing it to you.
23629 (It also does an @kbd{a s}, without @code{IntegSimpRules}, after that
23630 to further simplify the result.) For example, Calc's integrator
23631 sometimes produces expressions of the form @samp{ln(1+x) - ln(1-x)};
23632 the default @code{IntegAfterRules} rewrite this into the more readable
23633 form @samp{2 arctanh(x)}. Note that, unlike @code{IntegRules},
23634 @code{IntegSimpRules} and @code{IntegAfterRules} are applied any number
23635 of times until no further changes are possible. Rewriting by
23636 @code{IntegAfterRules} occurs only after the main integrator has
23637 finished, not at every step as for @code{IntegRules} and
23638 @code{IntegSimpRules}.
23640 @node Numerical Integration, Taylor Series, Customizing the Integrator, Calculus
23641 @subsection Numerical Integration
23645 @pindex calc-num-integral
23647 If you want a purely numerical answer to an integration problem, you can
23648 use the @kbd{a I} (@code{calc-num-integral}) [@code{ninteg}] command. This
23649 command prompts for an integration variable, a lower limit, and an
23650 upper limit. Except for the integration variable, all other variables
23651 that appear in the integrand formula must have stored values. (A stored
23652 value, if any, for the integration variable itself is ignored.)
23654 Numerical integration works by evaluating your formula at many points in
23655 the specified interval. Calc uses an ``open Romberg'' method; this means
23656 that it does not evaluate the formula actually at the endpoints (so that
23657 it is safe to integrate @samp{sin(x)/x} from zero, for example). Also,
23658 the Romberg method works especially well when the function being
23659 integrated is fairly smooth. If the function is not smooth, Calc will
23660 have to evaluate it at quite a few points before it can accurately
23661 determine the value of the integral.
23663 Integration is much faster when the current precision is small. It is
23664 best to set the precision to the smallest acceptable number of digits
23665 before you use @kbd{a I}. If Calc appears to be taking too long, press
23666 @kbd{C-g} to halt it and try a lower precision. If Calc still appears
23667 to need hundreds of evaluations, check to make sure your function is
23668 well-behaved in the specified interval.
23670 It is possible for the lower integration limit to be @samp{-inf} (minus
23671 infinity). Likewise, the upper limit may be plus infinity. Calc
23672 internally transforms the integral into an equivalent one with finite
23673 limits. However, integration to or across singularities is not supported:
23674 The integral of @samp{1/sqrt(x)} from 0 to 1 exists (it can be found
23675 by Calc's symbolic integrator, for example), but @kbd{a I} will fail
23676 because the integrand goes to infinity at one of the endpoints.
23678 @node Taylor Series, , Numerical Integration, Calculus
23679 @subsection Taylor Series
23683 @pindex calc-taylor
23685 The @kbd{a t} (@code{calc-taylor}) [@code{taylor}] command computes a
23686 power series expansion or Taylor series of a function. You specify the
23687 variable and the desired number of terms. You may give an expression of
23688 the form @samp{@var{var} = @var{a}} or @samp{@var{var} - @var{a}} instead
23689 of just a variable to produce a Taylor expansion about the point @var{a}.
23690 You may specify the number of terms with a numeric prefix argument;
23691 otherwise the command will prompt you for the number of terms. Note that
23692 many series expansions have coefficients of zero for some terms, so you
23693 may appear to get fewer terms than you asked for.
23695 If the @kbd{a i} command is unable to find a symbolic integral for a
23696 function, you can get an approximation by integrating the function's
23699 @node Solving Equations, Numerical Solutions, Calculus, Algebra
23700 @section Solving Equations
23704 @pindex calc-solve-for
23706 @cindex Equations, solving
23707 @cindex Solving equations
23708 The @kbd{a S} (@code{calc-solve-for}) [@code{solve}] command rearranges
23709 an equation to solve for a specific variable. An equation is an
23710 expression of the form @expr{L = R}. For example, the command @kbd{a S x}
23711 will rearrange @expr{y = 3x + 6} to the form, @expr{x = y/3 - 2}. If the
23712 input is not an equation, it is treated like an equation of the
23715 This command also works for inequalities, as in @expr{y < 3x + 6}.
23716 Some inequalities cannot be solved where the analogous equation could
23717 be; for example, solving
23718 @texline @math{a < b \, c}
23719 @infoline @expr{a < b c}
23720 for @expr{b} is impossible
23721 without knowing the sign of @expr{c}. In this case, @kbd{a S} will
23723 @texline @math{b \mathbin{\hbox{\code{!=}}} a/c}
23724 @infoline @expr{b != a/c}
23725 (using the not-equal-to operator) to signify that the direction of the
23726 inequality is now unknown. The inequality
23727 @texline @math{a \le b \, c}
23728 @infoline @expr{a <= b c}
23729 is not even partially solved. @xref{Declarations}, for a way to tell
23730 Calc that the signs of the variables in a formula are in fact known.
23732 Two useful commands for working with the result of @kbd{a S} are
23733 @kbd{a .} (@pxref{Logical Operations}), which converts @expr{x = y/3 - 2}
23734 to @expr{y/3 - 2}, and @kbd{s l} (@pxref{Let Command}) which evaluates
23735 another formula with @expr{x} set equal to @expr{y/3 - 2}.
23738 * Multiple Solutions::
23739 * Solving Systems of Equations::
23740 * Decomposing Polynomials::
23743 @node Multiple Solutions, Solving Systems of Equations, Solving Equations, Solving Equations
23744 @subsection Multiple Solutions
23749 Some equations have more than one solution. The Hyperbolic flag
23750 (@code{H a S}) [@code{fsolve}] tells the solver to report the fully
23751 general family of solutions. It will invent variables @code{n1},
23752 @code{n2}, @dots{}, which represent independent arbitrary integers, and
23753 @code{s1}, @code{s2}, @dots{}, which represent independent arbitrary
23754 signs (either @mathit{+1} or @mathit{-1}). If you don't use the Hyperbolic
23755 flag, Calc will use zero in place of all arbitrary integers, and plus
23756 one in place of all arbitrary signs. Note that variables like @code{n1}
23757 and @code{s1} are not given any special interpretation in Calc except by
23758 the equation solver itself. As usual, you can use the @w{@kbd{s l}}
23759 (@code{calc-let}) command to obtain solutions for various actual values
23760 of these variables.
23762 For example, @kbd{' x^2 = y @key{RET} H a S x @key{RET}} solves to
23763 get @samp{x = s1 sqrt(y)}, indicating that the two solutions to the
23764 equation are @samp{sqrt(y)} and @samp{-sqrt(y)}. Another way to
23765 think about it is that the square-root operation is really a
23766 two-valued function; since every Calc function must return a
23767 single result, @code{sqrt} chooses to return the positive result.
23768 Then @kbd{H a S} doctors this result using @code{s1} to indicate
23769 the full set of possible values of the mathematical square-root.
23771 There is a similar phenomenon going the other direction: Suppose
23772 we solve @samp{sqrt(y) = x} for @code{y}. Calc squares both sides
23773 to get @samp{y = x^2}. This is correct, except that it introduces
23774 some dubious solutions. Consider solving @samp{sqrt(y) = -3}:
23775 Calc will report @expr{y = 9} as a valid solution, which is true
23776 in the mathematical sense of square-root, but false (there is no
23777 solution) for the actual Calc positive-valued @code{sqrt}. This
23778 happens for both @kbd{a S} and @kbd{H a S}.
23780 @cindex @code{GenCount} variable
23790 If you store a positive integer in the Calc variable @code{GenCount},
23791 then Calc will generate formulas of the form @samp{as(@var{n})} for
23792 arbitrary signs, and @samp{an(@var{n})} for arbitrary integers,
23793 where @var{n} represents successive values taken by incrementing
23794 @code{GenCount} by one. While the normal arbitrary sign and
23795 integer symbols start over at @code{s1} and @code{n1} with each
23796 new Calc command, the @code{GenCount} approach will give each
23797 arbitrary value a name that is unique throughout the entire Calc
23798 session. Also, the arbitrary values are function calls instead
23799 of variables, which is advantageous in some cases. For example,
23800 you can make a rewrite rule that recognizes all arbitrary signs
23801 using a pattern like @samp{as(n)}. The @kbd{s l} command only works
23802 on variables, but you can use the @kbd{a b} (@code{calc-substitute})
23803 command to substitute actual values for function calls like @samp{as(3)}.
23805 The @kbd{s G} (@code{calc-edit-GenCount}) command is a convenient
23806 way to create or edit this variable. Press @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish.
23808 If you have not stored a value in @code{GenCount}, or if the value
23809 in that variable is not a positive integer, the regular
23810 @code{s1}/@code{n1} notation is used.
23816 With the Inverse flag, @kbd{I a S} [@code{finv}] treats the expression
23817 on top of the stack as a function of the specified variable and solves
23818 to find the inverse function, written in terms of the same variable.
23819 For example, @kbd{I a S x} inverts @expr{2x + 6} to @expr{x/2 - 3}.
23820 You can use both Inverse and Hyperbolic [@code{ffinv}] to obtain a
23821 fully general inverse, as described above.
23824 @pindex calc-poly-roots
23826 Some equations, specifically polynomials, have a known, finite number
23827 of solutions. The @kbd{a P} (@code{calc-poly-roots}) [@code{roots}]
23828 command uses @kbd{H a S} to solve an equation in general form, then, for
23829 all arbitrary-sign variables like @code{s1}, and all arbitrary-integer
23830 variables like @code{n1} for which @code{n1} only usefully varies over
23831 a finite range, it expands these variables out to all their possible
23832 values. The results are collected into a vector, which is returned.
23833 For example, @samp{roots(x^4 = 1, x)} returns the four solutions
23834 @samp{[1, -1, (0, 1), (0, -1)]}. Generally an @var{n}th degree
23835 polynomial will always have @var{n} roots on the complex plane.
23836 (If you have given a @code{real} declaration for the solution
23837 variable, then only the real-valued solutions, if any, will be
23838 reported; @pxref{Declarations}.)
23840 Note that because @kbd{a P} uses @kbd{H a S}, it is able to deliver
23841 symbolic solutions if the polynomial has symbolic coefficients. Also
23842 note that Calc's solver is not able to get exact symbolic solutions
23843 to all polynomials. Polynomials containing powers up to @expr{x^4}
23844 can always be solved exactly; polynomials of higher degree sometimes
23845 can be: @expr{x^6 + x^3 + 1} is converted to @expr{(x^3)^2 + (x^3) + 1},
23846 which can be solved for @expr{x^3} using the quadratic equation, and then
23847 for @expr{x} by taking cube roots. But in many cases, like
23848 @expr{x^6 + x + 1}, Calc does not know how to rewrite the polynomial
23849 into a form it can solve. The @kbd{a P} command can still deliver a
23850 list of numerical roots, however, provided that Symbolic mode (@kbd{m s})
23851 is not turned on. (If you work with Symbolic mode on, recall that the
23852 @kbd{N} (@code{calc-eval-num}) key is a handy way to reevaluate the
23853 formula on the stack with Symbolic mode temporarily off.) Naturally,
23854 @kbd{a P} can only provide numerical roots if the polynomial coefficients
23855 are all numbers (real or complex).
23857 @node Solving Systems of Equations, Decomposing Polynomials, Multiple Solutions, Solving Equations
23858 @subsection Solving Systems of Equations
23861 @cindex Systems of equations, symbolic
23862 You can also use the commands described above to solve systems of
23863 simultaneous equations. Just create a vector of equations, then
23864 specify a vector of variables for which to solve. (You can omit
23865 the surrounding brackets when entering the vector of variables
23868 For example, putting @samp{[x + y = a, x - y = b]} on the stack
23869 and typing @kbd{a S x,y @key{RET}} produces the vector of solutions
23870 @samp{[x = a - (a-b)/2, y = (a-b)/2]}. The result vector will
23871 have the same length as the variables vector, and the variables
23872 will be listed in the same order there. Note that the solutions
23873 are not always simplified as far as possible; the solution for
23874 @expr{x} here could be improved by an application of the @kbd{a n}
23877 Calc's algorithm works by trying to eliminate one variable at a
23878 time by solving one of the equations for that variable and then
23879 substituting into the other equations. Calc will try all the
23880 possibilities, but you can speed things up by noting that Calc
23881 first tries to eliminate the first variable with the first
23882 equation, then the second variable with the second equation,
23883 and so on. It also helps to put the simpler (e.g., more linear)
23884 equations toward the front of the list. Calc's algorithm will
23885 solve any system of linear equations, and also many kinds of
23892 Normally there will be as many variables as equations. If you
23893 give fewer variables than equations (an ``over-determined'' system
23894 of equations), Calc will find a partial solution. For example,
23895 typing @kbd{a S y @key{RET}} with the above system of equations
23896 would produce @samp{[y = a - x]}. There are now several ways to
23897 express this solution in terms of the original variables; Calc uses
23898 the first one that it finds. You can control the choice by adding
23899 variable specifiers of the form @samp{elim(@var{v})} to the
23900 variables list. This says that @var{v} should be eliminated from
23901 the equations; the variable will not appear at all in the solution.
23902 For example, typing @kbd{a S y,elim(x)} would yield
23903 @samp{[y = a - (b+a)/2]}.
23905 If the variables list contains only @code{elim} specifiers,
23906 Calc simply eliminates those variables from the equations
23907 and then returns the resulting set of equations. For example,
23908 @kbd{a S elim(x)} produces @samp{[a - 2 y = b]}. Every variable
23909 eliminated will reduce the number of equations in the system
23912 Again, @kbd{a S} gives you one solution to the system of
23913 equations. If there are several solutions, you can use @kbd{H a S}
23914 to get a general family of solutions, or, if there is a finite
23915 number of solutions, you can use @kbd{a P} to get a list. (In
23916 the latter case, the result will take the form of a matrix where
23917 the rows are different solutions and the columns correspond to the
23918 variables you requested.)
23920 Another way to deal with certain kinds of overdetermined systems of
23921 equations is the @kbd{a F} command, which does least-squares fitting
23922 to satisfy the equations. @xref{Curve Fitting}.
23924 @node Decomposing Polynomials, , Solving Systems of Equations, Solving Equations
23925 @subsection Decomposing Polynomials
23932 The @code{poly} function takes a polynomial and a variable as
23933 arguments, and returns a vector of polynomial coefficients (constant
23934 coefficient first). For example, @samp{poly(x^3 + 2 x, x)} returns
23935 @expr{[0, 2, 0, 1]}. If the input is not a polynomial in @expr{x},
23936 the call to @code{poly} is left in symbolic form. If the input does
23937 not involve the variable @expr{x}, the input is returned in a list
23938 of length one, representing a polynomial with only a constant
23939 coefficient. The call @samp{poly(x, x)} returns the vector @expr{[0, 1]}.
23940 The last element of the returned vector is guaranteed to be nonzero;
23941 note that @samp{poly(0, x)} returns the empty vector @expr{[]}.
23942 Note also that @expr{x} may actually be any formula; for example,
23943 @samp{poly(sin(x)^2 - sin(x) + 3, sin(x))} returns @expr{[3, -1, 1]}.
23945 @cindex Coefficients of polynomial
23946 @cindex Degree of polynomial
23947 To get the @expr{x^k} coefficient of polynomial @expr{p}, use
23948 @samp{poly(p, x)_(k+1)}. To get the degree of polynomial @expr{p},
23949 use @samp{vlen(poly(p, x)) - 1}. For example, @samp{poly((x+1)^4, x)}
23950 returns @samp{[1, 4, 6, 4, 1]}, so @samp{poly((x+1)^4, x)_(2+1)}
23951 gives the @expr{x^2} coefficient of this polynomial, 6.
23957 One important feature of the solver is its ability to recognize
23958 formulas which are ``essentially'' polynomials. This ability is
23959 made available to the user through the @code{gpoly} function, which
23960 is used just like @code{poly}: @samp{gpoly(@var{expr}, @var{var})}.
23961 If @var{expr} is a polynomial in some term which includes @var{var}, then
23962 this function will return a vector @samp{[@var{x}, @var{c}, @var{a}]}
23963 where @var{x} is the term that depends on @var{var}, @var{c} is a
23964 vector of polynomial coefficients (like the one returned by @code{poly}),
23965 and @var{a} is a multiplier which is usually 1. Basically,
23966 @samp{@var{expr} = @var{a}*(@var{c}_1 + @var{c}_2 @var{x} +
23967 @var{c}_3 @var{x}^2 + ...)}. The last element of @var{c} is
23968 guaranteed to be non-zero, and @var{c} will not equal @samp{[1]}
23969 (i.e., the trivial decomposition @var{expr} = @var{x} is not
23970 considered a polynomial). One side effect is that @samp{gpoly(x, x)}
23971 and @samp{gpoly(6, x)}, both of which might be expected to recognize
23972 their arguments as polynomials, will not because the decomposition
23973 is considered trivial.
23975 For example, @samp{gpoly((x-2)^2, x)} returns @samp{[x, [4, -4, 1], 1]},
23976 since the expanded form of this polynomial is @expr{4 - 4 x + x^2}.
23978 The term @var{x} may itself be a polynomial in @var{var}. This is
23979 done to reduce the size of the @var{c} vector. For example,
23980 @samp{gpoly(x^4 + x^2 - 1, x)} returns @samp{[x^2, [-1, 1, 1], 1]},
23981 since a quadratic polynomial in @expr{x^2} is easier to solve than
23982 a quartic polynomial in @expr{x}.
23984 A few more examples of the kinds of polynomials @code{gpoly} can
23988 sin(x) - 1 [sin(x), [-1, 1], 1]
23989 x + 1/x - 1 [x, [1, -1, 1], 1/x]
23990 x + 1/x [x^2, [1, 1], 1/x]
23991 x^3 + 2 x [x^2, [2, 1], x]
23992 x + x^2:3 + sqrt(x) [x^1:6, [1, 1, 0, 1], x^1:2]
23993 x^(2a) + 2 x^a + 5 [x^a, [5, 2, 1], 1]
23994 (exp(-x) + exp(x)) / 2 [e^(2 x), [0.5, 0.5], e^-x]
23997 The @code{poly} and @code{gpoly} functions accept a third integer argument
23998 which specifies the largest degree of polynomial that is acceptable.
23999 If this is @expr{n}, then only @var{c} vectors of length @expr{n+1}
24000 or less will be returned. Otherwise, the @code{poly} or @code{gpoly}
24001 call will remain in symbolic form. For example, the equation solver
24002 can handle quartics and smaller polynomials, so it calls
24003 @samp{gpoly(@var{expr}, @var{var}, 4)} to discover whether @var{expr}
24004 can be treated by its linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic formulas.
24010 The @code{pdeg} function computes the degree of a polynomial;
24011 @samp{pdeg(p,x)} is the highest power of @code{x} that appears in
24012 @code{p}. This is the same as @samp{vlen(poly(p,x))-1}, but is
24013 much more efficient. If @code{p} is constant with respect to @code{x},
24014 then @samp{pdeg(p,x) = 0}. If @code{p} is not a polynomial in @code{x}
24015 (e.g., @samp{pdeg(2 cos(x), x)}, the function remains unevaluated.
24016 It is possible to omit the second argument @code{x}, in which case
24017 @samp{pdeg(p)} returns the highest total degree of any term of the
24018 polynomial, counting all variables that appear in @code{p}. Note
24019 that @code{pdeg(c) = pdeg(c,x) = 0} for any nonzero constant @code{c};
24020 the degree of the constant zero is considered to be @code{-inf}
24027 The @code{plead} function finds the leading term of a polynomial.
24028 Thus @samp{plead(p,x)} is equivalent to @samp{poly(p,x)_vlen(poly(p,x))},
24029 though again more efficient. In particular, @samp{plead((2x+1)^10, x)}
24030 returns 1024 without expanding out the list of coefficients. The
24031 value of @code{plead(p,x)} will be zero only if @expr{p = 0}.
24037 The @code{pcont} function finds the @dfn{content} of a polynomial. This
24038 is the greatest common divisor of all the coefficients of the polynomial.
24039 With two arguments, @code{pcont(p,x)} effectively uses @samp{poly(p,x)}
24040 to get a list of coefficients, then uses @code{pgcd} (the polynomial
24041 GCD function) to combine these into an answer. For example,
24042 @samp{pcont(4 x y^2 + 6 x^2 y, x)} is @samp{2 y}. The content is
24043 basically the ``biggest'' polynomial that can be divided into @code{p}
24044 exactly. The sign of the content is the same as the sign of the leading
24047 With only one argument, @samp{pcont(p)} computes the numerical
24048 content of the polynomial, i.e., the @code{gcd} of the numerical
24049 coefficients of all the terms in the formula. Note that @code{gcd}
24050 is defined on rational numbers as well as integers; it computes
24051 the @code{gcd} of the numerators and the @code{lcm} of the
24052 denominators. Thus @samp{pcont(4:3 x y^2 + 6 x^2 y)} returns 2:3.
24053 Dividing the polynomial by this number will clear all the
24054 denominators, as well as dividing by any common content in the
24055 numerators. The numerical content of a polynomial is negative only
24056 if all the coefficients in the polynomial are negative.
24062 The @code{pprim} function finds the @dfn{primitive part} of a
24063 polynomial, which is simply the polynomial divided (using @code{pdiv}
24064 if necessary) by its content. If the input polynomial has rational
24065 coefficients, the result will have integer coefficients in simplest
24068 @node Numerical Solutions, Curve Fitting, Solving Equations, Algebra
24069 @section Numerical Solutions
24072 Not all equations can be solved symbolically. The commands in this
24073 section use numerical algorithms that can find a solution to a specific
24074 instance of an equation to any desired accuracy. Note that the
24075 numerical commands are slower than their algebraic cousins; it is a
24076 good idea to try @kbd{a S} before resorting to these commands.
24078 (@xref{Curve Fitting}, for some other, more specialized, operations
24079 on numerical data.)
24084 * Numerical Systems of Equations::
24087 @node Root Finding, Minimization, Numerical Solutions, Numerical Solutions
24088 @subsection Root Finding
24092 @pindex calc-find-root
24094 @cindex Newton's method
24095 @cindex Roots of equations
24096 @cindex Numerical root-finding
24097 The @kbd{a R} (@code{calc-find-root}) [@code{root}] command finds a
24098 numerical solution (or @dfn{root}) of an equation. (This command treats
24099 inequalities the same as equations. If the input is any other kind
24100 of formula, it is interpreted as an equation of the form @expr{X = 0}.)
24102 The @kbd{a R} command requires an initial guess on the top of the
24103 stack, and a formula in the second-to-top position. It prompts for a
24104 solution variable, which must appear in the formula. All other variables
24105 that appear in the formula must have assigned values, i.e., when
24106 a value is assigned to the solution variable and the formula is
24107 evaluated with @kbd{=}, it should evaluate to a number. Any assigned
24108 value for the solution variable itself is ignored and unaffected by
24111 When the command completes, the initial guess is replaced on the stack
24112 by a vector of two numbers: The value of the solution variable that
24113 solves the equation, and the difference between the lefthand and
24114 righthand sides of the equation at that value. Ordinarily, the second
24115 number will be zero or very nearly zero. (Note that Calc uses a
24116 slightly higher precision while finding the root, and thus the second
24117 number may be slightly different from the value you would compute from
24118 the equation yourself.)
24120 The @kbd{v h} (@code{calc-head}) command is a handy way to extract
24121 the first element of the result vector, discarding the error term.
24123 The initial guess can be a real number, in which case Calc searches
24124 for a real solution near that number, or a complex number, in which
24125 case Calc searches the whole complex plane near that number for a
24126 solution, or it can be an interval form which restricts the search
24127 to real numbers inside that interval.
24129 Calc tries to use @kbd{a d} to take the derivative of the equation.
24130 If this succeeds, it uses Newton's method. If the equation is not
24131 differentiable Calc uses a bisection method. (If Newton's method
24132 appears to be going astray, Calc switches over to bisection if it
24133 can, or otherwise gives up. In this case it may help to try again
24134 with a slightly different initial guess.) If the initial guess is a
24135 complex number, the function must be differentiable.
24137 If the formula (or the difference between the sides of an equation)
24138 is negative at one end of the interval you specify and positive at
24139 the other end, the root finder is guaranteed to find a root.
24140 Otherwise, Calc subdivides the interval into small parts looking for
24141 positive and negative values to bracket the root. When your guess is
24142 an interval, Calc will not look outside that interval for a root.
24146 The @kbd{H a R} [@code{wroot}] command is similar to @kbd{a R}, except
24147 that if the initial guess is an interval for which the function has
24148 the same sign at both ends, then rather than subdividing the interval
24149 Calc attempts to widen it to enclose a root. Use this mode if
24150 you are not sure if the function has a root in your interval.
24152 If the function is not differentiable, and you give a simple number
24153 instead of an interval as your initial guess, Calc uses this widening
24154 process even if you did not type the Hyperbolic flag. (If the function
24155 @emph{is} differentiable, Calc uses Newton's method which does not
24156 require a bounding interval in order to work.)
24158 If Calc leaves the @code{root} or @code{wroot} function in symbolic
24159 form on the stack, it will normally display an explanation for why
24160 no root was found. If you miss this explanation, press @kbd{w}
24161 (@code{calc-why}) to get it back.
24163 @node Minimization, Numerical Systems of Equations, Root Finding, Numerical Solutions
24164 @subsection Minimization
24171 @pindex calc-find-minimum
24172 @pindex calc-find-maximum
24175 @cindex Minimization, numerical
24176 The @kbd{a N} (@code{calc-find-minimum}) [@code{minimize}] command
24177 finds a minimum value for a formula. It is very similar in operation
24178 to @kbd{a R} (@code{calc-find-root}): You give the formula and an initial
24179 guess on the stack, and are prompted for the name of a variable. The guess
24180 may be either a number near the desired minimum, or an interval enclosing
24181 the desired minimum. The function returns a vector containing the
24182 value of the variable which minimizes the formula's value, along
24183 with the minimum value itself.
24185 Note that this command looks for a @emph{local} minimum. Many functions
24186 have more than one minimum; some, like
24187 @texline @math{x \sin x},
24188 @infoline @expr{x sin(x)},
24189 have infinitely many. In fact, there is no easy way to define the
24190 ``global'' minimum of
24191 @texline @math{x \sin x}
24192 @infoline @expr{x sin(x)}
24193 but Calc can still locate any particular local minimum
24194 for you. Calc basically goes downhill from the initial guess until it
24195 finds a point at which the function's value is greater both to the left
24196 and to the right. Calc does not use derivatives when minimizing a function.
24198 If your initial guess is an interval and it looks like the minimum
24199 occurs at one or the other endpoint of the interval, Calc will return
24200 that endpoint only if that endpoint is closed; thus, minimizing @expr{17 x}
24201 over @expr{[2..3]} will return @expr{[2, 38]}, but minimizing over
24202 @expr{(2..3]} would report no minimum found. In general, you should
24203 use closed intervals to find literally the minimum value in that
24204 range of @expr{x}, or open intervals to find the local minimum, if
24205 any, that happens to lie in that range.
24207 Most functions are smooth and flat near their minimum values. Because
24208 of this flatness, if the current precision is, say, 12 digits, the
24209 variable can only be determined meaningfully to about six digits. Thus
24210 you should set the precision to twice as many digits as you need in your
24221 The @kbd{H a N} [@code{wminimize}] command, analogously to @kbd{H a R},
24222 expands the guess interval to enclose a minimum rather than requiring
24223 that the minimum lie inside the interval you supply.
24225 The @kbd{a X} (@code{calc-find-maximum}) [@code{maximize}] and
24226 @kbd{H a X} [@code{wmaximize}] commands effectively minimize the
24227 negative of the formula you supply.
24229 The formula must evaluate to a real number at all points inside the
24230 interval (or near the initial guess if the guess is a number). If
24231 the initial guess is a complex number the variable will be minimized
24232 over the complex numbers; if it is real or an interval it will
24233 be minimized over the reals.
24235 @node Numerical Systems of Equations, , Minimization, Numerical Solutions
24236 @subsection Systems of Equations
24239 @cindex Systems of equations, numerical
24240 The @kbd{a R} command can also solve systems of equations. In this
24241 case, the equation should instead be a vector of equations, the
24242 guess should instead be a vector of numbers (intervals are not
24243 supported), and the variable should be a vector of variables. You
24244 can omit the brackets while entering the list of variables. Each
24245 equation must be differentiable by each variable for this mode to
24246 work. The result will be a vector of two vectors: The variable
24247 values that solved the system of equations, and the differences
24248 between the sides of the equations with those variable values.
24249 There must be the same number of equations as variables. Since
24250 only plain numbers are allowed as guesses, the Hyperbolic flag has
24251 no effect when solving a system of equations.
24253 It is also possible to minimize over many variables with @kbd{a N}
24254 (or maximize with @kbd{a X}). Once again the variable name should
24255 be replaced by a vector of variables, and the initial guess should
24256 be an equal-sized vector of initial guesses. But, unlike the case of
24257 multidimensional @kbd{a R}, the formula being minimized should
24258 still be a single formula, @emph{not} a vector. Beware that
24259 multidimensional minimization is currently @emph{very} slow.
24261 @node Curve Fitting, Summations, Numerical Solutions, Algebra
24262 @section Curve Fitting
24265 The @kbd{a F} command fits a set of data to a @dfn{model formula},
24266 such as @expr{y = m x + b} where @expr{m} and @expr{b} are parameters
24267 to be determined. For a typical set of measured data there will be
24268 no single @expr{m} and @expr{b} that exactly fit the data; in this
24269 case, Calc chooses values of the parameters that provide the closest
24270 possible fit. The model formula can be entered in various ways after
24271 the key sequence @kbd{a F} is pressed.
24273 If the letter @kbd{P} is pressed after @kbd{a F} but before the model
24274 description is entered, the data as well as the model formula will be
24275 plotted after the formula is determined. This will be indicated by a
24276 ``P'' in the minibuffer after the help message.
24280 * Polynomial and Multilinear Fits::
24281 * Error Estimates for Fits::
24282 * Standard Nonlinear Models::
24283 * Curve Fitting Details::
24287 @node Linear Fits, Polynomial and Multilinear Fits, Curve Fitting, Curve Fitting
24288 @subsection Linear Fits
24292 @pindex calc-curve-fit
24294 @cindex Linear regression
24295 @cindex Least-squares fits
24296 The @kbd{a F} (@code{calc-curve-fit}) [@code{fit}] command attempts
24297 to fit a set of data (@expr{x} and @expr{y} vectors of numbers) to a
24298 straight line, polynomial, or other function of @expr{x}. For the
24299 moment we will consider only the case of fitting to a line, and we
24300 will ignore the issue of whether or not the model was in fact a good
24303 In a standard linear least-squares fit, we have a set of @expr{(x,y)}
24304 data points that we wish to fit to the model @expr{y = m x + b}
24305 by adjusting the parameters @expr{m} and @expr{b} to make the @expr{y}
24306 values calculated from the formula be as close as possible to the actual
24307 @expr{y} values in the data set. (In a polynomial fit, the model is
24308 instead, say, @expr{y = a x^3 + b x^2 + c x + d}. In a multilinear fit,
24309 we have data points of the form @expr{(x_1,x_2,x_3,y)} and our model is
24310 @expr{y = a x_1 + b x_2 + c x_3 + d}. These will be discussed later.)
24312 In the model formula, variables like @expr{x} and @expr{x_2} are called
24313 the @dfn{independent variables}, and @expr{y} is the @dfn{dependent
24314 variable}. Variables like @expr{m}, @expr{a}, and @expr{b} are called
24315 the @dfn{parameters} of the model.
24317 The @kbd{a F} command takes the data set to be fitted from the stack.
24318 By default, it expects the data in the form of a matrix. For example,
24319 for a linear or polynomial fit, this would be a
24320 @texline @math{2\times N}
24322 matrix where the first row is a list of @expr{x} values and the second
24323 row has the corresponding @expr{y} values. For the multilinear fit
24324 shown above, the matrix would have four rows (@expr{x_1}, @expr{x_2},
24325 @expr{x_3}, and @expr{y}, respectively).
24327 If you happen to have an
24328 @texline @math{N\times2}
24330 matrix instead of a
24331 @texline @math{2\times N}
24333 matrix, just press @kbd{v t} first to transpose the matrix.
24335 After you type @kbd{a F}, Calc prompts you to select a model. For a
24336 linear fit, press the digit @kbd{1}.
24338 Calc then prompts for you to name the variables. By default it chooses
24339 high letters like @expr{x} and @expr{y} for independent variables and
24340 low letters like @expr{a} and @expr{b} for parameters. (The dependent
24341 variable doesn't need a name.) The two kinds of variables are separated
24342 by a semicolon. Since you generally care more about the names of the
24343 independent variables than of the parameters, Calc also allows you to
24344 name only those and let the parameters use default names.
24346 For example, suppose the data matrix
24351 [ [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ]
24352 [ 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 ] ]
24360 $$ \pmatrix{ 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 \cr
24361 5 & 7 & 9 & 11 & 13 }
24367 is on the stack and we wish to do a simple linear fit. Type
24368 @kbd{a F}, then @kbd{1} for the model, then @key{RET} to use
24369 the default names. The result will be the formula @expr{3. + 2. x}
24370 on the stack. Calc has created the model expression @kbd{a + b x},
24371 then found the optimal values of @expr{a} and @expr{b} to fit the
24372 data. (In this case, it was able to find an exact fit.) Calc then
24373 substituted those values for @expr{a} and @expr{b} in the model
24376 The @kbd{a F} command puts two entries in the trail. One is, as
24377 always, a copy of the result that went to the stack; the other is
24378 a vector of the actual parameter values, written as equations:
24379 @expr{[a = 3, b = 2]}, in case you'd rather read them in a list
24380 than pick them out of the formula. (You can type @kbd{t y}
24381 to move this vector to the stack; see @ref{Trail Commands}.
24383 Specifying a different independent variable name will affect the
24384 resulting formula: @kbd{a F 1 k @key{RET}} produces @kbd{3 + 2 k}.
24385 Changing the parameter names (say, @kbd{a F 1 k;b,m @key{RET}}) will affect
24386 the equations that go into the trail.
24392 To see what happens when the fit is not exact, we could change
24393 the number 13 in the data matrix to 14 and try the fit again.
24400 Evaluating this formula, say with @kbd{v x 5 @key{RET} @key{TAB} V M $ @key{RET}}, shows
24401 a reasonably close match to the y-values in the data.
24404 [4.8, 7., 9.2, 11.4, 13.6]
24407 Since there is no line which passes through all the @var{n} data points,
24408 Calc has chosen a line that best approximates the data points using
24409 the method of least squares. The idea is to define the @dfn{chi-square}
24414 chi^2 = sum((y_i - (a + b x_i))^2, i, 1, N)
24420 $$ \chi^2 = \sum_{i=1}^N (y_i - (a + b x_i))^2 $$
24425 which is clearly zero if @expr{a + b x} exactly fits all data points,
24426 and increases as various @expr{a + b x_i} values fail to match the
24427 corresponding @expr{y_i} values. There are several reasons why the
24428 summand is squared, one of them being to ensure that
24429 @texline @math{\chi^2 \ge 0}.
24430 @infoline @expr{chi^2 >= 0}.
24431 Least-squares fitting simply chooses the values of @expr{a} and @expr{b}
24432 for which the error
24433 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24434 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24435 is as small as possible.
24437 Other kinds of models do the same thing but with a different model
24438 formula in place of @expr{a + b x_i}.
24444 A numeric prefix argument causes the @kbd{a F} command to take the
24445 data in some other form than one big matrix. A positive argument @var{n}
24446 will take @var{N} items from the stack, corresponding to the @var{n} rows
24447 of a data matrix. In the linear case, @var{n} must be 2 since there
24448 is always one independent variable and one dependent variable.
24450 A prefix of zero or plain @kbd{C-u} is a compromise; Calc takes two
24451 items from the stack, an @var{n}-row matrix of @expr{x} values, and a
24452 vector of @expr{y} values. If there is only one independent variable,
24453 the @expr{x} values can be either a one-row matrix or a plain vector,
24454 in which case the @kbd{C-u} prefix is the same as a @w{@kbd{C-u 2}} prefix.
24456 @node Polynomial and Multilinear Fits, Error Estimates for Fits, Linear Fits, Curve Fitting
24457 @subsection Polynomial and Multilinear Fits
24460 To fit the data to higher-order polynomials, just type one of the
24461 digits @kbd{2} through @kbd{9} when prompted for a model. For example,
24462 we could fit the original data matrix from the previous section
24463 (with 13, not 14) to a parabola instead of a line by typing
24464 @kbd{a F 2 @key{RET}}.
24467 2.00000000001 x - 1.5e-12 x^2 + 2.99999999999
24470 Note that since the constant and linear terms are enough to fit the
24471 data exactly, it's no surprise that Calc chose a tiny contribution
24472 for @expr{x^2}. (The fact that it's not exactly zero is due only
24473 to roundoff error. Since our data are exact integers, we could get
24474 an exact answer by typing @kbd{m f} first to get Fraction mode.
24475 Then the @expr{x^2} term would vanish altogether. Usually, though,
24476 the data being fitted will be approximate floats so Fraction mode
24479 Doing the @kbd{a F 2} fit on the data set with 14 instead of 13
24480 gives a much larger @expr{x^2} contribution, as Calc bends the
24481 line slightly to improve the fit.
24484 0.142857142855 x^2 + 1.34285714287 x + 3.59999999998
24487 An important result from the theory of polynomial fitting is that it
24488 is always possible to fit @var{n} data points exactly using a polynomial
24489 of degree @mathit{@var{n}-1}, sometimes called an @dfn{interpolating polynomial}.
24490 Using the modified (14) data matrix, a model number of 4 gives
24491 a polynomial that exactly matches all five data points:
24494 0.04167 x^4 - 0.4167 x^3 + 1.458 x^2 - 0.08333 x + 4.
24497 The actual coefficients we get with a precision of 12, like
24498 @expr{0.0416666663588}, clearly suffer from loss of precision.
24499 It is a good idea to increase the working precision to several
24500 digits beyond what you need when you do a fitting operation.
24501 Or, if your data are exact, use Fraction mode to get exact
24504 You can type @kbd{i} instead of a digit at the model prompt to fit
24505 the data exactly to a polynomial. This just counts the number of
24506 columns of the data matrix to choose the degree of the polynomial
24509 Fitting data ``exactly'' to high-degree polynomials is not always
24510 a good idea, though. High-degree polynomials have a tendency to
24511 wiggle uncontrollably in between the fitting data points. Also,
24512 if the exact-fit polynomial is going to be used to interpolate or
24513 extrapolate the data, it is numerically better to use the @kbd{a p}
24514 command described below. @xref{Interpolation}.
24520 Another generalization of the linear model is to assume the
24521 @expr{y} values are a sum of linear contributions from several
24522 @expr{x} values. This is a @dfn{multilinear} fit, and it is also
24523 selected by the @kbd{1} digit key. (Calc decides whether the fit
24524 is linear or multilinear by counting the rows in the data matrix.)
24526 Given the data matrix,
24530 [ [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ]
24532 [ 14.5, 15, 18.5, 22.5, 24 ] ]
24537 the command @kbd{a F 1 @key{RET}} will call the first row @expr{x} and the
24538 second row @expr{y}, and will fit the values in the third row to the
24539 model @expr{a + b x + c y}.
24545 Calc can do multilinear fits with any number of independent variables
24546 (i.e., with any number of data rows).
24552 Yet another variation is @dfn{homogeneous} linear models, in which
24553 the constant term is known to be zero. In the linear case, this
24554 means the model formula is simply @expr{a x}; in the multilinear
24555 case, the model might be @expr{a x + b y + c z}; and in the polynomial
24556 case, the model could be @expr{a x + b x^2 + c x^3}. You can get
24557 a homogeneous linear or multilinear model by pressing the letter
24558 @kbd{h} followed by a regular model key, like @kbd{1} or @kbd{2}.
24559 This will be indicated by an ``h'' in the minibuffer after the help
24562 It is certainly possible to have other constrained linear models,
24563 like @expr{2.3 + a x} or @expr{a - 4 x}. While there is no single
24564 key to select models like these, a later section shows how to enter
24565 any desired model by hand. In the first case, for example, you
24566 would enter @kbd{a F ' 2.3 + a x}.
24568 Another class of models that will work but must be entered by hand
24569 are multinomial fits, e.g., @expr{a + b x + c y + d x^2 + e y^2 + f x y}.
24571 @node Error Estimates for Fits, Standard Nonlinear Models, Polynomial and Multilinear Fits, Curve Fitting
24572 @subsection Error Estimates for Fits
24577 With the Hyperbolic flag, @kbd{H a F} [@code{efit}] performs the same
24578 fitting operation as @kbd{a F}, but reports the coefficients as error
24579 forms instead of plain numbers. Fitting our two data matrices (first
24580 with 13, then with 14) to a line with @kbd{H a F} gives the results,
24584 2.6 +/- 0.382970843103 + 2.2 +/- 0.115470053838 x
24587 In the first case the estimated errors are zero because the linear
24588 fit is perfect. In the second case, the errors are nonzero but
24589 moderately small, because the data are still very close to linear.
24591 It is also possible for the @emph{input} to a fitting operation to
24592 contain error forms. The data values must either all include errors
24593 or all be plain numbers. Error forms can go anywhere but generally
24594 go on the numbers in the last row of the data matrix. If the last
24595 row contains error forms
24596 @texline `@var{y_i}@w{ @tfn{+/-} }@math{\sigma_i}',
24597 @infoline `@var{y_i}@w{ @tfn{+/-} }@var{sigma_i}',
24599 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24600 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24605 chi^2 = sum(((y_i - (a + b x_i)) / sigma_i)^2, i, 1, N)
24611 $$ \chi^2 = \sum_{i=1}^N \left(y_i - (a + b x_i) \over \sigma_i\right)^2 $$
24616 so that data points with larger error estimates contribute less to
24617 the fitting operation.
24619 If there are error forms on other rows of the data matrix, all the
24620 errors for a given data point are combined; the square root of the
24621 sum of the squares of the errors forms the
24622 @texline @math{\sigma_i}
24623 @infoline @expr{sigma_i}
24624 used for the data point.
24626 Both @kbd{a F} and @kbd{H a F} can accept error forms in the input
24627 matrix, although if you are concerned about error analysis you will
24628 probably use @kbd{H a F} so that the output also contains error
24631 If the input contains error forms but all the
24632 @texline @math{\sigma_i}
24633 @infoline @expr{sigma_i}
24634 values are the same, it is easy to see that the resulting fitted model
24635 will be the same as if the input did not have error forms at all
24636 @texline (@math{\chi^2}
24637 @infoline (@expr{chi^2}
24638 is simply scaled uniformly by
24639 @texline @math{1 / \sigma^2},
24640 @infoline @expr{1 / sigma^2},
24641 which doesn't affect where it has a minimum). But there @emph{will} be
24642 a difference in the estimated errors of the coefficients reported by
24645 Consult any text on statistical modeling of data for a discussion
24646 of where these error estimates come from and how they should be
24655 With the Inverse flag, @kbd{I a F} [@code{xfit}] produces even more
24656 information. The result is a vector of six items:
24660 The model formula with error forms for its coefficients or
24661 parameters. This is the result that @kbd{H a F} would have
24665 A vector of ``raw'' parameter values for the model. These are the
24666 polynomial coefficients or other parameters as plain numbers, in the
24667 same order as the parameters appeared in the final prompt of the
24668 @kbd{I a F} command. For polynomials of degree @expr{d}, this vector
24669 will have length @expr{M = d+1} with the constant term first.
24672 The covariance matrix @expr{C} computed from the fit. This is
24673 an @var{m}x@var{m} symmetric matrix; the diagonal elements
24674 @texline @math{C_{jj}}
24675 @infoline @expr{C_j_j}
24677 @texline @math{\sigma_j^2}
24678 @infoline @expr{sigma_j^2}
24679 of the parameters. The other elements are covariances
24680 @texline @math{\sigma_{ij}^2}
24681 @infoline @expr{sigma_i_j^2}
24682 that describe the correlation between pairs of parameters. (A related
24683 set of numbers, the @dfn{linear correlation coefficients}
24684 @texline @math{r_{ij}},
24685 @infoline @expr{r_i_j},
24687 @texline @math{\sigma_{ij}^2 / \sigma_i \, \sigma_j}.)
24688 @infoline @expr{sigma_i_j^2 / sigma_i sigma_j}.)
24691 A vector of @expr{M} ``parameter filter'' functions whose
24692 meanings are described below. If no filters are necessary this
24693 will instead be an empty vector; this is always the case for the
24694 polynomial and multilinear fits described so far.
24698 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24699 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24700 for the fit, calculated by the formulas shown above. This gives a
24701 measure of the quality of the fit; statisticians consider
24702 @texline @math{\chi^2 \approx N - M}
24703 @infoline @expr{chi^2 = N - M}
24704 to indicate a moderately good fit (where again @expr{N} is the number of
24705 data points and @expr{M} is the number of parameters).
24708 A measure of goodness of fit expressed as a probability @expr{Q}.
24709 This is computed from the @code{utpc} probability distribution
24711 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24712 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24713 with @expr{N - M} degrees of freedom. A
24714 value of 0.5 implies a good fit; some texts recommend that often
24715 @expr{Q = 0.1} or even 0.001 can signify an acceptable fit. In
24717 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24718 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24719 statistics assume the errors in your inputs
24720 follow a normal (Gaussian) distribution; if they don't, you may
24721 have to accept smaller values of @expr{Q}.
24723 The @expr{Q} value is computed only if the input included error
24724 estimates. Otherwise, Calc will report the symbol @code{nan}
24725 for @expr{Q}. The reason is that in this case the
24726 @texline @math{\chi^2}
24727 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
24728 value has effectively been used to estimate the original errors
24729 in the input, and thus there is no redundant information left
24730 over to use for a confidence test.
24733 @node Standard Nonlinear Models, Curve Fitting Details, Error Estimates for Fits, Curve Fitting
24734 @subsection Standard Nonlinear Models
24737 The @kbd{a F} command also accepts other kinds of models besides
24738 lines and polynomials. Some common models have quick single-key
24739 abbreviations; others must be entered by hand as algebraic formulas.
24741 Here is a complete list of the standard models recognized by @kbd{a F}:
24745 Linear or multilinear. @mathit{a + b x + c y + d z}.
24747 Polynomials. @mathit{a + b x + c x^2 + d x^3}.
24749 Exponential. @mathit{a} @tfn{exp}@mathit{(b x)} @tfn{exp}@mathit{(c y)}.
24751 Base-10 exponential. @mathit{a} @tfn{10^}@mathit{(b x)} @tfn{10^}@mathit{(c y)}.
24753 Exponential (alternate notation). @tfn{exp}@mathit{(a + b x + c y)}.
24755 Base-10 exponential (alternate). @tfn{10^}@mathit{(a + b x + c y)}.
24757 Logarithmic. @mathit{a + b} @tfn{ln}@mathit{(x) + c} @tfn{ln}@mathit{(y)}.
24759 Base-10 logarithmic. @mathit{a + b} @tfn{log10}@mathit{(x) + c} @tfn{log10}@mathit{(y)}.
24761 General exponential. @mathit{a b^x c^y}.
24763 Power law. @mathit{a x^b y^c}.
24765 Quadratic. @mathit{a + b (x-c)^2 + d (x-e)^2}.
24768 @texline @math{{a \over b \sqrt{2 \pi}} \exp\left( -{1 \over 2} \left( x - c \over b \right)^2 \right)}.
24769 @infoline @mathit{(a / b sqrt(2 pi)) exp(-0.5*((x-c)/b)^2)}.
24771 Logistic @emph{s} curve.
24772 @texline @math{a/(1+e^{b(x-c)})}.
24773 @infoline @mathit{a/(1 + exp(b (x - c)))}.
24775 Logistic bell curve.
24776 @texline @math{ae^{b(x-c)}/(1+e^{b(x-c)})^2}.
24777 @infoline @mathit{a exp(b (x - c))/(1 + exp(b (x - c)))^2}.
24779 Hubbert linearization.
24780 @texline @math{{y \over x} = a(1-x/b)}.
24781 @infoline @mathit{(y/x) = a (1 - x/b)}.
24784 All of these models are used in the usual way; just press the appropriate
24785 letter at the model prompt, and choose variable names if you wish. The
24786 result will be a formula as shown in the above table, with the best-fit
24787 values of the parameters substituted. (You may find it easier to read
24788 the parameter values from the vector that is placed in the trail.)
24790 All models except Gaussian, logistics, Hubbert and polynomials can
24791 generalize as shown to any number of independent variables. Also, all
24792 the built-in models except for the logistic and Hubbert curves have an
24793 additive or multiplicative parameter shown as @expr{a} in the above table
24794 which can be replaced by zero or one, as appropriate, by typing @kbd{h}
24795 before the model key.
24797 Note that many of these models are essentially equivalent, but express
24798 the parameters slightly differently. For example, @expr{a b^x} and
24799 the other two exponential models are all algebraic rearrangements of
24800 each other. Also, the ``quadratic'' model is just a degree-2 polynomial
24801 with the parameters expressed differently. Use whichever form best
24802 matches the problem.
24804 The HP-28/48 calculators support four different models for curve
24805 fitting, called @code{LIN}, @code{LOG}, @code{EXP}, and @code{PWR}.
24806 These correspond to Calc models @samp{a + b x}, @samp{a + b ln(x)},
24807 @samp{a exp(b x)}, and @samp{a x^b}, respectively. In each case,
24808 @expr{a} is what the HP-48 identifies as the ``intercept,'' and
24809 @expr{b} is what it calls the ``slope.''
24815 If the model you want doesn't appear on this list, press @kbd{'}
24816 (the apostrophe key) at the model prompt to enter any algebraic
24817 formula, such as @kbd{m x - b}, as the model. (Not all models
24818 will work, though---see the next section for details.)
24820 The model can also be an equation like @expr{y = m x + b}.
24821 In this case, Calc thinks of all the rows of the data matrix on
24822 equal terms; this model effectively has two parameters
24823 (@expr{m} and @expr{b}) and two independent variables (@expr{x}
24824 and @expr{y}), with no ``dependent'' variables. Model equations
24825 do not need to take this @expr{y =} form. For example, the
24826 implicit line equation @expr{a x + b y = 1} works fine as a
24829 When you enter a model, Calc makes an alphabetical list of all
24830 the variables that appear in the model. These are used for the
24831 default parameters, independent variables, and dependent variable
24832 (in that order). If you enter a plain formula (not an equation),
24833 Calc assumes the dependent variable does not appear in the formula
24834 and thus does not need a name.
24836 For example, if the model formula has the variables @expr{a,mu,sigma,t,x},
24837 and the data matrix has three rows (meaning two independent variables),
24838 Calc will use @expr{a,mu,sigma} as the default parameters, and the
24839 data rows will be named @expr{t} and @expr{x}, respectively. If you
24840 enter an equation instead of a plain formula, Calc will use @expr{a,mu}
24841 as the parameters, and @expr{sigma,t,x} as the three independent
24844 You can, of course, override these choices by entering something
24845 different at the prompt. If you leave some variables out of the list,
24846 those variables must have stored values and those stored values will
24847 be used as constants in the model. (Stored values for the parameters
24848 and independent variables are ignored by the @kbd{a F} command.)
24849 If you list only independent variables, all the remaining variables
24850 in the model formula will become parameters.
24852 If there are @kbd{$} signs in the model you type, they will stand
24853 for parameters and all other variables (in alphabetical order)
24854 will be independent. Use @kbd{$} for one parameter, @kbd{$$} for
24855 another, and so on. Thus @kbd{$ x + $$} is another way to describe
24858 If you type a @kbd{$} instead of @kbd{'} at the model prompt itself,
24859 Calc will take the model formula from the stack. (The data must then
24860 appear at the second stack level.) The same conventions are used to
24861 choose which variables in the formula are independent by default and
24862 which are parameters.
24864 Models taken from the stack can also be expressed as vectors of
24865 two or three elements, @expr{[@var{model}, @var{vars}]} or
24866 @expr{[@var{model}, @var{vars}, @var{params}]}. Each of @var{vars}
24867 and @var{params} may be either a variable or a vector of variables.
24868 (If @var{params} is omitted, all variables in @var{model} except
24869 those listed as @var{vars} are parameters.)
24871 When you enter a model manually with @kbd{'}, Calc puts a 3-vector
24872 describing the model in the trail so you can get it back if you wish.
24880 Finally, you can store a model in one of the Calc variables
24881 @code{Model1} or @code{Model2}, then use this model by typing
24882 @kbd{a F u} or @kbd{a F U} (respectively). The value stored in
24883 the variable can be any of the formats that @kbd{a F $} would
24884 accept for a model on the stack.
24890 Calc uses the principal values of inverse functions like @code{ln}
24891 and @code{arcsin} when doing fits. For example, when you enter
24892 the model @samp{y = sin(a t + b)} Calc actually uses the easier
24893 form @samp{arcsin(y) = a t + b}. The @code{arcsin} function always
24894 returns results in the range from @mathit{-90} to 90 degrees (or the
24895 equivalent range in radians). Suppose you had data that you
24896 believed to represent roughly three oscillations of a sine wave,
24897 so that the argument of the sine might go from zero to
24898 @texline @math{3\times360}
24899 @infoline @mathit{3*360}
24901 The above model would appear to be a good way to determine the
24902 true frequency and phase of the sine wave, but in practice it
24903 would fail utterly. The righthand side of the actual model
24904 @samp{arcsin(y) = a t + b} will grow smoothly with @expr{t}, but
24905 the lefthand side will bounce back and forth between @mathit{-90} and 90.
24906 No values of @expr{a} and @expr{b} can make the two sides match,
24907 even approximately.
24909 There is no good solution to this problem at present. You could
24910 restrict your data to small enough ranges so that the above problem
24911 doesn't occur (i.e., not straddling any peaks in the sine wave).
24912 Or, in this case, you could use a totally different method such as
24913 Fourier analysis, which is beyond the scope of the @kbd{a F} command.
24914 (Unfortunately, Calc does not currently have any facilities for
24915 taking Fourier and related transforms.)
24917 @node Curve Fitting Details, Interpolation, Standard Nonlinear Models, Curve Fitting
24918 @subsection Curve Fitting Details
24921 Calc's internal least-squares fitter can only handle multilinear
24922 models. More precisely, it can handle any model of the form
24923 @expr{a f(x,y,z) + b g(x,y,z) + c h(x,y,z)}, where @expr{a,b,c}
24924 are the parameters and @expr{x,y,z} are the independent variables
24925 (of course there can be any number of each, not just three).
24927 In a simple multilinear or polynomial fit, it is easy to see how
24928 to convert the model into this form. For example, if the model
24929 is @expr{a + b x + c x^2}, then @expr{f(x) = 1}, @expr{g(x) = x},
24930 and @expr{h(x) = x^2} are suitable functions.
24932 For most other models, Calc uses a variety of algebraic manipulations
24933 to try to put the problem into the form
24936 Y(x,y,z) = A(a,b,c) F(x,y,z) + B(a,b,c) G(x,y,z) + C(a,b,c) H(x,y,z)
24940 where @expr{Y,A,B,C,F,G,H} are arbitrary functions. It computes
24941 @expr{Y}, @expr{F}, @expr{G}, and @expr{H} for all the data points,
24942 does a standard linear fit to find the values of @expr{A}, @expr{B},
24943 and @expr{C}, then uses the equation solver to solve for @expr{a,b,c}
24944 in terms of @expr{A,B,C}.
24946 A remarkable number of models can be cast into this general form.
24947 We'll look at two examples here to see how it works. The power-law
24948 model @expr{y = a x^b} with two independent variables and two parameters
24949 can be rewritten as follows:
24954 y = exp(ln(a) + b ln(x))
24955 ln(y) = ln(a) + b ln(x)
24959 which matches the desired form with
24960 @texline @math{Y = \ln(y)},
24961 @infoline @expr{Y = ln(y)},
24962 @texline @math{A = \ln(a)},
24963 @infoline @expr{A = ln(a)},
24964 @expr{F = 1}, @expr{B = b}, and
24965 @texline @math{G = \ln(x)}.
24966 @infoline @expr{G = ln(x)}.
24967 Calc thus computes the logarithms of your @expr{y} and @expr{x} values,
24968 does a linear fit for @expr{A} and @expr{B}, then solves to get
24969 @texline @math{a = \exp(A)}
24970 @infoline @expr{a = exp(A)}
24973 Another interesting example is the ``quadratic'' model, which can
24974 be handled by expanding according to the distributive law.
24977 y = a + b*(x - c)^2
24978 y = a + b c^2 - 2 b c x + b x^2
24982 which matches with @expr{Y = y}, @expr{A = a + b c^2}, @expr{F = 1},
24983 @expr{B = -2 b c}, @expr{G = x} (the @mathit{-2} factor could just as easily
24984 have been put into @expr{G} instead of @expr{B}), @expr{C = b}, and
24987 The Gaussian model looks quite complicated, but a closer examination
24988 shows that it's actually similar to the quadratic model but with an
24989 exponential that can be brought to the top and moved into @expr{Y}.
24991 The logistic models cannot be put into general linear form. For these
24992 models, and the Hubbert linearization, Calc computes a rough
24993 approximation for the parameters, then uses the Levenberg-Marquardt
24994 iterative method to refine the approximations.
24996 Another model that cannot be put into general linear
24997 form is a Gaussian with a constant background added on, i.e.,
24998 @expr{d} + the regular Gaussian formula. If you have a model like
24999 this, your best bet is to replace enough of your parameters with
25000 constants to make the model linearizable, then adjust the constants
25001 manually by doing a series of fits. You can compare the fits by
25002 graphing them, by examining the goodness-of-fit measures returned by
25003 @kbd{I a F}, or by some other method suitable to your application.
25004 Note that some models can be linearized in several ways. The
25005 Gaussian-plus-@var{d} model can be linearized by setting @expr{d}
25006 (the background) to a constant, or by setting @expr{b} (the standard
25007 deviation) and @expr{c} (the mean) to constants.
25009 To fit a model with constants substituted for some parameters, just
25010 store suitable values in those parameter variables, then omit them
25011 from the list of parameters when you answer the variables prompt.
25017 A last desperate step would be to use the general-purpose
25018 @code{minimize} function rather than @code{fit}. After all, both
25019 functions solve the problem of minimizing an expression (the
25020 @texline @math{\chi^2}
25021 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
25022 sum) by adjusting certain parameters in the expression. The @kbd{a F}
25023 command is able to use a vastly more efficient algorithm due to its
25024 special knowledge about linear chi-square sums, but the @kbd{a N}
25025 command can do the same thing by brute force.
25027 A compromise would be to pick out a few parameters without which the
25028 fit is linearizable, and use @code{minimize} on a call to @code{fit}
25029 which efficiently takes care of the rest of the parameters. The thing
25030 to be minimized would be the value of
25031 @texline @math{\chi^2}
25032 @infoline @expr{chi^2}
25033 returned as the fifth result of the @code{xfit} function:
25036 minimize(xfit(gaus(a,b,c,d,x), x, [a,b,c], data)_5, d, guess)
25040 where @code{gaus} represents the Gaussian model with background,
25041 @code{data} represents the data matrix, and @code{guess} represents
25042 the initial guess for @expr{d} that @code{minimize} requires.
25043 This operation will only be, shall we say, extraordinarily slow
25044 rather than astronomically slow (as would be the case if @code{minimize}
25045 were used by itself to solve the problem).
25051 The @kbd{I a F} [@code{xfit}] command is somewhat trickier when
25052 nonlinear models are used. The second item in the result is the
25053 vector of ``raw'' parameters @expr{A}, @expr{B}, @expr{C}. The
25054 covariance matrix is written in terms of those raw parameters.
25055 The fifth item is a vector of @dfn{filter} expressions. This
25056 is the empty vector @samp{[]} if the raw parameters were the same
25057 as the requested parameters, i.e., if @expr{A = a}, @expr{B = b},
25058 and so on (which is always true if the model is already linear
25059 in the parameters as written, e.g., for polynomial fits). If the
25060 parameters had to be rearranged, the fifth item is instead a vector
25061 of one formula per parameter in the original model. The raw
25062 parameters are expressed in these ``filter'' formulas as
25063 @samp{fitdummy(1)} for @expr{A}, @samp{fitdummy(2)} for @expr{B},
25066 When Calc needs to modify the model to return the result, it replaces
25067 @samp{fitdummy(1)} in all the filters with the first item in the raw
25068 parameters list, and so on for the other raw parameters, then
25069 evaluates the resulting filter formulas to get the actual parameter
25070 values to be substituted into the original model. In the case of
25071 @kbd{H a F} and @kbd{I a F} where the parameters must be error forms,
25072 Calc uses the square roots of the diagonal entries of the covariance
25073 matrix as error values for the raw parameters, then lets Calc's
25074 standard error-form arithmetic take it from there.
25076 If you use @kbd{I a F} with a nonlinear model, be sure to remember
25077 that the covariance matrix is in terms of the raw parameters,
25078 @emph{not} the actual requested parameters. It's up to you to
25079 figure out how to interpret the covariances in the presence of
25080 nontrivial filter functions.
25082 Things are also complicated when the input contains error forms.
25083 Suppose there are three independent and dependent variables, @expr{x},
25084 @expr{y}, and @expr{z}, one or more of which are error forms in the
25085 data. Calc combines all the error values by taking the square root
25086 of the sum of the squares of the errors. It then changes @expr{x}
25087 and @expr{y} to be plain numbers, and makes @expr{z} into an error
25088 form with this combined error. The @expr{Y(x,y,z)} part of the
25089 linearized model is evaluated, and the result should be an error
25090 form. The error part of that result is used for
25091 @texline @math{\sigma_i}
25092 @infoline @expr{sigma_i}
25093 for the data point. If for some reason @expr{Y(x,y,z)} does not return
25094 an error form, the combined error from @expr{z} is used directly for
25095 @texline @math{\sigma_i}.
25096 @infoline @expr{sigma_i}.
25097 Finally, @expr{z} is also stripped of its error
25098 for use in computing @expr{F(x,y,z)}, @expr{G(x,y,z)} and so on;
25099 the righthand side of the linearized model is computed in regular
25100 arithmetic with no error forms.
25102 (While these rules may seem complicated, they are designed to do
25103 the most reasonable thing in the typical case that @expr{Y(x,y,z)}
25104 depends only on the dependent variable @expr{z}, and in fact is
25105 often simply equal to @expr{z}. For common cases like polynomials
25106 and multilinear models, the combined error is simply used as the
25107 @texline @math{\sigma}
25108 @infoline @expr{sigma}
25109 for the data point with no further ado.)
25116 It may be the case that the model you wish to use is linearizable,
25117 but Calc's built-in rules are unable to figure it out. Calc uses
25118 its algebraic rewrite mechanism to linearize a model. The rewrite
25119 rules are kept in the variable @code{FitRules}. You can edit this
25120 variable using the @kbd{s e FitRules} command; in fact, there is
25121 a special @kbd{s F} command just for editing @code{FitRules}.
25122 @xref{Operations on Variables}.
25124 @xref{Rewrite Rules}, for a discussion of rewrite rules.
25158 Calc uses @code{FitRules} as follows. First, it converts the model
25159 to an equation if necessary and encloses the model equation in a
25160 call to the function @code{fitmodel} (which is not actually a defined
25161 function in Calc; it is only used as a placeholder by the rewrite rules).
25162 Parameter variables are renamed to function calls @samp{fitparam(1)},
25163 @samp{fitparam(2)}, and so on, and independent variables are renamed
25164 to @samp{fitvar(1)}, @samp{fitvar(2)}, etc. The dependent variable
25165 is the highest-numbered @code{fitvar}. For example, the power law
25166 model @expr{a x^b} is converted to @expr{y = a x^b}, then to
25170 fitmodel(fitvar(2) = fitparam(1) fitvar(1)^fitparam(2))
25174 Calc then applies the rewrites as if by @samp{C-u 0 a r FitRules}.
25175 (The zero prefix means that rewriting should continue until no further
25176 changes are possible.)
25178 When rewriting is complete, the @code{fitmodel} call should have
25179 been replaced by a @code{fitsystem} call that looks like this:
25182 fitsystem(@var{Y}, @var{FGH}, @var{abc})
25186 where @var{Y} is a formula that describes the function @expr{Y(x,y,z)},
25187 @var{FGH} is the vector of formulas @expr{[F(x,y,z), G(x,y,z), H(x,y,z)]},
25188 and @var{abc} is the vector of parameter filters which refer to the
25189 raw parameters as @samp{fitdummy(1)} for @expr{A}, @samp{fitdummy(2)}
25190 for @expr{B}, etc. While the number of raw parameters (the length of
25191 the @var{FGH} vector) is usually the same as the number of original
25192 parameters (the length of the @var{abc} vector), this is not required.
25194 The power law model eventually boils down to
25198 fitsystem(ln(fitvar(2)),
25199 [1, ln(fitvar(1))],
25200 [exp(fitdummy(1)), fitdummy(2)])
25204 The actual implementation of @code{FitRules} is complicated; it
25205 proceeds in four phases. First, common rearrangements are done
25206 to try to bring linear terms together and to isolate functions like
25207 @code{exp} and @code{ln} either all the way ``out'' (so that they
25208 can be put into @var{Y}) or all the way ``in'' (so that they can
25209 be put into @var{abc} or @var{FGH}). In particular, all
25210 non-constant powers are converted to logs-and-exponentials form,
25211 and the distributive law is used to expand products of sums.
25212 Quotients are rewritten to use the @samp{fitinv} function, where
25213 @samp{fitinv(x)} represents @expr{1/x} while the @code{FitRules}
25214 are operating. (The use of @code{fitinv} makes recognition of
25215 linear-looking forms easier.) If you modify @code{FitRules}, you
25216 will probably only need to modify the rules for this phase.
25218 Phase two, whose rules can actually also apply during phases one
25219 and three, first rewrites @code{fitmodel} to a two-argument
25220 form @samp{fitmodel(@var{Y}, @var{model})}, where @var{Y} is
25221 initially zero and @var{model} has been changed from @expr{a=b}
25222 to @expr{a-b} form. It then tries to peel off invertible functions
25223 from the outside of @var{model} and put them into @var{Y} instead,
25224 calling the equation solver to invert the functions. Finally, when
25225 this is no longer possible, the @code{fitmodel} is changed to a
25226 four-argument @code{fitsystem}, where the fourth argument is
25227 @var{model} and the @var{FGH} and @var{abc} vectors are initially
25228 empty. (The last vector is really @var{ABC}, corresponding to
25229 raw parameters, for now.)
25231 Phase three converts a sum of items in the @var{model} to a sum
25232 of @samp{fitpart(@var{a}, @var{b}, @var{c})} terms which represent
25233 terms @samp{@var{a}*@var{b}*@var{c}} of the sum, where @var{a}
25234 is all factors that do not involve any variables, @var{b} is all
25235 factors that involve only parameters, and @var{c} is the factors
25236 that involve only independent variables. (If this decomposition
25237 is not possible, the rule set will not complete and Calc will
25238 complain that the model is too complex.) Then @code{fitpart}s
25239 with equal @var{b} or @var{c} components are merged back together
25240 using the distributive law in order to minimize the number of
25241 raw parameters needed.
25243 Phase four moves the @code{fitpart} terms into the @var{FGH} and
25244 @var{ABC} vectors. Also, some of the algebraic expansions that
25245 were done in phase 1 are undone now to make the formulas more
25246 computationally efficient. Finally, it calls the solver one more
25247 time to convert the @var{ABC} vector to an @var{abc} vector, and
25248 removes the fourth @var{model} argument (which by now will be zero)
25249 to obtain the three-argument @code{fitsystem} that the linear
25250 least-squares solver wants to see.
25256 @mindex hasfit@idots
25258 @tindex hasfitparams
25266 Two functions which are useful in connection with @code{FitRules}
25267 are @samp{hasfitparams(x)} and @samp{hasfitvars(x)}, which check
25268 whether @expr{x} refers to any parameters or independent variables,
25269 respectively. Specifically, these functions return ``true'' if the
25270 argument contains any @code{fitparam} (or @code{fitvar}) function
25271 calls, and ``false'' otherwise. (Recall that ``true'' means a
25272 nonzero number, and ``false'' means zero. The actual nonzero number
25273 returned is the largest @var{n} from all the @samp{fitparam(@var{n})}s
25274 or @samp{fitvar(@var{n})}s, respectively, that appear in the formula.)
25280 The @code{fit} function in algebraic notation normally takes four
25281 arguments, @samp{fit(@var{model}, @var{vars}, @var{params}, @var{data})},
25282 where @var{model} is the model formula as it would be typed after
25283 @kbd{a F '}, @var{vars} is the independent variable or a vector of
25284 independent variables, @var{params} likewise gives the parameter(s),
25285 and @var{data} is the data matrix. Note that the length of @var{vars}
25286 must be equal to the number of rows in @var{data} if @var{model} is
25287 an equation, or one less than the number of rows if @var{model} is
25288 a plain formula. (Actually, a name for the dependent variable is
25289 allowed but will be ignored in the plain-formula case.)
25291 If @var{params} is omitted, the parameters are all variables in
25292 @var{model} except those that appear in @var{vars}. If @var{vars}
25293 is also omitted, Calc sorts all the variables that appear in
25294 @var{model} alphabetically and uses the higher ones for @var{vars}
25295 and the lower ones for @var{params}.
25297 Alternatively, @samp{fit(@var{modelvec}, @var{data})} is allowed
25298 where @var{modelvec} is a 2- or 3-vector describing the model
25299 and variables, as discussed previously.
25301 If Calc is unable to do the fit, the @code{fit} function is left
25302 in symbolic form, ordinarily with an explanatory message. The
25303 message will be ``Model expression is too complex'' if the
25304 linearizer was unable to put the model into the required form.
25306 The @code{efit} (corresponding to @kbd{H a F}) and @code{xfit}
25307 (for @kbd{I a F}) functions are completely analogous.
25309 @node Interpolation, , Curve Fitting Details, Curve Fitting
25310 @subsection Polynomial Interpolation
25313 @pindex calc-poly-interp
25315 The @kbd{a p} (@code{calc-poly-interp}) [@code{polint}] command does
25316 a polynomial interpolation at a particular @expr{x} value. It takes
25317 two arguments from the stack: A data matrix of the sort used by
25318 @kbd{a F}, and a single number which represents the desired @expr{x}
25319 value. Calc effectively does an exact polynomial fit as if by @kbd{a F i},
25320 then substitutes the @expr{x} value into the result in order to get an
25321 approximate @expr{y} value based on the fit. (Calc does not actually
25322 use @kbd{a F i}, however; it uses a direct method which is both more
25323 efficient and more numerically stable.)
25325 The result of @kbd{a p} is actually a vector of two values: The @expr{y}
25326 value approximation, and an error measure @expr{dy} that reflects Calc's
25327 estimation of the probable error of the approximation at that value of
25328 @expr{x}. If the input @expr{x} is equal to any of the @expr{x} values
25329 in the data matrix, the output @expr{y} will be the corresponding @expr{y}
25330 value from the matrix, and the output @expr{dy} will be exactly zero.
25332 A prefix argument of 2 causes @kbd{a p} to take separate x- and
25333 y-vectors from the stack instead of one data matrix.
25335 If @expr{x} is a vector of numbers, @kbd{a p} will return a matrix of
25336 interpolated results for each of those @expr{x} values. (The matrix will
25337 have two columns, the @expr{y} values and the @expr{dy} values.)
25338 If @expr{x} is a formula instead of a number, the @code{polint} function
25339 remains in symbolic form; use the @kbd{a "} command to expand it out to
25340 a formula that describes the fit in symbolic terms.
25342 In all cases, the @kbd{a p} command leaves the data vectors or matrix
25343 on the stack. Only the @expr{x} value is replaced by the result.
25347 The @kbd{H a p} [@code{ratint}] command does a rational function
25348 interpolation. It is used exactly like @kbd{a p}, except that it
25349 uses as its model the quotient of two polynomials. If there are
25350 @expr{N} data points, the numerator and denominator polynomials will
25351 each have degree @expr{N/2} (if @expr{N} is odd, the denominator will
25352 have degree one higher than the numerator).
25354 Rational approximations have the advantage that they can accurately
25355 describe functions that have poles (points at which the function's value
25356 goes to infinity, so that the denominator polynomial of the approximation
25357 goes to zero). If @expr{x} corresponds to a pole of the fitted rational
25358 function, then the result will be a division by zero. If Infinite mode
25359 is enabled, the result will be @samp{[uinf, uinf]}.
25361 There is no way to get the actual coefficients of the rational function
25362 used by @kbd{H a p}. (The algorithm never generates these coefficients
25363 explicitly, and quotients of polynomials are beyond @w{@kbd{a F}}'s
25364 capabilities to fit.)
25366 @node Summations, Logical Operations, Curve Fitting, Algebra
25367 @section Summations
25370 @cindex Summation of a series
25372 @pindex calc-summation
25374 The @kbd{a +} (@code{calc-summation}) [@code{sum}] command computes
25375 the sum of a formula over a certain range of index values. The formula
25376 is taken from the top of the stack; the command prompts for the
25377 name of the summation index variable, the lower limit of the
25378 sum (any formula), and the upper limit of the sum. If you
25379 enter a blank line at any of these prompts, that prompt and
25380 any later ones are answered by reading additional elements from
25381 the stack. Thus, @kbd{' k^2 @key{RET} ' k @key{RET} 1 @key{RET} 5 @key{RET} a + @key{RET}}
25382 produces the result 55.
25385 $$ \sum_{k=1}^5 k^2 = 55 $$
25388 The choice of index variable is arbitrary, but it's best not to
25389 use a variable with a stored value. In particular, while
25390 @code{i} is often a favorite index variable, it should be avoided
25391 in Calc because @code{i} has the imaginary constant @expr{(0, 1)}
25392 as a value. If you pressed @kbd{=} on a sum over @code{i}, it would
25393 be changed to a nonsensical sum over the ``variable'' @expr{(0, 1)}!
25394 If you really want to use @code{i} as an index variable, use
25395 @w{@kbd{s u i @key{RET}}} first to ``unstore'' this variable.
25396 (@xref{Storing Variables}.)
25398 A numeric prefix argument steps the index by that amount rather
25399 than by one. Thus @kbd{' a_k @key{RET} C-u -2 a + k @key{RET} 10 @key{RET} 0 @key{RET}}
25400 yields @samp{a_10 + a_8 + a_6 + a_4 + a_2 + a_0}. A prefix
25401 argument of plain @kbd{C-u} causes @kbd{a +} to prompt for the
25402 step value, in which case you can enter any formula or enter
25403 a blank line to take the step value from the stack. With the
25404 @kbd{C-u} prefix, @kbd{a +} can take up to five arguments from
25405 the stack: The formula, the variable, the lower limit, the
25406 upper limit, and (at the top of the stack), the step value.
25408 Calc knows how to do certain sums in closed form. For example,
25409 @samp{sum(6 k^2, k, 1, n) = @w{2 n^3} + 3 n^2 + n}. In particular,
25410 this is possible if the formula being summed is polynomial or
25411 exponential in the index variable. Sums of logarithms are
25412 transformed into logarithms of products. Sums of trigonometric
25413 and hyperbolic functions are transformed to sums of exponentials
25414 and then done in closed form. Also, of course, sums in which the
25415 lower and upper limits are both numbers can always be evaluated
25416 just by grinding them out, although Calc will use closed forms
25417 whenever it can for the sake of efficiency.
25419 The notation for sums in algebraic formulas is
25420 @samp{sum(@var{expr}, @var{var}, @var{low}, @var{high}, @var{step})}.
25421 If @var{step} is omitted, it defaults to one. If @var{high} is
25422 omitted, @var{low} is actually the upper limit and the lower limit
25423 is one. If @var{low} is also omitted, the limits are @samp{-inf}
25424 and @samp{inf}, respectively.
25426 Infinite sums can sometimes be evaluated: @samp{sum(.5^k, k, 1, inf)}
25427 returns @expr{1}. This is done by evaluating the sum in closed
25428 form (to @samp{1. - 0.5^n} in this case), then evaluating this
25429 formula with @code{n} set to @code{inf}. Calc's usual rules
25430 for ``infinite'' arithmetic can find the answer from there. If
25431 infinite arithmetic yields a @samp{nan}, or if the sum cannot be
25432 solved in closed form, Calc leaves the @code{sum} function in
25433 symbolic form. @xref{Infinities}.
25435 As a special feature, if the limits are infinite (or omitted, as
25436 described above) but the formula includes vectors subscripted by
25437 expressions that involve the iteration variable, Calc narrows
25438 the limits to include only the range of integers which result in
25439 valid subscripts for the vector. For example, the sum
25440 @samp{sum(k [a,b,c,d,e,f,g]_(2k),k)} evaluates to @samp{b + 2 d + 3 f}.
25442 The limits of a sum do not need to be integers. For example,
25443 @samp{sum(a_k, k, 0, 2 n, n)} produces @samp{a_0 + a_n + a_(2 n)}.
25444 Calc computes the number of iterations using the formula
25445 @samp{1 + (@var{high} - @var{low}) / @var{step}}, which must,
25446 after simplification as if by @kbd{a s}, evaluate to an integer.
25448 If the number of iterations according to the above formula does
25449 not come out to an integer, the sum is invalid and will be left
25450 in symbolic form. However, closed forms are still supplied, and
25451 you are on your honor not to misuse the resulting formulas by
25452 substituting mismatched bounds into them. For example,
25453 @samp{sum(k, k, 1, 10, 2)} is invalid, but Calc will go ahead and
25454 evaluate the closed form solution for the limits 1 and 10 to get
25455 the rather dubious answer, 29.25.
25457 If the lower limit is greater than the upper limit (assuming a
25458 positive step size), the result is generally zero. However,
25459 Calc only guarantees a zero result when the upper limit is
25460 exactly one step less than the lower limit, i.e., if the number
25461 of iterations is @mathit{-1}. Thus @samp{sum(f(k), k, n, n-1)} is zero
25462 but the sum from @samp{n} to @samp{n-2} may report a nonzero value
25463 if Calc used a closed form solution.
25465 Calc's logical predicates like @expr{a < b} return 1 for ``true''
25466 and 0 for ``false.'' @xref{Logical Operations}. This can be
25467 used to advantage for building conditional sums. For example,
25468 @samp{sum(prime(k)*k^2, k, 1, 20)} is the sum of the squares of all
25469 prime numbers from 1 to 20; the @code{prime} predicate returns 1 if
25470 its argument is prime and 0 otherwise. You can read this expression
25471 as ``the sum of @expr{k^2}, where @expr{k} is prime.'' Indeed,
25472 @samp{sum(prime(k)*k^2, k)} would represent the sum of @emph{all} primes
25473 squared, since the limits default to plus and minus infinity, but
25474 there are no such sums that Calc's built-in rules can do in
25477 As another example, @samp{sum((k != k_0) * f(k), k, 1, n)} is the
25478 sum of @expr{f(k)} for all @expr{k} from 1 to @expr{n}, excluding
25479 one value @expr{k_0}. Slightly more tricky is the summand
25480 @samp{(k != k_0) / (k - k_0)}, which is an attempt to describe
25481 the sum of all @expr{1/(k-k_0)} except at @expr{k = k_0}, where
25482 this would be a division by zero. But at @expr{k = k_0}, this
25483 formula works out to the indeterminate form @expr{0 / 0}, which
25484 Calc will not assume is zero. Better would be to use
25485 @samp{(k != k_0) ? 1/(k-k_0) : 0}; the @samp{? :} operator does
25486 an ``if-then-else'' test: This expression says, ``if
25487 @texline @math{k \ne k_0},
25488 @infoline @expr{k != k_0},
25489 then @expr{1/(k-k_0)}, else zero.'' Now the formula @expr{1/(k-k_0)}
25490 will not even be evaluated by Calc when @expr{k = k_0}.
25492 @cindex Alternating sums
25494 @pindex calc-alt-summation
25496 The @kbd{a -} (@code{calc-alt-summation}) [@code{asum}] command
25497 computes an alternating sum. Successive terms of the sequence
25498 are given alternating signs, with the first term (corresponding
25499 to the lower index value) being positive. Alternating sums
25500 are converted to normal sums with an extra term of the form
25501 @samp{(-1)^(k-@var{low})}. This formula is adjusted appropriately
25502 if the step value is other than one. For example, the Taylor
25503 series for the sine function is @samp{asum(x^k / k!, k, 1, inf, 2)}.
25504 (Calc cannot evaluate this infinite series, but it can approximate
25505 it if you replace @code{inf} with any particular odd number.)
25506 Calc converts this series to a regular sum with a step of one,
25507 namely @samp{sum((-1)^k x^(2k+1) / (2k+1)!, k, 0, inf)}.
25509 @cindex Product of a sequence
25511 @pindex calc-product
25513 The @kbd{a *} (@code{calc-product}) [@code{prod}] command is
25514 the analogous way to take a product of many terms. Calc also knows
25515 some closed forms for products, such as @samp{prod(k, k, 1, n) = n!}.
25516 Conditional products can be written @samp{prod(k^prime(k), k, 1, n)}
25517 or @samp{prod(prime(k) ? k : 1, k, 1, n)}.
25520 @pindex calc-tabulate
25522 The @kbd{a T} (@code{calc-tabulate}) [@code{table}] command
25523 evaluates a formula at a series of iterated index values, just
25524 like @code{sum} and @code{prod}, but its result is simply a
25525 vector of the results. For example, @samp{table(a_i, i, 1, 7, 2)}
25526 produces @samp{[a_1, a_3, a_5, a_7]}.
25528 @node Logical Operations, Rewrite Rules, Summations, Algebra
25529 @section Logical Operations
25532 The following commands and algebraic functions return true/false values,
25533 where 1 represents ``true'' and 0 represents ``false.'' In cases where
25534 a truth value is required (such as for the condition part of a rewrite
25535 rule, or as the condition for a @w{@kbd{Z [ Z ]}} control structure), any
25536 nonzero value is accepted to mean ``true.'' (Specifically, anything
25537 for which @code{dnonzero} returns 1 is ``true,'' and anything for
25538 which @code{dnonzero} returns 0 or cannot decide is assumed ``false.''
25539 Note that this means that @w{@kbd{Z [ Z ]}} will execute the ``then''
25540 portion if its condition is provably true, but it will execute the
25541 ``else'' portion for any condition like @expr{a = b} that is not
25542 provably true, even if it might be true. Algebraic functions that
25543 have conditions as arguments, like @code{? :} and @code{&&}, remain
25544 unevaluated if the condition is neither provably true nor provably
25545 false. @xref{Declarations}.)
25548 @pindex calc-equal-to
25552 The @kbd{a =} (@code{calc-equal-to}) command, or @samp{eq(a,b)} function
25553 (which can also be written @samp{a = b} or @samp{a == b} in an algebraic
25554 formula) is true if @expr{a} and @expr{b} are equal, either because they
25555 are identical expressions, or because they are numbers which are
25556 numerically equal. (Thus the integer 1 is considered equal to the float
25557 1.0.) If the equality of @expr{a} and @expr{b} cannot be determined,
25558 the comparison is left in symbolic form. Note that as a command, this
25559 operation pops two values from the stack and pushes back either a 1 or
25560 a 0, or a formula @samp{a = b} if the values' equality cannot be determined.
25562 Many Calc commands use @samp{=} formulas to represent @dfn{equations}.
25563 For example, the @kbd{a S} (@code{calc-solve-for}) command rearranges
25564 an equation to solve for a given variable. The @kbd{a M}
25565 (@code{calc-map-equation}) command can be used to apply any
25566 function to both sides of an equation; for example, @kbd{2 a M *}
25567 multiplies both sides of the equation by two. Note that just
25568 @kbd{2 *} would not do the same thing; it would produce the formula
25569 @samp{2 (a = b)} which represents 2 if the equality is true or
25572 The @code{eq} function with more than two arguments (e.g., @kbd{C-u 3 a =}
25573 or @samp{a = b = c}) tests if all of its arguments are equal. In
25574 algebraic notation, the @samp{=} operator is unusual in that it is
25575 neither left- nor right-associative: @samp{a = b = c} is not the
25576 same as @samp{(a = b) = c} or @samp{a = (b = c)} (which each compare
25577 one variable with the 1 or 0 that results from comparing two other
25581 @pindex calc-not-equal-to
25584 The @kbd{a #} (@code{calc-not-equal-to}) command, or @samp{neq(a,b)} or
25585 @samp{a != b} function, is true if @expr{a} and @expr{b} are not equal.
25586 This also works with more than two arguments; @samp{a != b != c != d}
25587 tests that all four of @expr{a}, @expr{b}, @expr{c}, and @expr{d} are
25604 @pindex calc-less-than
25605 @pindex calc-greater-than
25606 @pindex calc-less-equal
25607 @pindex calc-greater-equal
25636 The @kbd{a <} (@code{calc-less-than}) [@samp{lt(a,b)} or @samp{a < b}]
25637 operation is true if @expr{a} is less than @expr{b}. Similar functions
25638 are @kbd{a >} (@code{calc-greater-than}) [@samp{gt(a,b)} or @samp{a > b}],
25639 @kbd{a [} (@code{calc-less-equal}) [@samp{leq(a,b)} or @samp{a <= b}], and
25640 @kbd{a ]} (@code{calc-greater-equal}) [@samp{geq(a,b)} or @samp{a >= b}].
25642 While the inequality functions like @code{lt} do not accept more
25643 than two arguments, the syntax @w{@samp{a <= b < c}} is translated to an
25644 equivalent expression involving intervals: @samp{b in [a .. c)}.
25645 (See the description of @code{in} below.) All four combinations
25646 of @samp{<} and @samp{<=} are allowed, or any of the four combinations
25647 of @samp{>} and @samp{>=}. Four-argument constructions like
25648 @samp{a < b < c < d}, and mixtures like @w{@samp{a < b = c}} that
25649 involve both equalities and inequalities, are not allowed.
25652 @pindex calc-remove-equal
25654 The @kbd{a .} (@code{calc-remove-equal}) [@code{rmeq}] command extracts
25655 the righthand side of the equation or inequality on the top of the
25656 stack. It also works elementwise on vectors. For example, if
25657 @samp{[x = 2.34, y = z / 2]} is on the stack, then @kbd{a .} produces
25658 @samp{[2.34, z / 2]}. As a special case, if the righthand side is a
25659 variable and the lefthand side is a number (as in @samp{2.34 = x}), then
25660 Calc keeps the lefthand side instead. Finally, this command works with
25661 assignments @samp{x := 2.34} as well as equations, always taking the
25662 righthand side, and for @samp{=>} (evaluates-to) operators, always
25663 taking the lefthand side.
25666 @pindex calc-logical-and
25669 The @kbd{a &} (@code{calc-logical-and}) [@samp{land(a,b)} or @samp{a && b}]
25670 function is true if both of its arguments are true, i.e., are
25671 non-zero numbers. In this case, the result will be either @expr{a} or
25672 @expr{b}, chosen arbitrarily. If either argument is zero, the result is
25673 zero. Otherwise, the formula is left in symbolic form.
25676 @pindex calc-logical-or
25679 The @kbd{a |} (@code{calc-logical-or}) [@samp{lor(a,b)} or @samp{a || b}]
25680 function is true if either or both of its arguments are true (nonzero).
25681 The result is whichever argument was nonzero, choosing arbitrarily if both
25682 are nonzero. If both @expr{a} and @expr{b} are zero, the result is
25686 @pindex calc-logical-not
25689 The @kbd{a !} (@code{calc-logical-not}) [@samp{lnot(a)} or @samp{!@: a}]
25690 function is true if @expr{a} is false (zero), or false if @expr{a} is
25691 true (nonzero). It is left in symbolic form if @expr{a} is not a
25695 @pindex calc-logical-if
25705 @cindex Arguments, not evaluated
25706 The @kbd{a :} (@code{calc-logical-if}) [@samp{if(a,b,c)} or @samp{a ? b :@: c}]
25707 function is equal to either @expr{b} or @expr{c} if @expr{a} is a nonzero
25708 number or zero, respectively. If @expr{a} is not a number, the test is
25709 left in symbolic form and neither @expr{b} nor @expr{c} is evaluated in
25710 any way. In algebraic formulas, this is one of the few Calc functions
25711 whose arguments are not automatically evaluated when the function itself
25712 is evaluated. The others are @code{lambda}, @code{quote}, and
25715 One minor surprise to watch out for is that the formula @samp{a?3:4}
25716 will not work because the @samp{3:4} is parsed as a fraction instead of
25717 as three separate symbols. Type something like @samp{a ? 3 : 4} or
25718 @samp{a?(3):4} instead.
25720 As a special case, if @expr{a} evaluates to a vector, then both @expr{b}
25721 and @expr{c} are evaluated; the result is a vector of the same length
25722 as @expr{a} whose elements are chosen from corresponding elements of
25723 @expr{b} and @expr{c} according to whether each element of @expr{a}
25724 is zero or nonzero. Each of @expr{b} and @expr{c} must be either a
25725 vector of the same length as @expr{a}, or a non-vector which is matched
25726 with all elements of @expr{a}.
25729 @pindex calc-in-set
25731 The @kbd{a @{} (@code{calc-in-set}) [@samp{in(a,b)}] function is true if
25732 the number @expr{a} is in the set of numbers represented by @expr{b}.
25733 If @expr{b} is an interval form, @expr{a} must be one of the values
25734 encompassed by the interval. If @expr{b} is a vector, @expr{a} must be
25735 equal to one of the elements of the vector. (If any vector elements are
25736 intervals, @expr{a} must be in any of the intervals.) If @expr{b} is a
25737 plain number, @expr{a} must be numerically equal to @expr{b}.
25738 @xref{Set Operations}, for a group of commands that manipulate sets
25745 The @samp{typeof(a)} function produces an integer or variable which
25746 characterizes @expr{a}. If @expr{a} is a number, vector, or variable,
25747 the result will be one of the following numbers:
25752 3 Floating-point number
25754 5 Rectangular complex number
25755 6 Polar complex number
25761 12 Infinity (inf, uinf, or nan)
25763 101 Vector (but not a matrix)
25767 Otherwise, @expr{a} is a formula, and the result is a variable which
25768 represents the name of the top-level function call.
25782 The @samp{integer(a)} function returns true if @expr{a} is an integer.
25783 The @samp{real(a)} function
25784 is true if @expr{a} is a real number, either integer, fraction, or
25785 float. The @samp{constant(a)} function returns true if @expr{a} is
25786 any of the objects for which @code{typeof} would produce an integer
25787 code result except for variables, and provided that the components of
25788 an object like a vector or error form are themselves constant.
25789 Note that infinities do not satisfy any of these tests, nor do
25790 special constants like @code{pi} and @code{e}.
25792 @xref{Declarations}, for a set of similar functions that recognize
25793 formulas as well as actual numbers. For example, @samp{dint(floor(x))}
25794 is true because @samp{floor(x)} is provably integer-valued, but
25795 @samp{integer(floor(x))} does not because @samp{floor(x)} is not
25796 literally an integer constant.
25802 The @samp{refers(a,b)} function is true if the variable (or sub-expression)
25803 @expr{b} appears in @expr{a}, or false otherwise. Unlike the other
25804 tests described here, this function returns a definite ``no'' answer
25805 even if its arguments are still in symbolic form. The only case where
25806 @code{refers} will be left unevaluated is if @expr{a} is a plain
25807 variable (different from @expr{b}).
25813 The @samp{negative(a)} function returns true if @expr{a} ``looks'' negative,
25814 because it is a negative number, because it is of the form @expr{-x},
25815 or because it is a product or quotient with a term that looks negative.
25816 This is most useful in rewrite rules. Beware that @samp{negative(a)}
25817 evaluates to 1 or 0 for @emph{any} argument @expr{a}, so it can only
25818 be stored in a formula if the default simplifications are turned off
25819 first with @kbd{m O} (or if it appears in an unevaluated context such
25820 as a rewrite rule condition).
25826 The @samp{variable(a)} function is true if @expr{a} is a variable,
25827 or false if not. If @expr{a} is a function call, this test is left
25828 in symbolic form. Built-in variables like @code{pi} and @code{inf}
25829 are considered variables like any others by this test.
25835 The @samp{nonvar(a)} function is true if @expr{a} is a non-variable.
25836 If its argument is a variable it is left unsimplified; it never
25837 actually returns zero. However, since Calc's condition-testing
25838 commands consider ``false'' anything not provably true, this is
25857 @cindex Linearity testing
25858 The functions @code{lin}, @code{linnt}, @code{islin}, and @code{islinnt}
25859 check if an expression is ``linear,'' i.e., can be written in the form
25860 @expr{a + b x} for some constants @expr{a} and @expr{b}, and some
25861 variable or subformula @expr{x}. The function @samp{islin(f,x)} checks
25862 if formula @expr{f} is linear in @expr{x}, returning 1 if so. For
25863 example, @samp{islin(x,x)}, @samp{islin(-x,x)}, @samp{islin(3,x)}, and
25864 @samp{islin(x y / 3 - 2, x)} all return 1. The @samp{lin(f,x)} function
25865 is similar, except that instead of returning 1 it returns the vector
25866 @expr{[a, b, x]}. For the above examples, this vector would be
25867 @expr{[0, 1, x]}, @expr{[0, -1, x]}, @expr{[3, 0, x]}, and
25868 @expr{[-2, y/3, x]}, respectively. Both @code{lin} and @code{islin}
25869 generally remain unevaluated for expressions which are not linear,
25870 e.g., @samp{lin(2 x^2, x)} and @samp{lin(sin(x), x)}. The second
25871 argument can also be a formula; @samp{islin(2 + 3 sin(x), sin(x))}
25874 The @code{linnt} and @code{islinnt} functions perform a similar check,
25875 but require a ``non-trivial'' linear form, which means that the
25876 @expr{b} coefficient must be non-zero. For example, @samp{lin(2,x)}
25877 returns @expr{[2, 0, x]} and @samp{lin(y,x)} returns @expr{[y, 0, x]},
25878 but @samp{linnt(2,x)} and @samp{linnt(y,x)} are left unevaluated
25879 (in other words, these formulas are considered to be only ``trivially''
25880 linear in @expr{x}).
25882 All four linearity-testing functions allow you to omit the second
25883 argument, in which case the input may be linear in any non-constant
25884 formula. Here, the @expr{a=0}, @expr{b=1} case is also considered
25885 trivial, and only constant values for @expr{a} and @expr{b} are
25886 recognized. Thus, @samp{lin(2 x y)} returns @expr{[0, 2, x y]},
25887 @samp{lin(2 - x y)} returns @expr{[2, -1, x y]}, and @samp{lin(x y)}
25888 returns @expr{[0, 1, x y]}. The @code{linnt} function would allow the
25889 first two cases but not the third. Also, neither @code{lin} nor
25890 @code{linnt} accept plain constants as linear in the one-argument
25891 case: @samp{islin(2,x)} is true, but @samp{islin(2)} is false.
25897 The @samp{istrue(a)} function returns 1 if @expr{a} is a nonzero
25898 number or provably nonzero formula, or 0 if @expr{a} is anything else.
25899 Calls to @code{istrue} can only be manipulated if @kbd{m O} mode is
25900 used to make sure they are not evaluated prematurely. (Note that
25901 declarations are used when deciding whether a formula is true;
25902 @code{istrue} returns 1 when @code{dnonzero} would return 1, and
25903 it returns 0 when @code{dnonzero} would return 0 or leave itself
25906 @node Rewrite Rules, , Logical Operations, Algebra
25907 @section Rewrite Rules
25910 @cindex Rewrite rules
25911 @cindex Transformations
25912 @cindex Pattern matching
25914 @pindex calc-rewrite
25916 The @kbd{a r} (@code{calc-rewrite}) [@code{rewrite}] command makes
25917 substitutions in a formula according to a specified pattern or patterns
25918 known as @dfn{rewrite rules}. Whereas @kbd{a b} (@code{calc-substitute})
25919 matches literally, so that substituting @samp{sin(x)} with @samp{cos(x)}
25920 matches only the @code{sin} function applied to the variable @code{x},
25921 rewrite rules match general kinds of formulas; rewriting using the rule
25922 @samp{sin(x) := cos(x)} matches @code{sin} of any argument and replaces
25923 it with @code{cos} of that same argument. The only significance of the
25924 name @code{x} is that the same name is used on both sides of the rule.
25926 Rewrite rules rearrange formulas already in Calc's memory.
25927 @xref{Syntax Tables}, to read about @dfn{syntax rules}, which are
25928 similar to algebraic rewrite rules but operate when new algebraic
25929 entries are being parsed, converting strings of characters into
25933 * Entering Rewrite Rules::
25934 * Basic Rewrite Rules::
25935 * Conditional Rewrite Rules::
25936 * Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules::
25937 * Other Features of Rewrite Rules::
25938 * Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules::
25939 * Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules::
25940 * Multi-Phase Rewrite Rules::
25941 * Selections with Rewrite Rules::
25942 * Matching Commands::
25943 * Automatic Rewrites::
25944 * Debugging Rewrites::
25945 * Examples of Rewrite Rules::
25948 @node Entering Rewrite Rules, Basic Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
25949 @subsection Entering Rewrite Rules
25952 Rewrite rules normally use the ``assignment'' operator
25953 @samp{@var{old} := @var{new}}.
25954 This operator is equivalent to the function call @samp{assign(old, new)}.
25955 The @code{assign} function is undefined by itself in Calc, so an
25956 assignment formula such as a rewrite rule will be left alone by ordinary
25957 Calc commands. But certain commands, like the rewrite system, interpret
25958 assignments in special ways.
25960 For example, the rule @samp{sin(x)^2 := 1-cos(x)^2} says to replace
25961 every occurrence of the sine of something, squared, with one minus the
25962 square of the cosine of that same thing. All by itself as a formula
25963 on the stack it does nothing, but when given to the @kbd{a r} command
25964 it turns that command into a sine-squared-to-cosine-squared converter.
25966 To specify a set of rules to be applied all at once, make a vector of
25969 When @kbd{a r} prompts you to enter the rewrite rules, you can answer
25974 With a rule: @kbd{f(x) := g(x) @key{RET}}.
25976 With a vector of rules: @kbd{[f1(x) := g1(x), f2(x) := g2(x)] @key{RET}}.
25977 (You can omit the enclosing square brackets if you wish.)
25979 With the name of a variable that contains the rule or rules vector:
25980 @kbd{myrules @key{RET}}.
25982 With any formula except a rule, a vector, or a variable name; this
25983 will be interpreted as the @var{old} half of a rewrite rule,
25984 and you will be prompted a second time for the @var{new} half:
25985 @kbd{f(x) @key{RET} g(x) @key{RET}}.
25987 With a blank line, in which case the rule, rules vector, or variable
25988 will be taken from the top of the stack (and the formula to be
25989 rewritten will come from the second-to-top position).
25992 If you enter the rules directly (as opposed to using rules stored
25993 in a variable), those rules will be put into the Trail so that you
25994 can retrieve them later. @xref{Trail Commands}.
25996 It is most convenient to store rules you use often in a variable and
25997 invoke them by giving the variable name. The @kbd{s e}
25998 (@code{calc-edit-variable}) command is an easy way to create or edit a
25999 rule set stored in a variable. You may also wish to use @kbd{s p}
26000 (@code{calc-permanent-variable}) to save your rules permanently;
26001 @pxref{Operations on Variables}.
26003 Rewrite rules are compiled into a special internal form for faster
26004 matching. If you enter a rule set directly it must be recompiled
26005 every time. If you store the rules in a variable and refer to them
26006 through that variable, they will be compiled once and saved away
26007 along with the variable for later reference. This is another good
26008 reason to store your rules in a variable.
26010 Calc also accepts an obsolete notation for rules, as vectors
26011 @samp{[@var{old}, @var{new}]}. But because it is easily confused with a
26012 vector of two rules, the use of this notation is no longer recommended.
26014 @node Basic Rewrite Rules, Conditional Rewrite Rules, Entering Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
26015 @subsection Basic Rewrite Rules
26018 To match a particular formula @expr{x} with a particular rewrite rule
26019 @samp{@var{old} := @var{new}}, Calc compares the structure of @expr{x} with
26020 the structure of @var{old}. Variables that appear in @var{old} are
26021 treated as @dfn{meta-variables}; the corresponding positions in @expr{x}
26022 may contain any sub-formulas. For example, the pattern @samp{f(x,y)}
26023 would match the expression @samp{f(12, a+1)} with the meta-variable
26024 @samp{x} corresponding to 12 and with @samp{y} corresponding to
26025 @samp{a+1}. However, this pattern would not match @samp{f(12)} or
26026 @samp{g(12, a+1)}, since there is no assignment of the meta-variables
26027 that will make the pattern match these expressions. Notice that if
26028 the pattern is a single meta-variable, it will match any expression.
26030 If a given meta-variable appears more than once in @var{old}, the
26031 corresponding sub-formulas of @expr{x} must be identical. Thus
26032 the pattern @samp{f(x,x)} would match @samp{f(12, 12)} and
26033 @samp{f(a+1, a+1)} but not @samp{f(12, a+1)} or @samp{f(a+b, b+a)}.
26034 (@xref{Conditional Rewrite Rules}, for a way to match the latter.)
26036 Things other than variables must match exactly between the pattern
26037 and the target formula. To match a particular variable exactly, use
26038 the pseudo-function @samp{quote(v)} in the pattern. For example, the
26039 pattern @samp{x+quote(y)} matches @samp{x+y}, @samp{2+y}, or
26042 The special variable names @samp{e}, @samp{pi}, @samp{i}, @samp{phi},
26043 @samp{gamma}, @samp{inf}, @samp{uinf}, and @samp{nan} always match
26044 literally. Thus the pattern @samp{sin(d + e + f)} acts exactly like
26045 @samp{sin(d + quote(e) + f)}.
26047 If the @var{old} pattern is found to match a given formula, that
26048 formula is replaced by @var{new}, where any occurrences in @var{new}
26049 of meta-variables from the pattern are replaced with the sub-formulas
26050 that they matched. Thus, applying the rule @samp{f(x,y) := g(y+x,x)}
26051 to @samp{f(12, a+1)} would produce @samp{g(a+13, 12)}.
26053 The normal @kbd{a r} command applies rewrite rules over and over
26054 throughout the target formula until no further changes are possible
26055 (up to a limit of 100 times). Use @kbd{C-u 1 a r} to make only one
26058 @node Conditional Rewrite Rules, Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules, Basic Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
26059 @subsection Conditional Rewrite Rules
26062 A rewrite rule can also be @dfn{conditional}, written in the form
26063 @samp{@var{old} := @var{new} :: @var{cond}}. (There is also the obsolete
26064 form @samp{[@var{old}, @var{new}, @var{cond}]}.) If a @var{cond} part
26066 rule, this is an additional condition that must be satisfied before
26067 the rule is accepted. Once @var{old} has been successfully matched
26068 to the target expression, @var{cond} is evaluated (with all the
26069 meta-variables substituted for the values they matched) and simplified
26070 with @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}). If the result is a nonzero
26071 number or any other object known to be nonzero (@pxref{Declarations}),
26072 the rule is accepted. If the result is zero or if it is a symbolic
26073 formula that is not known to be nonzero, the rule is rejected.
26074 @xref{Logical Operations}, for a number of functions that return
26075 1 or 0 according to the results of various tests.
26077 For example, the formula @samp{n > 0} simplifies to 1 or 0 if @expr{n}
26078 is replaced by a positive or nonpositive number, respectively (or if
26079 @expr{n} has been declared to be positive or nonpositive). Thus,
26080 the rule @samp{f(x,y) := g(y+x,x) :: x+y > 0} would apply to
26081 @samp{f(0, 4)} but not to @samp{f(-3, 2)} or @samp{f(12, a+1)}
26082 (assuming no outstanding declarations for @expr{a}). In the case of
26083 @samp{f(-3, 2)}, the condition can be shown not to be satisfied; in
26084 the case of @samp{f(12, a+1)}, the condition merely cannot be shown
26085 to be satisfied, but that is enough to reject the rule.
26087 While Calc will use declarations to reason about variables in the
26088 formula being rewritten, declarations do not apply to meta-variables.
26089 For example, the rule @samp{f(a) := g(a+1)} will match for any values
26090 of @samp{a}, such as complex numbers, vectors, or formulas, even if
26091 @samp{a} has been declared to be real or scalar. If you want the
26092 meta-variable @samp{a} to match only literal real numbers, use
26093 @samp{f(a) := g(a+1) :: real(a)}. If you want @samp{a} to match only
26094 reals and formulas which are provably real, use @samp{dreal(a)} as
26097 The @samp{::} operator is a shorthand for the @code{condition}
26098 function; @samp{@var{old} := @var{new} :: @var{cond}} is equivalent to
26099 the formula @samp{condition(assign(@var{old}, @var{new}), @var{cond})}.
26101 If you have several conditions, you can use @samp{... :: c1 :: c2 :: c3}
26102 or @samp{... :: c1 && c2 && c3}. The two are entirely equivalent.
26104 It is also possible to embed conditions inside the pattern:
26105 @samp{f(x :: x>0, y) := g(y+x, x)}. This is purely a notational
26106 convenience, though; where a condition appears in a rule has no
26107 effect on when it is tested. The rewrite-rule compiler automatically
26108 decides when it is best to test each condition while a rule is being
26111 Certain conditions are handled as special cases by the rewrite rule
26112 system and are tested very efficiently: Where @expr{x} is any
26113 meta-variable, these conditions are @samp{integer(x)}, @samp{real(x)},
26114 @samp{constant(x)}, @samp{negative(x)}, @samp{x >= y} where @expr{y}
26115 is either a constant or another meta-variable and @samp{>=} may be
26116 replaced by any of the six relational operators, and @samp{x % a = b}
26117 where @expr{a} and @expr{b} are constants. Other conditions, like
26118 @samp{x >= y+1} or @samp{dreal(x)}, will be less efficient to check
26119 since Calc must bring the whole evaluator and simplifier into play.
26121 An interesting property of @samp{::} is that neither of its arguments
26122 will be touched by Calc's default simplifications. This is important
26123 because conditions often are expressions that cannot safely be
26124 evaluated early. For example, the @code{typeof} function never
26125 remains in symbolic form; entering @samp{typeof(a)} will put the
26126 number 100 (the type code for variables like @samp{a}) on the stack.
26127 But putting the condition @samp{... :: typeof(a) = 6} on the stack
26128 is safe since @samp{::} prevents the @code{typeof} from being
26129 evaluated until the condition is actually used by the rewrite system.
26131 Since @samp{::} protects its lefthand side, too, you can use a dummy
26132 condition to protect a rule that must itself not evaluate early.
26133 For example, it's not safe to put @samp{a(f,x) := apply(f, [x])} on
26134 the stack because it will immediately evaluate to @samp{a(f,x) := f(x)},
26135 where the meta-variable-ness of @code{f} on the righthand side has been
26136 lost. But @samp{a(f,x) := apply(f, [x]) :: 1} is safe, and of course
26137 the condition @samp{1} is always true (nonzero) so it has no effect on
26138 the functioning of the rule. (The rewrite compiler will ensure that
26139 it doesn't even impact the speed of matching the rule.)
26141 @node Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules, Other Features of Rewrite Rules, Conditional Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
26142 @subsection Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules
26145 The rewrite mechanism understands the algebraic properties of functions
26146 like @samp{+} and @samp{*}. In particular, pattern matching takes
26147 the associativity and commutativity of the following functions into
26151 + - * = != && || and or xor vint vunion vxor gcd lcm max min beta
26154 For example, the rewrite rule:
26157 a x + b x := (a + b) x
26161 will match formulas of the form,
26164 a x + b x, x a + x b, a x + x b, x a + b x
26167 Rewrites also understand the relationship between the @samp{+} and @samp{-}
26168 operators. The above rewrite rule will also match the formulas,
26171 a x - b x, x a - x b, a x - x b, x a - b x
26175 by matching @samp{b} in the pattern to @samp{-b} from the formula.
26177 Applied to a sum of many terms like @samp{r + a x + s + b x + t}, this
26178 pattern will check all pairs of terms for possible matches. The rewrite
26179 will take whichever suitable pair it discovers first.
26181 In general, a pattern using an associative operator like @samp{a + b}
26182 will try @var{2 n} different ways to match a sum of @var{n} terms
26183 like @samp{x + y + z - w}. First, @samp{a} is matched against each
26184 of @samp{x}, @samp{y}, @samp{z}, and @samp{-w} in turn, with @samp{b}
26185 being matched to the remainders @samp{y + z - w}, @samp{x + z - w}, etc.
26186 If none of these succeed, then @samp{b} is matched against each of the
26187 four terms with @samp{a} matching the remainder. Half-and-half matches,
26188 like @samp{(x + y) + (z - w)}, are not tried.
26190 Note that @samp{*} is not commutative when applied to matrices, but
26191 rewrite rules pretend that it is. If you type @kbd{m v} to enable
26192 Matrix mode (@pxref{Matrix Mode}), rewrite rules will match @samp{*}
26193 literally, ignoring its usual commutativity property. (In the
26194 current implementation, the associativity also vanishes---it is as
26195 if the pattern had been enclosed in a @code{plain} marker; see below.)
26196 If you are applying rewrites to formulas with matrices, it's best to
26197 enable Matrix mode first to prevent algebraically incorrect rewrites
26200 The pattern @samp{-x} will actually match any expression. For example,
26208 will rewrite @samp{f(a)} to @samp{-f(-a)}. To avoid this, either use
26209 a @code{plain} marker as described below, or add a @samp{negative(x)}
26210 condition. The @code{negative} function is true if its argument
26211 ``looks'' negative, for example, because it is a negative number or
26212 because it is a formula like @samp{-x}. The new rule using this
26216 f(x) := -f(-x) :: negative(x) @r{or, equivalently,}
26217 f(-x) := -f(x) :: negative(-x)
26220 In the same way, the pattern @samp{x - y} will match the sum @samp{a + b}
26221 by matching @samp{y} to @samp{-b}.
26223 The pattern @samp{a b} will also match the formula @samp{x/y} if
26224 @samp{y} is a number. Thus the rule @samp{a x + @w{b x} := (a+b) x}
26225 will also convert @samp{a x + x / 2} to @samp{(a + 0.5) x} (or
26226 @samp{(a + 1:2) x}, depending on the current fraction mode).
26228 Calc will @emph{not} take other liberties with @samp{*}, @samp{/}, and
26229 @samp{^}. For example, the pattern @samp{f(a b)} will not match
26230 @samp{f(x^2)}, and @samp{f(a + b)} will not match @samp{f(2 x)}, even
26231 though conceivably these patterns could match with @samp{a = b = x}.
26232 Nor will @samp{f(a b)} match @samp{f(x / y)} if @samp{y} is not a
26233 constant, even though it could be considered to match with @samp{a = x}
26234 and @samp{b = 1/y}. The reasons are partly for efficiency, and partly
26235 because while few mathematical operations are substantively different
26236 for addition and subtraction, often it is preferable to treat the cases
26237 of multiplication, division, and integer powers separately.
26239 Even more subtle is the rule set
26242 [ f(a) + f(b) := f(a + b), -f(a) := f(-a) ]
26246 attempting to match @samp{f(x) - f(y)}. You might think that Calc
26247 will view this subtraction as @samp{f(x) + (-f(y))} and then apply
26248 the above two rules in turn, but actually this will not work because
26249 Calc only does this when considering rules for @samp{+} (like the
26250 first rule in this set). So it will see first that @samp{f(x) + (-f(y))}
26251 does not match @samp{f(a) + f(b)} for any assignments of the
26252 meta-variables, and then it will see that @samp{f(x) - f(y)} does
26253 not match @samp{-f(a)} for any assignment of @samp{a}. Because Calc
26254 tries only one rule at a time, it will not be able to rewrite
26255 @samp{f(x) - f(y)} with this rule set. An explicit @samp{f(a) - f(b)}
26256 rule will have to be added.
26258 Another thing patterns will @emph{not} do is break up complex numbers.
26259 The pattern @samp{myconj(a + @w{b i)} := a - b i} will work for formulas
26260 involving the special constant @samp{i} (such as @samp{3 - 4 i}), but
26261 it will not match actual complex numbers like @samp{(3, -4)}. A version
26262 of the above rule for complex numbers would be
26265 myconj(a) := re(a) - im(a) (0,1) :: im(a) != 0
26269 (Because the @code{re} and @code{im} functions understand the properties
26270 of the special constant @samp{i}, this rule will also work for
26271 @samp{3 - 4 i}. In fact, this particular rule would probably be better
26272 without the @samp{im(a) != 0} condition, since if @samp{im(a) = 0} the
26273 righthand side of the rule will still give the correct answer for the
26274 conjugate of a real number.)
26276 It is also possible to specify optional arguments in patterns. The rule
26279 opt(a) x + opt(b) (x^opt(c) + opt(d)) := f(a, b, c, d)
26283 will match the formula
26290 in a fairly straightforward manner, but it will also match reduced
26294 x + x^2, 2(x + 1) - x, x + x
26298 producing, respectively,
26301 f(1, 1, 2, 0), f(-1, 2, 1, 1), f(1, 1, 1, 0)
26304 (The latter two formulas can be entered only if default simplifications
26305 have been turned off with @kbd{m O}.)
26307 The default value for a term of a sum is zero. The default value
26308 for a part of a product, for a power, or for the denominator of a
26309 quotient, is one. Also, @samp{-x} matches the pattern @samp{opt(a) b}
26310 with @samp{a = -1}.
26312 In particular, the distributive-law rule can be refined to
26315 opt(a) x + opt(b) x := (a + b) x
26319 so that it will convert, e.g., @samp{a x - x}, to @samp{(a - 1) x}.
26321 The pattern @samp{opt(a) + opt(b) x} matches almost any formulas which
26322 are linear in @samp{x}. You can also use the @code{lin} and @code{islin}
26323 functions with rewrite conditions to test for this; @pxref{Logical
26324 Operations}. These functions are not as convenient to use in rewrite
26325 rules, but they recognize more kinds of formulas as linear:
26326 @samp{x/z} is considered linear with @expr{b = 1/z} by @code{lin},
26327 but it will not match the above pattern because that pattern calls
26328 for a multiplication, not a division.
26330 As another example, the obvious rule to replace @samp{sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2}
26334 sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2 := 1
26338 misses many cases because the sine and cosine may both be multiplied by
26339 an equal factor. Here's a more successful rule:
26342 opt(a) sin(x)^2 + opt(a) cos(x)^2 := a
26345 Note that this rule will @emph{not} match @samp{sin(x)^2 + 6 cos(x)^2}
26346 because one @expr{a} would have ``matched'' 1 while the other matched 6.
26348 Calc automatically converts a rule like
26358 f(temp, x) := g(x) :: temp = x-1
26362 (where @code{temp} stands for a new, invented meta-variable that
26363 doesn't actually have a name). This modified rule will successfully
26364 match @samp{f(6, 7)}, binding @samp{temp} and @samp{x} to 6 and 7,
26365 respectively, then verifying that they differ by one even though
26366 @samp{6} does not superficially look like @samp{x-1}.
26368 However, Calc does not solve equations to interpret a rule. The
26372 f(x-1, x+1) := g(x)
26376 will not work. That is, it will match @samp{f(a - 1 + b, a + 1 + b)}
26377 but not @samp{f(6, 8)}. Calc always interprets at least one occurrence
26378 of a variable by literal matching. If the variable appears ``isolated''
26379 then Calc is smart enough to use it for literal matching. But in this
26380 last example, Calc is forced to rewrite the rule to @samp{f(x-1, temp)
26381 := g(x) :: temp = x+1} where the @samp{x-1} term must correspond to an
26382 actual ``something-minus-one'' in the target formula.
26384 A successful way to write this would be @samp{f(x, x+2) := g(x+1)}.
26385 You could make this resemble the original form more closely by using
26386 @code{let} notation, which is described in the next section:
26389 f(xm1, x+1) := g(x) :: let(x := xm1+1)
26392 Calc does this rewriting or ``conditionalizing'' for any sub-pattern
26393 which involves only the functions in the following list, operating
26394 only on constants and meta-variables which have already been matched
26395 elsewhere in the pattern. When matching a function call, Calc is
26396 careful to match arguments which are plain variables before arguments
26397 which are calls to any of the functions below, so that a pattern like
26398 @samp{f(x-1, x)} can be conditionalized even though the isolated
26399 @samp{x} comes after the @samp{x-1}.
26402 + - * / \ % ^ abs sign round rounde roundu trunc floor ceil
26403 max min re im conj arg
26406 You can suppress all of the special treatments described in this
26407 section by surrounding a function call with a @code{plain} marker.
26408 This marker causes the function call which is its argument to be
26409 matched literally, without regard to commutativity, associativity,
26410 negation, or conditionalization. When you use @code{plain}, the
26411 ``deep structure'' of the formula being matched can show through.
26415 plain(a - a b) := f(a, b)
26419 will match only literal subtractions. However, the @code{plain}
26420 marker does not affect its arguments' arguments. In this case,
26421 commutativity and associativity is still considered while matching
26422 the @w{@samp{a b}} sub-pattern, so the whole pattern will match
26423 @samp{x - y x} as well as @samp{x - x y}. We could go still
26427 plain(a - plain(a b)) := f(a, b)
26431 which would do a completely strict match for the pattern.
26433 By contrast, the @code{quote} marker means that not only the
26434 function name but also the arguments must be literally the same.
26435 The above pattern will match @samp{x - x y} but
26438 quote(a - a b) := f(a, b)
26442 will match only the single formula @samp{a - a b}. Also,
26445 quote(a - quote(a b)) := f(a, b)
26449 will match only @samp{a - quote(a b)}---probably not the desired
26452 A certain amount of algebra is also done when substituting the
26453 meta-variables on the righthand side of a rule. For example,
26457 a + f(b) := f(a + b)
26461 matching @samp{f(x) - y} would produce @samp{f((-y) + x)} if
26462 taken literally, but the rewrite mechanism will simplify the
26463 righthand side to @samp{f(x - y)} automatically. (Of course,
26464 the default simplifications would do this anyway, so this
26465 special simplification is only noticeable if you have turned the
26466 default simplifications off.) This rewriting is done only when
26467 a meta-variable expands to a ``negative-looking'' expression.
26468 If this simplification is not desirable, you can use a @code{plain}
26469 marker on the righthand side:
26472 a + f(b) := f(plain(a + b))
26476 In this example, we are still allowing the pattern-matcher to
26477 use all the algebra it can muster, but the righthand side will
26478 always simplify to a literal addition like @samp{f((-y) + x)}.
26480 @node Other Features of Rewrite Rules, Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules, Algebraic Properties of Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
26481 @subsection Other Features of Rewrite Rules
26484 Certain ``function names'' serve as markers in rewrite rules.
26485 Here is a complete list of these markers. First are listed the
26486 markers that work inside a pattern; then come the markers that
26487 work in the righthand side of a rule.
26493 One kind of marker, @samp{import(x)}, takes the place of a whole
26494 rule. Here @expr{x} is the name of a variable containing another
26495 rule set; those rules are ``spliced into'' the rule set that
26496 imports them. For example, if @samp{[f(a+b) := f(a) + f(b),
26497 f(a b) := a f(b) :: real(a)]} is stored in variable @samp{linearF},
26498 then the rule set @samp{[f(0) := 0, import(linearF)]} will apply
26499 all three rules. It is possible to modify the imported rules
26500 slightly: @samp{import(x, v1, x1, v2, x2, @dots{})} imports
26501 the rule set @expr{x} with all occurrences of
26502 @texline @math{v_1},
26503 @infoline @expr{v1},
26504 as either a variable name or a function name, replaced with
26505 @texline @math{x_1}
26506 @infoline @expr{x1}
26508 @texline @math{v_1}
26509 @infoline @expr{v1}
26510 is used as a function name, then
26511 @texline @math{x_1}
26512 @infoline @expr{x1}
26513 must be either a function name itself or a @w{@samp{< >}} nameless
26514 function; @pxref{Specifying Operators}.) For example, @samp{[g(0) := 0,
26515 import(linearF, f, g)]} applies the linearity rules to the function
26516 @samp{g} instead of @samp{f}. Imports can be nested, but the
26517 import-with-renaming feature may fail to rename sub-imports properly.
26519 The special functions allowed in patterns are:
26527 This pattern matches exactly @expr{x}; variable names in @expr{x} are
26528 not interpreted as meta-variables. The only flexibility is that
26529 numbers are compared for numeric equality, so that the pattern
26530 @samp{f(quote(12))} will match both @samp{f(12)} and @samp{f(12.0)}.
26531 (Numbers are always treated this way by the rewrite mechanism:
26532 The rule @samp{f(x,x) := g(x)} will match @samp{f(12, 12.0)}.
26533 The rewrite may produce either @samp{g(12)} or @samp{g(12.0)}
26534 as a result in this case.)
26541 Here @expr{x} must be a function call @samp{f(x1,x2,@dots{})}. This
26542 pattern matches a call to function @expr{f} with the specified
26543 argument patterns. No special knowledge of the properties of the
26544 function @expr{f} is used in this case; @samp{+} is not commutative or
26545 associative. Unlike @code{quote}, the arguments @samp{x1,x2,@dots{}}
26546 are treated as patterns. If you wish them to be treated ``plainly''
26547 as well, you must enclose them with more @code{plain} markers:
26548 @samp{plain(plain(@w{-a}) + plain(b c))}.
26555 Here @expr{x} must be a variable name. This must appear as an
26556 argument to a function or an element of a vector; it specifies that
26557 the argument or element is optional.
26558 As an argument to @samp{+}, @samp{-}, @samp{*}, @samp{&&}, or @samp{||},
26559 or as the second argument to @samp{/} or @samp{^}, the value @var{def}
26560 may be omitted. The pattern @samp{x + opt(y)} matches a sum by
26561 binding one summand to @expr{x} and the other to @expr{y}, and it
26562 matches anything else by binding the whole expression to @expr{x} and
26563 zero to @expr{y}. The other operators above work similarly.
26565 For general miscellaneous functions, the default value @code{def}
26566 must be specified. Optional arguments are dropped starting with
26567 the rightmost one during matching. For example, the pattern
26568 @samp{f(opt(a,0), b, opt(c,b))} will match @samp{f(b)}, @samp{f(a,b)},
26569 or @samp{f(a,b,c)}. Default values of zero and @expr{b} are
26570 supplied in this example for the omitted arguments. Note that
26571 the literal variable @expr{b} will be the default in the latter
26572 case, @emph{not} the value that matched the meta-variable @expr{b}.
26573 In other words, the default @var{def} is effectively quoted.
26575 @item condition(x,c)
26581 This matches the pattern @expr{x}, with the attached condition
26582 @expr{c}. It is the same as @samp{x :: c}.
26590 This matches anything that matches both pattern @expr{x} and
26591 pattern @expr{y}. It is the same as @samp{x &&& y}.
26592 @pxref{Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules}.
26600 This matches anything that matches either pattern @expr{x} or
26601 pattern @expr{y}. It is the same as @w{@samp{x ||| y}}.
26609 This matches anything that does not match pattern @expr{x}.
26610 It is the same as @samp{!!! x}.
26616 @tindex cons (rewrites)
26617 This matches any vector of one or more elements. The first
26618 element is matched to @expr{h}; a vector of the remaining
26619 elements is matched to @expr{t}. Note that vectors of fixed
26620 length can also be matched as actual vectors: The rule
26621 @samp{cons(a,cons(b,[])) := cons(a+b,[])} is equivalent
26622 to the rule @samp{[a,b] := [a+b]}.
26628 @tindex rcons (rewrites)
26629 This is like @code{cons}, except that the @emph{last} element
26630 is matched to @expr{h}, with the remaining elements matched
26633 @item apply(f,args)
26637 @tindex apply (rewrites)
26638 This matches any function call. The name of the function, in
26639 the form of a variable, is matched to @expr{f}. The arguments
26640 of the function, as a vector of zero or more objects, are
26641 matched to @samp{args}. Constants, variables, and vectors
26642 do @emph{not} match an @code{apply} pattern. For example,
26643 @samp{apply(f,x)} matches any function call, @samp{apply(quote(f),x)}
26644 matches any call to the function @samp{f}, @samp{apply(f,[a,b])}
26645 matches any function call with exactly two arguments, and
26646 @samp{apply(quote(f), cons(a,cons(b,x)))} matches any call
26647 to the function @samp{f} with two or more arguments. Another
26648 way to implement the latter, if the rest of the rule does not
26649 need to refer to the first two arguments of @samp{f} by name,
26650 would be @samp{apply(quote(f), x :: vlen(x) >= 2)}.
26651 Here's a more interesting sample use of @code{apply}:
26654 apply(f,[x+n]) := n + apply(f,[x])
26655 :: in(f, [floor,ceil,round,trunc]) :: integer(n)
26658 Note, however, that this will be slower to match than a rule
26659 set with four separate rules. The reason is that Calc sorts
26660 the rules of a rule set according to top-level function name;
26661 if the top-level function is @code{apply}, Calc must try the
26662 rule for every single formula and sub-formula. If the top-level
26663 function in the pattern is, say, @code{floor}, then Calc invokes
26664 the rule only for sub-formulas which are calls to @code{floor}.
26666 Formulas normally written with operators like @code{+} are still
26667 considered function calls: @code{apply(f,x)} matches @samp{a+b}
26668 with @samp{f = add}, @samp{x = [a,b]}.
26670 You must use @code{apply} for meta-variables with function names
26671 on both sides of a rewrite rule: @samp{apply(f, [x]) := f(x+1)}
26672 is @emph{not} correct, because it rewrites @samp{spam(6)} into
26673 @samp{f(7)}. The righthand side should be @samp{apply(f, [x+1])}.
26674 Also note that you will have to use No-Simplify mode (@kbd{m O})
26675 when entering this rule so that the @code{apply} isn't
26676 evaluated immediately to get the new rule @samp{f(x) := f(x+1)}.
26677 Or, use @kbd{s e} to enter the rule without going through the stack,
26678 or enter the rule as @samp{apply(f, [x]) := apply(f, [x+1]) @w{:: 1}}.
26679 @xref{Conditional Rewrite Rules}.
26686 This is used for applying rules to formulas with selections;
26687 @pxref{Selections with Rewrite Rules}.
26690 Special functions for the righthand sides of rules are:
26694 The notation @samp{quote(x)} is changed to @samp{x} when the
26695 righthand side is used. As far as the rewrite rule is concerned,
26696 @code{quote} is invisible. However, @code{quote} has the special
26697 property in Calc that its argument is not evaluated. Thus,
26698 while it will not work to put the rule @samp{t(a) := typeof(a)}
26699 on the stack because @samp{typeof(a)} is evaluated immediately
26700 to produce @samp{t(a) := 100}, you can use @code{quote} to
26701 protect the righthand side: @samp{t(a) := quote(typeof(a))}.
26702 (@xref{Conditional Rewrite Rules}, for another trick for
26703 protecting rules from evaluation.)
26706 Special properties of and simplifications for the function call
26707 @expr{x} are not used. One interesting case where @code{plain}
26708 is useful is the rule, @samp{q(x) := quote(x)}, trying to expand a
26709 shorthand notation for the @code{quote} function. This rule will
26710 not work as shown; instead of replacing @samp{q(foo)} with
26711 @samp{quote(foo)}, it will replace it with @samp{foo}! The correct
26712 rule would be @samp{q(x) := plain(quote(x))}.
26715 Where @expr{t} is a vector, this is converted into an expanded
26716 vector during rewrite processing. Note that @code{cons} is a regular
26717 Calc function which normally does this anyway; the only way @code{cons}
26718 is treated specially by rewrites is that @code{cons} on the righthand
26719 side of a rule will be evaluated even if default simplifications
26720 have been turned off.
26723 Analogous to @code{cons} except putting @expr{h} at the @emph{end} of
26724 the vector @expr{t}.
26726 @item apply(f,args)
26727 Where @expr{f} is a variable and @var{args} is a vector, this
26728 is converted to a function call. Once again, note that @code{apply}
26729 is also a regular Calc function.
26736 The formula @expr{x} is handled in the usual way, then the
26737 default simplifications are applied to it even if they have
26738 been turned off normally. This allows you to treat any function
26739 similarly to the way @code{cons} and @code{apply} are always
26740 treated. However, there is a slight difference: @samp{cons(2+3, [])}
26741 with default simplifications off will be converted to @samp{[2+3]},
26742 whereas @samp{eval(cons(2+3, []))} will be converted to @samp{[5]}.
26749 The formula @expr{x} has meta-variables substituted in the usual
26750 way, then algebraically simplified as if by the @kbd{a s} command.
26752 @item evalextsimp(x)
26756 @tindex evalextsimp
26757 The formula @expr{x} has meta-variables substituted in the normal
26758 way, then ``extendedly'' simplified as if by the @kbd{a e} command.
26761 @xref{Selections with Rewrite Rules}.
26764 There are also some special functions you can use in conditions.
26772 The expression @expr{x} is evaluated with meta-variables substituted.
26773 The @kbd{a s} command's simplifications are @emph{not} applied by
26774 default, but @expr{x} can include calls to @code{evalsimp} or
26775 @code{evalextsimp} as described above to invoke higher levels
26776 of simplification. The
26777 result of @expr{x} is then bound to the meta-variable @expr{v}. As
26778 usual, if this meta-variable has already been matched to something
26779 else the two values must be equal; if the meta-variable is new then
26780 it is bound to the result of the expression. This variable can then
26781 appear in later conditions, and on the righthand side of the rule.
26782 In fact, @expr{v} may be any pattern in which case the result of
26783 evaluating @expr{x} is matched to that pattern, binding any
26784 meta-variables that appear in that pattern. Note that @code{let}
26785 can only appear by itself as a condition, or as one term of an
26786 @samp{&&} which is a whole condition: It cannot be inside
26787 an @samp{||} term or otherwise buried.
26789 The alternate, equivalent form @samp{let(v, x)} is also recognized.
26790 Note that the use of @samp{:=} by @code{let}, while still being
26791 assignment-like in character, is unrelated to the use of @samp{:=}
26792 in the main part of a rewrite rule.
26794 As an example, @samp{f(a) := g(ia) :: let(ia := 1/a) :: constant(ia)}
26795 replaces @samp{f(a)} with @samp{g} of the inverse of @samp{a}, if
26796 that inverse exists and is constant. For example, if @samp{a} is a
26797 singular matrix the operation @samp{1/a} is left unsimplified and
26798 @samp{constant(ia)} fails, but if @samp{a} is an invertible matrix
26799 then the rule succeeds. Without @code{let} there would be no way
26800 to express this rule that didn't have to invert the matrix twice.
26801 Note that, because the meta-variable @samp{ia} is otherwise unbound
26802 in this rule, the @code{let} condition itself always ``succeeds''
26803 because no matter what @samp{1/a} evaluates to, it can successfully
26804 be bound to @code{ia}.
26806 Here's another example, for integrating cosines of linear
26807 terms: @samp{myint(cos(y),x) := sin(y)/b :: let([a,b,x] := lin(y,x))}.
26808 The @code{lin} function returns a 3-vector if its argument is linear,
26809 or leaves itself unevaluated if not. But an unevaluated @code{lin}
26810 call will not match the 3-vector on the lefthand side of the @code{let},
26811 so this @code{let} both verifies that @code{y} is linear, and binds
26812 the coefficients @code{a} and @code{b} for use elsewhere in the rule.
26813 (It would have been possible to use @samp{sin(a x + b)/b} for the
26814 righthand side instead, but using @samp{sin(y)/b} avoids gratuitous
26815 rearrangement of the argument of the sine.)
26821 Similarly, here is a rule that implements an inverse-@code{erf}
26822 function. It uses @code{root} to search for a solution. If
26823 @code{root} succeeds, it will return a vector of two numbers
26824 where the first number is the desired solution. If no solution
26825 is found, @code{root} remains in symbolic form. So we use
26826 @code{let} to check that the result was indeed a vector.
26829 ierf(x) := y :: let([y,z] := root(erf(a) = x, a, .5))
26833 The meta-variable @var{v}, which must already have been matched
26834 to something elsewhere in the rule, is compared against pattern
26835 @var{p}. Since @code{matches} is a standard Calc function, it
26836 can appear anywhere in a condition. But if it appears alone or
26837 as a term of a top-level @samp{&&}, then you get the special
26838 extra feature that meta-variables which are bound to things
26839 inside @var{p} can be used elsewhere in the surrounding rewrite
26842 The only real difference between @samp{let(p := v)} and
26843 @samp{matches(v, p)} is that the former evaluates @samp{v} using
26844 the default simplifications, while the latter does not.
26848 This is actually a variable, not a function. If @code{remember}
26849 appears as a condition in a rule, then when that rule succeeds
26850 the original expression and rewritten expression are added to the
26851 front of the rule set that contained the rule. If the rule set
26852 was not stored in a variable, @code{remember} is ignored. The
26853 lefthand side is enclosed in @code{quote} in the added rule if it
26854 contains any variables.
26856 For example, the rule @samp{f(n) := n f(n-1) :: remember} applied
26857 to @samp{f(7)} will add the rule @samp{f(7) := 7 f(6)} to the front
26858 of the rule set. The rule set @code{EvalRules} works slightly
26859 differently: There, the evaluation of @samp{f(6)} will complete before
26860 the result is added to the rule set, in this case as @samp{f(7) := 5040}.
26861 Thus @code{remember} is most useful inside @code{EvalRules}.
26863 It is up to you to ensure that the optimization performed by
26864 @code{remember} is safe. For example, the rule @samp{foo(n) := n
26865 :: evalv(eatfoo) > 0 :: remember} is a bad idea (@code{evalv} is
26866 the function equivalent of the @kbd{=} command); if the variable
26867 @code{eatfoo} ever contains 1, rules like @samp{foo(7) := 7} will
26868 be added to the rule set and will continue to operate even if
26869 @code{eatfoo} is later changed to 0.
26876 Remember the match as described above, but only if condition @expr{c}
26877 is true. For example, @samp{remember(n % 4 = 0)} in the above factorial
26878 rule remembers only every fourth result. Note that @samp{remember(1)}
26879 is equivalent to @samp{remember}, and @samp{remember(0)} has no effect.
26882 @node Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules, Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules, Other Features of Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
26883 @subsection Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules
26886 There are three operators, @samp{&&&}, @samp{|||}, and @samp{!!!},
26887 that combine rewrite patterns to make larger patterns. The
26888 combinations are ``and,'' ``or,'' and ``not,'' respectively, and
26889 these operators are the pattern equivalents of @samp{&&}, @samp{||}
26890 and @samp{!} (which operate on zero-or-nonzero logical values).
26892 Note that @samp{&&&}, @samp{|||}, and @samp{!!!} are left in symbolic
26893 form by all regular Calc features; they have special meaning only in
26894 the context of rewrite rule patterns.
26896 The pattern @samp{@var{p1} &&& @var{p2}} matches anything that
26897 matches both @var{p1} and @var{p2}. One especially useful case is
26898 when one of @var{p1} or @var{p2} is a meta-variable. For example,
26899 here is a rule that operates on error forms:
26902 f(x &&& a +/- b, x) := g(x)
26905 This does the same thing, but is arguably simpler than, the rule
26908 f(a +/- b, a +/- b) := g(a +/- b)
26915 Here's another interesting example:
26918 ends(cons(a, x) &&& rcons(y, b)) := [a, b]
26922 which effectively clips out the middle of a vector leaving just
26923 the first and last elements. This rule will change a one-element
26924 vector @samp{[a]} to @samp{[a, a]}. The similar rule
26927 ends(cons(a, rcons(y, b))) := [a, b]
26931 would do the same thing except that it would fail to match a
26932 one-element vector.
26938 The pattern @samp{@var{p1} ||| @var{p2}} matches anything that
26939 matches either @var{p1} or @var{p2}. Calc first tries matching
26940 against @var{p1}; if that fails, it goes on to try @var{p2}.
26946 A simple example of @samp{|||} is
26949 curve(inf ||| -inf) := 0
26953 which converts both @samp{curve(inf)} and @samp{curve(-inf)} to zero.
26955 Here is a larger example:
26958 log(a, b) ||| (ln(a) :: let(b := e)) := mylog(a, b)
26961 This matches both generalized and natural logarithms in a single rule.
26962 Note that the @samp{::} term must be enclosed in parentheses because
26963 that operator has lower precedence than @samp{|||} or @samp{:=}.
26965 (In practice this rule would probably include a third alternative,
26966 omitted here for brevity, to take care of @code{log10}.)
26968 While Calc generally treats interior conditions exactly the same as
26969 conditions on the outside of a rule, it does guarantee that if all the
26970 variables in the condition are special names like @code{e}, or already
26971 bound in the pattern to which the condition is attached (say, if
26972 @samp{a} had appeared in this condition), then Calc will process this
26973 condition right after matching the pattern to the left of the @samp{::}.
26974 Thus, we know that @samp{b} will be bound to @samp{e} only if the
26975 @code{ln} branch of the @samp{|||} was taken.
26977 Note that this rule was careful to bind the same set of meta-variables
26978 on both sides of the @samp{|||}. Calc does not check this, but if
26979 you bind a certain meta-variable only in one branch and then use that
26980 meta-variable elsewhere in the rule, results are unpredictable:
26983 f(a,b) ||| g(b) := h(a,b)
26986 Here if the pattern matches @samp{g(17)}, Calc makes no promises about
26987 the value that will be substituted for @samp{a} on the righthand side.
26993 The pattern @samp{!!! @var{pat}} matches anything that does not
26994 match @var{pat}. Any meta-variables that are bound while matching
26995 @var{pat} remain unbound outside of @var{pat}.
27000 f(x &&& !!! a +/- b, !!![]) := g(x)
27004 converts @code{f} whose first argument is anything @emph{except} an
27005 error form, and whose second argument is not the empty vector, into
27006 a similar call to @code{g} (but without the second argument).
27008 If we know that the second argument will be a vector (empty or not),
27009 then an equivalent rule would be:
27012 f(x, y) := g(x) :: typeof(x) != 7 :: vlen(y) > 0
27016 where of course 7 is the @code{typeof} code for error forms.
27017 Another final condition, that works for any kind of @samp{y},
27018 would be @samp{!istrue(y == [])}. (The @code{istrue} function
27019 returns an explicit 0 if its argument was left in symbolic form;
27020 plain @samp{!(y == [])} or @samp{y != []} would not work to replace
27021 @samp{!!![]} since these would be left unsimplified, and thus cause
27022 the rule to fail, if @samp{y} was something like a variable name.)
27024 It is possible for a @samp{!!!} to refer to meta-variables bound
27025 elsewhere in the pattern. For example,
27032 matches any call to @code{f} with different arguments, changing
27033 this to @code{g} with only the first argument.
27035 If a function call is to be matched and one of the argument patterns
27036 contains a @samp{!!!} somewhere inside it, that argument will be
27044 will be careful to bind @samp{a} to the second argument of @code{f}
27045 before testing the first argument. If Calc had tried to match the
27046 first argument of @code{f} first, the results would have been
27047 disastrous: since @code{a} was unbound so far, the pattern @samp{a}
27048 would have matched anything at all, and the pattern @samp{!!!a}
27049 therefore would @emph{not} have matched anything at all!
27051 @node Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules, Multi-Phase Rewrite Rules, Composing Patterns in Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
27052 @subsection Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules
27055 When @kbd{a r} (@code{calc-rewrite}) is used, it takes an expression from
27056 the top of the stack and attempts to match any of the specified rules
27057 to any part of the expression, starting with the whole expression
27058 and then, if that fails, trying deeper and deeper sub-expressions.
27059 For each part of the expression, the rules are tried in the order
27060 they appear in the rules vector. The first rule to match the first
27061 sub-expression wins; it replaces the matched sub-expression according
27062 to the @var{new} part of the rule.
27064 Often, the rule set will match and change the formula several times.
27065 The top-level formula is first matched and substituted repeatedly until
27066 it no longer matches the pattern; then, sub-formulas are tried, and
27067 so on. Once every part of the formula has gotten its chance, the
27068 rewrite mechanism starts over again with the top-level formula
27069 (in case a substitution of one of its arguments has caused it again
27070 to match). This continues until no further matches can be made
27071 anywhere in the formula.
27073 It is possible for a rule set to get into an infinite loop. The
27074 most obvious case, replacing a formula with itself, is not a problem
27075 because a rule is not considered to ``succeed'' unless the righthand
27076 side actually comes out to something different than the original
27077 formula or sub-formula that was matched. But if you accidentally
27078 had both @samp{ln(a b) := ln(a) + ln(b)} and the reverse
27079 @samp{ln(a) + ln(b) := ln(a b)} in your rule set, Calc would
27080 run forever switching a formula back and forth between the two
27083 To avoid disaster, Calc normally stops after 100 changes have been
27084 made to the formula. This will be enough for most multiple rewrites,
27085 but it will keep an endless loop of rewrites from locking up the
27086 computer forever. (On most systems, you can also type @kbd{C-g} to
27087 halt any Emacs command prematurely.)
27089 To change this limit, give a positive numeric prefix argument.
27090 In particular, @kbd{M-1 a r} applies only one rewrite at a time,
27091 useful when you are first testing your rule (or just if repeated
27092 rewriting is not what is called for by your application).
27101 You can also put a ``function call'' @samp{iterations(@var{n})}
27102 in place of a rule anywhere in your rules vector (but usually at
27103 the top). Then, @var{n} will be used instead of 100 as the default
27104 number of iterations for this rule set. You can use
27105 @samp{iterations(inf)} if you want no iteration limit by default.
27106 A prefix argument will override the @code{iterations} limit in the
27114 More precisely, the limit controls the number of ``iterations,''
27115 where each iteration is a successful matching of a rule pattern whose
27116 righthand side, after substituting meta-variables and applying the
27117 default simplifications, is different from the original sub-formula
27120 A prefix argument of zero sets the limit to infinity. Use with caution!
27122 Given a negative numeric prefix argument, @kbd{a r} will match and
27123 substitute the top-level expression up to that many times, but
27124 will not attempt to match the rules to any sub-expressions.
27126 In a formula, @code{rewrite(@var{expr}, @var{rules}, @var{n})}
27127 does a rewriting operation. Here @var{expr} is the expression
27128 being rewritten, @var{rules} is the rule, vector of rules, or
27129 variable containing the rules, and @var{n} is the optional
27130 iteration limit, which may be a positive integer, a negative
27131 integer, or @samp{inf} or @samp{-inf}. If @var{n} is omitted
27132 the @code{iterations} value from the rule set is used; if both
27133 are omitted, 100 is used.
27135 @node Multi-Phase Rewrite Rules, Selections with Rewrite Rules, Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
27136 @subsection Multi-Phase Rewrite Rules
27139 It is possible to separate a rewrite rule set into several @dfn{phases}.
27140 During each phase, certain rules will be enabled while certain others
27141 will be disabled. A @dfn{phase schedule} controls the order in which
27142 phases occur during the rewriting process.
27149 If a call to the marker function @code{phase} appears in the rules
27150 vector in place of a rule, all rules following that point will be
27151 members of the phase(s) identified in the arguments to @code{phase}.
27152 Phases are given integer numbers. The markers @samp{phase()} and
27153 @samp{phase(all)} both mean the following rules belong to all phases;
27154 this is the default at the start of the rule set.
27156 If you do not explicitly schedule the phases, Calc sorts all phase
27157 numbers that appear in the rule set and executes the phases in
27158 ascending order. For example, the rule set
27175 has three phases, 1 through 3. Phase 1 consists of the @code{f0},
27176 @code{f1}, and @code{f4} rules (in that order). Phase 2 consists of
27177 @code{f0}, @code{f2}, and @code{f4}. Phase 3 consists of @code{f0}
27180 When Calc rewrites a formula using this rule set, it first rewrites
27181 the formula using only the phase 1 rules until no further changes are
27182 possible. Then it switches to the phase 2 rule set and continues
27183 until no further changes occur, then finally rewrites with phase 3.
27184 When no more phase 3 rules apply, rewriting finishes. (This is
27185 assuming @kbd{a r} with a large enough prefix argument to allow the
27186 rewriting to run to completion; the sequence just described stops
27187 early if the number of iterations specified in the prefix argument,
27188 100 by default, is reached.)
27190 During each phase, Calc descends through the nested levels of the
27191 formula as described previously. (@xref{Nested Formulas with Rewrite
27192 Rules}.) Rewriting starts at the top of the formula, then works its
27193 way down to the parts, then goes back to the top and works down again.
27194 The phase 2 rules do not begin until no phase 1 rules apply anywhere
27201 A @code{schedule} marker appearing in the rule set (anywhere, but
27202 conventionally at the top) changes the default schedule of phases.
27203 In the simplest case, @code{schedule} has a sequence of phase numbers
27204 for arguments; each phase number is invoked in turn until the
27205 arguments to @code{schedule} are exhausted. Thus adding
27206 @samp{schedule(3,2,1)} at the top of the above rule set would
27207 reverse the order of the phases; @samp{schedule(1,2,3)} would have
27208 no effect since this is the default schedule; and @samp{schedule(1,2,1,3)}
27209 would give phase 1 a second chance after phase 2 has completed, before
27210 moving on to phase 3.
27212 Any argument to @code{schedule} can instead be a vector of phase
27213 numbers (or even of sub-vectors). Then the sub-sequence of phases
27214 described by the vector are tried repeatedly until no change occurs
27215 in any phase in the sequence. For example, @samp{schedule([1, 2], 3)}
27216 tries phase 1, then phase 2, then, if either phase made any changes
27217 to the formula, repeats these two phases until they can make no
27218 further progress. Finally, it goes on to phase 3 for finishing
27221 Also, items in @code{schedule} can be variable names as well as
27222 numbers. A variable name is interpreted as the name of a function
27223 to call on the whole formula. For example, @samp{schedule(1, simplify)}
27224 says to apply the phase-1 rules (presumably, all of them), then to
27225 call @code{simplify} which is the function name equivalent of @kbd{a s}.
27226 Likewise, @samp{schedule([1, simplify])} says to alternate between
27227 phase 1 and @kbd{a s} until no further changes occur.
27229 Phases can be used purely to improve efficiency; if it is known that
27230 a certain group of rules will apply only at the beginning of rewriting,
27231 and a certain other group will apply only at the end, then rewriting
27232 will be faster if these groups are identified as separate phases.
27233 Once the phase 1 rules are done, Calc can put them aside and no longer
27234 spend any time on them while it works on phase 2.
27236 There are also some problems that can only be solved with several
27237 rewrite phases. For a real-world example of a multi-phase rule set,
27238 examine the set @code{FitRules}, which is used by the curve-fitting
27239 command to convert a model expression to linear form.
27240 @xref{Curve Fitting Details}. This set is divided into four phases.
27241 The first phase rewrites certain kinds of expressions to be more
27242 easily linearizable, but less computationally efficient. After the
27243 linear components have been picked out, the final phase includes the
27244 opposite rewrites to put each component back into an efficient form.
27245 If both sets of rules were included in one big phase, Calc could get
27246 into an infinite loop going back and forth between the two forms.
27248 Elsewhere in @code{FitRules}, the components are first isolated,
27249 then recombined where possible to reduce the complexity of the linear
27250 fit, then finally packaged one component at a time into vectors.
27251 If the packaging rules were allowed to begin before the recombining
27252 rules were finished, some components might be put away into vectors
27253 before they had a chance to recombine. By putting these rules in
27254 two separate phases, this problem is neatly avoided.
27256 @node Selections with Rewrite Rules, Matching Commands, Multi-Phase Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
27257 @subsection Selections with Rewrite Rules
27260 If a sub-formula of the current formula is selected (as by @kbd{j s};
27261 @pxref{Selecting Subformulas}), the @kbd{a r} (@code{calc-rewrite})
27262 command applies only to that sub-formula. Together with a negative
27263 prefix argument, you can use this fact to apply a rewrite to one
27264 specific part of a formula without affecting any other parts.
27267 @pindex calc-rewrite-selection
27268 The @kbd{j r} (@code{calc-rewrite-selection}) command allows more
27269 sophisticated operations on selections. This command prompts for
27270 the rules in the same way as @kbd{a r}, but it then applies those
27271 rules to the whole formula in question even though a sub-formula
27272 of it has been selected. However, the selected sub-formula will
27273 first have been surrounded by a @samp{select( )} function call.
27274 (Calc's evaluator does not understand the function name @code{select};
27275 this is only a tag used by the @kbd{j r} command.)
27277 For example, suppose the formula on the stack is @samp{2 (a + b)^2}
27278 and the sub-formula @samp{a + b} is selected. This formula will
27279 be rewritten to @samp{2 select(a + b)^2} and then the rewrite
27280 rules will be applied in the usual way. The rewrite rules can
27281 include references to @code{select} to tell where in the pattern
27282 the selected sub-formula should appear.
27284 If there is still exactly one @samp{select( )} function call in
27285 the formula after rewriting is done, it indicates which part of
27286 the formula should be selected afterwards. Otherwise, the
27287 formula will be unselected.
27289 You can make @kbd{j r} act much like @kbd{a r} by enclosing both parts
27290 of the rewrite rule with @samp{select()}. However, @kbd{j r}
27291 allows you to use the current selection in more flexible ways.
27292 Suppose you wished to make a rule which removed the exponent from
27293 the selected term; the rule @samp{select(a)^x := select(a)} would
27294 work. In the above example, it would rewrite @samp{2 select(a + b)^2}
27295 to @samp{2 select(a + b)}. This would then be returned to the
27296 stack as @samp{2 (a + b)} with the @samp{a + b} selected.
27298 The @kbd{j r} command uses one iteration by default, unlike
27299 @kbd{a r} which defaults to 100 iterations. A numeric prefix
27300 argument affects @kbd{j r} in the same way as @kbd{a r}.
27301 @xref{Nested Formulas with Rewrite Rules}.
27303 As with other selection commands, @kbd{j r} operates on the stack
27304 entry that contains the cursor. (If the cursor is on the top-of-stack
27305 @samp{.} marker, it works as if the cursor were on the formula
27308 If you don't specify a set of rules, the rules are taken from the
27309 top of the stack, just as with @kbd{a r}. In this case, the
27310 cursor must indicate stack entry 2 or above as the formula to be
27311 rewritten (otherwise the same formula would be used as both the
27312 target and the rewrite rules).
27314 If the indicated formula has no selection, the cursor position within
27315 the formula temporarily selects a sub-formula for the purposes of this
27316 command. If the cursor is not on any sub-formula (e.g., it is in
27317 the line-number area to the left of the formula), the @samp{select( )}
27318 markers are ignored by the rewrite mechanism and the rules are allowed
27319 to apply anywhere in the formula.
27321 As a special feature, the normal @kbd{a r} command also ignores
27322 @samp{select( )} calls in rewrite rules. For example, if you used the
27323 above rule @samp{select(a)^x := select(a)} with @kbd{a r}, it would apply
27324 the rule as if it were @samp{a^x := a}. Thus, you can write general
27325 purpose rules with @samp{select( )} hints inside them so that they
27326 will ``do the right thing'' in both @kbd{a r} and @kbd{j r},
27327 both with and without selections.
27329 @node Matching Commands, Automatic Rewrites, Selections with Rewrite Rules, Rewrite Rules
27330 @subsection Matching Commands
27336 The @kbd{a m} (@code{calc-match}) [@code{match}] function takes a
27337 vector of formulas and a rewrite-rule-style pattern, and produces
27338 a vector of all formulas which match the pattern. The command
27339 prompts you to enter the pattern; as for @kbd{a r}, you can enter
27340 a single pattern (i.e., a formula with meta-variables), or a
27341 vector of patterns, or a variable which contains patterns, or
27342 you can give a blank response in which case the patterns are taken
27343 from the top of the stack. The pattern set will be compiled once
27344 and saved if it is stored in a variable. If there are several
27345 patterns in the set, vector elements are kept if they match any
27348 For example, @samp{match(a+b, [x, x+y, x-y, 7, x+y+z])}
27349 will return @samp{[x+y, x-y, x+y+z]}.
27351 The @code{import} mechanism is not available for pattern sets.
27353 The @kbd{a m} command can also be used to extract all vector elements
27354 which satisfy any condition: The pattern @samp{x :: x>0} will select
27355 all the positive vector elements.
27359 With the Inverse flag [@code{matchnot}], this command extracts all
27360 vector elements which do @emph{not} match the given pattern.
27366 There is also a function @samp{matches(@var{x}, @var{p})} which
27367 evaluates to 1 if expression @var{x} matches pattern @var{p}, or
27368 to 0 otherwise. This is sometimes useful for including into the
27369 conditional clauses of other rewrite rules.
27375 The function @code{vmatches} is just like @code{matches}, except
27376 that if the match succeeds it returns a vector of assignments to
27377 the meta-variables instead of the number 1. For example,
27378 @samp{vmatches(f(1,2), f(a,b))} returns @samp{[a := 1, b := 2]}.
27379 If the match fails, the function returns the number 0.
27381 @node Automatic Rewrites, Debugging Rewrites, Matching Commands, Rewrite Rules
27382 @subsection Automatic Rewrites
27385 @cindex @code{EvalRules} variable
27387 It is possible to get Calc to apply a set of rewrite rules on all
27388 results, effectively adding to the built-in set of default
27389 simplifications. To do this, simply store your rule set in the
27390 variable @code{EvalRules}. There is a convenient @kbd{s E} command
27391 for editing @code{EvalRules}; @pxref{Operations on Variables}.
27393 For example, suppose you want @samp{sin(a + b)} to be expanded out
27394 to @samp{sin(b) cos(a) + cos(b) sin(a)} wherever it appears, and
27395 similarly for @samp{cos(a + b)}. The corresponding rewrite rule
27400 [ sin(a + b) := cos(a) sin(b) + sin(a) cos(b),
27401 cos(a + b) := cos(a) cos(b) - sin(a) sin(b) ]
27405 To apply these manually, you could put them in a variable called
27406 @code{trigexp} and then use @kbd{a r trigexp} every time you wanted
27407 to expand trig functions. But if instead you store them in the
27408 variable @code{EvalRules}, they will automatically be applied to all
27409 sines and cosines of sums. Then, with @samp{2 x} and @samp{45} on
27410 the stack, typing @kbd{+ S} will (assuming Degrees mode) result in
27411 @samp{0.7071 sin(2 x) + 0.7071 cos(2 x)} automatically.
27413 As each level of a formula is evaluated, the rules from
27414 @code{EvalRules} are applied before the default simplifications.
27415 Rewriting continues until no further @code{EvalRules} apply.
27416 Note that this is different from the usual order of application of
27417 rewrite rules: @code{EvalRules} works from the bottom up, simplifying
27418 the arguments to a function before the function itself, while @kbd{a r}
27419 applies rules from the top down.
27421 Because the @code{EvalRules} are tried first, you can use them to
27422 override the normal behavior of any built-in Calc function.
27424 It is important not to write a rule that will get into an infinite
27425 loop. For example, the rule set @samp{[f(0) := 1, f(n) := n f(n-1)]}
27426 appears to be a good definition of a factorial function, but it is
27427 unsafe. Imagine what happens if @samp{f(2.5)} is simplified. Calc
27428 will continue to subtract 1 from this argument forever without reaching
27429 zero. A safer second rule would be @samp{f(n) := n f(n-1) :: n>0}.
27430 Another dangerous rule is @samp{g(x, y) := g(y, x)}. Rewriting
27431 @samp{g(2, 4)}, this would bounce back and forth between that and
27432 @samp{g(4, 2)} forever. If an infinite loop in @code{EvalRules}
27433 occurs, Emacs will eventually stop with a ``Computation got stuck
27434 or ran too long'' message.
27436 Another subtle difference between @code{EvalRules} and regular rewrites
27437 concerns rules that rewrite a formula into an identical formula. For
27438 example, @samp{f(n) := f(floor(n))} ``fails to match'' when @expr{n} is
27439 already an integer. But in @code{EvalRules} this case is detected only
27440 if the righthand side literally becomes the original formula before any
27441 further simplification. This means that @samp{f(n) := f(floor(n))} will
27442 get into an infinite loop if it occurs in @code{EvalRules}. Calc will
27443 replace @samp{f(6)} with @samp{f(floor(6))}, which is different from
27444 @samp{f(6)}, so it will consider the rule to have matched and will
27445 continue simplifying that formula; first the argument is simplified
27446 to get @samp{f(6)}, then the rule matches again to get @samp{f(floor(6))}
27447 again, ad infinitum. A much safer rule would check its argument first,
27448 say, with @samp{f(n) := f(floor(n)) :: !dint(n)}.
27450 (What really happens is that the rewrite mechanism substitutes the
27451 meta-variables in the righthand side of a rule, compares to see if the
27452 result is the same as the original formula and fails if so, then uses
27453 the default simplifications to simplify the result and compares again
27454 (and again fails if the formula has simplified back to its original
27455 form). The only special wrinkle for the @code{EvalRules} is that the
27456 same rules will come back into play when the default simplifications
27457 are used. What Calc wants to do is build @samp{f(floor(6))}, see that
27458 this is different from the original formula, simplify to @samp{f(6)},
27459 see that this is the same as the original formula, and thus halt the
27460 rewriting. But while simplifying, @samp{f(6)} will again trigger
27461 the same @code{EvalRules} rule and Calc will get into a loop inside
27462 the rewrite mechanism itself.)
27464 The @code{phase}, @code{schedule}, and @code{iterations} markers do
27465 not work in @code{EvalRules}. If the rule set is divided into phases,
27466 only the phase 1 rules are applied, and the schedule is ignored.
27467 The rules are always repeated as many times as possible.
27469 The @code{EvalRules} are applied to all function calls in a formula,
27470 but not to numbers (and other number-like objects like error forms),
27471 nor to vectors or individual variable names. (Though they will apply
27472 to @emph{components} of vectors and error forms when appropriate.) You
27473 might try to make a variable @code{phihat} which automatically expands
27474 to its definition without the need to press @kbd{=} by writing the
27475 rule @samp{quote(phihat) := (1-sqrt(5))/2}, but unfortunately this rule
27476 will not work as part of @code{EvalRules}.
27478 Finally, another limitation is that Calc sometimes calls its built-in
27479 functions directly rather than going through the default simplifications.
27480 When it does this, @code{EvalRules} will not be able to override those
27481 functions. For example, when you take the absolute value of the complex
27482 number @expr{(2, 3)}, Calc computes @samp{sqrt(2*2 + 3*3)} by calling
27483 the multiplication, addition, and square root functions directly rather
27484 than applying the default simplifications to this formula. So an
27485 @code{EvalRules} rule that (perversely) rewrites @samp{sqrt(13) := 6}
27486 would not apply. (However, if you put Calc into Symbolic mode so that
27487 @samp{sqrt(13)} will be left in symbolic form by the built-in square
27488 root function, your rule will be able to apply. But if the complex
27489 number were @expr{(3,4)}, so that @samp{sqrt(25)} must be calculated,
27490 then Symbolic mode will not help because @samp{sqrt(25)} can be
27491 evaluated exactly to 5.)
27493 One subtle restriction that normally only manifests itself with
27494 @code{EvalRules} is that while a given rewrite rule is in the process
27495 of being checked, that same rule cannot be recursively applied. Calc
27496 effectively removes the rule from its rule set while checking the rule,
27497 then puts it back once the match succeeds or fails. (The technical
27498 reason for this is that compiled pattern programs are not reentrant.)
27499 For example, consider the rule @samp{foo(x) := x :: foo(x/2) > 0}
27500 attempting to match @samp{foo(8)}. This rule will be inactive while
27501 the condition @samp{foo(4) > 0} is checked, even though it might be
27502 an integral part of evaluating that condition. Note that this is not
27503 a problem for the more usual recursive type of rule, such as
27504 @samp{foo(x) := foo(x/2)}, because there the rule has succeeded and
27505 been reactivated by the time the righthand side is evaluated.
27507 If @code{EvalRules} has no stored value (its default state), or if
27508 anything but a vector is stored in it, then it is ignored.
27510 Even though Calc's rewrite mechanism is designed to compare rewrite
27511 rules to formulas as quickly as possible, storing rules in
27512 @code{EvalRules} may make Calc run substantially slower. This is
27513 particularly true of rules where the top-level call is a commonly used
27514 function, or is not fixed. The rule @samp{f(n) := n f(n-1) :: n>0} will
27515 only activate the rewrite mechanism for calls to the function @code{f},
27516 but @samp{lg(n) + lg(m) := lg(n m)} will check every @samp{+} operator.
27519 apply(f, [a*b]) := apply(f, [a]) + apply(f, [b]) :: in(f, [ln, log10])
27523 may seem more ``efficient'' than two separate rules for @code{ln} and
27524 @code{log10}, but actually it is vastly less efficient because rules
27525 with @code{apply} as the top-level pattern must be tested against
27526 @emph{every} function call that is simplified.
27528 @cindex @code{AlgSimpRules} variable
27529 @vindex AlgSimpRules
27530 Suppose you want @samp{sin(a + b)} to be expanded out not all the time,
27531 but only when @kbd{a s} is used to simplify the formula. The variable
27532 @code{AlgSimpRules} holds rules for this purpose. The @kbd{a s} command
27533 will apply @code{EvalRules} and @code{AlgSimpRules} to the formula, as
27534 well as all of its built-in simplifications.
27536 Most of the special limitations for @code{EvalRules} don't apply to
27537 @code{AlgSimpRules}. Calc simply does an @kbd{a r AlgSimpRules}
27538 command with an infinite repeat count as the first step of @kbd{a s}.
27539 It then applies its own built-in simplifications throughout the
27540 formula, and then repeats these two steps (along with applying the
27541 default simplifications) until no further changes are possible.
27543 @cindex @code{ExtSimpRules} variable
27544 @cindex @code{UnitSimpRules} variable
27545 @vindex ExtSimpRules
27546 @vindex UnitSimpRules
27547 There are also @code{ExtSimpRules} and @code{UnitSimpRules} variables
27548 that are used by @kbd{a e} and @kbd{u s}, respectively; these commands
27549 also apply @code{EvalRules} and @code{AlgSimpRules}. The variable
27550 @code{IntegSimpRules} contains simplification rules that are used
27551 only during integration by @kbd{a i}.
27553 @node Debugging Rewrites, Examples of Rewrite Rules, Automatic Rewrites, Rewrite Rules
27554 @subsection Debugging Rewrites
27557 If a buffer named @samp{*Trace*} exists, the rewrite mechanism will
27558 record some useful information there as it operates. The original
27559 formula is written there, as is the result of each successful rewrite,
27560 and the final result of the rewriting. All phase changes are also
27563 Calc always appends to @samp{*Trace*}. You must empty this buffer
27564 yourself periodically if it is in danger of growing unwieldy.
27566 Note that the rewriting mechanism is substantially slower when the
27567 @samp{*Trace*} buffer exists, even if the buffer is not visible on
27568 the screen. Once you are done, you will probably want to kill this
27569 buffer (with @kbd{C-x k *Trace* @key{RET}}). If you leave it in
27570 existence and forget about it, all your future rewrite commands will
27571 be needlessly slow.
27573 @node Examples of Rewrite Rules, , Debugging Rewrites, Rewrite Rules
27574 @subsection Examples of Rewrite Rules
27577 Returning to the example of substituting the pattern
27578 @samp{sin(x)^2 + cos(x)^2} with 1, we saw that the rule
27579 @samp{opt(a) sin(x)^2 + opt(a) cos(x)^2 := a} does a good job of
27580 finding suitable cases. Another solution would be to use the rule
27581 @samp{cos(x)^2 := 1 - sin(x)^2}, followed by algebraic simplification
27582 if necessary. This rule will be the most effective way to do the job,
27583 but at the expense of making some changes that you might not desire.
27585 Another algebraic rewrite rule is @samp{exp(x+y) := exp(x) exp(y)}.
27586 To make this work with the @w{@kbd{j r}} command so that it can be
27587 easily targeted to a particular exponential in a large formula,
27588 you might wish to write the rule as @samp{select(exp(x+y)) :=
27589 select(exp(x) exp(y))}. The @samp{select} markers will be
27590 ignored by the regular @kbd{a r} command
27591 (@pxref{Selections with Rewrite Rules}).
27593 A surprisingly useful rewrite rule is @samp{a/(b-c) := a*(b+c)/(b^2-c^2)}.
27594 This will simplify the formula whenever @expr{b} and/or @expr{c} can
27595 be made simpler by squaring. For example, applying this rule to
27596 @samp{2 / (sqrt(2) + 3)} yields @samp{6:7 - 2:7 sqrt(2)} (assuming
27597 Symbolic mode has been enabled to keep the square root from being
27598 evaluated to a floating-point approximation). This rule is also
27599 useful when working with symbolic complex numbers, e.g.,
27600 @samp{(a + b i) / (c + d i)}.
27602 As another example, we could define our own ``triangular numbers'' function
27603 with the rules @samp{[tri(0) := 0, tri(n) := n + tri(n-1) :: n>0]}. Enter
27604 this vector and store it in a variable: @kbd{@w{s t} trirules}. Now, given
27605 a suitable formula like @samp{tri(5)} on the stack, type @samp{a r trirules}
27606 to apply these rules repeatedly. After six applications, @kbd{a r} will
27607 stop with 15 on the stack. Once these rules are debugged, it would probably
27608 be most useful to add them to @code{EvalRules} so that Calc will evaluate
27609 the new @code{tri} function automatically. We could then use @kbd{Z K} on
27610 the keyboard macro @kbd{' tri($) @key{RET}} to make a command that applies
27611 @code{tri} to the value on the top of the stack. @xref{Programming}.
27613 @cindex Quaternions
27614 The following rule set, contributed by
27615 @texline Fran\c cois
27617 Pinard, implements @dfn{quaternions}, a generalization of the concept of
27618 complex numbers. Quaternions have four components, and are here
27619 represented by function calls @samp{quat(@var{w}, [@var{x}, @var{y},
27620 @var{z}])} with ``real part'' @var{w} and the three ``imaginary'' parts
27621 collected into a vector. Various arithmetical operations on quaternions
27622 are supported. To use these rules, either add them to @code{EvalRules},
27623 or create a command based on @kbd{a r} for simplifying quaternion
27624 formulas. A convenient way to enter quaternions would be a command
27625 defined by a keyboard macro containing: @kbd{' quat($$$$, [$$$, $$, $])
27629 [ quat(w, x, y, z) := quat(w, [x, y, z]),
27630 quat(w, [0, 0, 0]) := w,
27631 abs(quat(w, v)) := hypot(w, v),
27632 -quat(w, v) := quat(-w, -v),
27633 r + quat(w, v) := quat(r + w, v) :: real(r),
27634 r - quat(w, v) := quat(r - w, -v) :: real(r),
27635 quat(w1, v1) + quat(w2, v2) := quat(w1 + w2, v1 + v2),
27636 r * quat(w, v) := quat(r * w, r * v) :: real(r),
27637 plain(quat(w1, v1) * quat(w2, v2))
27638 := quat(w1 * w2 - v1 * v2, w1 * v2 + w2 * v1 + cross(v1, v2)),
27639 quat(w1, v1) / r := quat(w1 / r, v1 / r) :: real(r),
27640 z / quat(w, v) := z * quatinv(quat(w, v)),
27641 quatinv(quat(w, v)) := quat(w, -v) / (w^2 + v^2),
27642 quatsqr(quat(w, v)) := quat(w^2 - v^2, 2 * w * v),
27643 quat(w, v)^k := quatsqr(quat(w, v)^(k / 2))
27644 :: integer(k) :: k > 0 :: k % 2 = 0,
27645 quat(w, v)^k := quatsqr(quat(w, v)^((k - 1) / 2)) * quat(w, v)
27646 :: integer(k) :: k > 2,
27647 quat(w, v)^-k := quatinv(quat(w, v)^k) :: integer(k) :: k > 0 ]
27650 Quaternions, like matrices, have non-commutative multiplication.
27651 In other words, @expr{q1 * q2 = q2 * q1} is not necessarily true if
27652 @expr{q1} and @expr{q2} are @code{quat} forms. The @samp{quat*quat}
27653 rule above uses @code{plain} to prevent Calc from rearranging the
27654 product. It may also be wise to add the line @samp{[quat(), matrix]}
27655 to the @code{Decls} matrix, to ensure that Calc's other algebraic
27656 operations will not rearrange a quaternion product. @xref{Declarations}.
27658 These rules also accept a four-argument @code{quat} form, converting
27659 it to the preferred form in the first rule. If you would rather see
27660 results in the four-argument form, just append the two items
27661 @samp{phase(2), quat(w, [x, y, z]) := quat(w, x, y, z)} to the end
27662 of the rule set. (But remember that multi-phase rule sets don't work
27663 in @code{EvalRules}.)
27665 @node Units, Store and Recall, Algebra, Top
27666 @chapter Operating on Units
27669 One special interpretation of algebraic formulas is as numbers with units.
27670 For example, the formula @samp{5 m / s^2} can be read ``five meters
27671 per second squared.'' The commands in this chapter help you
27672 manipulate units expressions in this form. Units-related commands
27673 begin with the @kbd{u} prefix key.
27676 * Basic Operations on Units::
27677 * The Units Table::
27678 * Predefined Units::
27679 * User-Defined Units::
27682 @node Basic Operations on Units, The Units Table, Units, Units
27683 @section Basic Operations on Units
27686 A @dfn{units expression} is a formula which is basically a number
27687 multiplied and/or divided by one or more @dfn{unit names}, which may
27688 optionally be raised to integer powers. Actually, the value part need not
27689 be a number; any product or quotient involving unit names is a units
27690 expression. Many of the units commands will also accept any formula,
27691 where the command applies to all units expressions which appear in the
27694 A unit name is a variable whose name appears in the @dfn{unit table},
27695 or a variable whose name is a prefix character like @samp{k} (for ``kilo'')
27696 or @samp{u} (for ``micro'') followed by a name in the unit table.
27697 A substantial table of built-in units is provided with Calc;
27698 @pxref{Predefined Units}. You can also define your own unit names;
27699 @pxref{User-Defined Units}.
27701 Note that if the value part of a units expression is exactly @samp{1},
27702 it will be removed by the Calculator's automatic algebra routines: The
27703 formula @samp{1 mm} is ``simplified'' to @samp{mm}. This is only a
27704 display anomaly, however; @samp{mm} will work just fine as a
27705 representation of one millimeter.
27707 You may find that Algebraic mode (@pxref{Algebraic Entry}) makes working
27708 with units expressions easier. Otherwise, you will have to remember
27709 to hit the apostrophe key every time you wish to enter units.
27712 @pindex calc-simplify-units
27714 @mindex usimpl@idots
27717 The @kbd{u s} (@code{calc-simplify-units}) [@code{usimplify}] command
27719 expression. It uses @kbd{a s} (@code{calc-simplify}) to simplify the
27720 expression first as a regular algebraic formula; it then looks for
27721 features that can be further simplified by converting one object's units
27722 to be compatible with another's. For example, @samp{5 m + 23 mm} will
27723 simplify to @samp{5.023 m}. When different but compatible units are
27724 added, the righthand term's units are converted to match those of the
27725 lefthand term. @xref{Simplification Modes}, for a way to have this done
27726 automatically at all times.
27728 Units simplification also handles quotients of two units with the same
27729 dimensionality, as in @w{@samp{2 in s/L cm}} to @samp{5.08 s/L}; fractional
27730 powers of unit expressions, as in @samp{sqrt(9 mm^2)} to @samp{3 mm} and
27731 @samp{sqrt(9 acre)} to a quantity in meters; and @code{floor},
27732 @code{ceil}, @code{round}, @code{rounde}, @code{roundu}, @code{trunc},
27733 @code{float}, @code{frac}, @code{abs}, and @code{clean}
27734 applied to units expressions, in which case
27735 the operation in question is applied only to the numeric part of the
27736 expression. Finally, trigonometric functions of quantities with units
27737 of angle are evaluated, regardless of the current angular mode.
27740 @pindex calc-convert-units
27741 The @kbd{u c} (@code{calc-convert-units}) command converts a units
27742 expression to new, compatible units. For example, given the units
27743 expression @samp{55 mph}, typing @kbd{u c m/s @key{RET}} produces
27744 @samp{24.5872 m/s}. If you have previously converted a units expression
27745 with the same type of units (in this case, distance over time), you will
27746 be offered the previous choice of new units as a default. Continuing
27747 the above example, entering the units expression @samp{100 km/hr} and
27748 typing @kbd{u c @key{RET}} (without specifying new units) produces
27749 @samp{27.7777777778 m/s}.
27751 While many of Calc's conversion factors are exact, some are necessarily
27752 approximate. If Calc is in fraction mode (@pxref{Fraction Mode}), then
27753 unit conversions will try to give exact, rational conversions, but it
27754 isn't always possible. Given @samp{55 mph} in fraction mode, typing
27755 @kbd{u c m/s @key{RET}} produces @samp{15367:625 m/s}, for example,
27756 while typing @kbd{u c au/yr @key{RET}} produces
27757 @samp{5.18665819999e-3 au/yr}.
27759 If the units you request are inconsistent with the original units, the
27760 number will be converted into your units times whatever ``remainder''
27761 units are left over. For example, converting @samp{55 mph} into acres
27762 produces @samp{6.08e-3 acre / m s}. (Recall that multiplication binds
27763 more strongly than division in Calc formulas, so the units here are
27764 acres per meter-second.) Remainder units are expressed in terms of
27765 ``fundamental'' units like @samp{m} and @samp{s}, regardless of the
27768 One special exception is that if you specify a single unit name, and
27769 a compatible unit appears somewhere in the units expression, then
27770 that compatible unit will be converted to the new unit and the
27771 remaining units in the expression will be left alone. For example,
27772 given the input @samp{980 cm/s^2}, the command @kbd{u c ms} will
27773 change the @samp{s} to @samp{ms} to get @samp{9.8e-4 cm/ms^2}.
27774 The ``remainder unit'' @samp{cm} is left alone rather than being
27775 changed to the base unit @samp{m}.
27777 You can use explicit unit conversion instead of the @kbd{u s} command
27778 to gain more control over the units of the result of an expression.
27779 For example, given @samp{5 m + 23 mm}, you can type @kbd{u c m} or
27780 @kbd{u c mm} to express the result in either meters or millimeters.
27781 (For that matter, you could type @kbd{u c fath} to express the result
27782 in fathoms, if you preferred!)
27784 In place of a specific set of units, you can also enter one of the
27785 units system names @code{si}, @code{mks} (equivalent), or @code{cgs}.
27786 For example, @kbd{u c si @key{RET}} converts the expression into
27787 International System of Units (SI) base units. Also, @kbd{u c base}
27788 converts to Calc's base units, which are the same as @code{si} units
27789 except that @code{base} uses @samp{g} as the fundamental unit of mass
27790 whereas @code{si} uses @samp{kg}.
27792 @cindex Composite units
27793 The @kbd{u c} command also accepts @dfn{composite units}, which
27794 are expressed as the sum of several compatible unit names. For
27795 example, converting @samp{30.5 in} to units @samp{mi+ft+in} (miles,
27796 feet, and inches) produces @samp{2 ft + 6.5 in}. Calc first
27797 sorts the unit names into order of decreasing relative size.
27798 It then accounts for as much of the input quantity as it can
27799 using an integer number times the largest unit, then moves on
27800 to the next smaller unit, and so on. Only the smallest unit
27801 may have a non-integer amount attached in the result. A few
27802 standard unit names exist for common combinations, such as
27803 @code{mfi} for @samp{mi+ft+in}, and @code{tpo} for @samp{ton+lb+oz}.
27804 Composite units are expanded as if by @kbd{a x}, so that
27805 @samp{(ft+in)/hr} is first converted to @samp{ft/hr+in/hr}.
27807 If the value on the stack does not contain any units, @kbd{u c} will
27808 prompt first for the old units which this value should be considered
27809 to have, then for the new units. Assuming the old and new units you
27810 give are consistent with each other, the result also will not contain
27811 any units. For example, @kbd{@w{u c} cm @key{RET} in @key{RET}}
27812 converts the number 2 on the stack to 5.08.
27815 @pindex calc-base-units
27816 The @kbd{u b} (@code{calc-base-units}) command is shorthand for
27817 @kbd{u c base}; it converts the units expression on the top of the
27818 stack into @code{base} units. If @kbd{u s} does not simplify a
27819 units expression as far as you would like, try @kbd{u b}.
27821 The @kbd{u c} and @kbd{u b} commands treat temperature units (like
27822 @samp{degC} and @samp{K}) as relative temperatures. For example,
27823 @kbd{u c} converts @samp{10 degC} to @samp{18 degF}: A change of 10
27824 degrees Celsius corresponds to a change of 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
27827 @pindex calc-convert-temperature
27828 @cindex Temperature conversion
27829 The @kbd{u t} (@code{calc-convert-temperature}) command converts
27830 absolute temperatures. The value on the stack must be a simple units
27831 expression with units of temperature only. This command would convert
27832 @samp{10 degC} to @samp{50 degF}, the equivalent temperature on the
27836 @pindex calc-remove-units
27838 @pindex calc-extract-units
27839 The @kbd{u r} (@code{calc-remove-units}) command removes units from the
27840 formula at the top of the stack. The @kbd{u x}
27841 (@code{calc-extract-units}) command extracts only the units portion of a
27842 formula. These commands essentially replace every term of the formula
27843 that does or doesn't (respectively) look like a unit name by the
27844 constant 1, then resimplify the formula.
27847 @pindex calc-autorange-units
27848 The @kbd{u a} (@code{calc-autorange-units}) command turns on and off a
27849 mode in which unit prefixes like @code{k} (``kilo'') are automatically
27850 applied to keep the numeric part of a units expression in a reasonable
27851 range. This mode affects @kbd{u s} and all units conversion commands
27852 except @kbd{u b}. For example, with autoranging on, @samp{12345 Hz}
27853 will be simplified to @samp{12.345 kHz}. Autoranging is useful for
27854 some kinds of units (like @code{Hz} and @code{m}), but is probably
27855 undesirable for non-metric units like @code{ft} and @code{tbsp}.
27856 (Composite units are more appropriate for those; see above.)
27858 Autoranging always applies the prefix to the leftmost unit name.
27859 Calc chooses the largest prefix that causes the number to be greater
27860 than or equal to 1.0. Thus an increasing sequence of adjusted times
27861 would be @samp{1 ms, 10 ms, 100 ms, 1 s, 10 s, 100 s, 1 ks}.
27862 Generally the rule of thumb is that the number will be adjusted
27863 to be in the interval @samp{[1 .. 1000)}, although there are several
27864 exceptions to this rule. First, if the unit has a power then this
27865 is not possible; @samp{0.1 s^2} simplifies to @samp{100000 ms^2}.
27866 Second, the ``centi-'' prefix is allowed to form @code{cm} (centimeters),
27867 but will not apply to other units. The ``deci-,'' ``deka-,'' and
27868 ``hecto-'' prefixes are never used. Thus the allowable interval is
27869 @samp{[1 .. 10)} for millimeters and @samp{[1 .. 100)} for centimeters.
27870 Finally, a prefix will not be added to a unit if the resulting name
27871 is also the actual name of another unit; @samp{1e-15 t} would normally
27872 be considered a ``femto-ton,'' but it is written as @samp{1000 at}
27873 (1000 atto-tons) instead because @code{ft} would be confused with feet.
27875 @node The Units Table, Predefined Units, Basic Operations on Units, Units
27876 @section The Units Table
27880 @pindex calc-enter-units-table
27881 The @kbd{u v} (@code{calc-enter-units-table}) command displays the units table
27882 in another buffer called @code{*Units Table*}. Each entry in this table
27883 gives the unit name as it would appear in an expression, the definition
27884 of the unit in terms of simpler units, and a full name or description of
27885 the unit. Fundamental units are defined as themselves; these are the
27886 units produced by the @kbd{u b} command. The fundamental units are
27887 meters, seconds, grams, kelvins, amperes, candelas, moles, radians,
27890 The Units Table buffer also displays the Unit Prefix Table. Note that
27891 two prefixes, ``kilo'' and ``hecto,'' accept either upper- or lower-case
27892 prefix letters. @samp{Meg} is also accepted as a synonym for the @samp{M}
27893 prefix. Whenever a unit name can be interpreted as either a built-in name
27894 or a prefix followed by another built-in name, the former interpretation
27895 wins. For example, @samp{2 pt} means two pints, not two pico-tons.
27897 The Units Table buffer, once created, is not rebuilt unless you define
27898 new units. To force the buffer to be rebuilt, give any numeric prefix
27899 argument to @kbd{u v}.
27902 @pindex calc-view-units-table
27903 The @kbd{u V} (@code{calc-view-units-table}) command is like @kbd{u v} except
27904 that the cursor is not moved into the Units Table buffer. You can
27905 type @kbd{u V} again to remove the Units Table from the display. To
27906 return from the Units Table buffer after a @kbd{u v}, type @kbd{C-x * c}
27907 again or use the regular Emacs @w{@kbd{C-x o}} (@code{other-window})
27908 command. You can also kill the buffer with @kbd{C-x k} if you wish;
27909 the actual units table is safely stored inside the Calculator.
27912 @pindex calc-get-unit-definition
27913 The @kbd{u g} (@code{calc-get-unit-definition}) command retrieves a unit's
27914 defining expression and pushes it onto the Calculator stack. For example,
27915 @kbd{u g in} will produce the expression @samp{2.54 cm}. This is the
27916 same definition for the unit that would appear in the Units Table buffer.
27917 Note that this command works only for actual unit names; @kbd{u g km}
27918 will report that no such unit exists, for example, because @code{km} is
27919 really the unit @code{m} with a @code{k} (``kilo'') prefix. To see a
27920 definition of a unit in terms of base units, it is easier to push the
27921 unit name on the stack and then reduce it to base units with @kbd{u b}.
27924 @pindex calc-explain-units
27925 The @kbd{u e} (@code{calc-explain-units}) command displays an English
27926 description of the units of the expression on the stack. For example,
27927 for the expression @samp{62 km^2 g / s^2 mol K}, the description is
27928 ``Square-Kilometer Gram per (Second-squared Mole Degree-Kelvin).'' This
27929 command uses the English descriptions that appear in the righthand
27930 column of the Units Table.
27932 @node Predefined Units, User-Defined Units, The Units Table, Units
27933 @section Predefined Units
27936 The definitions of many units have changed over the years. For example,
27937 the meter was originally defined in 1791 as one ten-millionth of the
27938 distance from the equator to the north pole. In order to be more
27939 precise, the definition was adjusted several times, and now a meter is
27940 defined as the distance that light will travel in a vacuum in
27941 1/299792458 of a second; consequently, the speed of light in a
27942 vacuum is exactly 299792458 m/s. Many other units have been
27943 redefined in terms of fundamental physical processes; a second, for
27944 example, is currently defined as 9192631770 periods of a certain
27945 radiation related to the cesium-133 atom. The only SI unit that is not
27946 based on a fundamental physical process (although there are efforts to
27947 change this) is the kilogram, which was originally defined as the mass
27948 of one liter of water, but is now defined as the mass of the
27949 International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), a cylinder of platinum-iridium
27950 kept at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures in S@`evres,
27951 France. (There are several copies of the IPK throughout the world.)
27952 The British imperial units, once defined in terms of physical objects,
27953 were redefined in 1963 in terms of SI units. The US customary units,
27954 which were the same as British units until the British imperial system
27955 was created in 1824, were also defined in terms of the SI units in 1893.
27956 Because of these redefinitions, conversions between metric, British
27957 Imperial, and US customary units can often be done precisely.
27959 Since the exact definitions of many kinds of units have evolved over the
27960 years, and since certain countries sometimes have local differences in
27961 their definitions, it is a good idea to examine Calc's definition of a
27962 unit before depending on its exact value. For example, there are three
27963 different units for gallons, corresponding to the US (@code{gal}),
27964 Canadian (@code{galC}), and British (@code{galUK}) definitions. Also,
27965 note that @code{oz} is a standard ounce of mass, @code{ozt} is a Troy
27966 ounce, and @code{ozfl} is a fluid ounce.
27968 The temperature units corresponding to degrees Kelvin and Centigrade
27969 (Celsius) are the same in this table, since most units commands treat
27970 temperatures as being relative. The @code{calc-convert-temperature}
27971 command has special rules for handling the different absolute magnitudes
27972 of the various temperature scales.
27974 The unit of volume ``liters'' can be referred to by either the lower-case
27975 @code{l} or the upper-case @code{L}.
27977 The unit @code{A} stands for Amperes; the name @code{Ang} is used
27985 The unit @code{pt} stands for pints; the name @code{point} stands for
27986 a typographical point, defined by @samp{72 point = 1 in}. This is
27987 slightly different than the point defined by the American Typefounder's
27988 Association in 1886, but the point used by Calc has become standard
27989 largely due to its use by the PostScript page description language.
27990 There is also @code{texpt}, which stands for a printer's point as
27991 defined by the @TeX{} typesetting system: @samp{72.27 texpt = 1 in}.
27992 Other units used by @TeX{} are available; they are @code{texpc} (a pica),
27993 @code{texbp} (a ``big point'', equal to a standard point which is larger
27994 than the point used by @TeX{}), @code{texdd} (a Didot point),
27995 @code{texcc} (a Cicero) and @code{texsp} (a scaled @TeX{} point,
27996 all dimensions representable in @TeX{} are multiples of this value).
27998 The unit @code{e} stands for the elementary (electron) unit of charge;
27999 because algebra command could mistake this for the special constant
28000 @expr{e}, Calc provides the alternate unit name @code{ech} which is
28001 preferable to @code{e}.
28003 The name @code{g} stands for one gram of mass; there is also @code{gf},
28004 one gram of force. (Likewise for @kbd{lb}, pounds, and @kbd{lbf}.)
28005 Meanwhile, one ``@expr{g}'' of acceleration is denoted @code{ga}.
28007 The unit @code{ton} is a U.S. ton of @samp{2000 lb}, and @code{t} is
28008 a metric ton of @samp{1000 kg}.
28010 The names @code{s} (or @code{sec}) and @code{min} refer to units of
28011 time; @code{arcsec} and @code{arcmin} are units of angle.
28013 Some ``units'' are really physical constants; for example, @code{c}
28014 represents the speed of light, and @code{h} represents Planck's
28015 constant. You can use these just like other units: converting
28016 @samp{.5 c} to @samp{m/s} expresses one-half the speed of light in
28017 meters per second. You can also use this merely as a handy reference;
28018 the @kbd{u g} command gets the definition of one of these constants
28019 in its normal terms, and @kbd{u b} expresses the definition in base
28022 Two units, @code{pi} and @code{alpha} (the fine structure constant,
28023 approximately @mathit{1/137}) are dimensionless. The units simplification
28024 commands simply treat these names as equivalent to their corresponding
28025 values. However you can, for example, use @kbd{u c} to convert a pure
28026 number into multiples of the fine structure constant, or @kbd{u b} to
28027 convert this back into a pure number. (When @kbd{u c} prompts for the
28028 ``old units,'' just enter a blank line to signify that the value
28029 really is unitless.)
28031 @c Describe angular units, luminosity vs. steradians problem.
28033 @node User-Defined Units, , Predefined Units, Units
28034 @section User-Defined Units
28037 Calc provides ways to get quick access to your selected ``favorite''
28038 units, as well as ways to define your own new units.
28041 @pindex calc-quick-units
28043 @cindex @code{Units} variable
28044 @cindex Quick units
28045 To select your favorite units, store a vector of unit names or
28046 expressions in the Calc variable @code{Units}. The @kbd{u 1}
28047 through @kbd{u 9} commands (@code{calc-quick-units}) provide access
28048 to these units. If the value on the top of the stack is a plain
28049 number (with no units attached), then @kbd{u 1} gives it the
28050 specified units. (Basically, it multiplies the number by the
28051 first item in the @code{Units} vector.) If the number on the
28052 stack @emph{does} have units, then @kbd{u 1} converts that number
28053 to the new units. For example, suppose the vector @samp{[in, ft]}
28054 is stored in @code{Units}. Then @kbd{30 u 1} will create the
28055 expression @samp{30 in}, and @kbd{u 2} will convert that expression
28058 The @kbd{u 0} command accesses the tenth element of @code{Units}.
28059 Only ten quick units may be defined at a time. If the @code{Units}
28060 variable has no stored value (the default), or if its value is not
28061 a vector, then the quick-units commands will not function. The
28062 @kbd{s U} command is a convenient way to edit the @code{Units}
28063 variable; @pxref{Operations on Variables}.
28066 @pindex calc-define-unit
28067 @cindex User-defined units
28068 The @kbd{u d} (@code{calc-define-unit}) command records the units
28069 expression on the top of the stack as the definition for a new,
28070 user-defined unit. For example, putting @samp{16.5 ft} on the stack and
28071 typing @kbd{u d rod} defines the new unit @samp{rod} to be equivalent to
28072 16.5 feet. The unit conversion and simplification commands will now
28073 treat @code{rod} just like any other unit of length. You will also be
28074 prompted for an optional English description of the unit, which will
28075 appear in the Units Table. If you wish the definition of this unit to
28076 be displayed in a special way in the Units Table buffer (such as with an
28077 asterisk to indicate an approximate value), then you can call this
28078 command with an argument, @kbd{C-u u d}; you will then also be prompted
28079 for a string that will be used to display the definition.
28082 @pindex calc-undefine-unit
28083 The @kbd{u u} (@code{calc-undefine-unit}) command removes a user-defined
28084 unit. It is not possible to remove one of the predefined units,
28087 If you define a unit with an existing unit name, your new definition
28088 will replace the original definition of that unit. If the unit was a
28089 predefined unit, the old definition will not be replaced, only
28090 ``shadowed.'' The built-in definition will reappear if you later use
28091 @kbd{u u} to remove the shadowing definition.
28093 To create a new fundamental unit, use either 1 or the unit name itself
28094 as the defining expression. Otherwise the expression can involve any
28095 other units that you like (except for composite units like @samp{mfi}).
28096 You can create a new composite unit with a sum of other units as the
28097 defining expression. The next unit operation like @kbd{u c} or @kbd{u v}
28098 will rebuild the internal unit table incorporating your modifications.
28099 Note that erroneous definitions (such as two units defined in terms of
28100 each other) will not be detected until the unit table is next rebuilt;
28101 @kbd{u v} is a convenient way to force this to happen.
28103 Temperature units are treated specially inside the Calculator; it is not
28104 possible to create user-defined temperature units.
28107 @pindex calc-permanent-units
28108 @cindex Calc init file, user-defined units
28109 The @kbd{u p} (@code{calc-permanent-units}) command stores the user-defined
28110 units in your Calc init file (the file given by the variable
28111 @code{calc-settings-file}, typically @file{~/.calc.el}), so that the
28112 units will still be available in subsequent Emacs sessions. If there
28113 was already a set of user-defined units in your Calc init file, it
28114 is replaced by the new set. (@xref{General Mode Commands}, for a way to
28115 tell Calc to use a different file for the Calc init file.)
28117 @node Store and Recall, Graphics, Units, Top
28118 @chapter Storing and Recalling
28121 Calculator variables are really just Lisp variables that contain numbers
28122 or formulas in a form that Calc can understand. The commands in this
28123 section allow you to manipulate variables conveniently. Commands related
28124 to variables use the @kbd{s} prefix key.
28127 * Storing Variables::
28128 * Recalling Variables::
28129 * Operations on Variables::
28131 * Evaluates-To Operator::
28134 @node Storing Variables, Recalling Variables, Store and Recall, Store and Recall
28135 @section Storing Variables
28140 @cindex Storing variables
28141 @cindex Quick variables
28144 The @kbd{s s} (@code{calc-store}) command stores the value at the top of
28145 the stack into a specified variable. It prompts you to enter the
28146 name of the variable. If you press a single digit, the value is stored
28147 immediately in one of the ``quick'' variables @code{q0} through
28148 @code{q9}. Or you can enter any variable name.
28151 @pindex calc-store-into
28152 The @kbd{s s} command leaves the stored value on the stack. There is
28153 also an @kbd{s t} (@code{calc-store-into}) command, which removes a
28154 value from the stack and stores it in a variable.
28156 If the top of stack value is an equation @samp{a = 7} or assignment
28157 @samp{a := 7} with a variable on the lefthand side, then Calc will
28158 assign that variable with that value by default, i.e., if you type
28159 @kbd{s s @key{RET}} or @kbd{s t @key{RET}}. In this example, the
28160 value 7 would be stored in the variable @samp{a}. (If you do type
28161 a variable name at the prompt, the top-of-stack value is stored in
28162 its entirety, even if it is an equation: @samp{s s b @key{RET}}
28163 with @samp{a := 7} on the stack stores @samp{a := 7} in @code{b}.)
28165 In fact, the top of stack value can be a vector of equations or
28166 assignments with different variables on their lefthand sides; the
28167 default will be to store all the variables with their corresponding
28168 righthand sides simultaneously.
28170 It is also possible to type an equation or assignment directly at
28171 the prompt for the @kbd{s s} or @kbd{s t} command: @kbd{s s foo = 7}.
28172 In this case the expression to the right of the @kbd{=} or @kbd{:=}
28173 symbol is evaluated as if by the @kbd{=} command, and that value is
28174 stored in the variable. No value is taken from the stack; @kbd{s s}
28175 and @kbd{s t} are equivalent when used in this way.
28179 The prefix keys @kbd{s} and @kbd{t} may be followed immediately by a
28180 digit; @kbd{s 9} is equivalent to @kbd{s s 9}, and @kbd{t 9} is
28181 equivalent to @kbd{s t 9}. (The @kbd{t} prefix is otherwise used
28182 for trail and time/date commands.)
28218 @pindex calc-store-plus
28219 @pindex calc-store-minus
28220 @pindex calc-store-times
28221 @pindex calc-store-div
28222 @pindex calc-store-power
28223 @pindex calc-store-concat
28224 @pindex calc-store-neg
28225 @pindex calc-store-inv
28226 @pindex calc-store-decr
28227 @pindex calc-store-incr
28228 There are also several ``arithmetic store'' commands. For example,
28229 @kbd{s +} removes a value from the stack and adds it to the specified
28230 variable. The other arithmetic stores are @kbd{s -}, @kbd{s *}, @kbd{s /},
28231 @kbd{s ^}, and @w{@kbd{s |}} (vector concatenation), plus @kbd{s n} and
28232 @kbd{s &} which negate or invert the value in a variable, and @w{@kbd{s [}}
28233 and @kbd{s ]} which decrease or increase a variable by one.
28235 All the arithmetic stores accept the Inverse prefix to reverse the
28236 order of the operands. If @expr{v} represents the contents of the
28237 variable, and @expr{a} is the value drawn from the stack, then regular
28238 @w{@kbd{s -}} assigns
28239 @texline @math{v \coloneq v - a},
28240 @infoline @expr{v := v - a},
28241 but @kbd{I s -} assigns
28242 @texline @math{v \coloneq a - v}.
28243 @infoline @expr{v := a - v}.
28244 While @kbd{I s *} might seem pointless, it is
28245 useful if matrix multiplication is involved. Actually, all the
28246 arithmetic stores use formulas designed to behave usefully both
28247 forwards and backwards:
28251 s + v := v + a v := a + v
28252 s - v := v - a v := a - v
28253 s * v := v * a v := a * v
28254 s / v := v / a v := a / v
28255 s ^ v := v ^ a v := a ^ v
28256 s | v := v | a v := a | v
28257 s n v := v / (-1) v := (-1) / v
28258 s & v := v ^ (-1) v := (-1) ^ v
28259 s [ v := v - 1 v := 1 - v
28260 s ] v := v - (-1) v := (-1) - v
28264 In the last four cases, a numeric prefix argument will be used in
28265 place of the number one. (For example, @kbd{M-2 s ]} increases
28266 a variable by 2, and @kbd{M-2 I s ]} replaces a variable by
28267 minus-two minus the variable.
28269 The first six arithmetic stores can also be typed @kbd{s t +}, @kbd{s t -},
28270 etc. The commands @kbd{s s +}, @kbd{s s -}, and so on are analogous
28271 arithmetic stores that don't remove the value @expr{a} from the stack.
28273 All arithmetic stores report the new value of the variable in the
28274 Trail for your information. They signal an error if the variable
28275 previously had no stored value. If default simplifications have been
28276 turned off, the arithmetic stores temporarily turn them on for numeric
28277 arguments only (i.e., they temporarily do an @kbd{m N} command).
28278 @xref{Simplification Modes}. Large vectors put in the trail by
28279 these commands always use abbreviated (@kbd{t .}) mode.
28282 @pindex calc-store-map
28283 The @kbd{s m} command is a general way to adjust a variable's value
28284 using any Calc function. It is a ``mapping'' command analogous to
28285 @kbd{V M}, @kbd{V R}, etc. @xref{Reducing and Mapping}, to see
28286 how to specify a function for a mapping command. Basically,
28287 all you do is type the Calc command key that would invoke that
28288 function normally. For example, @kbd{s m n} applies the @kbd{n}
28289 key to negate the contents of the variable, so @kbd{s m n} is
28290 equivalent to @kbd{s n}. Also, @kbd{s m Q} takes the square root
28291 of the value stored in a variable, @kbd{s m v v} uses @kbd{v v} to
28292 reverse the vector stored in the variable, and @kbd{s m H I S}
28293 takes the hyperbolic arcsine of the variable contents.
28295 If the mapping function takes two or more arguments, the additional
28296 arguments are taken from the stack; the old value of the variable
28297 is provided as the first argument. Thus @kbd{s m -} with @expr{a}
28298 on the stack computes @expr{v - a}, just like @kbd{s -}. With the
28299 Inverse prefix, the variable's original value becomes the @emph{last}
28300 argument instead of the first. Thus @kbd{I s m -} is also
28301 equivalent to @kbd{I s -}.
28304 @pindex calc-store-exchange
28305 The @kbd{s x} (@code{calc-store-exchange}) command exchanges the value
28306 of a variable with the value on the top of the stack. Naturally, the
28307 variable must already have a stored value for this to work.
28309 You can type an equation or assignment at the @kbd{s x} prompt. The
28310 command @kbd{s x a=6} takes no values from the stack; instead, it
28311 pushes the old value of @samp{a} on the stack and stores @samp{a = 6}.
28314 @pindex calc-unstore
28315 @cindex Void variables
28316 @cindex Un-storing variables
28317 Until you store something in them, most variables are ``void,'' that is,
28318 they contain no value at all. If they appear in an algebraic formula
28319 they will be left alone even if you press @kbd{=} (@code{calc-evaluate}).
28320 The @kbd{s u} (@code{calc-unstore}) command returns a variable to the
28324 @pindex calc-copy-variable
28325 The @kbd{s c} (@code{calc-copy-variable}) command copies the stored
28326 value of one variable to another. One way it differs from a simple
28327 @kbd{s r} followed by an @kbd{s t} (aside from saving keystrokes) is
28328 that the value never goes on the stack and thus is never rounded,
28329 evaluated, or simplified in any way; it is not even rounded down to the
28332 The only variables with predefined values are the ``special constants''
28333 @code{pi}, @code{e}, @code{i}, @code{phi}, and @code{gamma}. You are free
28334 to unstore these variables or to store new values into them if you like,
28335 although some of the algebraic-manipulation functions may assume these
28336 variables represent their standard values. Calc displays a warning if
28337 you change the value of one of these variables, or of one of the other
28338 special variables @code{inf}, @code{uinf}, and @code{nan} (which are
28341 Note that @code{pi} doesn't actually have 3.14159265359 stored in it,
28342 but rather a special magic value that evaluates to @cpi{} at the current
28343 precision. Likewise @code{e}, @code{i}, and @code{phi} evaluate
28344 according to the current precision or polar mode. If you recall a value
28345 from @code{pi} and store it back, this magic property will be lost. The
28346 magic property is preserved, however, when a variable is copied with
28350 @pindex calc-copy-special-constant
28351 If one of the ``special constants'' is redefined (or undefined) so that
28352 it no longer has its magic property, the property can be restored with
28353 @kbd{s k} (@code{calc-copy-special-constant}). This command will prompt
28354 for a special constant and a variable to store it in, and so a special
28355 constant can be stored in any variable. Here, the special constant that
28356 you enter doesn't depend on the value of the corresponding variable;
28357 @code{pi} will represent 3.14159@dots{} regardless of what is currently
28358 stored in the Calc variable @code{pi}. If one of the other special
28359 variables, @code{inf}, @code{uinf} or @code{nan}, is given a value, its
28360 original behavior can be restored by voiding it with @kbd{s u}.
28362 @node Recalling Variables, Operations on Variables, Storing Variables, Store and Recall
28363 @section Recalling Variables
28367 @pindex calc-recall
28368 @cindex Recalling variables
28369 The most straightforward way to extract the stored value from a variable
28370 is to use the @kbd{s r} (@code{calc-recall}) command. This command prompts
28371 for a variable name (similarly to @code{calc-store}), looks up the value
28372 of the specified variable, and pushes that value onto the stack. It is
28373 an error to try to recall a void variable.
28375 It is also possible to recall the value from a variable by evaluating a
28376 formula containing that variable. For example, @kbd{' a @key{RET} =} is
28377 the same as @kbd{s r a @key{RET}} except that if the variable is void, the
28378 former will simply leave the formula @samp{a} on the stack whereas the
28379 latter will produce an error message.
28382 The @kbd{r} prefix may be followed by a digit, so that @kbd{r 9} is
28383 equivalent to @kbd{s r 9}.
28385 @node Operations on Variables, Let Command, Recalling Variables, Store and Recall
28386 @section Other Operations on Variables
28390 @pindex calc-edit-variable
28391 The @kbd{s e} (@code{calc-edit-variable}) command edits the stored
28392 value of a variable without ever putting that value on the stack
28393 or simplifying or evaluating the value. It prompts for the name of
28394 the variable to edit. If the variable has no stored value, the
28395 editing buffer will start out empty. If the editing buffer is
28396 empty when you press @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish, the variable will
28397 be made void. @xref{Editing Stack Entries}, for a general
28398 description of editing.
28400 The @kbd{s e} command is especially useful for creating and editing
28401 rewrite rules which are stored in variables. Sometimes these rules
28402 contain formulas which must not be evaluated until the rules are
28403 actually used. (For example, they may refer to @samp{deriv(x,y)},
28404 where @code{x} will someday become some expression involving @code{y};
28405 if you let Calc evaluate the rule while you are defining it, Calc will
28406 replace @samp{deriv(x,y)} with 0 because the formula @code{x} does
28407 not itself refer to @code{y}.) By contrast, recalling the variable,
28408 editing with @kbd{`}, and storing will evaluate the variable's value
28409 as a side effect of putting the value on the stack.
28457 @pindex calc-store-AlgSimpRules
28458 @pindex calc-store-Decls
28459 @pindex calc-store-EvalRules
28460 @pindex calc-store-FitRules
28461 @pindex calc-store-GenCount
28462 @pindex calc-store-Holidays
28463 @pindex calc-store-IntegLimit
28464 @pindex calc-store-LineStyles
28465 @pindex calc-store-PointStyles
28466 @pindex calc-store-PlotRejects
28467 @pindex calc-store-TimeZone
28468 @pindex calc-store-Units
28469 @pindex calc-store-ExtSimpRules
28470 There are several special-purpose variable-editing commands that
28471 use the @kbd{s} prefix followed by a shifted letter:
28475 Edit @code{AlgSimpRules}. @xref{Algebraic Simplifications}.
28477 Edit @code{Decls}. @xref{Declarations}.
28479 Edit @code{EvalRules}. @xref{Default Simplifications}.
28481 Edit @code{FitRules}. @xref{Curve Fitting}.
28483 Edit @code{GenCount}. @xref{Solving Equations}.
28485 Edit @code{Holidays}. @xref{Business Days}.
28487 Edit @code{IntegLimit}. @xref{Calculus}.
28489 Edit @code{LineStyles}. @xref{Graphics}.
28491 Edit @code{PointStyles}. @xref{Graphics}.
28493 Edit @code{PlotRejects}. @xref{Graphics}.
28495 Edit @code{TimeZone}. @xref{Time Zones}.
28497 Edit @code{Units}. @xref{User-Defined Units}.
28499 Edit @code{ExtSimpRules}. @xref{Unsafe Simplifications}.
28502 These commands are just versions of @kbd{s e} that use fixed variable
28503 names rather than prompting for the variable name.
28506 @pindex calc-permanent-variable
28507 @cindex Storing variables
28508 @cindex Permanent variables
28509 @cindex Calc init file, variables
28510 The @kbd{s p} (@code{calc-permanent-variable}) command saves a
28511 variable's value permanently in your Calc init file (the file given by
28512 the variable @code{calc-settings-file}, typically @file{~/.calc.el}), so
28513 that its value will still be available in future Emacs sessions. You
28514 can re-execute @w{@kbd{s p}} later on to update the saved value, but the
28515 only way to remove a saved variable is to edit your calc init file
28516 by hand. (@xref{General Mode Commands}, for a way to tell Calc to
28517 use a different file for the Calc init file.)
28519 If you do not specify the name of a variable to save (i.e.,
28520 @kbd{s p @key{RET}}), all Calc variables with defined values
28521 are saved except for the special constants @code{pi}, @code{e},
28522 @code{i}, @code{phi}, and @code{gamma}; the variables @code{TimeZone}
28523 and @code{PlotRejects};
28524 @code{FitRules}, @code{DistribRules}, and other built-in rewrite
28525 rules; and @code{PlotData@var{n}} variables generated
28526 by the graphics commands. (You can still save these variables by
28527 explicitly naming them in an @kbd{s p} command.)
28530 @pindex calc-insert-variables
28531 The @kbd{s i} (@code{calc-insert-variables}) command writes
28532 the values of all Calc variables into a specified buffer.
28533 The variables are written with the prefix @code{var-} in the form of
28534 Lisp @code{setq} commands
28535 which store the values in string form. You can place these commands
28536 in your Calc init file (or @file{.emacs}) if you wish, though in this case it
28537 would be easier to use @kbd{s p @key{RET}}. (Note that @kbd{s i}
28538 omits the same set of variables as @w{@kbd{s p @key{RET}}}; the difference
28539 is that @kbd{s i} will store the variables in any buffer, and it also
28540 stores in a more human-readable format.)
28542 @node Let Command, Evaluates-To Operator, Operations on Variables, Store and Recall
28543 @section The Let Command
28548 @cindex Variables, temporary assignment
28549 @cindex Temporary assignment to variables
28550 If you have an expression like @samp{a+b^2} on the stack and you wish to
28551 compute its value where @expr{b=3}, you can simply store 3 in @expr{b} and
28552 then press @kbd{=} to reevaluate the formula. This has the side-effect
28553 of leaving the stored value of 3 in @expr{b} for future operations.
28555 The @kbd{s l} (@code{calc-let}) command evaluates a formula under a
28556 @emph{temporary} assignment of a variable. It stores the value on the
28557 top of the stack into the specified variable, then evaluates the
28558 second-to-top stack entry, then restores the original value (or lack of one)
28559 in the variable. Thus after @kbd{'@w{ }a+b^2 @key{RET} 3 s l b @key{RET}},
28560 the stack will contain the formula @samp{a + 9}. The subsequent command
28561 @kbd{@w{5 s l a} @key{RET}} will replace this formula with the number 14.
28562 The variables @samp{a} and @samp{b} are not permanently affected in any way
28565 The value on the top of the stack may be an equation or assignment, or
28566 a vector of equations or assignments, in which case the default will be
28567 analogous to the case of @kbd{s t @key{RET}}. @xref{Storing Variables}.
28569 Also, you can answer the variable-name prompt with an equation or
28570 assignment: @kbd{s l b=3 @key{RET}} is the same as storing 3 on the stack
28571 and typing @kbd{s l b @key{RET}}.
28573 The @kbd{a b} (@code{calc-substitute}) command is another way to substitute
28574 a variable with a value in a formula. It does an actual substitution
28575 rather than temporarily assigning the variable and evaluating. For
28576 example, letting @expr{n=2} in @samp{f(n pi)} with @kbd{a b} will
28577 produce @samp{f(2 pi)}, whereas @kbd{s l} would give @samp{f(6.28)}
28578 since the evaluation step will also evaluate @code{pi}.
28580 @node Evaluates-To Operator, , Let Command, Store and Recall
28581 @section The Evaluates-To Operator
28586 @cindex Evaluates-to operator
28587 @cindex @samp{=>} operator
28588 The special algebraic symbol @samp{=>} is known as the @dfn{evaluates-to
28589 operator}. (It will show up as an @code{evalto} function call in
28590 other language modes like Pascal and La@TeX{}.) This is a binary
28591 operator, that is, it has a lefthand and a righthand argument,
28592 although it can be entered with the righthand argument omitted.
28594 A formula like @samp{@var{a} => @var{b}} is evaluated by Calc as
28595 follows: First, @var{a} is not simplified or modified in any
28596 way. The previous value of argument @var{b} is thrown away; the
28597 formula @var{a} is then copied and evaluated as if by the @kbd{=}
28598 command according to all current modes and stored variable values,
28599 and the result is installed as the new value of @var{b}.
28601 For example, suppose you enter the algebraic formula @samp{2 + 3 => 17}.
28602 The number 17 is ignored, and the lefthand argument is left in its
28603 unevaluated form; the result is the formula @samp{2 + 3 => 5}.
28606 @pindex calc-evalto
28607 You can enter an @samp{=>} formula either directly using algebraic
28608 entry (in which case the righthand side may be omitted since it is
28609 going to be replaced right away anyhow), or by using the @kbd{s =}
28610 (@code{calc-evalto}) command, which takes @var{a} from the stack
28611 and replaces it with @samp{@var{a} => @var{b}}.
28613 Calc keeps track of all @samp{=>} operators on the stack, and
28614 recomputes them whenever anything changes that might affect their
28615 values, i.e., a mode setting or variable value. This occurs only
28616 if the @samp{=>} operator is at the top level of the formula, or
28617 if it is part of a top-level vector. In other words, pushing
28618 @samp{2 + (a => 17)} will change the 17 to the actual value of
28619 @samp{a} when you enter the formula, but the result will not be
28620 dynamically updated when @samp{a} is changed later because the
28621 @samp{=>} operator is buried inside a sum. However, a vector
28622 of @samp{=>} operators will be recomputed, since it is convenient
28623 to push a vector like @samp{[a =>, b =>, c =>]} on the stack to
28624 make a concise display of all the variables in your problem.
28625 (Another way to do this would be to use @samp{[a, b, c] =>},
28626 which provides a slightly different format of display. You
28627 can use whichever you find easiest to read.)
28630 @pindex calc-auto-recompute
28631 The @kbd{m C} (@code{calc-auto-recompute}) command allows you to
28632 turn this automatic recomputation on or off. If you turn
28633 recomputation off, you must explicitly recompute an @samp{=>}
28634 operator on the stack in one of the usual ways, such as by
28635 pressing @kbd{=}. Turning recomputation off temporarily can save
28636 a lot of time if you will be changing several modes or variables
28637 before you look at the @samp{=>} entries again.
28639 Most commands are not especially useful with @samp{=>} operators
28640 as arguments. For example, given @samp{x + 2 => 17}, it won't
28641 work to type @kbd{1 +} to get @samp{x + 3 => 18}. If you want
28642 to operate on the lefthand side of the @samp{=>} operator on
28643 the top of the stack, type @kbd{j 1} (that's the digit ``one'')
28644 to select the lefthand side, execute your commands, then type
28645 @kbd{j u} to unselect.
28647 All current modes apply when an @samp{=>} operator is computed,
28648 including the current simplification mode. Recall that the
28649 formula @samp{x + y + x} is not handled by Calc's default
28650 simplifications, but the @kbd{a s} command will reduce it to
28651 the simpler form @samp{y + 2 x}. You can also type @kbd{m A}
28652 to enable an Algebraic Simplification mode in which the
28653 equivalent of @kbd{a s} is used on all of Calc's results.
28654 If you enter @samp{x + y + x =>} normally, the result will
28655 be @samp{x + y + x => x + y + x}. If you change to
28656 Algebraic Simplification mode, the result will be
28657 @samp{x + y + x => y + 2 x}. However, just pressing @kbd{a s}
28658 once will have no effect on @samp{x + y + x => x + y + x},
28659 because the righthand side depends only on the lefthand side
28660 and the current mode settings, and the lefthand side is not
28661 affected by commands like @kbd{a s}.
28663 The ``let'' command (@kbd{s l}) has an interesting interaction
28664 with the @samp{=>} operator. The @kbd{s l} command evaluates the
28665 second-to-top stack entry with the top stack entry supplying
28666 a temporary value for a given variable. As you might expect,
28667 if that stack entry is an @samp{=>} operator its righthand
28668 side will temporarily show this value for the variable. In
28669 fact, all @samp{=>}s on the stack will be updated if they refer
28670 to that variable. But this change is temporary in the sense
28671 that the next command that causes Calc to look at those stack
28672 entries will make them revert to the old variable value.
28676 2: a => a 2: a => 17 2: a => a
28677 1: a + 1 => a + 1 1: a + 1 => 18 1: a + 1 => a + 1
28680 17 s l a @key{RET} p 8 @key{RET}
28684 Here the @kbd{p 8} command changes the current precision,
28685 thus causing the @samp{=>} forms to be recomputed after the
28686 influence of the ``let'' is gone. The @kbd{d @key{SPC}} command
28687 (@code{calc-refresh}) is a handy way to force the @samp{=>}
28688 operators on the stack to be recomputed without any other
28692 @pindex calc-assign
28695 Embedded mode also uses @samp{=>} operators. In Embedded mode,
28696 the lefthand side of an @samp{=>} operator can refer to variables
28697 assigned elsewhere in the file by @samp{:=} operators. The
28698 assignment operator @samp{a := 17} does not actually do anything
28699 by itself. But Embedded mode recognizes it and marks it as a sort
28700 of file-local definition of the variable. You can enter @samp{:=}
28701 operators in Algebraic mode, or by using the @kbd{s :}
28702 (@code{calc-assign}) [@code{assign}] command which takes a variable
28703 and value from the stack and replaces them with an assignment.
28705 @xref{TeX and LaTeX Language Modes}, for the way @samp{=>} appears in
28706 @TeX{} language output. The @dfn{eqn} mode gives similar
28707 treatment to @samp{=>}.
28709 @node Graphics, Kill and Yank, Store and Recall, Top
28713 The commands for graphing data begin with the @kbd{g} prefix key. Calc
28714 uses GNUPLOT 2.0 or later to do graphics. These commands will only work
28715 if GNUPLOT is available on your system. (While GNUPLOT sounds like
28716 a relative of GNU Emacs, it is actually completely unrelated.
28717 However, it is free software. It can be obtained from
28718 @samp{http://www.gnuplot.info}.)
28720 @vindex calc-gnuplot-name
28721 If you have GNUPLOT installed on your system but Calc is unable to
28722 find it, you may need to set the @code{calc-gnuplot-name} variable in
28723 your Calc init file or @file{.emacs}. You may also need to set some
28724 Lisp variables to show Calc how to run GNUPLOT on your system; these
28725 are described under @kbd{g D} and @kbd{g O} below. If you are using
28726 the X window system or MS-Windows, Calc will configure GNUPLOT for you
28727 automatically. If you have GNUPLOT 3.0 or later and you are using a
28728 Unix or GNU system without X, Calc will configure GNUPLOT to display
28729 graphs using simple character graphics that will work on any
28730 Posix-compatible terminal.
28734 * Three Dimensional Graphics::
28735 * Managing Curves::
28736 * Graphics Options::
28740 @node Basic Graphics, Three Dimensional Graphics, Graphics, Graphics
28741 @section Basic Graphics
28745 @pindex calc-graph-fast
28746 The easiest graphics command is @kbd{g f} (@code{calc-graph-fast}).
28747 This command takes two vectors of equal length from the stack.
28748 The vector at the top of the stack represents the ``y'' values of
28749 the various data points. The vector in the second-to-top position
28750 represents the corresponding ``x'' values. This command runs
28751 GNUPLOT (if it has not already been started by previous graphing
28752 commands) and displays the set of data points. The points will
28753 be connected by lines, and there will also be some kind of symbol
28754 to indicate the points themselves.
28756 The ``x'' entry may instead be an interval form, in which case suitable
28757 ``x'' values are interpolated between the minimum and maximum values of
28758 the interval (whether the interval is open or closed is ignored).
28760 The ``x'' entry may also be a number, in which case Calc uses the
28761 sequence of ``x'' values @expr{x}, @expr{x+1}, @expr{x+2}, etc.
28762 (Generally the number 0 or 1 would be used for @expr{x} in this case.)
28764 The ``y'' entry may be any formula instead of a vector. Calc effectively
28765 uses @kbd{N} (@code{calc-eval-num}) to evaluate variables in the formula;
28766 the result of this must be a formula in a single (unassigned) variable.
28767 The formula is plotted with this variable taking on the various ``x''
28768 values. Graphs of formulas by default use lines without symbols at the
28769 computed data points. Note that if neither ``x'' nor ``y'' is a vector,
28770 Calc guesses at a reasonable number of data points to use. See the
28771 @kbd{g N} command below. (The ``x'' values must be either a vector
28772 or an interval if ``y'' is a formula.)
28778 If ``y'' is (or evaluates to) a formula of the form
28779 @samp{xy(@var{x}, @var{y})} then the result is a
28780 parametric plot. The two arguments of the fictitious @code{xy} function
28781 are used as the ``x'' and ``y'' coordinates of the curve, respectively.
28782 In this case the ``x'' vector or interval you specified is not directly
28783 visible in the graph. For example, if ``x'' is the interval @samp{[0..360]}
28784 and ``y'' is the formula @samp{xy(sin(t), cos(t))}, the resulting graph
28787 Also, ``x'' and ``y'' may each be variable names, in which case Calc
28788 looks for suitable vectors, intervals, or formulas stored in those
28791 The ``x'' and ``y'' values for the data points (as pulled from the vectors,
28792 calculated from the formulas, or interpolated from the intervals) should
28793 be real numbers (integers, fractions, or floats). One exception to this
28794 is that the ``y'' entry can consist of a vector of numbers combined with
28795 error forms, in which case the points will be plotted with the
28796 appropriate error bars. Other than this, if either the ``x''
28797 value or the ``y'' value of a given data point is not a real number, that
28798 data point will be omitted from the graph. The points on either side
28799 of the invalid point will @emph{not} be connected by a line.
28801 See the documentation for @kbd{g a} below for a description of the way
28802 numeric prefix arguments affect @kbd{g f}.
28804 @cindex @code{PlotRejects} variable
28805 @vindex PlotRejects
28806 If you store an empty vector in the variable @code{PlotRejects}
28807 (i.e., @kbd{[ ] s t PlotRejects}), Calc will append information to
28808 this vector for every data point which was rejected because its
28809 ``x'' or ``y'' values were not real numbers. The result will be
28810 a matrix where each row holds the curve number, data point number,
28811 ``x'' value, and ``y'' value for a rejected data point.
28812 @xref{Evaluates-To Operator}, for a handy way to keep tabs on the
28813 current value of @code{PlotRejects}. @xref{Operations on Variables},
28814 for the @kbd{s R} command which is another easy way to examine
28815 @code{PlotRejects}.
28818 @pindex calc-graph-clear
28819 To clear the graphics display, type @kbd{g c} (@code{calc-graph-clear}).
28820 If the GNUPLOT output device is an X window, the window will go away.
28821 Effects on other kinds of output devices will vary. You don't need
28822 to use @kbd{g c} if you don't want to---if you give another @kbd{g f}
28823 or @kbd{g p} command later on, it will reuse the existing graphics
28824 window if there is one.
28826 @node Three Dimensional Graphics, Managing Curves, Basic Graphics, Graphics
28827 @section Three-Dimensional Graphics
28830 @pindex calc-graph-fast-3d
28831 The @kbd{g F} (@code{calc-graph-fast-3d}) command makes a three-dimensional
28832 graph. It works only if you have GNUPLOT 3.0 or later; with GNUPLOT 2.0,
28833 you will see a GNUPLOT error message if you try this command.
28835 The @kbd{g F} command takes three values from the stack, called ``x'',
28836 ``y'', and ``z'', respectively. As was the case for 2D graphs, there
28837 are several options for these values.
28839 In the first case, ``x'' and ``y'' are each vectors (not necessarily of
28840 the same length); either or both may instead be interval forms. The
28841 ``z'' value must be a matrix with the same number of rows as elements
28842 in ``x'', and the same number of columns as elements in ``y''. The
28843 result is a surface plot where
28844 @texline @math{z_{ij}}
28845 @infoline @expr{z_ij}
28846 is the height of the point
28847 at coordinate @expr{(x_i, y_j)} on the surface. The 3D graph will
28848 be displayed from a certain default viewpoint; you can change this
28849 viewpoint by adding a @samp{set view} to the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*}
28850 buffer as described later. See the GNUPLOT documentation for a
28851 description of the @samp{set view} command.
28853 Each point in the matrix will be displayed as a dot in the graph,
28854 and these points will be connected by a grid of lines (@dfn{isolines}).
28856 In the second case, ``x'', ``y'', and ``z'' are all vectors of equal
28857 length. The resulting graph displays a 3D line instead of a surface,
28858 where the coordinates of points along the line are successive triplets
28859 of values from the input vectors.
28861 In the third case, ``x'' and ``y'' are vectors or interval forms, and
28862 ``z'' is any formula involving two variables (not counting variables
28863 with assigned values). These variables are sorted into alphabetical
28864 order; the first takes on values from ``x'' and the second takes on
28865 values from ``y'' to form a matrix of results that are graphed as a
28872 If the ``z'' formula evaluates to a call to the fictitious function
28873 @samp{xyz(@var{x}, @var{y}, @var{z})}, then the result is a
28874 ``parametric surface.'' In this case, the axes of the graph are
28875 taken from the @var{x} and @var{y} values in these calls, and the
28876 ``x'' and ``y'' values from the input vectors or intervals are used only
28877 to specify the range of inputs to the formula. For example, plotting
28878 @samp{[0..360], [0..180], xyz(sin(x)*sin(y), cos(x)*sin(y), cos(y))}
28879 will draw a sphere. (Since the default resolution for 3D plots is
28880 5 steps in each of ``x'' and ``y'', this will draw a very crude
28881 sphere. You could use the @kbd{g N} command, described below, to
28882 increase this resolution, or specify the ``x'' and ``y'' values as
28883 vectors with more than 5 elements.
28885 It is also possible to have a function in a regular @kbd{g f} plot
28886 evaluate to an @code{xyz} call. Since @kbd{g f} plots a line, not
28887 a surface, the result will be a 3D parametric line. For example,
28888 @samp{[[0..720], xyz(sin(x), cos(x), x)]} will plot two turns of a
28889 helix (a three-dimensional spiral).
28891 As for @kbd{g f}, each of ``x'', ``y'', and ``z'' may instead be
28892 variables containing the relevant data.
28894 @node Managing Curves, Graphics Options, Three Dimensional Graphics, Graphics
28895 @section Managing Curves
28898 The @kbd{g f} command is really shorthand for the following commands:
28899 @kbd{C-u g d g a g p}. Likewise, @w{@kbd{g F}} is shorthand for
28900 @kbd{C-u g d g A g p}. You can gain more control over your graph
28901 by using these commands directly.
28904 @pindex calc-graph-add
28905 The @kbd{g a} (@code{calc-graph-add}) command adds the ``curve''
28906 represented by the two values on the top of the stack to the current
28907 graph. You can have any number of curves in the same graph. When
28908 you give the @kbd{g p} command, all the curves will be drawn superimposed
28911 The @kbd{g a} command (and many others that affect the current graph)
28912 will cause a special buffer, @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*}, to be displayed
28913 in another window. This buffer is a template of the commands that will
28914 be sent to GNUPLOT when it is time to draw the graph. The first
28915 @kbd{g a} command adds a @code{plot} command to this buffer. Succeeding
28916 @kbd{g a} commands add extra curves onto that @code{plot} command.
28917 Other graph-related commands put other GNUPLOT commands into this
28918 buffer. In normal usage you never need to work with this buffer
28919 directly, but you can if you wish. The only constraint is that there
28920 must be only one @code{plot} command, and it must be the last command
28921 in the buffer. If you want to save and later restore a complete graph
28922 configuration, you can use regular Emacs commands to save and restore
28923 the contents of the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer.
28927 If the values on the stack are not variable names, @kbd{g a} will invent
28928 variable names for them (of the form @samp{PlotData@var{n}}) and store
28929 the values in those variables. The ``x'' and ``y'' variables are what
28930 go into the @code{plot} command in the template. If you add a curve
28931 that uses a certain variable and then later change that variable, you
28932 can replot the graph without having to delete and re-add the curve.
28933 That's because the variable name, not the vector, interval or formula
28934 itself, is what was added by @kbd{g a}.
28936 A numeric prefix argument on @kbd{g a} or @kbd{g f} changes the way
28937 stack entries are interpreted as curves. With a positive prefix
28938 argument @expr{n}, the top @expr{n} stack entries are ``y'' values
28939 for @expr{n} different curves which share a common ``x'' value in
28940 the @expr{n+1}st stack entry. (Thus @kbd{g a} with no prefix
28941 argument is equivalent to @kbd{C-u 1 g a}.)
28943 A prefix of zero or plain @kbd{C-u} means to take two stack entries,
28944 ``x'' and ``y'' as usual, but to interpret ``y'' as a vector of
28945 ``y'' values for several curves that share a common ``x''.
28947 A negative prefix argument tells Calc to read @expr{n} vectors from
28948 the stack; each vector @expr{[x, y]} describes an independent curve.
28949 This is the only form of @kbd{g a} that creates several curves at once
28950 that don't have common ``x'' values. (Of course, the range of ``x''
28951 values covered by all the curves ought to be roughly the same if
28952 they are to look nice on the same graph.)
28954 For example, to plot
28955 @texline @math{\sin n x}
28956 @infoline @expr{sin(n x)}
28957 for integers @expr{n}
28958 from 1 to 5, you could use @kbd{v x} to create a vector of integers
28959 (@expr{n}), then @kbd{V M '} or @kbd{V M $} to map @samp{sin(n x)}
28960 across this vector. The resulting vector of formulas is suitable
28961 for use as the ``y'' argument to a @kbd{C-u g a} or @kbd{C-u g f}
28965 @pindex calc-graph-add-3d
28966 The @kbd{g A} (@code{calc-graph-add-3d}) command adds a 3D curve
28967 to the graph. It is not valid to intermix 2D and 3D curves in a
28968 single graph. This command takes three arguments, ``x'', ``y'',
28969 and ``z'', from the stack. With a positive prefix @expr{n}, it
28970 takes @expr{n+2} arguments (common ``x'' and ``y'', plus @expr{n}
28971 separate ``z''s). With a zero prefix, it takes three stack entries
28972 but the ``z'' entry is a vector of curve values. With a negative
28973 prefix @expr{-n}, it takes @expr{n} vectors of the form @expr{[x, y, z]}.
28974 The @kbd{g A} command works by adding a @code{splot} (surface-plot)
28975 command to the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer.
28977 (Although @kbd{g a} adds a 2D @code{plot} command to the
28978 @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer, Calc changes this to @code{splot}
28979 before sending it to GNUPLOT if it notices that the data points are
28980 evaluating to @code{xyz} calls. It will not work to mix 2D and 3D
28981 @kbd{g a} curves in a single graph, although Calc does not currently
28985 @pindex calc-graph-delete
28986 The @kbd{g d} (@code{calc-graph-delete}) command deletes the most
28987 recently added curve from the graph. It has no effect if there are
28988 no curves in the graph. With a numeric prefix argument of any kind,
28989 it deletes all of the curves from the graph.
28992 @pindex calc-graph-hide
28993 The @kbd{g H} (@code{calc-graph-hide}) command ``hides'' or ``unhides''
28994 the most recently added curve. A hidden curve will not appear in
28995 the actual plot, but information about it such as its name and line and
28996 point styles will be retained.
28999 @pindex calc-graph-juggle
29000 The @kbd{g j} (@code{calc-graph-juggle}) command moves the curve
29001 at the end of the list (the ``most recently added curve'') to the
29002 front of the list. The next-most-recent curve is thus exposed for
29003 @w{@kbd{g d}} or similar commands to use. With @kbd{g j} you can work
29004 with any curve in the graph even though curve-related commands only
29005 affect the last curve in the list.
29008 @pindex calc-graph-plot
29009 The @kbd{g p} (@code{calc-graph-plot}) command uses GNUPLOT to draw
29010 the graph described in the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer. Any
29011 GNUPLOT parameters which are not defined by commands in this buffer
29012 are reset to their default values. The variables named in the @code{plot}
29013 command are written to a temporary data file and the variable names
29014 are then replaced by the file name in the template. The resulting
29015 plotting commands are fed to the GNUPLOT program. See the documentation
29016 for the GNUPLOT program for more specific information. All temporary
29017 files are removed when Emacs or GNUPLOT exits.
29019 If you give a formula for ``y'', Calc will remember all the values that
29020 it calculates for the formula so that later plots can reuse these values.
29021 Calc throws out these saved values when you change any circumstances
29022 that may affect the data, such as switching from Degrees to Radians
29023 mode, or changing the value of a parameter in the formula. You can
29024 force Calc to recompute the data from scratch by giving a negative
29025 numeric prefix argument to @kbd{g p}.
29027 Calc uses a fairly rough step size when graphing formulas over intervals.
29028 This is to ensure quick response. You can ``refine'' a plot by giving
29029 a positive numeric prefix argument to @kbd{g p}. Calc goes through
29030 the data points it has computed and saved from previous plots of the
29031 function, and computes and inserts a new data point midway between
29032 each of the existing points. You can refine a plot any number of times,
29033 but beware that the amount of calculation involved doubles each time.
29035 Calc does not remember computed values for 3D graphs. This means the
29036 numerix prefix argument, if any, to @kbd{g p} is effectively ignored if
29037 the current graph is three-dimensional.
29040 @pindex calc-graph-print
29041 The @kbd{g P} (@code{calc-graph-print}) command is like @kbd{g p},
29042 except that it sends the output to a printer instead of to the
29043 screen. More precisely, @kbd{g p} looks for @samp{set terminal}
29044 or @samp{set output} commands in the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer;
29045 lacking these it uses the default settings. However, @kbd{g P}
29046 ignores @samp{set terminal} and @samp{set output} commands and
29047 uses a different set of default values. All of these values are
29048 controlled by the @kbd{g D} and @kbd{g O} commands discussed below.
29049 Provided everything is set up properly, @kbd{g p} will plot to
29050 the screen unless you have specified otherwise and @kbd{g P} will
29051 always plot to the printer.
29053 @node Graphics Options, Devices, Managing Curves, Graphics
29054 @section Graphics Options
29058 @pindex calc-graph-grid
29059 The @kbd{g g} (@code{calc-graph-grid}) command turns the ``grid''
29060 on and off. It is off by default; tick marks appear only at the
29061 edges of the graph. With the grid turned on, dotted lines appear
29062 across the graph at each tick mark. Note that this command only
29063 changes the setting in @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*}; to see the effects
29064 of the change you must give another @kbd{g p} command.
29067 @pindex calc-graph-border
29068 The @kbd{g b} (@code{calc-graph-border}) command turns the border
29069 (the box that surrounds the graph) on and off. It is on by default.
29070 This command will only work with GNUPLOT 3.0 and later versions.
29073 @pindex calc-graph-key
29074 The @kbd{g k} (@code{calc-graph-key}) command turns the ``key''
29075 on and off. The key is a chart in the corner of the graph that
29076 shows the correspondence between curves and line styles. It is
29077 off by default, and is only really useful if you have several
29078 curves on the same graph.
29081 @pindex calc-graph-num-points
29082 The @kbd{g N} (@code{calc-graph-num-points}) command allows you
29083 to select the number of data points in the graph. This only affects
29084 curves where neither ``x'' nor ``y'' is specified as a vector.
29085 Enter a blank line to revert to the default value (initially 15).
29086 With no prefix argument, this command affects only the current graph.
29087 With a positive prefix argument this command changes or, if you enter
29088 a blank line, displays the default number of points used for all
29089 graphs created by @kbd{g a} that don't specify the resolution explicitly.
29090 With a negative prefix argument, this command changes or displays
29091 the default value (initially 5) used for 3D graphs created by @kbd{g A}.
29092 Note that a 3D setting of 5 means that a total of @expr{5^2 = 25} points
29093 will be computed for the surface.
29095 Data values in the graph of a function are normally computed to a
29096 precision of five digits, regardless of the current precision at the
29097 time. This is usually more than adequate, but there are cases where
29098 it will not be. For example, plotting @expr{1 + x} with @expr{x} in the
29099 interval @samp{[0 ..@: 1e-6]} will round all the data points down
29100 to 1.0! Putting the command @samp{set precision @var{n}} in the
29101 @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer will cause the data to be computed
29102 at precision @var{n} instead of 5. Since this is such a rare case,
29103 there is no keystroke-based command to set the precision.
29106 @pindex calc-graph-header
29107 The @kbd{g h} (@code{calc-graph-header}) command sets the title
29108 for the graph. This will show up centered above the graph.
29109 The default title is blank (no title).
29112 @pindex calc-graph-name
29113 The @kbd{g n} (@code{calc-graph-name}) command sets the title of an
29114 individual curve. Like the other curve-manipulating commands, it
29115 affects the most recently added curve, i.e., the last curve on the
29116 list in the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer. To set the title of
29117 the other curves you must first juggle them to the end of the list
29118 with @kbd{g j}, or edit the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer by hand.
29119 Curve titles appear in the key; if the key is turned off they are
29124 @pindex calc-graph-title-x
29125 @pindex calc-graph-title-y
29126 The @kbd{g t} (@code{calc-graph-title-x}) and @kbd{g T}
29127 (@code{calc-graph-title-y}) commands set the titles on the ``x''
29128 and ``y'' axes, respectively. These titles appear next to the
29129 tick marks on the left and bottom edges of the graph, respectively.
29130 Calc does not have commands to control the tick marks themselves,
29131 but you can edit them into the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer if
29132 you wish. See the GNUPLOT documentation for details.
29136 @pindex calc-graph-range-x
29137 @pindex calc-graph-range-y
29138 The @kbd{g r} (@code{calc-graph-range-x}) and @kbd{g R}
29139 (@code{calc-graph-range-y}) commands set the range of values on the
29140 ``x'' and ``y'' axes, respectively. You are prompted to enter a
29141 suitable range. This should be either a pair of numbers of the
29142 form, @samp{@var{min}:@var{max}}, or a blank line to revert to the
29143 default behavior of setting the range based on the range of values
29144 in the data, or @samp{$} to take the range from the top of the stack.
29145 Ranges on the stack can be represented as either interval forms or
29146 vectors: @samp{[@var{min} ..@: @var{max}]} or @samp{[@var{min}, @var{max}]}.
29150 @pindex calc-graph-log-x
29151 @pindex calc-graph-log-y
29152 The @kbd{g l} (@code{calc-graph-log-x}) and @kbd{g L} (@code{calc-graph-log-y})
29153 commands allow you to set either or both of the axes of the graph to
29154 be logarithmic instead of linear.
29159 @pindex calc-graph-log-z
29160 @pindex calc-graph-range-z
29161 @pindex calc-graph-title-z
29162 For 3D plots, @kbd{g C-t}, @kbd{g C-r}, and @kbd{g C-l} (those are
29163 letters with the Control key held down) are the corresponding commands
29164 for the ``z'' axis.
29168 @pindex calc-graph-zero-x
29169 @pindex calc-graph-zero-y
29170 The @kbd{g z} (@code{calc-graph-zero-x}) and @kbd{g Z}
29171 (@code{calc-graph-zero-y}) commands control whether a dotted line is
29172 drawn to indicate the ``x'' and/or ``y'' zero axes. (These are the same
29173 dotted lines that would be drawn there anyway if you used @kbd{g g} to
29174 turn the ``grid'' feature on.) Zero-axis lines are on by default, and
29175 may be turned off only in GNUPLOT 3.0 and later versions. They are
29176 not available for 3D plots.
29179 @pindex calc-graph-line-style
29180 The @kbd{g s} (@code{calc-graph-line-style}) command turns the connecting
29181 lines on or off for the most recently added curve, and optionally selects
29182 the style of lines to be used for that curve. Plain @kbd{g s} simply
29183 toggles the lines on and off. With a numeric prefix argument, @kbd{g s}
29184 turns lines on and sets a particular line style. Line style numbers
29185 start at one and their meanings vary depending on the output device.
29186 GNUPLOT guarantees that there will be at least six different line styles
29187 available for any device.
29190 @pindex calc-graph-point-style
29191 The @kbd{g S} (@code{calc-graph-point-style}) command similarly turns
29192 the symbols at the data points on or off, or sets the point style.
29193 If you turn both lines and points off, the data points will show as
29194 tiny dots. If the ``y'' values being plotted contain error forms and
29195 the connecting lines are turned off, then this command will also turn
29196 the error bars on or off.
29198 @cindex @code{LineStyles} variable
29199 @cindex @code{PointStyles} variable
29201 @vindex PointStyles
29202 Another way to specify curve styles is with the @code{LineStyles} and
29203 @code{PointStyles} variables. These variables initially have no stored
29204 values, but if you store a vector of integers in one of these variables,
29205 the @kbd{g a} and @kbd{g f} commands will use those style numbers
29206 instead of the defaults for new curves that are added to the graph.
29207 An entry should be a positive integer for a specific style, or 0 to let
29208 the style be chosen automatically, or @mathit{-1} to turn off lines or points
29209 altogether. If there are more curves than elements in the vector, the
29210 last few curves will continue to have the default styles. Of course,
29211 you can later use @kbd{g s} and @kbd{g S} to change any of these styles.
29213 For example, @kbd{'[2 -1 3] @key{RET} s t LineStyles} causes the first curve
29214 to have lines in style number 2, the second curve to have no connecting
29215 lines, and the third curve to have lines in style 3. Point styles will
29216 still be assigned automatically, but you could store another vector in
29217 @code{PointStyles} to define them, too.
29219 @node Devices, , Graphics Options, Graphics
29220 @section Graphical Devices
29224 @pindex calc-graph-device
29225 The @kbd{g D} (@code{calc-graph-device}) command sets the device name
29226 (or ``terminal name'' in GNUPLOT lingo) to be used by @kbd{g p} commands
29227 on this graph. It does not affect the permanent default device name.
29228 If you enter a blank name, the device name reverts to the default.
29229 Enter @samp{?} to see a list of supported devices.
29231 With a positive numeric prefix argument, @kbd{g D} instead sets
29232 the default device name, used by all plots in the future which do
29233 not override it with a plain @kbd{g D} command. If you enter a
29234 blank line this command shows you the current default. The special
29235 name @code{default} signifies that Calc should choose @code{x11} if
29236 the X window system is in use (as indicated by the presence of a
29237 @code{DISPLAY} environment variable), @code{windows} on MS-Windows, or
29238 otherwise @code{dumb} under GNUPLOT 3.0 and later, or
29239 @code{postscript} under GNUPLOT 2.0. This is the initial default
29242 The @code{dumb} device is an interface to ``dumb terminals,'' i.e.,
29243 terminals with no special graphics facilities. It writes a crude
29244 picture of the graph composed of characters like @code{-} and @code{|}
29245 to a buffer called @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*}, which Calc then displays.
29246 The graph is made the same size as the Emacs screen, which on most
29247 dumb terminals will be
29248 @texline @math{80\times24}
29250 characters. The graph is displayed in
29251 an Emacs ``recursive edit''; type @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-c C-c} to exit
29252 the recursive edit and return to Calc. Note that the @code{dumb}
29253 device is present only in GNUPLOT 3.0 and later versions.
29255 The word @code{dumb} may be followed by two numbers separated by
29256 spaces. These are the desired width and height of the graph in
29257 characters. Also, the device name @code{big} is like @code{dumb}
29258 but creates a graph four times the width and height of the Emacs
29259 screen. You will then have to scroll around to view the entire
29260 graph. In the @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*} buffer, @key{SPC}, @key{DEL},
29261 @kbd{<}, and @kbd{>} are defined to scroll by one screenful in each
29262 of the four directions.
29264 With a negative numeric prefix argument, @kbd{g D} sets or displays
29265 the device name used by @kbd{g P} (@code{calc-graph-print}). This
29266 is initially @code{postscript}. If you don't have a PostScript
29267 printer, you may decide once again to use @code{dumb} to create a
29268 plot on any text-only printer.
29271 @pindex calc-graph-output
29272 The @kbd{g O} (@code{calc-graph-output}) command sets the name of the
29273 output file used by GNUPLOT. For some devices, notably @code{x11} and
29274 @code{windows}, there is no output file and this information is not
29275 used. Many other ``devices'' are really file formats like
29276 @code{postscript}; in these cases the output in the desired format
29277 goes into the file you name with @kbd{g O}. Type @kbd{g O stdout
29278 @key{RET}} to set GNUPLOT to write to its standard output stream,
29279 i.e., to @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*}. This is the default setting.
29281 Another special output name is @code{tty}, which means that GNUPLOT
29282 is going to write graphics commands directly to its standard output,
29283 which you wish Emacs to pass through to your terminal. Tektronix
29284 graphics terminals, among other devices, operate this way. Calc does
29285 this by telling GNUPLOT to write to a temporary file, then running a
29286 sub-shell executing the command @samp{cat tempfile >/dev/tty}. On
29287 typical Unix systems, this will copy the temporary file directly to
29288 the terminal, bypassing Emacs entirely. You will have to type @kbd{C-l}
29289 to Emacs afterwards to refresh the screen.
29291 Once again, @kbd{g O} with a positive or negative prefix argument
29292 sets the default or printer output file names, respectively. In each
29293 case you can specify @code{auto}, which causes Calc to invent a temporary
29294 file name for each @kbd{g p} (or @kbd{g P}) command. This temporary file
29295 will be deleted once it has been displayed or printed. If the output file
29296 name is not @code{auto}, the file is not automatically deleted.
29298 The default and printer devices and output files can be saved
29299 permanently by the @kbd{m m} (@code{calc-save-modes}) command. The
29300 default number of data points (see @kbd{g N}) and the X geometry
29301 (see @kbd{g X}) are also saved. Other graph information is @emph{not}
29302 saved; you can save a graph's configuration simply by saving the contents
29303 of the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer.
29305 @vindex calc-gnuplot-plot-command
29306 @vindex calc-gnuplot-default-device
29307 @vindex calc-gnuplot-default-output
29308 @vindex calc-gnuplot-print-command
29309 @vindex calc-gnuplot-print-device
29310 @vindex calc-gnuplot-print-output
29311 You may wish to configure the default and
29312 printer devices and output files for the whole system. The relevant
29313 Lisp variables are @code{calc-gnuplot-default-device} and @code{-output},
29314 and @code{calc-gnuplot-print-device} and @code{-output}. The output
29315 file names must be either strings as described above, or Lisp
29316 expressions which are evaluated on the fly to get the output file names.
29318 Other important Lisp variables are @code{calc-gnuplot-plot-command} and
29319 @code{calc-gnuplot-print-command}, which give the system commands to
29320 display or print the output of GNUPLOT, respectively. These may be
29321 @code{nil} if no command is necessary, or strings which can include
29322 @samp{%s} to signify the name of the file to be displayed or printed.
29323 Or, these variables may contain Lisp expressions which are evaluated
29324 to display or print the output. These variables are customizable
29325 (@pxref{Customizing Calc}).
29328 @pindex calc-graph-display
29329 The @kbd{g x} (@code{calc-graph-display}) command lets you specify
29330 on which X window system display your graphs should be drawn. Enter
29331 a blank line to see the current display name. This command has no
29332 effect unless the current device is @code{x11}.
29335 @pindex calc-graph-geometry
29336 The @kbd{g X} (@code{calc-graph-geometry}) command is a similar
29337 command for specifying the position and size of the X window.
29338 The normal value is @code{default}, which generally means your
29339 window manager will let you place the window interactively.
29340 Entering @samp{800x500+0+0} would create an 800-by-500 pixel
29341 window in the upper-left corner of the screen. This command has no
29342 effect if the current device is @code{windows}.
29344 The buffer called @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*} holds a transcript of the
29345 session with GNUPLOT. This shows the commands Calc has ``typed'' to
29346 GNUPLOT and the responses it has received. Calc tries to notice when an
29347 error message has appeared here and display the buffer for you when
29348 this happens. You can check this buffer yourself if you suspect
29349 something has gone wrong@footnote{
29350 On MS-Windows, due to the peculiarities of how the Windows version of
29351 GNUPLOT (called @command{wgnuplot}) works, the GNUPLOT responses are
29352 not communicated back to Calc. Instead, you need to look them up in
29353 the GNUPLOT command window that is displayed as in normal interactive
29358 @pindex calc-graph-command
29359 The @kbd{g C} (@code{calc-graph-command}) command prompts you to
29360 enter any line of text, then simply sends that line to the current
29361 GNUPLOT process. The @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*} buffer looks deceptively
29362 like a Shell buffer but you can't type commands in it yourself.
29363 Instead, you must use @kbd{g C} for this purpose.
29367 @pindex calc-graph-view-commands
29368 @pindex calc-graph-view-trail
29369 The @kbd{g v} (@code{calc-graph-view-commands}) and @kbd{g V}
29370 (@code{calc-graph-view-trail}) commands display the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*}
29371 and @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*} buffers, respectively, in another window.
29372 This happens automatically when Calc thinks there is something you
29373 will want to see in either of these buffers. If you type @kbd{g v}
29374 or @kbd{g V} when the relevant buffer is already displayed, the
29375 buffer is hidden again. (Note that on MS-Windows, the @samp{*Gnuplot
29376 Trail*} buffer will usually show nothing of interest, because
29377 GNUPLOT's responses are not communicated back to Calc.)
29379 One reason to use @kbd{g v} is to add your own commands to the
29380 @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer. Press @kbd{g v}, then use
29381 @kbd{C-x o} to switch into that window. For example, GNUPLOT has
29382 @samp{set label} and @samp{set arrow} commands that allow you to
29383 annotate your plots. Since Calc doesn't understand these commands,
29384 you have to add them to the @samp{*Gnuplot Commands*} buffer
29385 yourself, then use @w{@kbd{g p}} to replot using these new commands. Note
29386 that your commands must appear @emph{before} the @code{plot} command.
29387 To get help on any GNUPLOT feature, type, e.g., @kbd{g C help set label}.
29388 You may have to type @kbd{g C @key{RET}} a few times to clear the
29389 ``press return for more'' or ``subtopic of @dots{}'' requests.
29390 Note that Calc always sends commands (like @samp{set nolabel}) to
29391 reset all plotting parameters to the defaults before each plot, so
29392 to delete a label all you need to do is delete the @samp{set label}
29393 line you added (or comment it out with @samp{#}) and then replot
29397 @pindex calc-graph-quit
29398 You can use @kbd{g q} (@code{calc-graph-quit}) to kill the GNUPLOT
29399 process that is running. The next graphing command you give will
29400 start a fresh GNUPLOT process. The word @samp{Graph} appears in
29401 the Calc window's mode line whenever a GNUPLOT process is currently
29402 running. The GNUPLOT process is automatically killed when you
29403 exit Emacs if you haven't killed it manually by then.
29406 @pindex calc-graph-kill
29407 The @kbd{g K} (@code{calc-graph-kill}) command is like @kbd{g q}
29408 except that it also views the @samp{*Gnuplot Trail*} buffer so that
29409 you can see the process being killed. This is better if you are
29410 killing GNUPLOT because you think it has gotten stuck.
29412 @node Kill and Yank, Keypad Mode, Graphics, Top
29413 @chapter Kill and Yank Functions
29416 The commands in this chapter move information between the Calculator and
29417 other Emacs editing buffers.
29419 In many cases Embedded mode is an easier and more natural way to
29420 work with Calc from a regular editing buffer. @xref{Embedded Mode}.
29423 * Killing From Stack::
29424 * Yanking Into Stack::
29425 * Saving Into Registers::
29426 * Inserting From Registers::
29427 * Grabbing From Buffers::
29428 * Yanking Into Buffers::
29429 * X Cut and Paste::
29432 @node Killing From Stack, Yanking Into Stack, Kill and Yank, Kill and Yank
29433 @section Killing from the Stack
29439 @pindex calc-copy-as-kill
29441 @pindex calc-kill-region
29443 @pindex calc-copy-region-as-kill
29446 @dfn{Kill} commands are Emacs commands that insert text into the ``kill
29447 ring,'' from which it can later be ``yanked'' by a @kbd{C-y} command.
29448 Three common kill commands in normal Emacs are @kbd{C-k}, which kills
29449 one line, @kbd{C-w}, which kills the region between mark and point, and
29450 @kbd{M-w}, which puts the region into the kill ring without actually
29451 deleting it. All of these commands work in the Calculator, too,
29452 although in the Calculator they operate on whole stack entries, so they
29453 ``round up'' the specified region to encompass full lines. (To copy
29454 only parts of lines, the @kbd{M-C-w} command in the Calculator will copy
29455 the region to the kill ring without any ``rounding up'', just like the
29456 @kbd{M-w} command in normal Emacs.) Also, @kbd{M-k} has been provided
29457 to complete the set; it puts the current line into the kill ring without
29460 The kill commands are unusual in that they pay attention to the location
29461 of the cursor in the Calculator buffer. If the cursor is on or below
29462 the bottom line, the kill commands operate on the top of the stack.
29463 Otherwise, they operate on whatever stack element the cursor is on. The
29464 text is copied into the kill ring exactly as it appears on the screen,
29465 including line numbers if they are enabled.
29467 A numeric prefix argument to @kbd{C-k} or @kbd{M-k} affects the number
29468 of lines killed. A positive argument kills the current line and @expr{n-1}
29469 lines below it. A negative argument kills the @expr{-n} lines above the
29470 current line. Again this mirrors the behavior of the standard Emacs
29471 @kbd{C-k} command. Although a whole line is always deleted, @kbd{C-k}
29472 with no argument copies only the number itself into the kill ring, whereas
29473 @kbd{C-k} with a prefix argument of 1 copies the number with its trailing
29476 @node Yanking Into Stack, Saving Into Registers, Killing From Stack, Kill and Yank
29477 @section Yanking into the Stack
29482 The @kbd{C-y} command yanks the most recently killed text back into the
29483 Calculator. It pushes this value onto the top of the stack regardless of
29484 the cursor position. In general it re-parses the killed text as a number
29485 or formula (or a list of these separated by commas or newlines). However if
29486 the thing being yanked is something that was just killed from the Calculator
29487 itself, its full internal structure is yanked. For example, if you have
29488 set the floating-point display mode to show only four significant digits,
29489 then killing and re-yanking 3.14159 (which displays as 3.142) will yank the
29490 full 3.14159, even though yanking it into any other buffer would yank the
29491 number in its displayed form, 3.142. (Since the default display modes
29492 show all objects to their full precision, this feature normally makes no
29495 @node Saving Into Registers, Inserting From Registers, Yanking Into Stack, Kill and Yank
29496 @section Saving into Registers
29500 @pindex calc-copy-to-register
29501 @pindex calc-prepend-to-register
29502 @pindex calc-append-to-register
29504 An alternative to killing and yanking stack entries is using
29505 registers in Calc. Saving stack entries in registers is like
29506 saving text in normal Emacs registers; although, like Calc's kill
29507 commands, register commands always operate on whole stack
29510 Registers in Calc are places to store stack entries for later use;
29511 each register is indexed by a single character. To store the current
29512 region (rounded up, of course, to include full stack entries) into a
29513 register, use the command @kbd{r s} (@code{calc-copy-to-register}).
29514 You will then be prompted for a register to use, the next character
29515 you type will be the index for the register. To store the region in
29516 register @var{r}, the full command will be @kbd{r s @var{r}}. With an
29517 argument, @kbd{C-u r s @var{r}}, the region being copied to the
29518 register will be deleted from the Calc buffer.
29520 It is possible to add additional stack entries to a register. The
29521 command @kbd{M-x calc-append-to-register} will prompt for a register,
29522 then add the stack entries in the region to the end of the register
29523 contents. The command @kbd{M-x calc-prepend-to-register} will
29524 similarly prompt for a register and add the stack entries in the
29525 region to the beginning of the register contents. Both commands take
29526 @kbd{C-u} arguments, which will cause the region to be deleted after being
29527 added to the register.
29529 @node Inserting From Registers, Grabbing From Buffers, Saving Into Registers, Kill and Yank
29530 @section Inserting from Registers
29533 @pindex calc-insert-register
29534 The command @kbd{r i} (@code{calc-insert-register}) will prompt for a
29535 register, then insert the contents of that register into the
29536 Calculator. If the contents of the register were placed there from
29537 within Calc, then the full internal structure of the contents will be
29538 inserted into the Calculator, otherwise whatever text is in the
29539 register is reparsed and then inserted into the Calculator.
29541 @node Grabbing From Buffers, Yanking Into Buffers, Inserting From Registers, Kill and Yank
29542 @section Grabbing from Other Buffers
29546 @pindex calc-grab-region
29547 The @kbd{C-x * g} (@code{calc-grab-region}) command takes the text between
29548 point and mark in the current buffer and attempts to parse it as a
29549 vector of values. Basically, it wraps the text in vector brackets
29550 @samp{[ ]} unless the text already is enclosed in vector brackets,
29551 then reads the text as if it were an algebraic entry. The contents
29552 of the vector may be numbers, formulas, or any other Calc objects.
29553 If the @kbd{C-x * g} command works successfully, it does an automatic
29554 @kbd{C-x * c} to enter the Calculator buffer.
29556 A numeric prefix argument grabs the specified number of lines around
29557 point, ignoring the mark. A positive prefix grabs from point to the
29558 @expr{n}th following newline (so that @kbd{M-1 C-x * g} grabs from point
29559 to the end of the current line); a negative prefix grabs from point
29560 back to the @expr{n+1}st preceding newline. In these cases the text
29561 that is grabbed is exactly the same as the text that @kbd{C-k} would
29562 delete given that prefix argument.
29564 A prefix of zero grabs the current line; point may be anywhere on the
29567 A plain @kbd{C-u} prefix interprets the region between point and mark
29568 as a single number or formula rather than a vector. For example,
29569 @kbd{C-x * g} on the text @samp{2 a b} produces the vector of three
29570 values @samp{[2, a, b]}, but @kbd{C-u C-x * g} on the same region
29571 reads a formula which is a product of three things: @samp{2 a b}.
29572 (The text @samp{a + b}, on the other hand, will be grabbed as a
29573 vector of one element by plain @kbd{C-x * g} because the interpretation
29574 @samp{[a, +, b]} would be a syntax error.)
29576 If a different language has been specified (@pxref{Language Modes}),
29577 the grabbed text will be interpreted according to that language.
29580 @pindex calc-grab-rectangle
29581 The @kbd{C-x * r} (@code{calc-grab-rectangle}) command takes the text between
29582 point and mark and attempts to parse it as a matrix. If point and mark
29583 are both in the leftmost column, the lines in between are parsed in their
29584 entirety. Otherwise, point and mark define the corners of a rectangle
29585 whose contents are parsed.
29587 Each line of the grabbed area becomes a row of the matrix. The result
29588 will actually be a vector of vectors, which Calc will treat as a matrix
29589 only if every row contains the same number of values.
29591 If a line contains a portion surrounded by square brackets (or curly
29592 braces), that portion is interpreted as a vector which becomes a row
29593 of the matrix. Any text surrounding the bracketed portion on the line
29596 Otherwise, the entire line is interpreted as a row vector as if it
29597 were surrounded by square brackets. Leading line numbers (in the
29598 format used in the Calc stack buffer) are ignored. If you wish to
29599 force this interpretation (even if the line contains bracketed
29600 portions), give a negative numeric prefix argument to the
29601 @kbd{C-x * r} command.
29603 If you give a numeric prefix argument of zero or plain @kbd{C-u}, each
29604 line is instead interpreted as a single formula which is converted into
29605 a one-element vector. Thus the result of @kbd{C-u C-x * r} will be a
29606 one-column matrix. For example, suppose one line of the data is the
29607 expression @samp{2 a}. A plain @w{@kbd{C-x * r}} will interpret this as
29608 @samp{[2 a]}, which in turn is read as a two-element vector that forms
29609 one row of the matrix. But a @kbd{C-u C-x * r} will interpret this row
29612 If you give a positive numeric prefix argument @var{n}, then each line
29613 will be split up into columns of width @var{n}; each column is parsed
29614 separately as a matrix element. If a line contained
29615 @w{@samp{2 +/- 3 4 +/- 5}}, then grabbing with a prefix argument of 8
29616 would correctly split the line into two error forms.
29618 @xref{Matrix Functions}, to see how to pull the matrix apart into its
29619 constituent rows and columns. (If it is a
29620 @texline @math{1\times1}
29622 matrix, just hit @kbd{v u} (@code{calc-unpack}) twice.)
29626 @pindex calc-grab-sum-across
29627 @pindex calc-grab-sum-down
29628 @cindex Summing rows and columns of data
29629 The @kbd{C-x * :} (@code{calc-grab-sum-down}) command is a handy way to
29630 grab a rectangle of data and sum its columns. It is equivalent to
29631 typing @kbd{C-x * r}, followed by @kbd{V R : +} (the vector reduction
29632 command that sums the columns of a matrix; @pxref{Reducing}). The
29633 result of the command will be a vector of numbers, one for each column
29634 in the input data. The @kbd{C-x * _} (@code{calc-grab-sum-across}) command
29635 similarly grabs a rectangle and sums its rows by executing @w{@kbd{V R _ +}}.
29637 As well as being more convenient, @kbd{C-x * :} and @kbd{C-x * _} are also
29638 much faster because they don't actually place the grabbed vector on
29639 the stack. In a @kbd{C-x * r V R : +} sequence, formatting the vector
29640 for display on the stack takes a large fraction of the total time
29641 (unless you have planned ahead and used @kbd{v .} and @kbd{t .} modes).
29643 For example, suppose we have a column of numbers in a file which we
29644 wish to sum. Go to one corner of the column and press @kbd{C-@@} to
29645 set the mark; go to the other corner and type @kbd{C-x * :}. Since there
29646 is only one column, the result will be a vector of one number, the sum.
29647 (You can type @kbd{v u} to unpack this vector into a plain number if
29648 you want to do further arithmetic with it.)
29650 To compute the product of the column of numbers, we would have to do
29651 it ``by hand'' since there's no special grab-and-multiply command.
29652 Use @kbd{C-x * r} to grab the column of numbers into the calculator in
29653 the form of a column matrix. The statistics command @kbd{u *} is a
29654 handy way to find the product of a vector or matrix of numbers.
29655 @xref{Statistical Operations}. Another approach would be to use
29656 an explicit column reduction command, @kbd{V R : *}.
29658 @node Yanking Into Buffers, X Cut and Paste, Grabbing From Buffers, Kill and Yank
29659 @section Yanking into Other Buffers
29663 @pindex calc-copy-to-buffer
29664 The plain @kbd{y} (@code{calc-copy-to-buffer}) command inserts the number
29665 at the top of the stack into the most recently used normal editing buffer.
29666 (More specifically, this is the most recently used buffer which is displayed
29667 in a window and whose name does not begin with @samp{*}. If there is no
29668 such buffer, this is the most recently used buffer except for Calculator
29669 and Calc Trail buffers.) The number is inserted exactly as it appears and
29670 without a newline. (If line-numbering is enabled, the line number is
29671 normally not included.) The number is @emph{not} removed from the stack.
29673 With a prefix argument, @kbd{y} inserts several numbers, one per line.
29674 A positive argument inserts the specified number of values from the top
29675 of the stack. A negative argument inserts the @expr{n}th value from the
29676 top of the stack. An argument of zero inserts the entire stack. Note
29677 that @kbd{y} with an argument of 1 is slightly different from @kbd{y}
29678 with no argument; the former always copies full lines, whereas the
29679 latter strips off the trailing newline.
29681 With a lone @kbd{C-u} as a prefix argument, @kbd{y} @emph{replaces} the
29682 region in the other buffer with the yanked text, then quits the
29683 Calculator, leaving you in that buffer. A typical use would be to use
29684 @kbd{C-x * g} to read a region of data into the Calculator, operate on the
29685 data to produce a new matrix, then type @kbd{C-u y} to replace the
29686 original data with the new data. One might wish to alter the matrix
29687 display style (@pxref{Vector and Matrix Formats}) or change the current
29688 display language (@pxref{Language Modes}) before doing this. Also, note
29689 that this command replaces a linear region of text (as grabbed by
29690 @kbd{C-x * g}), not a rectangle (as grabbed by @kbd{C-x * r}).
29692 If the editing buffer is in overwrite (as opposed to insert) mode,
29693 and the @kbd{C-u} prefix was not used, then the yanked number will
29694 overwrite the characters following point rather than being inserted
29695 before those characters. The usual conventions of overwrite mode
29696 are observed; for example, characters will be inserted at the end of
29697 a line rather than overflowing onto the next line. Yanking a multi-line
29698 object such as a matrix in overwrite mode overwrites the next @var{n}
29699 lines in the buffer, lengthening or shortening each line as necessary.
29700 Finally, if the thing being yanked is a simple integer or floating-point
29701 number (like @samp{-1.2345e-3}) and the characters following point also
29702 make up such a number, then Calc will replace that number with the new
29703 number, lengthening or shortening as necessary. The concept of
29704 ``overwrite mode'' has thus been generalized from overwriting characters
29705 to overwriting one complete number with another.
29708 The @kbd{C-x * y} key sequence is equivalent to @kbd{y} except that
29709 it can be typed anywhere, not just in Calc. This provides an easy
29710 way to guarantee that Calc knows which editing buffer you want to use!
29712 @node X Cut and Paste, , Yanking Into Buffers, Kill and Yank
29713 @section X Cut and Paste
29716 If you are using Emacs with the X window system, there is an easier
29717 way to move small amounts of data into and out of the calculator:
29718 Use the mouse-oriented cut and paste facilities of X.
29720 The default bindings for a three-button mouse cause the left button
29721 to move the Emacs cursor to the given place, the right button to
29722 select the text between the cursor and the clicked location, and
29723 the middle button to yank the selection into the buffer at the
29724 clicked location. So, if you have a Calc window and an editing
29725 window on your Emacs screen, you can use left-click/right-click
29726 to select a number, vector, or formula from one window, then
29727 middle-click to paste that value into the other window. When you
29728 paste text into the Calc window, Calc interprets it as an algebraic
29729 entry. It doesn't matter where you click in the Calc window; the
29730 new value is always pushed onto the top of the stack.
29732 The @code{xterm} program that is typically used for general-purpose
29733 shell windows in X interprets the mouse buttons in the same way.
29734 So you can use the mouse to move data between Calc and any other
29735 Unix program. One nice feature of @code{xterm} is that a double
29736 left-click selects one word, and a triple left-click selects a
29737 whole line. So you can usually transfer a single number into Calc
29738 just by double-clicking on it in the shell, then middle-clicking
29739 in the Calc window.
29741 @node Keypad Mode, Embedded Mode, Kill and Yank, Top
29742 @chapter Keypad Mode
29746 @pindex calc-keypad
29747 The @kbd{C-x * k} (@code{calc-keypad}) command starts the Calculator
29748 and displays a picture of a calculator-style keypad. If you are using
29749 the X window system, you can click on any of the ``keys'' in the
29750 keypad using the left mouse button to operate the calculator.
29751 The original window remains the selected window; in Keypad mode
29752 you can type in your file while simultaneously performing
29753 calculations with the mouse.
29755 @pindex full-calc-keypad
29756 If you have used @kbd{C-x * b} first, @kbd{C-x * k} instead invokes
29757 the @code{full-calc-keypad} command, which takes over the whole
29758 Emacs screen and displays the keypad, the Calc stack, and the Calc
29759 trail all at once. This mode would normally be used when running
29760 Calc standalone (@pxref{Standalone Operation}).
29762 If you aren't using the X window system, you must switch into
29763 the @samp{*Calc Keypad*} window, place the cursor on the desired
29764 ``key,'' and type @key{SPC} or @key{RET}. If you think this
29765 is easier than using Calc normally, go right ahead.
29767 Calc commands are more or less the same in Keypad mode. Certain
29768 keypad keys differ slightly from the corresponding normal Calc
29769 keystrokes; all such deviations are described below.
29771 Keypad mode includes many more commands than will fit on the keypad
29772 at once. Click the right mouse button [@code{calc-keypad-menu}]
29773 to switch to the next menu. The bottom five rows of the keypad
29774 stay the same; the top three rows change to a new set of commands.
29775 To return to earlier menus, click the middle mouse button
29776 [@code{calc-keypad-menu-back}] or simply advance through the menus
29777 until you wrap around. Typing @key{TAB} inside the keypad window
29778 is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button there.
29780 You can always click the @key{EXEC} button and type any normal
29781 Calc key sequence. This is equivalent to switching into the
29782 Calc buffer, typing the keys, then switching back to your
29786 * Keypad Main Menu::
29787 * Keypad Functions Menu::
29788 * Keypad Binary Menu::
29789 * Keypad Vectors Menu::
29790 * Keypad Modes Menu::
29793 @node Keypad Main Menu, Keypad Functions Menu, Keypad Mode, Keypad Mode
29798 |----+----+--Calc---+----+----1
29799 |FLR |CEIL|RND |TRNC|CLN2|FLT |
29800 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29801 | LN |EXP | |ABS |IDIV|MOD |
29802 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29803 |SIN |COS |TAN |SQRT|y^x |1/x |
29804 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29805 | ENTER |+/- |EEX |UNDO| <- |
29806 |-----+---+-+--+--+-+---++----|
29807 | INV | 7 | 8 | 9 | / |
29808 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
29809 | HYP | 4 | 5 | 6 | * |
29810 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
29811 |EXEC | 1 | 2 | 3 | - |
29812 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----|
29813 | OFF | 0 | . | PI | + |
29814 |-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
29819 This is the menu that appears the first time you start Keypad mode.
29820 It will show up in a vertical window on the right side of your screen.
29821 Above this menu is the traditional Calc stack display. On a 24-line
29822 screen you will be able to see the top three stack entries.
29824 The ten digit keys, decimal point, and @key{EEX} key are used for
29825 entering numbers in the obvious way. @key{EEX} begins entry of an
29826 exponent in scientific notation. Just as with regular Calc, the
29827 number is pushed onto the stack as soon as you press @key{ENTER}
29828 or any other function key.
29830 The @key{+/-} key corresponds to normal Calc's @kbd{n} key. During
29831 numeric entry it changes the sign of the number or of the exponent.
29832 At other times it changes the sign of the number on the top of the
29835 The @key{INV} and @key{HYP} keys modify other keys. As well as
29836 having the effects described elsewhere in this manual, Keypad mode
29837 defines several other ``inverse'' operations. These are described
29838 below and in the following sections.
29840 The @key{ENTER} key finishes the current numeric entry, or otherwise
29841 duplicates the top entry on the stack.
29843 The @key{UNDO} key undoes the most recent Calc operation.
29844 @kbd{INV UNDO} is the ``redo'' command, and @kbd{HYP UNDO} is
29845 ``last arguments'' (@kbd{M-@key{RET}}).
29847 The @key{<-} key acts as a ``backspace'' during numeric entry.
29848 At other times it removes the top stack entry. @kbd{INV <-}
29849 clears the entire stack. @kbd{HYP <-} takes an integer from
29850 the stack, then removes that many additional stack elements.
29852 The @key{EXEC} key prompts you to enter any keystroke sequence
29853 that would normally work in Calc mode. This can include a
29854 numeric prefix if you wish. It is also possible simply to
29855 switch into the Calc window and type commands in it; there is
29856 nothing ``magic'' about this window when Keypad mode is active.
29858 The other keys in this display perform their obvious calculator
29859 functions. @key{CLN2} rounds the top-of-stack by temporarily
29860 reducing the precision by 2 digits. @key{FLT} converts an
29861 integer or fraction on the top of the stack to floating-point.
29863 The @key{INV} and @key{HYP} keys combined with several of these keys
29864 give you access to some common functions even if the appropriate menu
29865 is not displayed. Obviously you don't need to learn these keys
29866 unless you find yourself wasting time switching among the menus.
29870 is the same as @key{1/x}.
29872 is the same as @key{SQRT}.
29874 is the same as @key{CONJ}.
29876 is the same as @key{y^x}.
29878 is the same as @key{INV y^x} (the @expr{x}th root of @expr{y}).
29880 are the same as @key{SIN} / @kbd{INV SIN}.
29882 are the same as @key{COS} / @kbd{INV COS}.
29884 are the same as @key{TAN} / @kbd{INV TAN}.
29886 are the same as @key{LN} / @kbd{HYP LN}.
29888 are the same as @key{EXP} / @kbd{HYP EXP}.
29890 is the same as @key{ABS}.
29892 is the same as @key{RND} (@code{calc-round}).
29894 is the same as @key{CLN2}.
29896 is the same as @key{FLT} (@code{calc-float}).
29898 is the same as @key{IMAG}.
29900 is the same as @key{PREC}.
29902 is the same as @key{SWAP}.
29904 is the same as @key{RLL3}.
29905 @item INV HYP ENTER
29906 is the same as @key{OVER}.
29908 packs the top two stack entries as an error form.
29910 packs the top two stack entries as a modulo form.
29912 creates an interval form; this removes an integer which is one
29913 of 0 @samp{[]}, 1 @samp{[)}, 2 @samp{(]} or 3 @samp{()}, followed
29914 by the two limits of the interval.
29917 The @kbd{OFF} key turns Calc off; typing @kbd{C-x * k} or @kbd{C-x * *}
29918 again has the same effect. This is analogous to typing @kbd{q} or
29919 hitting @kbd{C-x * c} again in the normal calculator. If Calc is
29920 running standalone (the @code{full-calc-keypad} command appeared in the
29921 command line that started Emacs), then @kbd{OFF} is replaced with
29922 @kbd{EXIT}; clicking on this actually exits Emacs itself.
29924 @node Keypad Functions Menu, Keypad Binary Menu, Keypad Main Menu, Keypad Mode
29925 @section Functions Menu
29929 |----+----+----+----+----+----2
29930 |IGAM|BETA|IBET|ERF |BESJ|BESY|
29931 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29932 |IMAG|CONJ| RE |ATN2|RAND|RAGN|
29933 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29934 |GCD |FACT|DFCT|BNOM|PERM|NXTP|
29935 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29940 This menu provides various operations from the @kbd{f} and @kbd{k}
29943 @key{IMAG} multiplies the number on the stack by the imaginary
29944 number @expr{i = (0, 1)}.
29946 @key{RE} extracts the real part a complex number. @kbd{INV RE}
29947 extracts the imaginary part.
29949 @key{RAND} takes a number from the top of the stack and computes
29950 a random number greater than or equal to zero but less than that
29951 number. (@xref{Random Numbers}.) @key{RAGN} is the ``random
29952 again'' command; it computes another random number using the
29953 same limit as last time.
29955 @key{INV GCD} computes the LCM (least common multiple) function.
29957 @key{INV FACT} is the gamma function.
29958 @texline @math{\Gamma(x) = (x-1)!}.
29959 @infoline @expr{gamma(x) = (x-1)!}.
29961 @key{PERM} is the number-of-permutations function, which is on the
29962 @kbd{H k c} key in normal Calc.
29964 @key{NXTP} finds the next prime after a number. @kbd{INV NXTP}
29965 finds the previous prime.
29967 @node Keypad Binary Menu, Keypad Vectors Menu, Keypad Functions Menu, Keypad Mode
29968 @section Binary Menu
29972 |----+----+----+----+----+----3
29973 |AND | OR |XOR |NOT |LSH |RSH |
29974 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29975 |DEC |HEX |OCT |BIN |WSIZ|ARSH|
29976 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29977 | A | B | C | D | E | F |
29978 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
29983 The keys in this menu perform operations on binary integers.
29984 Note that both logical and arithmetic right-shifts are provided.
29985 @key{INV LSH} rotates one bit to the left.
29987 The ``difference'' function (normally on @kbd{b d}) is on @key{INV AND}.
29988 The ``clip'' function (normally on @w{@kbd{b c}}) is on @key{INV NOT}.
29990 The @key{DEC}, @key{HEX}, @key{OCT}, and @key{BIN} keys select the
29991 current radix for display and entry of numbers: Decimal, hexadecimal,
29992 octal, or binary. The six letter keys @key{A} through @key{F} are used
29993 for entering hexadecimal numbers.
29995 The @key{WSIZ} key displays the current word size for binary operations
29996 and allows you to enter a new word size. You can respond to the prompt
29997 using either the keyboard or the digits and @key{ENTER} from the keypad.
29998 The initial word size is 32 bits.
30000 @node Keypad Vectors Menu, Keypad Modes Menu, Keypad Binary Menu, Keypad Mode
30001 @section Vectors Menu
30005 |----+----+----+----+----+----4
30006 |SUM |PROD|MAX |MAP*|MAP^|MAP$|
30007 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30008 |MINV|MDET|MTRN|IDNT|CRSS|"x" |
30009 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30010 |PACK|UNPK|INDX|BLD |LEN |... |
30011 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30016 The keys in this menu operate on vectors and matrices.
30018 @key{PACK} removes an integer @var{n} from the top of the stack;
30019 the next @var{n} stack elements are removed and packed into a vector,
30020 which is replaced onto the stack. Thus the sequence
30021 @kbd{1 ENTER 3 ENTER 5 ENTER 3 PACK} enters the vector
30022 @samp{[1, 3, 5]} onto the stack. To enter a matrix, build each row
30023 on the stack as a vector, then use a final @key{PACK} to collect the
30024 rows into a matrix.
30026 @key{UNPK} unpacks the vector on the stack, pushing each of its
30027 components separately.
30029 @key{INDX} removes an integer @var{n}, then builds a vector of
30030 integers from 1 to @var{n}. @kbd{INV INDX} takes three numbers
30031 from the stack: The vector size @var{n}, the starting number,
30032 and the increment. @kbd{BLD} takes an integer @var{n} and any
30033 value @var{x} and builds a vector of @var{n} copies of @var{x}.
30035 @key{IDNT} removes an integer @var{n}, then builds an @var{n}-by-@var{n}
30038 @key{LEN} replaces a vector by its length, an integer.
30040 @key{...} turns on or off ``abbreviated'' display mode for large vectors.
30042 @key{MINV}, @key{MDET}, @key{MTRN}, and @key{CROSS} are the matrix
30043 inverse, determinant, and transpose, and vector cross product.
30045 @key{SUM} replaces a vector by the sum of its elements. It is
30046 equivalent to @kbd{u +} in normal Calc (@pxref{Statistical Operations}).
30047 @key{PROD} computes the product of the elements of a vector, and
30048 @key{MAX} computes the maximum of all the elements of a vector.
30050 @key{INV SUM} computes the alternating sum of the first element
30051 minus the second, plus the third, minus the fourth, and so on.
30052 @key{INV MAX} computes the minimum of the vector elements.
30054 @key{HYP SUM} computes the mean of the vector elements.
30055 @key{HYP PROD} computes the sample standard deviation.
30056 @key{HYP MAX} computes the median.
30058 @key{MAP*} multiplies two vectors elementwise. It is equivalent
30059 to the @kbd{V M *} command. @key{MAP^} computes powers elementwise.
30060 The arguments must be vectors of equal length, or one must be a vector
30061 and the other must be a plain number. For example, @kbd{2 MAP^} squares
30062 all the elements of a vector.
30064 @key{MAP$} maps the formula on the top of the stack across the
30065 vector in the second-to-top position. If the formula contains
30066 several variables, Calc takes that many vectors starting at the
30067 second-to-top position and matches them to the variables in
30068 alphabetical order. The result is a vector of the same size as
30069 the input vectors, whose elements are the formula evaluated with
30070 the variables set to the various sets of numbers in those vectors.
30071 For example, you could simulate @key{MAP^} using @key{MAP$} with
30072 the formula @samp{x^y}.
30074 The @kbd{"x"} key pushes the variable name @expr{x} onto the
30075 stack. To build the formula @expr{x^2 + 6}, you would use the
30076 key sequence @kbd{"x" 2 y^x 6 +}. This formula would then be
30077 suitable for use with the @key{MAP$} key described above.
30078 With @key{INV}, @key{HYP}, or @key{INV} and @key{HYP}, the
30079 @kbd{"x"} key pushes the variable names @expr{y}, @expr{z}, and
30080 @expr{t}, respectively.
30082 @node Keypad Modes Menu, , Keypad Vectors Menu, Keypad Mode
30083 @section Modes Menu
30087 |----+----+----+----+----+----5
30088 |FLT |FIX |SCI |ENG |GRP | |
30089 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30090 |RAD |DEG |FRAC|POLR|SYMB|PREC|
30091 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30092 |SWAP|RLL3|RLL4|OVER|STO |RCL |
30093 |----+----+----+----+----+----|
30098 The keys in this menu manipulate modes, variables, and the stack.
30100 The @key{FLT}, @key{FIX}, @key{SCI}, and @key{ENG} keys select
30101 floating-point, fixed-point, scientific, or engineering notation.
30102 @key{FIX} displays two digits after the decimal by default; the
30103 others display full precision. With the @key{INV} prefix, these
30104 keys pop a number-of-digits argument from the stack.
30106 The @key{GRP} key turns grouping of digits with commas on or off.
30107 @kbd{INV GRP} enables grouping to the right of the decimal point as
30108 well as to the left.
30110 The @key{RAD} and @key{DEG} keys switch between radians and degrees
30111 for trigonometric functions.
30113 The @key{FRAC} key turns Fraction mode on or off. This affects
30114 whether commands like @kbd{/} with integer arguments produce
30115 fractional or floating-point results.
30117 The @key{POLR} key turns Polar mode on or off, determining whether
30118 polar or rectangular complex numbers are used by default.
30120 The @key{SYMB} key turns Symbolic mode on or off, in which
30121 operations that would produce inexact floating-point results
30122 are left unevaluated as algebraic formulas.
30124 The @key{PREC} key selects the current precision. Answer with
30125 the keyboard or with the keypad digit and @key{ENTER} keys.
30127 The @key{SWAP} key exchanges the top two stack elements.
30128 The @key{RLL3} key rotates the top three stack elements upwards.
30129 The @key{RLL4} key rotates the top four stack elements upwards.
30130 The @key{OVER} key duplicates the second-to-top stack element.
30132 The @key{STO} and @key{RCL} keys are analogous to @kbd{s t} and
30133 @kbd{s r} in regular Calc. @xref{Store and Recall}. Click the
30134 @key{STO} or @key{RCL} key, then one of the ten digits. (Named
30135 variables are not available in Keypad mode.) You can also use,
30136 for example, @kbd{STO + 3} to add to register 3.
30138 @node Embedded Mode, Programming, Keypad Mode, Top
30139 @chapter Embedded Mode
30142 Embedded mode in Calc provides an alternative to copying numbers
30143 and formulas back and forth between editing buffers and the Calc
30144 stack. In Embedded mode, your editing buffer becomes temporarily
30145 linked to the stack and this copying is taken care of automatically.
30148 * Basic Embedded Mode::
30149 * More About Embedded Mode::
30150 * Assignments in Embedded Mode::
30151 * Mode Settings in Embedded Mode::
30152 * Customizing Embedded Mode::
30155 @node Basic Embedded Mode, More About Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode
30156 @section Basic Embedded Mode
30160 @pindex calc-embedded
30161 To enter Embedded mode, position the Emacs point (cursor) on a
30162 formula in any buffer and press @kbd{C-x * e} (@code{calc-embedded}).
30163 Note that @kbd{C-x * e} is not to be used in the Calc stack buffer
30164 like most Calc commands, but rather in regular editing buffers that
30165 are visiting your own files.
30167 Calc will try to guess an appropriate language based on the major mode
30168 of the editing buffer. (@xref{Language Modes}.) If the current buffer is
30169 in @code{latex-mode}, for example, Calc will set its language to La@TeX{}.
30170 Similarly, Calc will use @TeX{} language for @code{tex-mode},
30171 @code{plain-tex-mode} and @code{context-mode}, C language for
30172 @code{c-mode} and @code{c++-mode}, FORTRAN language for
30173 @code{fortran-mode} and @code{f90-mode}, Pascal for @code{pascal-mode},
30174 and eqn for @code{nroff-mode} (@pxref{Customizing Calc}).
30175 These can be overridden with Calc's mode
30176 changing commands (@pxref{Mode Settings in Embedded Mode}). If no
30177 suitable language is available, Calc will continue with its current language.
30179 Calc normally scans backward and forward in the buffer for the
30180 nearest opening and closing @dfn{formula delimiters}. The simplest
30181 delimiters are blank lines. Other delimiters that Embedded mode
30186 The @TeX{} and La@TeX{} math delimiters @samp{$ $}, @samp{$$ $$},
30187 @samp{\[ \]}, and @samp{\( \)};
30189 Lines beginning with @samp{\begin} and @samp{\end} (except matrix delimiters);
30191 Lines beginning with @samp{@@} (Texinfo delimiters).
30193 Lines beginning with @samp{.EQ} and @samp{.EN} (@dfn{eqn} delimiters);
30195 Lines containing a single @samp{%} or @samp{.\"} symbol and nothing else.
30198 @xref{Customizing Embedded Mode}, to see how to make Calc recognize
30199 your own favorite delimiters. Delimiters like @samp{$ $} can appear
30200 on their own separate lines or in-line with the formula.
30202 If you give a positive or negative numeric prefix argument, Calc
30203 instead uses the current point as one end of the formula, and includes
30204 that many lines forward or backward (respectively, including the current
30205 line). Explicit delimiters are not necessary in this case.
30207 With a prefix argument of zero, Calc uses the current region (delimited
30208 by point and mark) instead of formula delimiters. With a prefix
30209 argument of @kbd{C-u} only, Calc uses the current line as the formula.
30212 @pindex calc-embedded-word
30213 The @kbd{C-x * w} (@code{calc-embedded-word}) command will start Embedded
30214 mode on the current ``word''; in this case Calc will scan for the first
30215 non-numeric character (i.e., the first character that is not a digit,
30216 sign, decimal point, or upper- or lower-case @samp{e}) forward and
30217 backward to delimit the formula.
30219 When you enable Embedded mode for a formula, Calc reads the text
30220 between the delimiters and tries to interpret it as a Calc formula.
30221 Calc can generally identify @TeX{} formulas and
30222 Big-style formulas even if the language mode is wrong. If Calc
30223 can't make sense of the formula, it beeps and refuses to enter
30224 Embedded mode. But if the current language is wrong, Calc can
30225 sometimes parse the formula successfully (but incorrectly);
30226 for example, the C expression @samp{atan(a[1])} can be parsed
30227 in Normal language mode, but the @code{atan} won't correspond to
30228 the built-in @code{arctan} function, and the @samp{a[1]} will be
30229 interpreted as @samp{a} times the vector @samp{[1]}!
30231 If you press @kbd{C-x * e} or @kbd{C-x * w} to activate an embedded
30232 formula which is blank, say with the cursor on the space between
30233 the two delimiters @samp{$ $}, Calc will immediately prompt for
30234 an algebraic entry.
30236 Only one formula in one buffer can be enabled at a time. If you
30237 move to another area of the current buffer and give Calc commands,
30238 Calc turns Embedded mode off for the old formula and then tries
30239 to restart Embedded mode at the new position. Other buffers are
30240 not affected by Embedded mode.
30242 When Embedded mode begins, Calc pushes the current formula onto
30243 the stack. No Calc stack window is created; however, Calc copies
30244 the top-of-stack position into the original buffer at all times.
30245 You can create a Calc window by hand with @kbd{C-x * o} if you
30246 find you need to see the entire stack.
30248 For example, typing @kbd{C-x * e} while somewhere in the formula
30249 @samp{n>2} in the following line enables Embedded mode on that
30253 We define $F_n = F_(n-1)+F_(n-2)$ for all $n>2$.
30257 The formula @expr{n>2} will be pushed onto the Calc stack, and
30258 the top of stack will be copied back into the editing buffer.
30259 This means that spaces will appear around the @samp{>} symbol
30260 to match Calc's usual display style:
30263 We define $F_n = F_(n-1)+F_(n-2)$ for all $n > 2$.
30267 No spaces have appeared around the @samp{+} sign because it's
30268 in a different formula, one which we have not yet touched with
30271 Now that Embedded mode is enabled, keys you type in this buffer
30272 are interpreted as Calc commands. At this point we might use
30273 the ``commute'' command @kbd{j C} to reverse the inequality.
30274 This is a selection-based command for which we first need to
30275 move the cursor onto the operator (@samp{>} in this case) that
30276 needs to be commuted.
30279 We define $F_n = F_(n-1)+F_(n-2)$ for all $2 < n$.
30282 The @kbd{C-x * o} command is a useful way to open a Calc window
30283 without actually selecting that window. Giving this command
30284 verifies that @samp{2 < n} is also on the Calc stack. Typing
30285 @kbd{17 @key{RET}} would produce:
30288 We define $F_n = F_(n-1)+F_(n-2)$ for all $17$.
30292 with @samp{2 < n} and @samp{17} on the stack; typing @key{TAB}
30293 at this point will exchange the two stack values and restore
30294 @samp{2 < n} to the embedded formula. Even though you can't
30295 normally see the stack in Embedded mode, it is still there and
30296 it still operates in the same way. But, as with old-fashioned
30297 RPN calculators, you can only see the value at the top of the
30298 stack at any given time (unless you use @kbd{C-x * o}).
30300 Typing @kbd{C-x * e} again turns Embedded mode off. The Calc
30301 window reveals that the formula @w{@samp{2 < n}} is automatically
30302 removed from the stack, but the @samp{17} is not. Entering
30303 Embedded mode always pushes one thing onto the stack, and
30304 leaving Embedded mode always removes one thing. Anything else
30305 that happens on the stack is entirely your business as far as
30306 Embedded mode is concerned.
30308 If you press @kbd{C-x * e} in the wrong place by accident, it is
30309 possible that Calc will be able to parse the nearby text as a
30310 formula and will mangle that text in an attempt to redisplay it
30311 ``properly'' in the current language mode. If this happens,
30312 press @kbd{C-x * e} again to exit Embedded mode, then give the
30313 regular Emacs ``undo'' command (@kbd{C-_} or @kbd{C-x u}) to put
30314 the text back the way it was before Calc edited it. Note that Calc's
30315 own Undo command (typed before you turn Embedded mode back off)
30316 will not do you any good, because as far as Calc is concerned
30317 you haven't done anything with this formula yet.
30319 @node More About Embedded Mode, Assignments in Embedded Mode, Basic Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode
30320 @section More About Embedded Mode
30323 When Embedded mode ``activates'' a formula, i.e., when it examines
30324 the formula for the first time since the buffer was created or
30325 loaded, Calc tries to sense the language in which the formula was
30326 written. If the formula contains any La@TeX{}-like @samp{\} sequences,
30327 it is parsed (i.e., read) in La@TeX{} mode. If the formula appears to
30328 be written in multi-line Big mode, it is parsed in Big mode. Otherwise,
30329 it is parsed according to the current language mode.
30331 Note that Calc does not change the current language mode according
30332 the formula it reads in. Even though it can read a La@TeX{} formula when
30333 not in La@TeX{} mode, it will immediately rewrite this formula using
30334 whatever language mode is in effect.
30341 @pindex calc-show-plain
30342 Calc's parser is unable to read certain kinds of formulas. For
30343 example, with @kbd{v ]} (@code{calc-matrix-brackets}) you can
30344 specify matrix display styles which the parser is unable to
30345 recognize as matrices. The @kbd{d p} (@code{calc-show-plain})
30346 command turns on a mode in which a ``plain'' version of a
30347 formula is placed in front of the fully-formatted version.
30348 When Calc reads a formula that has such a plain version in
30349 front, it reads the plain version and ignores the formatted
30352 Plain formulas are preceded and followed by @samp{%%%} signs
30353 by default. This notation has the advantage that the @samp{%}
30354 character begins a comment in @TeX{} and La@TeX{}, so if your formula is
30355 embedded in a @TeX{} or La@TeX{} document its plain version will be
30356 invisible in the final printed copy. Certain major modes have different
30357 delimiters to ensure that the ``plain'' version will be
30358 in a comment for those modes, also.
30359 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode} to see how to change the ``plain''
30360 formula delimiters.
30362 There are several notations which Calc's parser for ``big''
30363 formatted formulas can't yet recognize. In particular, it can't
30364 read the large symbols for @code{sum}, @code{prod}, and @code{integ},
30365 and it can't handle @samp{=>} with the righthand argument omitted.
30366 Also, Calc won't recognize special formats you have defined with
30367 the @kbd{Z C} command (@pxref{User-Defined Compositions}). In
30368 these cases it is important to use ``plain'' mode to make sure
30369 Calc will be able to read your formula later.
30371 Another example where ``plain'' mode is important is if you have
30372 specified a float mode with few digits of precision. Normally
30373 any digits that are computed but not displayed will simply be
30374 lost when you save and re-load your embedded buffer, but ``plain''
30375 mode allows you to make sure that the complete number is present
30376 in the file as well as the rounded-down number.
30382 Embedded buffers remember active formulas for as long as they
30383 exist in Emacs memory. Suppose you have an embedded formula
30384 which is @cpi{} to the normal 12 decimal places, and then
30385 type @w{@kbd{C-u 5 d n}} to display only five decimal places.
30386 If you then type @kbd{d n}, all 12 places reappear because the
30387 full number is still there on the Calc stack. More surprisingly,
30388 even if you exit Embedded mode and later re-enter it for that
30389 formula, typing @kbd{d n} will restore all 12 places because
30390 each buffer remembers all its active formulas. However, if you
30391 save the buffer in a file and reload it in a new Emacs session,
30392 all non-displayed digits will have been lost unless you used
30399 In some applications of Embedded mode, you will want to have a
30400 sequence of copies of a formula that show its evolution as you
30401 work on it. For example, you might want to have a sequence
30402 like this in your file (elaborating here on the example from
30403 the ``Getting Started'' chapter):
30412 @r{(the derivative of }ln(ln(x))@r{)}
30414 whose value at x = 2 is
30424 @pindex calc-embedded-duplicate
30425 The @kbd{C-x * d} (@code{calc-embedded-duplicate}) command is a
30426 handy way to make sequences like this. If you type @kbd{C-x * d},
30427 the formula under the cursor (which may or may not have Embedded
30428 mode enabled for it at the time) is copied immediately below and
30429 Embedded mode is then enabled for that copy.
30431 For this example, you would start with just
30440 and press @kbd{C-x * d} with the cursor on this formula. The result
30453 with the second copy of the formula enabled in Embedded mode.
30454 You can now press @kbd{a d x @key{RET}} to take the derivative, and
30455 @kbd{C-x * d C-x * d} to make two more copies of the derivative.
30456 To complete the computations, type @kbd{3 s l x @key{RET}} to evaluate
30457 the last formula, then move up to the second-to-last formula
30458 and type @kbd{2 s l x @key{RET}}.
30460 Finally, you would want to press @kbd{C-x * e} to exit Embedded
30461 mode, then go up and insert the necessary text in between the
30462 various formulas and numbers.
30470 @pindex calc-embedded-new-formula
30471 The @kbd{C-x * f} (@code{calc-embedded-new-formula}) command
30472 creates a new embedded formula at the current point. It inserts
30473 some default delimiters, which are usually just blank lines,
30474 and then does an algebraic entry to get the formula (which is
30475 then enabled for Embedded mode). This is just shorthand for
30476 typing the delimiters yourself, positioning the cursor between
30477 the new delimiters, and pressing @kbd{C-x * e}. The key sequence
30478 @kbd{C-x * '} is equivalent to @kbd{C-x * f}.
30482 @pindex calc-embedded-next
30483 @pindex calc-embedded-previous
30484 The @kbd{C-x * n} (@code{calc-embedded-next}) and @kbd{C-x * p}
30485 (@code{calc-embedded-previous}) commands move the cursor to the
30486 next or previous active embedded formula in the buffer. They
30487 can take positive or negative prefix arguments to move by several
30488 formulas. Note that these commands do not actually examine the
30489 text of the buffer looking for formulas; they only see formulas
30490 which have previously been activated in Embedded mode. In fact,
30491 @kbd{C-x * n} and @kbd{C-x * p} are a useful way to tell which
30492 embedded formulas are currently active. Also, note that these
30493 commands do not enable Embedded mode on the next or previous
30494 formula, they just move the cursor.
30497 @pindex calc-embedded-edit
30498 The @kbd{C-x * `} (@code{calc-embedded-edit}) command edits the
30499 embedded formula at the current point as if by @kbd{`} (@code{calc-edit}).
30500 Embedded mode does not have to be enabled for this to work. Press
30501 @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish the edit, or @kbd{C-x k} to cancel.
30503 @node Assignments in Embedded Mode, Mode Settings in Embedded Mode, More About Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode
30504 @section Assignments in Embedded Mode
30507 The @samp{:=} (assignment) and @samp{=>} (``evaluates-to'') operators
30508 are especially useful in Embedded mode. They allow you to make
30509 a definition in one formula, then refer to that definition in
30510 other formulas embedded in the same buffer.
30512 An embedded formula which is an assignment to a variable, as in
30519 records @expr{5} as the stored value of @code{foo} for the
30520 purposes of Embedded mode operations in the current buffer. It
30521 does @emph{not} actually store @expr{5} as the ``global'' value
30522 of @code{foo}, however. Regular Calc operations, and Embedded
30523 formulas in other buffers, will not see this assignment.
30525 One way to use this assigned value is simply to create an
30526 Embedded formula elsewhere that refers to @code{foo}, and to press
30527 @kbd{=} in that formula. However, this permanently replaces the
30528 @code{foo} in the formula with its current value. More interesting
30529 is to use @samp{=>} elsewhere:
30535 @xref{Evaluates-To Operator}, for a general discussion of @samp{=>}.
30537 If you move back and change the assignment to @code{foo}, any
30538 @samp{=>} formulas which refer to it are automatically updated.
30546 The obvious question then is, @emph{how} can one easily change the
30547 assignment to @code{foo}? If you simply select the formula in
30548 Embedded mode and type 17, the assignment itself will be replaced
30549 by the 17. The effect on the other formula will be that the
30550 variable @code{foo} becomes unassigned:
30558 The right thing to do is first to use a selection command (@kbd{j 2}
30559 will do the trick) to select the righthand side of the assignment.
30560 Then, @kbd{17 @key{TAB} @key{DEL}} will swap the 17 into place (@pxref{Selecting
30561 Subformulas}, to see how this works).
30564 @pindex calc-embedded-select
30565 The @kbd{C-x * j} (@code{calc-embedded-select}) command provides an
30566 easy way to operate on assignments. It is just like @kbd{C-x * e},
30567 except that if the enabled formula is an assignment, it uses
30568 @kbd{j 2} to select the righthand side. If the enabled formula
30569 is an evaluates-to, it uses @kbd{j 1} to select the lefthand side.
30570 A formula can also be a combination of both:
30573 bar := foo + 3 => 20
30577 in which case @kbd{C-x * j} will select the middle part (@samp{foo + 3}).
30579 The formula is automatically deselected when you leave Embedded
30583 @pindex calc-embedded-update-formula
30584 Another way to change the assignment to @code{foo} would simply be
30585 to edit the number using regular Emacs editing rather than Embedded
30586 mode. Then, we have to find a way to get Embedded mode to notice
30587 the change. The @kbd{C-x * u} (@code{calc-embedded-update-formula})
30588 command is a convenient way to do this.
30596 Pressing @kbd{C-x * u} is much like pressing @kbd{C-x * e = C-x * e}, that
30597 is, temporarily enabling Embedded mode for the formula under the
30598 cursor and then evaluating it with @kbd{=}. But @kbd{C-x * u} does
30599 not actually use @kbd{C-x * e}, and in fact another formula somewhere
30600 else can be enabled in Embedded mode while you use @kbd{C-x * u} and
30601 that formula will not be disturbed.
30603 With a numeric prefix argument, @kbd{C-x * u} updates all active
30604 @samp{=>} formulas in the buffer. Formulas which have not yet
30605 been activated in Embedded mode, and formulas which do not have
30606 @samp{=>} as their top-level operator, are not affected by this.
30607 (This is useful only if you have used @kbd{m C}; see below.)
30609 With a plain @kbd{C-u} prefix, @kbd{C-u C-x * u} updates only in the
30610 region between mark and point rather than in the whole buffer.
30612 @kbd{C-x * u} is also a handy way to activate a formula, such as an
30613 @samp{=>} formula that has freshly been typed in or loaded from a
30617 @pindex calc-embedded-activate
30618 The @kbd{C-x * a} (@code{calc-embedded-activate}) command scans
30619 through the current buffer and activates all embedded formulas
30620 that contain @samp{:=} or @samp{=>} symbols. This does not mean
30621 that Embedded mode is actually turned on, but only that the
30622 formulas' positions are registered with Embedded mode so that
30623 the @samp{=>} values can be properly updated as assignments are
30626 It is a good idea to type @kbd{C-x * a} right after loading a file
30627 that uses embedded @samp{=>} operators. Emacs includes a nifty
30628 ``buffer-local variables'' feature that you can use to do this
30629 automatically. The idea is to place near the end of your file
30630 a few lines that look like this:
30633 --- Local Variables: ---
30634 --- eval:(calc-embedded-activate) ---
30639 where the leading and trailing @samp{---} can be replaced by
30640 any suitable strings (which must be the same on all three lines)
30641 or omitted altogether; in a @TeX{} or La@TeX{} file, @samp{%} would be a good
30642 leading string and no trailing string would be necessary. In a
30643 C program, @samp{/*} and @samp{*/} would be good leading and
30646 When Emacs loads a file into memory, it checks for a Local Variables
30647 section like this one at the end of the file. If it finds this
30648 section, it does the specified things (in this case, running
30649 @kbd{C-x * a} automatically) before editing of the file begins.
30650 The Local Variables section must be within 3000 characters of the
30651 end of the file for Emacs to find it, and it must be in the last
30652 page of the file if the file has any page separators.
30653 @xref{File Variables, , Local Variables in Files, emacs, the
30656 Note that @kbd{C-x * a} does not update the formulas it finds.
30657 To do this, type, say, @kbd{M-1 C-x * u} after @w{@kbd{C-x * a}}.
30658 Generally this should not be a problem, though, because the
30659 formulas will have been up-to-date already when the file was
30662 Normally, @kbd{C-x * a} activates all the formulas it finds, but
30663 any previous active formulas remain active as well. With a
30664 positive numeric prefix argument, @kbd{C-x * a} first deactivates
30665 all current active formulas, then actives the ones it finds in
30666 its scan of the buffer. With a negative prefix argument,
30667 @kbd{C-x * a} simply deactivates all formulas.
30669 Embedded mode has two symbols, @samp{Active} and @samp{~Active},
30670 which it puts next to the major mode name in a buffer's mode line.
30671 It puts @samp{Active} if it has reason to believe that all
30672 formulas in the buffer are active, because you have typed @kbd{C-x * a}
30673 and Calc has not since had to deactivate any formulas (which can
30674 happen if Calc goes to update an @samp{=>} formula somewhere because
30675 a variable changed, and finds that the formula is no longer there
30676 due to some kind of editing outside of Embedded mode). Calc puts
30677 @samp{~Active} in the mode line if some, but probably not all,
30678 formulas in the buffer are active. This happens if you activate
30679 a few formulas one at a time but never use @kbd{C-x * a}, or if you
30680 used @kbd{C-x * a} but then Calc had to deactivate a formula
30681 because it lost track of it. If neither of these symbols appears
30682 in the mode line, no embedded formulas are active in the buffer
30683 (e.g., before Embedded mode has been used, or after a @kbd{M-- C-x * a}).
30685 Embedded formulas can refer to assignments both before and after them
30686 in the buffer. If there are several assignments to a variable, the
30687 nearest preceding assignment is used if there is one, otherwise the
30688 following assignment is used.
30702 As well as simple variables, you can also assign to subscript
30703 expressions of the form @samp{@var{var}_@var{number}} (as in
30704 @code{x_0}), or @samp{@var{var}_@var{var}} (as in @code{x_max}).
30705 Assignments to other kinds of objects can be represented by Calc,
30706 but the automatic linkage between assignments and references works
30707 only for plain variables and these two kinds of subscript expressions.
30709 If there are no assignments to a given variable, the global
30710 stored value for the variable is used (@pxref{Storing Variables}),
30711 or, if no value is stored, the variable is left in symbolic form.
30712 Note that global stored values will be lost when the file is saved
30713 and loaded in a later Emacs session, unless you have used the
30714 @kbd{s p} (@code{calc-permanent-variable}) command to save them;
30715 @pxref{Operations on Variables}.
30717 The @kbd{m C} (@code{calc-auto-recompute}) command turns automatic
30718 recomputation of @samp{=>} forms on and off. If you turn automatic
30719 recomputation off, you will have to use @kbd{C-x * u} to update these
30720 formulas manually after an assignment has been changed. If you
30721 plan to change several assignments at once, it may be more efficient
30722 to type @kbd{m C}, change all the assignments, then use @kbd{M-1 C-x * u}
30723 to update the entire buffer afterwards. The @kbd{m C} command also
30724 controls @samp{=>} formulas on the stack; @pxref{Evaluates-To
30725 Operator}. When you turn automatic recomputation back on, the
30726 stack will be updated but the Embedded buffer will not; you must
30727 use @kbd{C-x * u} to update the buffer by hand.
30729 @node Mode Settings in Embedded Mode, Customizing Embedded Mode, Assignments in Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode
30730 @section Mode Settings in Embedded Mode
30733 @pindex calc-embedded-preserve-modes
30735 The mode settings can be changed while Calc is in embedded mode, but
30736 by default they will revert to their original values when embedded mode
30737 is ended. However, the modes saved when the mode-recording mode is
30738 @code{Save} (see below) and the modes in effect when the @kbd{m e}
30739 (@code{calc-embedded-preserve-modes}) command is given
30740 will be preserved when embedded mode is ended.
30742 Embedded mode has a rather complicated mechanism for handling mode
30743 settings in Embedded formulas. It is possible to put annotations
30744 in the file that specify mode settings either global to the entire
30745 file or local to a particular formula or formulas. In the latter
30746 case, different modes can be specified for use when a formula
30747 is the enabled Embedded mode formula.
30749 When you give any mode-setting command, like @kbd{m f} (for Fraction
30750 mode) or @kbd{d s} (for scientific notation), Embedded mode adds
30751 a line like the following one to the file just before the opening
30752 delimiter of the formula.
30755 % [calc-mode: fractions: t]
30756 % [calc-mode: float-format: (sci 0)]
30759 When Calc interprets an embedded formula, it scans the text before
30760 the formula for mode-setting annotations like these and sets the
30761 Calc buffer to match these modes. Modes not explicitly described
30762 in the file are not changed. Calc scans all the way to the top of
30763 the file, or up to a line of the form
30770 which you can insert at strategic places in the file if this backward
30771 scan is getting too slow, or just to provide a barrier between one
30772 ``zone'' of mode settings and another.
30774 If the file contains several annotations for the same mode, the
30775 closest one before the formula is used. Annotations after the
30776 formula are never used (except for global annotations, described
30779 The scan does not look for the leading @samp{% }, only for the
30780 square brackets and the text they enclose. In fact, the leading
30781 characters are different for different major modes. You can edit the
30782 mode annotations to a style that works better in context if you wish.
30783 @xref{Customizing Embedded Mode}, to see how to change the style
30784 that Calc uses when it generates the annotations. You can write
30785 mode annotations into the file yourself if you know the syntax;
30786 the easiest way to find the syntax for a given mode is to let
30787 Calc write the annotation for it once and see what it does.
30789 If you give a mode-changing command for a mode that already has
30790 a suitable annotation just above the current formula, Calc will
30791 modify that annotation rather than generating a new, conflicting
30794 Mode annotations have three parts, separated by colons. (Spaces
30795 after the colons are optional.) The first identifies the kind
30796 of mode setting, the second is a name for the mode itself, and
30797 the third is the value in the form of a Lisp symbol, number,
30798 or list. Annotations with unrecognizable text in the first or
30799 second parts are ignored. The third part is not checked to make
30800 sure the value is of a valid type or range; if you write an
30801 annotation by hand, be sure to give a proper value or results
30802 will be unpredictable. Mode-setting annotations are case-sensitive.
30804 While Embedded mode is enabled, the word @code{Local} appears in
30805 the mode line. This is to show that mode setting commands generate
30806 annotations that are ``local'' to the current formula or set of
30807 formulas. The @kbd{m R} (@code{calc-mode-record-mode}) command
30808 causes Calc to generate different kinds of annotations. Pressing
30809 @kbd{m R} repeatedly cycles through the possible modes.
30811 @code{LocEdit} and @code{LocPerm} modes generate annotations
30812 that look like this, respectively:
30815 % [calc-edit-mode: float-format: (sci 0)]
30816 % [calc-perm-mode: float-format: (sci 5)]
30819 The first kind of annotation will be used only while a formula
30820 is enabled in Embedded mode. The second kind will be used only
30821 when the formula is @emph{not} enabled. (Whether the formula
30822 is ``active'' or not, i.e., whether Calc has seen this formula
30823 yet, is not relevant here.)
30825 @code{Global} mode generates an annotation like this at the end
30829 % [calc-global-mode: fractions t]
30832 Global mode annotations affect all formulas throughout the file,
30833 and may appear anywhere in the file. This allows you to tuck your
30834 mode annotations somewhere out of the way, say, on a new page of
30835 the file, as long as those mode settings are suitable for all
30836 formulas in the file.
30838 Enabling a formula with @kbd{C-x * e} causes a fresh scan for local
30839 mode annotations; you will have to use this after adding annotations
30840 above a formula by hand to get the formula to notice them. Updating
30841 a formula with @kbd{C-x * u} will also re-scan the local modes, but
30842 global modes are only re-scanned by @kbd{C-x * a}.
30844 Another way that modes can get out of date is if you add a local
30845 mode annotation to a formula that has another formula after it.
30846 In this example, we have used the @kbd{d s} command while the
30847 first of the two embedded formulas is active. But the second
30848 formula has not changed its style to match, even though by the
30849 rules of reading annotations the @samp{(sci 0)} applies to it, too.
30852 % [calc-mode: float-format: (sci 0)]
30858 We would have to go down to the other formula and press @kbd{C-x * u}
30859 on it in order to get it to notice the new annotation.
30861 Two more mode-recording modes selectable by @kbd{m R} are available
30862 which are also available outside of Embedded mode.
30863 (@pxref{General Mode Commands}.) They are @code{Save}, in which mode
30864 settings are recorded permanently in your Calc init file (the file given
30865 by the variable @code{calc-settings-file}, typically @file{~/.calc.el})
30866 rather than by annotating the current document, and no-recording
30867 mode (where there is no symbol like @code{Save} or @code{Local} in
30868 the mode line), in which mode-changing commands do not leave any
30869 annotations at all.
30871 When Embedded mode is not enabled, mode-recording modes except
30872 for @code{Save} have no effect.
30874 @node Customizing Embedded Mode, , Mode Settings in Embedded Mode, Embedded Mode
30875 @section Customizing Embedded Mode
30878 You can modify Embedded mode's behavior by setting various Lisp
30879 variables described here. These variables are customizable
30880 (@pxref{Customizing Calc}), or you can use @kbd{M-x set-variable}
30881 or @kbd{M-x edit-options} to adjust a variable on the fly.
30882 (Another possibility would be to use a file-local variable annotation at
30883 the end of the file;
30884 @pxref{File Variables, , Local Variables in Files, emacs, the Emacs manual}.)
30885 Many of the variables given mentioned here can be set to depend on the
30886 major mode of the editing buffer (@pxref{Customizing Calc}).
30888 @vindex calc-embedded-open-formula
30889 The @code{calc-embedded-open-formula} variable holds a regular
30890 expression for the opening delimiter of a formula. @xref{Regexp Search,
30891 , Regular Expression Search, emacs, the Emacs manual}, to see
30892 how regular expressions work. Basically, a regular expression is a
30893 pattern that Calc can search for. A regular expression that considers
30894 blank lines, @samp{$}, and @samp{$$} to be opening delimiters is
30895 @code{"\\`\\|^\n\\|\\$\\$?"}. Just in case the meaning of this
30896 regular expression is not completely plain, let's go through it
30899 The surrounding @samp{" "} marks quote the text between them as a
30900 Lisp string. If you left them off, @code{set-variable} or
30901 @code{edit-options} would try to read the regular expression as a
30904 The most obvious property of this regular expression is that it
30905 contains indecently many backslashes. There are actually two levels
30906 of backslash usage going on here. First, when Lisp reads a quoted
30907 string, all pairs of characters beginning with a backslash are
30908 interpreted as special characters. Here, @code{\n} changes to a
30909 new-line character, and @code{\\} changes to a single backslash.
30910 So the actual regular expression seen by Calc is
30911 @samp{\`\|^ @r{(newline)} \|\$\$?}.
30913 Regular expressions also consider pairs beginning with backslash
30914 to have special meanings. Sometimes the backslash is used to quote
30915 a character that otherwise would have a special meaning in a regular
30916 expression, like @samp{$}, which normally means ``end-of-line,''
30917 or @samp{?}, which means that the preceding item is optional. So
30918 @samp{\$\$?} matches either one or two dollar signs.
30920 The other codes in this regular expression are @samp{^}, which matches
30921 ``beginning-of-line,'' @samp{\|}, which means ``or,'' and @samp{\`},
30922 which matches ``beginning-of-buffer.'' So the whole pattern means
30923 that a formula begins at the beginning of the buffer, or on a newline
30924 that occurs at the beginning of a line (i.e., a blank line), or at
30925 one or two dollar signs.
30927 The default value of @code{calc-embedded-open-formula} looks just
30928 like this example, with several more alternatives added on to
30929 recognize various other common kinds of delimiters.
30931 By the way, the reason to use @samp{^\n} rather than @samp{^$}
30932 or @samp{\n\n}, which also would appear to match blank lines,
30933 is that the former expression actually ``consumes'' only one
30934 newline character as @emph{part of} the delimiter, whereas the
30935 latter expressions consume zero or two newlines, respectively.
30936 The former choice gives the most natural behavior when Calc
30937 must operate on a whole formula including its delimiters.
30939 See the Emacs manual for complete details on regular expressions.
30940 But just for your convenience, here is a list of all characters
30941 which must be quoted with backslash (like @samp{\$}) to avoid
30942 some special interpretation: @samp{. * + ? [ ] ^ $ \}. (Note
30943 the backslash in this list; for example, to match @samp{\[} you
30944 must use @code{"\\\\\\["}. An exercise for the reader is to
30945 account for each of these six backslashes!)
30947 @vindex calc-embedded-close-formula
30948 The @code{calc-embedded-close-formula} variable holds a regular
30949 expression for the closing delimiter of a formula. A closing
30950 regular expression to match the above example would be
30951 @code{"\\'\\|\n$\\|\\$\\$?"}. This is almost the same as the
30952 other one, except it now uses @samp{\'} (``end-of-buffer'') and
30953 @samp{\n$} (newline occurring at end of line, yet another way
30954 of describing a blank line that is more appropriate for this
30957 @vindex calc-embedded-word-regexp
30958 The @code{calc-embedded-word-regexp} variable holds a regular expression
30959 used to define an expression to look for (a ``word'') when you type
30960 @kbd{C-x * w} to enable Embedded mode.
30962 @vindex calc-embedded-open-plain
30963 The @code{calc-embedded-open-plain} variable is a string which
30964 begins a ``plain'' formula written in front of the formatted
30965 formula when @kbd{d p} mode is turned on. Note that this is an
30966 actual string, not a regular expression, because Calc must be able
30967 to write this string into a buffer as well as to recognize it.
30968 The default string is @code{"%%% "} (note the trailing space), but may
30969 be different for certain major modes.
30971 @vindex calc-embedded-close-plain
30972 The @code{calc-embedded-close-plain} variable is a string which
30973 ends a ``plain'' formula. The default is @code{" %%%\n"}, but may be
30974 different for different major modes. Without
30975 the trailing newline here, the first line of a Big mode formula
30976 that followed might be shifted over with respect to the other lines.
30978 @vindex calc-embedded-open-new-formula
30979 The @code{calc-embedded-open-new-formula} variable is a string
30980 which is inserted at the front of a new formula when you type
30981 @kbd{C-x * f}. Its default value is @code{"\n\n"}. If this
30982 string begins with a newline character and the @kbd{C-x * f} is
30983 typed at the beginning of a line, @kbd{C-x * f} will skip this
30984 first newline to avoid introducing unnecessary blank lines in
30987 @vindex calc-embedded-close-new-formula
30988 The @code{calc-embedded-close-new-formula} variable is the corresponding
30989 string which is inserted at the end of a new formula. Its default
30990 value is also @code{"\n\n"}. The final newline is omitted by
30991 @w{@kbd{C-x * f}} if typed at the end of a line. (It follows that if
30992 @kbd{C-x * f} is typed on a blank line, both a leading opening
30993 newline and a trailing closing newline are omitted.)
30995 @vindex calc-embedded-announce-formula
30996 The @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula} variable is a regular
30997 expression which is sure to be followed by an embedded formula.
30998 The @kbd{C-x * a} command searches for this pattern as well as for
30999 @samp{=>} and @samp{:=} operators. Note that @kbd{C-x * a} will
31000 not activate just anything surrounded by formula delimiters; after
31001 all, blank lines are considered formula delimiters by default!
31002 But if your language includes a delimiter which can only occur
31003 actually in front of a formula, you can take advantage of it here.
31004 The default pattern is @code{"%Embed\n\\(% .*\n\\)*"}, but may be
31005 different for different major modes.
31006 This pattern will check for @samp{%Embed} followed by any number of
31007 lines beginning with @samp{%} and a space. This last is important to
31008 make Calc consider mode annotations part of the pattern, so that the
31009 formula's opening delimiter really is sure to follow the pattern.
31011 @vindex calc-embedded-open-mode
31012 The @code{calc-embedded-open-mode} variable is a string (not a
31013 regular expression) which should precede a mode annotation.
31014 Calc never scans for this string; Calc always looks for the
31015 annotation itself. But this is the string that is inserted before
31016 the opening bracket when Calc adds an annotation on its own.
31017 The default is @code{"% "}, but may be different for different major
31020 @vindex calc-embedded-close-mode
31021 The @code{calc-embedded-close-mode} variable is a string which
31022 follows a mode annotation written by Calc. Its default value
31023 is simply a newline, @code{"\n"}, but may be different for different
31024 major modes. If you change this, it is a good idea still to end with a
31025 newline so that mode annotations will appear on lines by themselves.
31027 @node Programming, Copying, Embedded Mode, Top
31028 @chapter Programming
31031 There are several ways to ``program'' the Emacs Calculator, depending
31032 on the nature of the problem you need to solve.
31036 @dfn{Keyboard macros} allow you to record a sequence of keystrokes
31037 and play them back at a later time. This is just the standard Emacs
31038 keyboard macro mechanism, dressed up with a few more features such
31039 as loops and conditionals.
31042 @dfn{Algebraic definitions} allow you to use any formula to define a
31043 new function. This function can then be used in algebraic formulas or
31044 as an interactive command.
31047 @dfn{Rewrite rules} are discussed in the section on algebra commands.
31048 @xref{Rewrite Rules}. If you put your rewrite rules in the variable
31049 @code{EvalRules}, they will be applied automatically to all Calc
31050 results in just the same way as an internal ``rule'' is applied to
31051 evaluate @samp{sqrt(9)} to 3 and so on. @xref{Automatic Rewrites}.
31054 @dfn{Lisp} is the programming language that Calc (and most of Emacs)
31055 is written in. If the above techniques aren't powerful enough, you
31056 can write Lisp functions to do anything that built-in Calc commands
31057 can do. Lisp code is also somewhat faster than keyboard macros or
31062 Programming features are available through the @kbd{z} and @kbd{Z}
31063 prefix keys. New commands that you define are two-key sequences
31064 beginning with @kbd{z}. Commands for managing these definitions
31065 use the shift-@kbd{Z} prefix. (The @kbd{Z T} (@code{calc-timing})
31066 command is described elsewhere; @pxref{Troubleshooting Commands}.
31067 The @kbd{Z C} (@code{calc-user-define-composition}) command is also
31068 described elsewhere; @pxref{User-Defined Compositions}.)
31071 * Creating User Keys::
31072 * Keyboard Macros::
31073 * Invocation Macros::
31074 * Algebraic Definitions::
31075 * Lisp Definitions::
31078 @node Creating User Keys, Keyboard Macros, Programming, Programming
31079 @section Creating User Keys
31083 @pindex calc-user-define
31084 Any Calculator command may be bound to a key using the @kbd{Z D}
31085 (@code{calc-user-define}) command. Actually, it is bound to a two-key
31086 sequence beginning with the lower-case @kbd{z} prefix.
31088 The @kbd{Z D} command first prompts for the key to define. For example,
31089 press @kbd{Z D a} to define the new key sequence @kbd{z a}. You are then
31090 prompted for the name of the Calculator command that this key should
31091 run. For example, the @code{calc-sincos} command is not normally
31092 available on a key. Typing @kbd{Z D s sincos @key{RET}} programs the
31093 @kbd{z s} key sequence to run @code{calc-sincos}. This definition will remain
31094 in effect for the rest of this Emacs session, or until you redefine
31095 @kbd{z s} to be something else.
31097 You can actually bind any Emacs command to a @kbd{z} key sequence by
31098 backspacing over the @samp{calc-} when you are prompted for the command name.
31100 As with any other prefix key, you can type @kbd{z ?} to see a list of
31101 all the two-key sequences you have defined that start with @kbd{z}.
31102 Initially, no @kbd{z} sequences (except @kbd{z ?} itself) are defined.
31104 User keys are typically letters, but may in fact be any key.
31105 (@key{META}-keys are not permitted, nor are a terminal's special
31106 function keys which generate multi-character sequences when pressed.)
31107 You can define different commands on the shifted and unshifted versions
31108 of a letter if you wish.
31111 @pindex calc-user-undefine
31112 The @kbd{Z U} (@code{calc-user-undefine}) command unbinds a user key.
31113 For example, the key sequence @kbd{Z U s} will undefine the @code{sincos}
31114 key we defined above.
31117 @pindex calc-user-define-permanent
31118 @cindex Storing user definitions
31119 @cindex Permanent user definitions
31120 @cindex Calc init file, user-defined commands
31121 The @kbd{Z P} (@code{calc-user-define-permanent}) command makes a key
31122 binding permanent so that it will remain in effect even in future Emacs
31123 sessions. (It does this by adding a suitable bit of Lisp code into
31124 your Calc init file; that is, the file given by the variable
31125 @code{calc-settings-file}, typically @file{~/.calc.el}.) For example,
31126 @kbd{Z P s} would register our @code{sincos} command permanently. If
31127 you later wish to unregister this command you must edit your Calc init
31128 file by hand. (@xref{General Mode Commands}, for a way to tell Calc to
31129 use a different file for the Calc init file.)
31131 The @kbd{Z P} command also saves the user definition, if any, for the
31132 command bound to the key. After @kbd{Z F} and @kbd{Z C}, a given user
31133 key could invoke a command, which in turn calls an algebraic function,
31134 which might have one or more special display formats. A single @kbd{Z P}
31135 command will save all of these definitions.
31136 To save an algebraic function, type @kbd{'} (the apostrophe)
31137 when prompted for a key, and type the function name. To save a command
31138 without its key binding, type @kbd{M-x} and enter a function name. (The
31139 @samp{calc-} prefix will automatically be inserted for you.)
31140 (If the command you give implies a function, the function will be saved,
31141 and if the function has any display formats, those will be saved, but
31142 not the other way around: Saving a function will not save any commands
31143 or key bindings associated with the function.)
31146 @pindex calc-user-define-edit
31147 @cindex Editing user definitions
31148 The @kbd{Z E} (@code{calc-user-define-edit}) command edits the definition
31149 of a user key. This works for keys that have been defined by either
31150 keyboard macros or formulas; further details are contained in the relevant
31151 following sections.
31153 @node Keyboard Macros, Invocation Macros, Creating User Keys, Programming
31154 @section Programming with Keyboard Macros
31158 @cindex Programming with keyboard macros
31159 @cindex Keyboard macros
31160 The easiest way to ``program'' the Emacs Calculator is to use standard
31161 keyboard macros. Press @w{@kbd{C-x (}} to begin recording a macro. From
31162 this point on, keystrokes you type will be saved away as well as
31163 performing their usual functions. Press @kbd{C-x )} to end recording.
31164 Press shift-@kbd{X} (or the standard Emacs key sequence @kbd{C-x e}) to
31165 execute your keyboard macro by replaying the recorded keystrokes.
31166 @xref{Keyboard Macros, , , emacs, the Emacs Manual}, for further
31169 When you use @kbd{X} to invoke a keyboard macro, the entire macro is
31170 treated as a single command by the undo and trail features. The stack
31171 display buffer is not updated during macro execution, but is instead
31172 fixed up once the macro completes. Thus, commands defined with keyboard
31173 macros are convenient and efficient. The @kbd{C-x e} command, on the
31174 other hand, invokes the keyboard macro with no special treatment: Each
31175 command in the macro will record its own undo information and trail entry,
31176 and update the stack buffer accordingly. If your macro uses features
31177 outside of Calc's control to operate on the contents of the Calc stack
31178 buffer, or if it includes Undo, Redo, or last-arguments commands, you
31179 must use @kbd{C-x e} to make sure the buffer and undo list are up-to-date
31180 at all times. You could also consider using @kbd{K} (@code{calc-keep-args})
31181 instead of @kbd{M-@key{RET}} (@code{calc-last-args}).
31183 Calc extends the standard Emacs keyboard macros in several ways.
31184 Keyboard macros can be used to create user-defined commands. Keyboard
31185 macros can include conditional and iteration structures, somewhat
31186 analogous to those provided by a traditional programmable calculator.
31189 * Naming Keyboard Macros::
31190 * Conditionals in Macros::
31191 * Loops in Macros::
31192 * Local Values in Macros::
31193 * Queries in Macros::
31196 @node Naming Keyboard Macros, Conditionals in Macros, Keyboard Macros, Keyboard Macros
31197 @subsection Naming Keyboard Macros
31201 @pindex calc-user-define-kbd-macro
31202 Once you have defined a keyboard macro, you can bind it to a @kbd{z}
31203 key sequence with the @kbd{Z K} (@code{calc-user-define-kbd-macro}) command.
31204 This command prompts first for a key, then for a command name. For
31205 example, if you type @kbd{C-x ( n @key{TAB} n @key{TAB} C-x )} you will
31206 define a keyboard macro which negates the top two numbers on the stack
31207 (@key{TAB} swaps the top two stack elements). Now you can type
31208 @kbd{Z K n @key{RET}} to define this keyboard macro onto the @kbd{z n} key
31209 sequence. The default command name (if you answer the second prompt with
31210 just the @key{RET} key as in this example) will be something like
31211 @samp{calc-User-n}. The keyboard macro will now be available as both
31212 @kbd{z n} and @kbd{M-x calc-User-n}. You can backspace and enter a more
31213 descriptive command name if you wish.
31215 Macros defined by @kbd{Z K} act like single commands; they are executed
31216 in the same way as by the @kbd{X} key. If you wish to define the macro
31217 as a standard no-frills Emacs macro (to be executed as if by @kbd{C-x e}),
31218 give a negative prefix argument to @kbd{Z K}.
31220 Once you have bound your keyboard macro to a key, you can use
31221 @kbd{Z P} to register it permanently with Emacs. @xref{Creating User Keys}.
31223 @cindex Keyboard macros, editing
31224 The @kbd{Z E} (@code{calc-user-define-edit}) command on a key that has
31225 been defined by a keyboard macro tries to use the @code{edmacro} package
31226 edit the macro. Type @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish editing and update
31227 the definition stored on the key, or, to cancel the edit, kill the
31228 buffer with @kbd{C-x k}.
31229 The special characters @code{RET}, @code{LFD}, @code{TAB}, @code{SPC},
31230 @code{DEL}, and @code{NUL} must be entered as these three character
31231 sequences, written in all uppercase, as must the prefixes @code{C-} and
31232 @code{M-}. Spaces and line breaks are ignored. Other characters are
31233 copied verbatim into the keyboard macro. Basically, the notation is the
31234 same as is used in all of this manual's examples, except that the manual
31235 takes some liberties with spaces: When we say @kbd{' [1 2 3] @key{RET}},
31236 we take it for granted that it is clear we really mean
31237 @kbd{' [1 @key{SPC} 2 @key{SPC} 3] @key{RET}}.
31240 @pindex read-kbd-macro
31241 The @kbd{C-x * m} (@code{read-kbd-macro}) command reads an Emacs ``region''
31242 of spelled-out keystrokes and defines it as the current keyboard macro.
31243 It is a convenient way to define a keyboard macro that has been stored
31244 in a file, or to define a macro without executing it at the same time.
31246 @node Conditionals in Macros, Loops in Macros, Naming Keyboard Macros, Keyboard Macros
31247 @subsection Conditionals in Keyboard Macros
31252 @pindex calc-kbd-if
31253 @pindex calc-kbd-else
31254 @pindex calc-kbd-else-if
31255 @pindex calc-kbd-end-if
31256 @cindex Conditional structures
31257 The @kbd{Z [} (@code{calc-kbd-if}) and @kbd{Z ]} (@code{calc-kbd-end-if})
31258 commands allow you to put simple tests in a keyboard macro. When Calc
31259 sees the @kbd{Z [}, it pops an object from the stack and, if the object is
31260 a non-zero value, continues executing keystrokes. But if the object is
31261 zero, or if it is not provably nonzero, Calc skips ahead to the matching
31262 @kbd{Z ]} keystroke. @xref{Logical Operations}, for a set of commands for
31263 performing tests which conveniently produce 1 for true and 0 for false.
31265 For example, @kbd{@key{RET} 0 a < Z [ n Z ]} implements an absolute-value
31266 function in the form of a keyboard macro. This macro duplicates the
31267 number on the top of the stack, pushes zero and compares using @kbd{a <}
31268 (@code{calc-less-than}), then, if the number was less than zero,
31269 executes @kbd{n} (@code{calc-change-sign}). Otherwise, the change-sign
31270 command is skipped.
31272 To program this macro, type @kbd{C-x (}, type the above sequence of
31273 keystrokes, then type @kbd{C-x )}. Note that the keystrokes will be
31274 executed while you are making the definition as well as when you later
31275 re-execute the macro by typing @kbd{X}. Thus you should make sure a
31276 suitable number is on the stack before defining the macro so that you
31277 don't get a stack-underflow error during the definition process.
31279 Conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. However, there should be exactly
31280 one @kbd{Z ]} for each @kbd{Z [} in a keyboard macro.
31283 The @kbd{Z :} (@code{calc-kbd-else}) command allows you to choose between
31284 two keystroke sequences. The general format is @kbd{@var{cond} Z [
31285 @var{then-part} Z : @var{else-part} Z ]}. If @var{cond} is true
31286 (i.e., if the top of stack contains a non-zero number after @var{cond}
31287 has been executed), the @var{then-part} will be executed and the
31288 @var{else-part} will be skipped. Otherwise, the @var{then-part} will
31289 be skipped and the @var{else-part} will be executed.
31292 The @kbd{Z |} (@code{calc-kbd-else-if}) command allows you to choose
31293 between any number of alternatives. For example,
31294 @kbd{@var{cond1} Z [ @var{part1} Z : @var{cond2} Z | @var{part2} Z :
31295 @var{part3} Z ]} will execute @var{part1} if @var{cond1} is true,
31296 otherwise it will execute @var{part2} if @var{cond2} is true, otherwise
31297 it will execute @var{part3}.
31299 More precisely, @kbd{Z [} pops a number and conditionally skips to the
31300 next matching @kbd{Z :} or @kbd{Z ]} key. @w{@kbd{Z ]}} has no effect when
31301 actually executed. @kbd{Z :} skips to the next matching @kbd{Z ]}.
31302 @kbd{Z |} pops a number and conditionally skips to the next matching
31303 @kbd{Z :} or @kbd{Z ]}; thus, @kbd{Z [} and @kbd{Z |} are functionally
31304 equivalent except that @kbd{Z [} participates in nesting but @kbd{Z |}
31307 Calc's conditional and looping constructs work by scanning the
31308 keyboard macro for occurrences of character sequences like @samp{Z:}
31309 and @samp{Z]}. One side-effect of this is that if you use these
31310 constructs you must be careful that these character pairs do not
31311 occur by accident in other parts of the macros. Since Calc rarely
31312 uses shift-@kbd{Z} for any purpose except as a prefix character, this
31313 is not likely to be a problem. Another side-effect is that it will
31314 not work to define your own custom key bindings for these commands.
31315 Only the standard shift-@kbd{Z} bindings will work correctly.
31318 If Calc gets stuck while skipping characters during the definition of a
31319 macro, type @kbd{Z C-g} to cancel the definition. (Typing plain @kbd{C-g}
31320 actually adds a @kbd{C-g} keystroke to the macro.)
31322 @node Loops in Macros, Local Values in Macros, Conditionals in Macros, Keyboard Macros
31323 @subsection Loops in Keyboard Macros
31328 @pindex calc-kbd-repeat
31329 @pindex calc-kbd-end-repeat
31330 @cindex Looping structures
31331 @cindex Iterative structures
31332 The @kbd{Z <} (@code{calc-kbd-repeat}) and @kbd{Z >}
31333 (@code{calc-kbd-end-repeat}) commands pop a number from the stack,
31334 which must be an integer, then repeat the keystrokes between the brackets
31335 the specified number of times. If the integer is zero or negative, the
31336 body is skipped altogether. For example, @kbd{1 @key{TAB} Z < 2 * Z >}
31337 computes two to a nonnegative integer power. First, we push 1 on the
31338 stack and then swap the integer argument back to the top. The @kbd{Z <}
31339 pops that argument leaving the 1 back on top of the stack. Then, we
31340 repeat a multiply-by-two step however many times.
31342 Once again, the keyboard macro is executed as it is being entered.
31343 In this case it is especially important to set up reasonable initial
31344 conditions before making the definition: Suppose the integer 1000 just
31345 happened to be sitting on the stack before we typed the above definition!
31346 Another approach is to enter a harmless dummy definition for the macro,
31347 then go back and edit in the real one with a @kbd{Z E} command. Yet
31348 another approach is to type the macro as written-out keystroke names
31349 in a buffer, then use @kbd{C-x * m} (@code{read-kbd-macro}) to read the
31354 The @kbd{Z /} (@code{calc-kbd-break}) command allows you to break out
31355 of a keyboard macro loop prematurely. It pops an object from the stack;
31356 if that object is true (a non-zero number), control jumps out of the
31357 innermost enclosing @kbd{Z <} @dots{} @kbd{Z >} loop and continues
31358 after the @kbd{Z >}. If the object is false, the @kbd{Z /} has no
31359 effect. Thus @kbd{@var{cond} Z /} is similar to @samp{if (@var{cond}) break;}
31364 @pindex calc-kbd-for
31365 @pindex calc-kbd-end-for
31366 The @kbd{Z (} (@code{calc-kbd-for}) and @kbd{Z )} (@code{calc-kbd-end-for})
31367 commands are similar to @kbd{Z <} and @kbd{Z >}, except that they make the
31368 value of the counter available inside the loop. The general layout is
31369 @kbd{@var{init} @var{final} Z ( @var{body} @var{step} Z )}. The @kbd{Z (}
31370 command pops initial and final values from the stack. It then creates
31371 a temporary internal counter and initializes it with the value @var{init}.
31372 The @kbd{Z (} command then repeatedly pushes the counter value onto the
31373 stack and executes @var{body} and @var{step}, adding @var{step} to the
31374 counter each time until the loop finishes.
31376 @cindex Summations (by keyboard macros)
31377 By default, the loop finishes when the counter becomes greater than (or
31378 less than) @var{final}, assuming @var{initial} is less than (greater
31379 than) @var{final}. If @var{initial} is equal to @var{final}, the body
31380 executes exactly once. The body of the loop always executes at least
31381 once. For example, @kbd{0 1 10 Z ( 2 ^ + 1 Z )} computes the sum of the
31382 squares of the integers from 1 to 10, in steps of 1.
31384 If you give a numeric prefix argument of 1 to @kbd{Z (}, the loop is
31385 forced to use upward-counting conventions. In this case, if @var{initial}
31386 is greater than @var{final} the body will not be executed at all.
31387 Note that @var{step} may still be negative in this loop; the prefix
31388 argument merely constrains the loop-finished test. Likewise, a prefix
31389 argument of @mathit{-1} forces downward-counting conventions.
31393 @pindex calc-kbd-loop
31394 @pindex calc-kbd-end-loop
31395 The @kbd{Z @{} (@code{calc-kbd-loop}) and @kbd{Z @}}
31396 (@code{calc-kbd-end-loop}) commands are similar to @kbd{Z <} and
31397 @kbd{Z >}, except that they do not pop a count from the stack---they
31398 effectively create an infinite loop. Every @kbd{Z @{} @dots{} @kbd{Z @}}
31399 loop ought to include at least one @kbd{Z /} to make sure the loop
31400 doesn't run forever. (If any error message occurs which causes Emacs
31401 to beep, the keyboard macro will also be halted; this is a standard
31402 feature of Emacs. You can also generally press @kbd{C-g} to halt a
31403 running keyboard macro, although not all versions of Unix support
31406 The conditional and looping constructs are not actually tied to
31407 keyboard macros, but they are most often used in that context.
31408 For example, the keystrokes @kbd{10 Z < 23 @key{RET} Z >} push
31409 ten copies of 23 onto the stack. This can be typed ``live'' just
31410 as easily as in a macro definition.
31412 @xref{Conditionals in Macros}, for some additional notes about
31413 conditional and looping commands.
31415 @node Local Values in Macros, Queries in Macros, Loops in Macros, Keyboard Macros
31416 @subsection Local Values in Macros
31419 @cindex Local variables
31420 @cindex Restoring saved modes
31421 Keyboard macros sometimes want to operate under known conditions
31422 without affecting surrounding conditions. For example, a keyboard
31423 macro may wish to turn on Fraction mode, or set a particular
31424 precision, independent of the user's normal setting for those
31429 @pindex calc-kbd-push
31430 @pindex calc-kbd-pop
31431 Macros also sometimes need to use local variables. Assignments to
31432 local variables inside the macro should not affect any variables
31433 outside the macro. The @kbd{Z `} (@code{calc-kbd-push}) and @kbd{Z '}
31434 (@code{calc-kbd-pop}) commands give you both of these capabilities.
31436 When you type @kbd{Z `} (with a backquote or accent grave character),
31437 the values of various mode settings are saved away. The ten ``quick''
31438 variables @code{q0} through @code{q9} are also saved. When
31439 you type @w{@kbd{Z '}} (with an apostrophe), these values are restored.
31440 Pairs of @kbd{Z `} and @kbd{Z '} commands may be nested.
31442 If a keyboard macro halts due to an error in between a @kbd{Z `} and
31443 a @kbd{Z '}, the saved values will be restored correctly even though
31444 the macro never reaches the @kbd{Z '} command. Thus you can use
31445 @kbd{Z `} and @kbd{Z '} without having to worry about what happens
31446 in exceptional conditions.
31448 If you type @kbd{Z `} ``live'' (not in a keyboard macro), Calc puts
31449 you into a ``recursive edit.'' You can tell you are in a recursive
31450 edit because there will be extra square brackets in the mode line,
31451 as in @samp{[(Calculator)]}. These brackets will go away when you
31452 type the matching @kbd{Z '} command. The modes and quick variables
31453 will be saved and restored in just the same way as if actual keyboard
31454 macros were involved.
31456 The modes saved by @kbd{Z `} and @kbd{Z '} are the current precision
31457 and binary word size, the angular mode (Deg, Rad, or HMS), the
31458 simplification mode, Algebraic mode, Symbolic mode, Infinite mode,
31459 Matrix or Scalar mode, Fraction mode, and the current complex mode
31460 (Polar or Rectangular). The ten ``quick'' variables' values (or lack
31461 thereof) are also saved.
31463 Most mode-setting commands act as toggles, but with a numeric prefix
31464 they force the mode either on (positive prefix) or off (negative
31465 or zero prefix). Since you don't know what the environment might
31466 be when you invoke your macro, it's best to use prefix arguments
31467 for all mode-setting commands inside the macro.
31469 In fact, @kbd{C-u Z `} is like @kbd{Z `} except that it sets the modes
31470 listed above to their default values. As usual, the matching @kbd{Z '}
31471 will restore the modes to their settings from before the @kbd{C-u Z `}.
31472 Also, @w{@kbd{Z `}} with a negative prefix argument resets the algebraic mode
31473 to its default (off) but leaves the other modes the same as they were
31474 outside the construct.
31476 The contents of the stack and trail, values of non-quick variables, and
31477 other settings such as the language mode and the various display modes,
31478 are @emph{not} affected by @kbd{Z `} and @kbd{Z '}.
31480 @node Queries in Macros, , Local Values in Macros, Keyboard Macros
31481 @subsection Queries in Keyboard Macros
31485 @c @pindex calc-kbd-report
31486 @c The @kbd{Z =} (@code{calc-kbd-report}) command displays an informative
31487 @c message including the value on the top of the stack. You are prompted
31488 @c to enter a string. That string, along with the top-of-stack value,
31489 @c is displayed unless @kbd{m w} (@code{calc-working}) has been used
31490 @c to turn such messages off.
31494 @pindex calc-kbd-query
31495 The @kbd{Z #} (@code{calc-kbd-query}) command prompts for an algebraic
31496 entry which takes its input from the keyboard, even during macro
31497 execution. All the normal conventions of algebraic input, including the
31498 use of @kbd{$} characters, are supported. The prompt message itself is
31499 taken from the top of the stack, and so must be entered (as a string)
31500 before the @kbd{Z #} command. (Recall, as a string it can be entered by
31501 pressing the @kbd{"} key and will appear as a vector when it is put on
31502 the stack. The prompt message is only put on the stack to provide a
31503 prompt for the @kbd{Z #} command; it will not play any role in any
31504 subsequent calculations.) This command allows your keyboard macros to
31505 accept numbers or formulas as interactive input.
31508 @kbd{2 @key{RET} "Power: " @key{RET} Z # 3 @key{RET} ^} will prompt for
31509 input with ``Power: '' in the minibuffer, then return 2 to the provided
31510 power. (The response to the prompt that's given, 3 in this example,
31511 will not be part of the macro.)
31513 @xref{Keyboard Macro Query, , , emacs, the Emacs Manual}, for a description of
31514 @kbd{C-x q} (@code{kbd-macro-query}), the standard Emacs way to accept
31515 keyboard input during a keyboard macro. In particular, you can use
31516 @kbd{C-x q} to enter a recursive edit, which allows the user to perform
31517 any Calculator operations interactively before pressing @kbd{C-M-c} to
31518 return control to the keyboard macro.
31520 @node Invocation Macros, Algebraic Definitions, Keyboard Macros, Programming
31521 @section Invocation Macros
31525 @pindex calc-user-invocation
31526 @pindex calc-user-define-invocation
31527 Calc provides one special keyboard macro, called up by @kbd{C-x * z}
31528 (@code{calc-user-invocation}), that is intended to allow you to define
31529 your own special way of starting Calc. To define this ``invocation
31530 macro,'' create the macro in the usual way with @kbd{C-x (} and
31531 @kbd{C-x )}, then type @kbd{Z I} (@code{calc-user-define-invocation}).
31532 There is only one invocation macro, so you don't need to type any
31533 additional letters after @kbd{Z I}. From now on, you can type
31534 @kbd{C-x * z} at any time to execute your invocation macro.
31536 For example, suppose you find yourself often grabbing rectangles of
31537 numbers into Calc and multiplying their columns. You can do this
31538 by typing @kbd{C-x * r} to grab, and @kbd{V R : *} to multiply columns.
31539 To make this into an invocation macro, just type @kbd{C-x ( C-x * r
31540 V R : * C-x )}, then @kbd{Z I}. Then, to multiply a rectangle of data,
31541 just mark the data in its buffer in the usual way and type @kbd{C-x * z}.
31543 Invocation macros are treated like regular Emacs keyboard macros;
31544 all the special features described above for @kbd{Z K}-style macros
31545 do not apply. @kbd{C-x * z} is just like @kbd{C-x e}, except that it
31546 uses the macro that was last stored by @kbd{Z I}. (In fact, the
31547 macro does not even have to have anything to do with Calc!)
31549 The @kbd{m m} command saves the last invocation macro defined by
31550 @kbd{Z I} along with all the other Calc mode settings.
31551 @xref{General Mode Commands}.
31553 @node Algebraic Definitions, Lisp Definitions, Invocation Macros, Programming
31554 @section Programming with Formulas
31558 @pindex calc-user-define-formula
31559 @cindex Programming with algebraic formulas
31560 Another way to create a new Calculator command uses algebraic formulas.
31561 The @kbd{Z F} (@code{calc-user-define-formula}) command stores the
31562 formula at the top of the stack as the definition for a key. This
31563 command prompts for five things: The key, the command name, the function
31564 name, the argument list, and the behavior of the command when given
31565 non-numeric arguments.
31567 For example, suppose we type @kbd{' a+2b @key{RET}} to push the formula
31568 @samp{a + 2*b} onto the stack. We now type @kbd{Z F m} to define this
31569 formula on the @kbd{z m} key sequence. The next prompt is for a command
31570 name, beginning with @samp{calc-}, which should be the long (@kbd{M-x}) form
31571 for the new command. If you simply press @key{RET}, a default name like
31572 @code{calc-User-m} will be constructed. In our example, suppose we enter
31573 @kbd{spam @key{RET}} to define the new command as @code{calc-spam}.
31575 If you want to give the formula a long-style name only, you can press
31576 @key{SPC} or @key{RET} when asked which single key to use. For example
31577 @kbd{Z F @key{RET} spam @key{RET}} defines the new command as
31578 @kbd{M-x calc-spam}, with no keyboard equivalent.
31580 The third prompt is for an algebraic function name. The default is to
31581 use the same name as the command name but without the @samp{calc-}
31582 prefix. (If this is of the form @samp{User-m}, the hyphen is removed so
31583 it won't be taken for a minus sign in algebraic formulas.)
31584 This is the name you will use if you want to enter your
31585 new function in an algebraic formula. Suppose we enter @kbd{yow @key{RET}}.
31586 Then the new function can be invoked by pushing two numbers on the
31587 stack and typing @kbd{z m} or @kbd{x spam}, or by entering the algebraic
31588 formula @samp{yow(x,y)}.
31590 The fourth prompt is for the function's argument list. This is used to
31591 associate values on the stack with the variables that appear in the formula.
31592 The default is a list of all variables which appear in the formula, sorted
31593 into alphabetical order. In our case, the default would be @samp{(a b)}.
31594 This means that, when the user types @kbd{z m}, the Calculator will remove
31595 two numbers from the stack, substitute these numbers for @samp{a} and
31596 @samp{b} (respectively) in the formula, then simplify the formula and
31597 push the result on the stack. In other words, @kbd{10 @key{RET} 100 z m}
31598 would replace the 10 and 100 on the stack with the number 210, which is
31599 @expr{a + 2 b} with @expr{a=10} and @expr{b=100}. Likewise, the formula
31600 @samp{yow(10, 100)} will be evaluated by substituting @expr{a=10} and
31601 @expr{b=100} in the definition.
31603 You can rearrange the order of the names before pressing @key{RET} to
31604 control which stack positions go to which variables in the formula. If
31605 you remove a variable from the argument list, that variable will be left
31606 in symbolic form by the command. Thus using an argument list of @samp{(b)}
31607 for our function would cause @kbd{10 z m} to replace the 10 on the stack
31608 with the formula @samp{a + 20}. If we had used an argument list of
31609 @samp{(b a)}, the result with inputs 10 and 100 would have been 120.
31611 You can also put a nameless function on the stack instead of just a
31612 formula, as in @samp{<a, b : a + 2 b>}. @xref{Specifying Operators}.
31613 In this example, the command will be defined by the formula @samp{a + 2 b}
31614 using the argument list @samp{(a b)}.
31616 The final prompt is a y-or-n question concerning what to do if symbolic
31617 arguments are given to your function. If you answer @kbd{y}, then
31618 executing @kbd{z m} (using the original argument list @samp{(a b)}) with
31619 arguments @expr{10} and @expr{x} will leave the function in symbolic
31620 form, i.e., @samp{yow(10,x)}. On the other hand, if you answer @kbd{n},
31621 then the formula will always be expanded, even for non-constant
31622 arguments: @samp{10 + 2 x}. If you never plan to feed algebraic
31623 formulas to your new function, it doesn't matter how you answer this
31626 If you answered @kbd{y} to this question you can still cause a function
31627 call to be expanded by typing @kbd{a "} (@code{calc-expand-formula}).
31628 Also, Calc will expand the function if necessary when you take a
31629 derivative or integral or solve an equation involving the function.
31632 @pindex calc-get-user-defn
31633 Once you have defined a formula on a key, you can retrieve this formula
31634 with the @kbd{Z G} (@code{calc-user-define-get-defn}) command. Press a
31635 key, and this command pushes the formula that was used to define that
31636 key onto the stack. Actually, it pushes a nameless function that
31637 specifies both the argument list and the defining formula. You will get
31638 an error message if the key is undefined, or if the key was not defined
31639 by a @kbd{Z F} command.
31641 The @kbd{Z E} (@code{calc-user-define-edit}) command on a key that has
31642 been defined by a formula uses a variant of the @code{calc-edit} command
31643 to edit the defining formula. Press @kbd{C-c C-c} to finish editing and
31644 store the new formula back in the definition, or kill the buffer with
31646 cancel the edit. (The argument list and other properties of the
31647 definition are unchanged; to adjust the argument list, you can use
31648 @kbd{Z G} to grab the function onto the stack, edit with @kbd{`}, and
31649 then re-execute the @kbd{Z F} command.)
31651 As usual, the @kbd{Z P} command records your definition permanently.
31652 In this case it will permanently record all three of the relevant
31653 definitions: the key, the command, and the function.
31655 You may find it useful to turn off the default simplifications with
31656 @kbd{m O} (@code{calc-no-simplify-mode}) when entering a formula to be
31657 used as a function definition. For example, the formula @samp{deriv(a^2,v)}
31658 which might be used to define a new function @samp{dsqr(a,v)} will be
31659 ``simplified'' to 0 immediately upon entry since @code{deriv} considers
31660 @expr{a} to be constant with respect to @expr{v}. Turning off
31661 default simplifications cures this problem: The definition will be stored
31662 in symbolic form without ever activating the @code{deriv} function. Press
31663 @kbd{m D} to turn the default simplifications back on afterwards.
31665 @node Lisp Definitions, , Algebraic Definitions, Programming
31666 @section Programming with Lisp
31669 The Calculator can be programmed quite extensively in Lisp. All you
31670 do is write a normal Lisp function definition, but with @code{defmath}
31671 in place of @code{defun}. This has the same form as @code{defun}, but it
31672 automagically replaces calls to standard Lisp functions like @code{+} and
31673 @code{zerop} with calls to the corresponding functions in Calc's own library.
31674 Thus you can write natural-looking Lisp code which operates on all of the
31675 standard Calculator data types. You can then use @kbd{Z D} if you wish to
31676 bind your new command to a @kbd{z}-prefix key sequence. The @kbd{Z E} command
31677 will not edit a Lisp-based definition.
31679 Emacs Lisp is described in the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual. This section
31680 assumes a familiarity with Lisp programming concepts; if you do not know
31681 Lisp, you may find keyboard macros or rewrite rules to be an easier way
31682 to program the Calculator.
31684 This section first discusses ways to write commands, functions, or
31685 small programs to be executed inside of Calc. Then it discusses how
31686 your own separate programs are able to call Calc from the outside.
31687 Finally, there is a list of internal Calc functions and data structures
31688 for the true Lisp enthusiast.
31691 * Defining Functions::
31692 * Defining Simple Commands::
31693 * Defining Stack Commands::
31694 * Argument Qualifiers::
31695 * Example Definitions::
31697 * Calling Calc from Your Programs::
31701 @node Defining Functions, Defining Simple Commands, Lisp Definitions, Lisp Definitions
31702 @subsection Defining New Functions
31706 The @code{defmath} function (actually a Lisp macro) is like @code{defun}
31707 except that code in the body of the definition can make use of the full
31708 range of Calculator data types. The prefix @samp{calcFunc-} is added
31709 to the specified name to get the actual Lisp function name. As a simple
31713 (defmath myfact (n)
31715 (* n (myfact (1- n)))
31720 This actually expands to the code,
31723 (defun calcFunc-myfact (n)
31725 (math-mul n (calcFunc-myfact (math-add n -1)))
31730 This function can be used in algebraic expressions, e.g., @samp{myfact(5)}.
31732 The @samp{myfact} function as it is defined above has the bug that an
31733 expression @samp{myfact(a+b)} will be simplified to 1 because the
31734 formula @samp{a+b} is not considered to be @code{posp}. A robust
31735 factorial function would be written along the following lines:
31738 (defmath myfact (n)
31740 (* n (myfact (1- n)))
31743 nil))) ; this could be simplified as: (and (= n 0) 1)
31746 If a function returns @code{nil}, it is left unsimplified by the Calculator
31747 (except that its arguments will be simplified). Thus, @samp{myfact(a+1+2)}
31748 will be simplified to @samp{myfact(a+3)} but no further. Beware that every
31749 time the Calculator reexamines this formula it will attempt to resimplify
31750 it, so your function ought to detect the returning-@code{nil} case as
31751 efficiently as possible.
31753 The following standard Lisp functions are treated by @code{defmath}:
31754 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}, @code{^} or
31755 @code{expt}, @code{=}, @code{<}, @code{>}, @code{<=}, @code{>=},
31756 @code{/=}, @code{1+}, @code{1-}, @code{logand}, @code{logior}, @code{logxor},
31757 @code{logandc2}, @code{lognot}. Also, @code{~=} is an abbreviation for
31758 @code{math-nearly-equal}, which is useful in implementing Taylor series.
31760 For other functions @var{func}, if a function by the name
31761 @samp{calcFunc-@var{func}} exists it is used, otherwise if a function by the
31762 name @samp{math-@var{func}} exists it is used, otherwise if @var{func} itself
31763 is defined as a function it is used, otherwise @samp{calcFunc-@var{func}} is
31764 used on the assumption that this is a to-be-defined math function. Also, if
31765 the function name is quoted as in @samp{('integerp a)} the function name is
31766 always used exactly as written (but not quoted).
31768 Variable names have @samp{var-} prepended to them unless they appear in
31769 the function's argument list or in an enclosing @code{let}, @code{let*},
31770 @code{for}, or @code{foreach} form,
31771 or their names already contain a @samp{-} character. Thus a reference to
31772 @samp{foo} is the same as a reference to @samp{var-foo}.
31774 A few other Lisp extensions are available in @code{defmath} definitions:
31778 The @code{elt} function accepts any number of index variables.
31779 Note that Calc vectors are stored as Lisp lists whose first
31780 element is the symbol @code{vec}; thus, @samp{(elt v 2)} yields
31781 the second element of vector @code{v}, and @samp{(elt m i j)}
31782 yields one element of a Calc matrix.
31785 The @code{setq} function has been extended to act like the Common
31786 Lisp @code{setf} function. (The name @code{setf} is recognized as
31787 a synonym of @code{setq}.) Specifically, the first argument of
31788 @code{setq} can be an @code{nth}, @code{elt}, @code{car}, or @code{cdr} form,
31789 in which case the effect is to store into the specified
31790 element of a list. Thus, @samp{(setq (elt m i j) x)} stores @expr{x}
31791 into one element of a matrix.
31794 A @code{for} looping construct is available. For example,
31795 @samp{(for ((i 0 10)) body)} executes @code{body} once for each
31796 binding of @expr{i} from zero to 10. This is like a @code{let}
31797 form in that @expr{i} is temporarily bound to the loop count
31798 without disturbing its value outside the @code{for} construct.
31799 Nested loops, as in @samp{(for ((i 0 10) (j 0 (1- i) 2)) body)},
31800 are also available. For each value of @expr{i} from zero to 10,
31801 @expr{j} counts from 0 to @expr{i-1} in steps of two. Note that
31802 @code{for} has the same general outline as @code{let*}, except
31803 that each element of the header is a list of three or four
31804 things, not just two.
31807 The @code{foreach} construct loops over elements of a list.
31808 For example, @samp{(foreach ((x (cdr v))) body)} executes
31809 @code{body} with @expr{x} bound to each element of Calc vector
31810 @expr{v} in turn. The purpose of @code{cdr} here is to skip over
31811 the initial @code{vec} symbol in the vector.
31814 The @code{break} function breaks out of the innermost enclosing
31815 @code{while}, @code{for}, or @code{foreach} loop. If given a
31816 value, as in @samp{(break x)}, this value is returned by the
31817 loop. (Lisp loops otherwise always return @code{nil}.)
31820 The @code{return} function prematurely returns from the enclosing
31821 function. For example, @samp{(return (+ x y))} returns @expr{x+y}
31822 as the value of a function. You can use @code{return} anywhere
31823 inside the body of the function.
31826 Non-integer numbers (and extremely large integers) cannot be included
31827 directly into a @code{defmath} definition. This is because the Lisp
31828 reader will fail to parse them long before @code{defmath} ever gets control.
31829 Instead, use the notation, @samp{:"3.1415"}. In fact, any algebraic
31830 formula can go between the quotes. For example,
31833 (defmath sqexp (x) ; sqexp(x) == sqrt(exp(x)) == exp(x*0.5)
31841 (defun calcFunc-sqexp (x)
31842 (and (math-numberp x)
31843 (calcFunc-exp (math-mul x '(float 5 -1)))))
31846 Note the use of @code{numberp} as a guard to ensure that the argument is
31847 a number first, returning @code{nil} if not. The exponential function
31848 could itself have been included in the expression, if we had preferred:
31849 @samp{:"exp(x * 0.5)"}. As another example, the multiplication-and-recursion
31850 step of @code{myfact} could have been written
31856 A good place to put your @code{defmath} commands is your Calc init file
31857 (the file given by @code{calc-settings-file}, typically
31858 @file{~/.calc.el}), which will not be loaded until Calc starts.
31859 If a file named @file{.emacs} exists in your home directory, Emacs reads
31860 and executes the Lisp forms in this file as it starts up. While it may
31861 seem reasonable to put your favorite @code{defmath} commands there,
31862 this has the unfortunate side-effect that parts of the Calculator must be
31863 loaded in to process the @code{defmath} commands whether or not you will
31864 actually use the Calculator! If you want to put the @code{defmath}
31865 commands there (for example, if you redefine @code{calc-settings-file}
31866 to be @file{.emacs}), a better effect can be had by writing
31869 (put 'calc-define 'thing '(progn
31876 @vindex calc-define
31877 The @code{put} function adds a @dfn{property} to a symbol. Each Lisp
31878 symbol has a list of properties associated with it. Here we add a
31879 property with a name of @code{thing} and a @samp{(progn ...)} form as
31880 its value. When Calc starts up, and at the start of every Calc command,
31881 the property list for the symbol @code{calc-define} is checked and the
31882 values of any properties found are evaluated as Lisp forms. The
31883 properties are removed as they are evaluated. The property names
31884 (like @code{thing}) are not used; you should choose something like the
31885 name of your project so as not to conflict with other properties.
31887 The net effect is that you can put the above code in your @file{.emacs}
31888 file and it will not be executed until Calc is loaded. Or, you can put
31889 that same code in another file which you load by hand either before or
31890 after Calc itself is loaded.
31892 The properties of @code{calc-define} are evaluated in the same order
31893 that they were added. They can assume that the Calc modules @file{calc.el},
31894 @file{calc-ext.el}, and @file{calc-macs.el} have been fully loaded, and
31895 that the @samp{*Calculator*} buffer will be the current buffer.
31897 If your @code{calc-define} property only defines algebraic functions,
31898 you can be sure that it will have been evaluated before Calc tries to
31899 call your function, even if the file defining the property is loaded
31900 after Calc is loaded. But if the property defines commands or key
31901 sequences, it may not be evaluated soon enough. (Suppose it defines the
31902 new command @code{tweak-calc}; the user can load your file, then type
31903 @kbd{M-x tweak-calc} before Calc has had chance to do anything.) To
31904 protect against this situation, you can put
31907 (run-hooks 'calc-check-defines)
31910 @findex calc-check-defines
31912 at the end of your file. The @code{calc-check-defines} function is what
31913 looks for and evaluates properties on @code{calc-define}; @code{run-hooks}
31914 has the advantage that it is quietly ignored if @code{calc-check-defines}
31915 is not yet defined because Calc has not yet been loaded.
31917 Examples of things that ought to be enclosed in a @code{calc-define}
31918 property are @code{defmath} calls, @code{define-key} calls that modify
31919 the Calc key map, and any calls that redefine things defined inside Calc.
31920 Ordinary @code{defun}s need not be enclosed with @code{calc-define}.
31922 @node Defining Simple Commands, Defining Stack Commands, Defining Functions, Lisp Definitions
31923 @subsection Defining New Simple Commands
31926 @findex interactive
31927 If a @code{defmath} form contains an @code{interactive} clause, it defines
31928 a Calculator command. Actually such a @code{defmath} results in @emph{two}
31929 function definitions: One, a @samp{calcFunc-} function as was just described,
31930 with the @code{interactive} clause removed. Two, a @samp{calc-} function
31931 with a suitable @code{interactive} clause and some sort of wrapper to make
31932 the command work in the Calc environment.
31934 In the simple case, the @code{interactive} clause has the same form as
31935 for normal Emacs Lisp commands:
31938 (defmath increase-precision (delta)
31939 "Increase precision by DELTA." ; This is the "documentation string"
31940 (interactive "p") ; Register this as a M-x-able command
31941 (setq calc-internal-prec (+ calc-internal-prec delta)))
31944 This expands to the pair of definitions,
31947 (defun calc-increase-precision (delta)
31948 "Increase precision by DELTA."
31951 (setq calc-internal-prec (math-add calc-internal-prec delta))))
31953 (defun calcFunc-increase-precision (delta)
31954 "Increase precision by DELTA."
31955 (setq calc-internal-prec (math-add calc-internal-prec delta)))
31959 where in this case the latter function would never really be used! Note
31960 that since the Calculator stores small integers as plain Lisp integers,
31961 the @code{math-add} function will work just as well as the native
31962 @code{+} even when the intent is to operate on native Lisp integers.
31964 @findex calc-wrapper
31965 The @samp{calc-wrapper} call invokes a macro which surrounds the body of
31966 the function with code that looks roughly like this:
31969 (let ((calc-command-flags nil))
31971 (save-current-buffer
31972 (calc-select-buffer)
31973 @emph{body of function}
31974 @emph{renumber stack}
31975 @emph{clear} Working @emph{message})
31976 @emph{realign cursor and window}
31977 @emph{clear Inverse, Hyperbolic, and Keep Args flags}
31978 @emph{update Emacs mode line}))
31981 @findex calc-select-buffer
31982 The @code{calc-select-buffer} function selects the @samp{*Calculator*}
31983 buffer if necessary, say, because the command was invoked from inside
31984 the @samp{*Calc Trail*} window.
31986 @findex calc-set-command-flag
31987 You can call, for example, @code{(calc-set-command-flag 'no-align)} to
31988 set the above-mentioned command flags. Calc routines recognize the
31989 following command flags:
31993 Stack line numbers @samp{1:}, @samp{2:}, and so on must be renumbered
31994 after this command completes. This is set by routines like
31997 @item clear-message
31998 Calc should call @samp{(message "")} if this command completes normally
31999 (to clear a ``Working@dots{}'' message out of the echo area).
32002 Do not move the cursor back to the @samp{.} top-of-stack marker.
32004 @item position-point
32005 Use the variables @code{calc-position-point-line} and
32006 @code{calc-position-point-column} to position the cursor after
32007 this command finishes.
32010 Do not clear @code{calc-inverse-flag}, @code{calc-hyperbolic-flag},
32011 and @code{calc-keep-args-flag} at the end of this command.
32014 Switch to buffer @samp{*Calc Edit*} after this command.
32017 Do not move trail pointer to end of trail when something is recorded
32023 @vindex calc-Y-help-msgs
32024 Calc reserves a special prefix key, shift-@kbd{Y}, for user-written
32025 extensions to Calc. There are no built-in commands that work with
32026 this prefix key; you must call @code{define-key} from Lisp (probably
32027 from inside a @code{calc-define} property) to add to it. Initially only
32028 @kbd{Y ?} is defined; it takes help messages from a list of strings
32029 (initially @code{nil}) in the variable @code{calc-Y-help-msgs}. All
32030 other undefined keys except for @kbd{Y} are reserved for use by
32031 future versions of Calc.
32033 If you are writing a Calc enhancement which you expect to give to
32034 others, it is best to minimize the number of @kbd{Y}-key sequences
32035 you use. In fact, if you have more than one key sequence you should
32036 consider defining three-key sequences with a @kbd{Y}, then a key that
32037 stands for your package, then a third key for the particular command
32038 within your package.
32040 Users may wish to install several Calc enhancements, and it is possible
32041 that several enhancements will choose to use the same key. In the
32042 example below, a variable @code{inc-prec-base-key} has been defined
32043 to contain the key that identifies the @code{inc-prec} package. Its
32044 value is initially @code{"P"}, but a user can change this variable
32045 if necessary without having to modify the file.
32047 Here is a complete file, @file{inc-prec.el}, which makes a @kbd{Y P I}
32048 command that increases the precision, and a @kbd{Y P D} command that
32049 decreases the precision.
32052 ;;; Increase and decrease Calc precision. Dave Gillespie, 5/31/91.
32053 ;; (Include copyright or copyleft stuff here.)
32055 (defvar inc-prec-base-key "P"
32056 "Base key for inc-prec.el commands.")
32058 (put 'calc-define 'inc-prec '(progn
32060 (define-key calc-mode-map (format "Y%sI" inc-prec-base-key)
32061 'increase-precision)
32062 (define-key calc-mode-map (format "Y%sD" inc-prec-base-key)
32063 'decrease-precision)
32065 (setq calc-Y-help-msgs
32066 (cons (format "%s + Inc-prec, Dec-prec" inc-prec-base-key)
32069 (defmath increase-precision (delta)
32070 "Increase precision by DELTA."
32072 (setq calc-internal-prec (+ calc-internal-prec delta)))
32074 (defmath decrease-precision (delta)
32075 "Decrease precision by DELTA."
32077 (setq calc-internal-prec (- calc-internal-prec delta)))
32079 )) ; end of calc-define property
32081 (run-hooks 'calc-check-defines)
32084 @node Defining Stack Commands, Argument Qualifiers, Defining Simple Commands, Lisp Definitions
32085 @subsection Defining New Stack-Based Commands
32088 To define a new computational command which takes and/or leaves arguments
32089 on the stack, a special form of @code{interactive} clause is used.
32092 (interactive @var{num} @var{tag})
32096 where @var{num} is an integer, and @var{tag} is a string. The effect is
32097 to pop @var{num} values off the stack, resimplify them by calling
32098 @code{calc-normalize}, and hand them to your function according to the
32099 function's argument list. Your function may include @code{&optional} and
32100 @code{&rest} parameters, so long as calling the function with @var{num}
32101 parameters is valid.
32103 Your function must return either a number or a formula in a form
32104 acceptable to Calc, or a list of such numbers or formulas. These value(s)
32105 are pushed onto the stack when the function completes. They are also
32106 recorded in the Calc Trail buffer on a line beginning with @var{tag},
32107 a string of (normally) four characters or less. If you omit @var{tag}
32108 or use @code{nil} as a tag, the result is not recorded in the trail.
32110 As an example, the definition
32113 (defmath myfact (n)
32114 "Compute the factorial of the integer at the top of the stack."
32115 (interactive 1 "fact")
32117 (* n (myfact (1- n)))
32122 is a version of the factorial function shown previously which can be used
32123 as a command as well as an algebraic function. It expands to
32126 (defun calc-myfact ()
32127 "Compute the factorial of the integer at the top of the stack."
32130 (calc-enter-result 1 "fact"
32131 (cons 'calcFunc-myfact (calc-top-list-n 1)))))
32133 (defun calcFunc-myfact (n)
32134 "Compute the factorial of the integer at the top of the stack."
32136 (math-mul n (calcFunc-myfact (math-add n -1)))
32137 (and (math-zerop n) 1)))
32140 @findex calc-slow-wrapper
32141 The @code{calc-slow-wrapper} function is a version of @code{calc-wrapper}
32142 that automatically puts up a @samp{Working...} message before the
32143 computation begins. (This message can be turned off by the user
32144 with an @kbd{m w} (@code{calc-working}) command.)
32146 @findex calc-top-list-n
32147 The @code{calc-top-list-n} function returns a list of the specified number
32148 of values from the top of the stack. It resimplifies each value by
32149 calling @code{calc-normalize}. If its argument is zero it returns an
32150 empty list. It does not actually remove these values from the stack.
32152 @findex calc-enter-result
32153 The @code{calc-enter-result} function takes an integer @var{num} and string
32154 @var{tag} as described above, plus a third argument which is either a
32155 Calculator data object or a list of such objects. These objects are
32156 resimplified and pushed onto the stack after popping the specified number
32157 of values from the stack. If @var{tag} is non-@code{nil}, the values
32158 being pushed are also recorded in the trail.
32160 Note that if @code{calcFunc-myfact} returns @code{nil} this represents
32161 ``leave the function in symbolic form.'' To return an actual empty list,
32162 in the sense that @code{calc-enter-result} will push zero elements back
32163 onto the stack, you should return the special value @samp{'(nil)}, a list
32164 containing the single symbol @code{nil}.
32166 The @code{interactive} declaration can actually contain a limited
32167 Emacs-style code string as well which comes just before @var{num} and
32168 @var{tag}. Currently the only Emacs code supported is @samp{"p"}, as in
32171 (defmath foo (a b &optional c)
32172 (interactive "p" 2 "foo")
32176 In this example, the command @code{calc-foo} will evaluate the expression
32177 @samp{foo(a,b)} if executed with no argument, or @samp{foo(a,b,n)} if
32178 executed with a numeric prefix argument of @expr{n}.
32180 The other code string allowed is @samp{"m"} (unrelated to the usual @samp{"m"}
32181 code as used with @code{defun}). It uses the numeric prefix argument as the
32182 number of objects to remove from the stack and pass to the function.
32183 In this case, the integer @var{num} serves as a default number of
32184 arguments to be used when no prefix is supplied.
32186 @node Argument Qualifiers, Example Definitions, Defining Stack Commands, Lisp Definitions
32187 @subsection Argument Qualifiers
32190 Anywhere a parameter name can appear in the parameter list you can also use
32191 an @dfn{argument qualifier}. Thus the general form of a definition is:
32194 (defmath @var{name} (@var{param} @var{param...}
32195 &optional @var{param} @var{param...}
32201 where each @var{param} is either a symbol or a list of the form
32204 (@var{qual} @var{param})
32207 The following qualifiers are recognized:
32212 The argument must not be an incomplete vector, interval, or complex number.
32213 (This is rarely needed since the Calculator itself will never call your
32214 function with an incomplete argument. But there is nothing stopping your
32215 own Lisp code from calling your function with an incomplete argument.)
32219 The argument must be an integer. If it is an integer-valued float
32220 it will be accepted but converted to integer form. Non-integers and
32221 formulas are rejected.
32225 Like @samp{integer}, but the argument must be non-negative.
32229 Like @samp{integer}, but the argument must fit into a native Lisp integer,
32230 which on most systems means less than 2^23 in absolute value. The
32231 argument is converted into Lisp-integer form if necessary.
32235 The argument is converted to floating-point format if it is a number or
32236 vector. If it is a formula it is left alone. (The argument is never
32237 actually rejected by this qualifier.)
32240 The argument must satisfy predicate @var{pred}, which is one of the
32241 standard Calculator predicates. @xref{Predicates}.
32243 @item not-@var{pred}
32244 The argument must @emph{not} satisfy predicate @var{pred}.
32250 (defmath foo (a (constp (not-matrixp b)) &optional (float c)
32259 (defun calcFunc-foo (a b &optional c &rest d)
32260 (and (math-matrixp b)
32261 (math-reject-arg b 'not-matrixp))
32262 (or (math-constp b)
32263 (math-reject-arg b 'constp))
32264 (and c (setq c (math-check-float c)))
32265 (setq d (mapcar 'math-check-integer d))
32270 which performs the necessary checks and conversions before executing the
32271 body of the function.
32273 @node Example Definitions, Calling Calc from Your Programs, Argument Qualifiers, Lisp Definitions
32274 @subsection Example Definitions
32277 This section includes some Lisp programming examples on a larger scale.
32278 These programs make use of some of the Calculator's internal functions;
32282 * Bit Counting Example::
32286 @node Bit Counting Example, Sine Example, Example Definitions, Example Definitions
32287 @subsubsection Bit-Counting
32294 Calc does not include a built-in function for counting the number of
32295 ``one'' bits in a binary integer. It's easy to invent one using @kbd{b u}
32296 to convert the integer to a set, and @kbd{V #} to count the elements of
32297 that set; let's write a function that counts the bits without having to
32298 create an intermediate set.
32301 (defmath bcount ((natnum n))
32302 (interactive 1 "bcnt")
32306 (setq count (1+ count)))
32307 (setq n (lsh n -1)))
32312 When this is expanded by @code{defmath}, it will become the following
32313 Emacs Lisp function:
32316 (defun calcFunc-bcount (n)
32317 (setq n (math-check-natnum n))
32319 (while (math-posp n)
32321 (setq count (math-add count 1)))
32322 (setq n (calcFunc-lsh n -1)))
32326 If the input numbers are large, this function involves a fair amount
32327 of arithmetic. A binary right shift is essentially a division by two;
32328 recall that Calc stores integers in decimal form so bit shifts must
32329 involve actual division.
32331 To gain a bit more efficiency, we could divide the integer into
32332 @var{n}-bit chunks, each of which can be handled quickly because
32333 they fit into Lisp integers. It turns out that Calc's arithmetic
32334 routines are especially fast when dividing by an integer less than
32335 1000, so we can set @var{n = 9} bits and use repeated division by 512:
32338 (defmath bcount ((natnum n))
32339 (interactive 1 "bcnt")
32341 (while (not (fixnump n))
32342 (let ((qr (idivmod n 512)))
32343 (setq count (+ count (bcount-fixnum (cdr qr)))
32345 (+ count (bcount-fixnum n))))
32347 (defun bcount-fixnum (n)
32350 (setq count (+ count (logand n 1))
32356 Note that the second function uses @code{defun}, not @code{defmath}.
32357 Because this function deals only with native Lisp integers (``fixnums''),
32358 it can use the actual Emacs @code{+} and related functions rather
32359 than the slower but more general Calc equivalents which @code{defmath}
32362 The @code{idivmod} function does an integer division, returning both
32363 the quotient and the remainder at once. Again, note that while it
32364 might seem that @samp{(logand n 511)} and @samp{(lsh n -9)} are
32365 more efficient ways to split off the bottom nine bits of @code{n},
32366 actually they are less efficient because each operation is really
32367 a division by 512 in disguise; @code{idivmod} allows us to do the
32368 same thing with a single division by 512.
32370 @node Sine Example, , Bit Counting Example, Example Definitions
32371 @subsubsection The Sine Function
32378 A somewhat limited sine function could be defined as follows, using the
32379 well-known Taylor series expansion for
32380 @texline @math{\sin x}:
32381 @infoline @samp{sin(x)}:
32384 (defmath mysin ((float (anglep x)))
32385 (interactive 1 "mysn")
32386 (setq x (to-radians x)) ; Convert from current angular mode.
32387 (let ((sum x) ; Initial term of Taylor expansion of sin.
32389 (nfact 1) ; "nfact" equals "n" factorial at all times.
32390 (xnegsqr :"-(x^2)")) ; "xnegsqr" equals -x^2.
32391 (for ((n 3 100 2)) ; Upper limit of 100 is a good precaution.
32392 (working "mysin" sum) ; Display "Working" message, if enabled.
32393 (setq nfact (* nfact (1- n) n)
32395 newsum (+ sum (/ x nfact)))
32396 (if (~= newsum sum) ; If newsum is "nearly equal to" sum,
32397 (break)) ; then we are done.
32402 The actual @code{sin} function in Calc works by first reducing the problem
32403 to a sine or cosine of a nonnegative number less than @cpiover{4}. This
32404 ensures that the Taylor series will converge quickly. Also, the calculation
32405 is carried out with two extra digits of precision to guard against cumulative
32406 round-off in @samp{sum}. Finally, complex arguments are allowed and handled
32407 by a separate algorithm.
32410 (defmath mysin ((float (scalarp x)))
32411 (interactive 1 "mysn")
32412 (setq x (to-radians x)) ; Convert from current angular mode.
32413 (with-extra-prec 2 ; Evaluate with extra precision.
32414 (cond ((complexp x)
32417 (- (mysin-raw (- x))) ; Always call mysin-raw with x >= 0.
32418 (t (mysin-raw x))))))
32420 (defmath mysin-raw (x)
32422 (mysin-raw (% x (two-pi)))) ; Now x < 7.
32424 (- (mysin-raw (- x (pi))))) ; Now -pi/2 <= x <= pi/2.
32426 (mycos-raw (- x (pi-over-2)))) ; Now -pi/2 <= x <= pi/4.
32427 ((< x (- (pi-over-4)))
32428 (- (mycos-raw (+ x (pi-over-2))))) ; Now -pi/4 <= x <= pi/4,
32429 (t (mysin-series x)))) ; so the series will be efficient.
32433 where @code{mysin-complex} is an appropriate function to handle complex
32434 numbers, @code{mysin-series} is the routine to compute the sine Taylor
32435 series as before, and @code{mycos-raw} is a function analogous to
32436 @code{mysin-raw} for cosines.
32438 The strategy is to ensure that @expr{x} is nonnegative before calling
32439 @code{mysin-raw}. This function then recursively reduces its argument
32440 to a suitable range, namely, plus-or-minus @cpiover{4}. Note that each
32441 test, and particularly the first comparison against 7, is designed so
32442 that small roundoff errors cannot produce an infinite loop. (Suppose
32443 we compared with @samp{(two-pi)} instead; if due to roundoff problems
32444 the modulo operator ever returned @samp{(two-pi)} exactly, an infinite
32445 recursion could result!) We use modulo only for arguments that will
32446 clearly get reduced, knowing that the next rule will catch any reductions
32447 that this rule misses.
32449 If a program is being written for general use, it is important to code
32450 it carefully as shown in this second example. For quick-and-dirty programs,
32451 when you know that your own use of the sine function will never encounter
32452 a large argument, a simpler program like the first one shown is fine.
32454 @node Calling Calc from Your Programs, Internals, Example Definitions, Lisp Definitions
32455 @subsection Calling Calc from Your Lisp Programs
32458 A later section (@pxref{Internals}) gives a full description of
32459 Calc's internal Lisp functions. It's not hard to call Calc from
32460 inside your programs, but the number of these functions can be daunting.
32461 So Calc provides one special ``programmer-friendly'' function called
32462 @code{calc-eval} that can be made to do just about everything you
32463 need. It's not as fast as the low-level Calc functions, but it's
32464 much simpler to use!
32466 It may seem that @code{calc-eval} itself has a daunting number of
32467 options, but they all stem from one simple operation.
32469 In its simplest manifestation, @samp{(calc-eval "1+2")} parses the
32470 string @code{"1+2"} as if it were a Calc algebraic entry and returns
32471 the result formatted as a string: @code{"3"}.
32473 Since @code{calc-eval} is on the list of recommended @code{autoload}
32474 functions, you don't need to make any special preparations to load
32475 Calc before calling @code{calc-eval} the first time. Calc will be
32476 loaded and initialized for you.
32478 All the Calc modes that are currently in effect will be used when
32479 evaluating the expression and formatting the result.
32486 @subsubsection Additional Arguments to @code{calc-eval}
32489 If the input string parses to a list of expressions, Calc returns
32490 the results separated by @code{", "}. You can specify a different
32491 separator by giving a second string argument to @code{calc-eval}:
32492 @samp{(calc-eval "1+2,3+4" ";")} returns @code{"3;7"}.
32494 The ``separator'' can also be any of several Lisp symbols which
32495 request other behaviors from @code{calc-eval}. These are discussed
32498 You can give additional arguments to be substituted for
32499 @samp{$}, @samp{$$}, and so on in the main expression. For
32500 example, @samp{(calc-eval "$/$$" nil "7" "1+1")} evaluates the
32501 expression @code{"7/(1+1)"} to yield the result @code{"3.5"}
32502 (assuming Fraction mode is not in effect). Note the @code{nil}
32503 used as a placeholder for the item-separator argument.
32510 @subsubsection Error Handling
32513 If @code{calc-eval} encounters an error, it returns a list containing
32514 the character position of the error, plus a suitable message as a
32515 string. Note that @samp{1 / 0} is @emph{not} an error by Calc's
32516 standards; it simply returns the string @code{"1 / 0"} which is the
32517 division left in symbolic form. But @samp{(calc-eval "1/")} will
32518 return the list @samp{(2 "Expected a number")}.
32520 If you bind the variable @code{calc-eval-error} to @code{t}
32521 using a @code{let} form surrounding the call to @code{calc-eval},
32522 errors instead call the Emacs @code{error} function which aborts
32523 to the Emacs command loop with a beep and an error message.
32525 If you bind this variable to the symbol @code{string}, error messages
32526 are returned as strings instead of lists. The character position is
32529 As a courtesy to other Lisp code which may be using Calc, be sure
32530 to bind @code{calc-eval-error} using @code{let} rather than changing
32531 it permanently with @code{setq}.
32538 @subsubsection Numbers Only
32541 Sometimes it is preferable to treat @samp{1 / 0} as an error
32542 rather than returning a symbolic result. If you pass the symbol
32543 @code{num} as the second argument to @code{calc-eval}, results
32544 that are not constants are treated as errors. The error message
32545 reported is the first @code{calc-why} message if there is one,
32546 or otherwise ``Number expected.''
32548 A result is ``constant'' if it is a number, vector, or other
32549 object that does not include variables or function calls. If it
32550 is a vector, the components must themselves be constants.
32557 @subsubsection Default Modes
32560 If the first argument to @code{calc-eval} is a list whose first
32561 element is a formula string, then @code{calc-eval} sets all the
32562 various Calc modes to their default values while the formula is
32563 evaluated and formatted. For example, the precision is set to 12
32564 digits, digit grouping is turned off, and the Normal language
32567 This same principle applies to the other options discussed below.
32568 If the first argument would normally be @var{x}, then it can also
32569 be the list @samp{(@var{x})} to use the default mode settings.
32571 If there are other elements in the list, they are taken as
32572 variable-name/value pairs which override the default mode
32573 settings. Look at the documentation at the front of the
32574 @file{calc.el} file to find the names of the Lisp variables for
32575 the various modes. The mode settings are restored to their
32576 original values when @code{calc-eval} is done.
32578 For example, @samp{(calc-eval '("$+$$" calc-internal-prec 8) 'num a b)}
32579 computes the sum of two numbers, requiring a numeric result, and
32580 using default mode settings except that the precision is 8 instead
32581 of the default of 12.
32583 It's usually best to use this form of @code{calc-eval} unless your
32584 program actually considers the interaction with Calc's mode settings
32585 to be a feature. This will avoid all sorts of potential ``gotchas'';
32586 consider what happens with @samp{(calc-eval "sqrt(2)" 'num)}
32587 when the user has left Calc in Symbolic mode or No-Simplify mode.
32589 As another example, @samp{(equal (calc-eval '("$<$$") nil a b) "1")}
32590 checks if the number in string @expr{a} is less than the one in
32591 string @expr{b}. Without using a list, the integer 1 might
32592 come out in a variety of formats which would be hard to test for
32593 conveniently: @code{"1"}, @code{"8#1"}, @code{"00001"}. (But
32594 see ``Predicates'' mode, below.)
32601 @subsubsection Raw Numbers
32604 Normally all input and output for @code{calc-eval} is done with strings.
32605 You can do arithmetic with, say, @samp{(calc-eval "$+$$" nil a b)}
32606 in place of @samp{(+ a b)}, but this is very inefficient since the
32607 numbers must be converted to and from string format as they are passed
32608 from one @code{calc-eval} to the next.
32610 If the separator is the symbol @code{raw}, the result will be returned
32611 as a raw Calc data structure rather than a string. You can read about
32612 how these objects look in the following sections, but usually you can
32613 treat them as ``black box'' objects with no important internal
32616 There is also a @code{rawnum} symbol, which is a combination of
32617 @code{raw} (returning a raw Calc object) and @code{num} (signaling
32618 an error if that object is not a constant).
32620 You can pass a raw Calc object to @code{calc-eval} in place of a
32621 string, either as the formula itself or as one of the @samp{$}
32622 arguments. Thus @samp{(calc-eval "$+$$" 'raw a b)} is an
32623 addition function that operates on raw Calc objects. Of course
32624 in this case it would be easier to call the low-level @code{math-add}
32625 function in Calc, if you can remember its name.
32627 In particular, note that a plain Lisp integer is acceptable to Calc
32628 as a raw object. (All Lisp integers are accepted on input, but
32629 integers of more than six decimal digits are converted to ``big-integer''
32630 form for output. @xref{Data Type Formats}.)
32632 When it comes time to display the object, just use @samp{(calc-eval a)}
32633 to format it as a string.
32635 It is an error if the input expression evaluates to a list of
32636 values. The separator symbol @code{list} is like @code{raw}
32637 except that it returns a list of one or more raw Calc objects.
32639 Note that a Lisp string is not a valid Calc object, nor is a list
32640 containing a string. Thus you can still safely distinguish all the
32641 various kinds of error returns discussed above.
32648 @subsubsection Predicates
32651 If the separator symbol is @code{pred}, the result of the formula is
32652 treated as a true/false value; @code{calc-eval} returns @code{t} or
32653 @code{nil}, respectively. A value is considered ``true'' if it is a
32654 non-zero number, or false if it is zero or if it is not a number.
32656 For example, @samp{(calc-eval "$<$$" 'pred a b)} tests whether
32657 one value is less than another.
32659 As usual, it is also possible for @code{calc-eval} to return one of
32660 the error indicators described above. Lisp will interpret such an
32661 indicator as ``true'' if you don't check for it explicitly. If you
32662 wish to have an error register as ``false'', use something like
32663 @samp{(eq (calc-eval ...) t)}.
32670 @subsubsection Variable Values
32673 Variables in the formula passed to @code{calc-eval} are not normally
32674 replaced by their values. If you wish this, you can use the
32675 @code{evalv} function (@pxref{Algebraic Manipulation}). For example,
32676 if 4 is stored in Calc variable @code{a} (i.e., in Lisp variable
32677 @code{var-a}), then @samp{(calc-eval "a+pi")} will return the
32678 formula @code{"a + pi"}, but @samp{(calc-eval "evalv(a+pi)")}
32679 will return @code{"7.14159265359"}.
32681 To store in a Calc variable, just use @code{setq} to store in the
32682 corresponding Lisp variable. (This is obtained by prepending
32683 @samp{var-} to the Calc variable name.) Calc routines will
32684 understand either string or raw form values stored in variables,
32685 although raw data objects are much more efficient. For example,
32686 to increment the Calc variable @code{a}:
32689 (setq var-a (calc-eval "evalv(a+1)" 'raw))
32697 @subsubsection Stack Access
32700 If the separator symbol is @code{push}, the formula argument is
32701 evaluated (with possible @samp{$} expansions, as usual). The
32702 result is pushed onto the Calc stack. The return value is @code{nil}
32703 (unless there is an error from evaluating the formula, in which
32704 case the return value depends on @code{calc-eval-error} in the
32707 If the separator symbol is @code{pop}, the first argument to
32708 @code{calc-eval} must be an integer instead of a string. That
32709 many values are popped from the stack and thrown away. A negative
32710 argument deletes the entry at that stack level. The return value
32711 is the number of elements remaining in the stack after popping;
32712 @samp{(calc-eval 0 'pop)} is a good way to measure the size of
32715 If the separator symbol is @code{top}, the first argument to
32716 @code{calc-eval} must again be an integer. The value at that
32717 stack level is formatted as a string and returned. Thus
32718 @samp{(calc-eval 1 'top)} returns the top-of-stack value. If the
32719 integer is out of range, @code{nil} is returned.
32721 The separator symbol @code{rawtop} is just like @code{top} except
32722 that the stack entry is returned as a raw Calc object instead of
32725 In all of these cases the first argument can be made a list in
32726 order to force the default mode settings, as described above.
32727 Thus @samp{(calc-eval '(2 calc-number-radix 16) 'top)} returns the
32728 second-to-top stack entry, formatted as a string using the default
32729 instead of current display modes, except that the radix is
32730 hexadecimal instead of decimal.
32732 It is, of course, polite to put the Calc stack back the way you
32733 found it when you are done, unless the user of your program is
32734 actually expecting it to affect the stack.
32736 Note that you do not actually have to switch into the @samp{*Calculator*}
32737 buffer in order to use @code{calc-eval}; it temporarily switches into
32738 the stack buffer if necessary.
32745 @subsubsection Keyboard Macros
32748 If the separator symbol is @code{macro}, the first argument must be a
32749 string of characters which Calc can execute as a sequence of keystrokes.
32750 This switches into the Calc buffer for the duration of the macro.
32751 For example, @samp{(calc-eval "vx5\rVR+" 'macro)} pushes the
32752 vector @samp{[1,2,3,4,5]} on the stack and then replaces it
32753 with the sum of those numbers. Note that @samp{\r} is the Lisp
32754 notation for the carriage-return, @key{RET}, character.
32756 If your keyboard macro wishes to pop the stack, @samp{\C-d} is
32757 safer than @samp{\177} (the @key{DEL} character) because some
32758 installations may have switched the meanings of @key{DEL} and
32759 @kbd{C-h}. Calc always interprets @kbd{C-d} as a synonym for
32760 ``pop-stack'' regardless of key mapping.
32762 If you provide a third argument to @code{calc-eval}, evaluation
32763 of the keyboard macro will leave a record in the Trail using
32764 that argument as a tag string. Normally the Trail is unaffected.
32766 The return value in this case is always @code{nil}.
32773 @subsubsection Lisp Evaluation
32776 Finally, if the separator symbol is @code{eval}, then the Lisp
32777 @code{eval} function is called on the first argument, which must
32778 be a Lisp expression rather than a Calc formula. Remember to
32779 quote the expression so that it is not evaluated until inside
32782 The difference from plain @code{eval} is that @code{calc-eval}
32783 switches to the Calc buffer before evaluating the expression.
32784 For example, @samp{(calc-eval '(setq calc-internal-prec 17) 'eval)}
32785 will correctly affect the buffer-local Calc precision variable.
32787 An alternative would be @samp{(calc-eval '(calc-precision 17) 'eval)}.
32788 This is evaluating a call to the function that is normally invoked
32789 by the @kbd{p} key, giving it 17 as its ``numeric prefix argument.''
32790 Note that this function will leave a message in the echo area as
32791 a side effect. Also, all Calc functions switch to the Calc buffer
32792 automatically if not invoked from there, so the above call is
32793 also equivalent to @samp{(calc-precision 17)} by itself.
32794 In all cases, Calc uses @code{save-excursion} to switch back to
32795 your original buffer when it is done.
32797 As usual the first argument can be a list that begins with a Lisp
32798 expression to use default instead of current mode settings.
32800 The result of @code{calc-eval} in this usage is just the result
32801 returned by the evaluated Lisp expression.
32808 @subsubsection Example
32811 @findex convert-temp
32812 Here is a sample Emacs command that uses @code{calc-eval}. Suppose
32813 you have a document with lots of references to temperatures on the
32814 Fahrenheit scale, say ``98.6 F'', and you wish to convert these
32815 references to Centigrade. The following command does this conversion.
32816 Place the Emacs cursor right after the letter ``F'' and invoke the
32817 command to change ``98.6 F'' to ``37 C''. Or, if the temperature is
32818 already in Centigrade form, the command changes it back to Fahrenheit.
32821 (defun convert-temp ()
32824 (re-search-backward "[^-.0-9]\\([-.0-9]+\\) *\\([FC]\\)")
32825 (let* ((top1 (match-beginning 1))
32826 (bot1 (match-end 1))
32827 (number (buffer-substring top1 bot1))
32828 (top2 (match-beginning 2))
32829 (bot2 (match-end 2))
32830 (type (buffer-substring top2 bot2)))
32831 (if (equal type "F")
32833 number (calc-eval "($ - 32)*5/9" nil number))
32835 number (calc-eval "$*9/5 + 32" nil number)))
32837 (delete-region top2 bot2)
32838 (insert-before-markers type)
32840 (delete-region top1 bot1)
32841 (if (string-match "\\.$" number) ; change "37." to "37"
32842 (setq number (substring number 0 -1)))
32846 Note the use of @code{insert-before-markers} when changing between
32847 ``F'' and ``C'', so that the character winds up before the cursor
32848 instead of after it.
32850 @node Internals, , Calling Calc from Your Programs, Lisp Definitions
32851 @subsection Calculator Internals
32854 This section describes the Lisp functions defined by the Calculator that
32855 may be of use to user-written Calculator programs (as described in the
32856 rest of this chapter). These functions are shown by their names as they
32857 conventionally appear in @code{defmath}. Their full Lisp names are
32858 generally gotten by prepending @samp{calcFunc-} or @samp{math-} to their
32859 apparent names. (Names that begin with @samp{calc-} are already in
32860 their full Lisp form.) You can use the actual full names instead if you
32861 prefer them, or if you are calling these functions from regular Lisp.
32863 The functions described here are scattered throughout the various
32864 Calc component files. Note that @file{calc.el} includes @code{autoload}s
32865 for only a few component files; when Calc wants to call an advanced
32866 function it calls @samp{(calc-extensions)} first; this function
32867 autoloads @file{calc-ext.el}, which in turn autoloads all the functions
32868 in the remaining component files.
32870 Because @code{defmath} itself uses the extensions, user-written code
32871 generally always executes with the extensions already loaded, so
32872 normally you can use any Calc function and be confident that it will
32873 be autoloaded for you when necessary. If you are doing something
32874 special, check carefully to make sure each function you are using is
32875 from @file{calc.el} or its components, and call @samp{(calc-extensions)}
32876 before using any function based in @file{calc-ext.el} if you can't
32877 prove this file will already be loaded.
32880 * Data Type Formats::
32881 * Interactive Lisp Functions::
32882 * Stack Lisp Functions::
32884 * Computational Lisp Functions::
32885 * Vector Lisp Functions::
32886 * Symbolic Lisp Functions::
32887 * Formatting Lisp Functions::
32891 @node Data Type Formats, Interactive Lisp Functions, Internals, Internals
32892 @subsubsection Data Type Formats
32895 Integers are stored in either of two ways, depending on their magnitude.
32896 Integers less than one million in absolute value are stored as standard
32897 Lisp integers. This is the only storage format for Calc data objects
32898 which is not a Lisp list.
32900 Large integers are stored as lists of the form @samp{(bigpos @var{d0}
32901 @var{d1} @var{d2} @dots{})} for positive integers 1000000 or more, or
32902 @samp{(bigneg @var{d0} @var{d1} @var{d2} @dots{})} for negative integers
32903 @mathit{-1000000} or less. Each @var{d} is a base-1000 ``digit,'' a Lisp integer
32904 from 0 to 999. The least significant digit is @var{d0}; the last digit,
32905 @var{dn}, which is always nonzero, is the most significant digit. For
32906 example, the integer @mathit{-12345678} is stored as @samp{(bigneg 678 345 12)}.
32908 The distinction between small and large integers is entirely hidden from
32909 the user. In @code{defmath} definitions, the Lisp predicate @code{integerp}
32910 returns true for either kind of integer, and in general both big and small
32911 integers are accepted anywhere the word ``integer'' is used in this manual.
32912 If the distinction must be made, native Lisp integers are called @dfn{fixnums}
32913 and large integers are called @dfn{bignums}.
32915 Fractions are stored as a list of the form, @samp{(frac @var{n} @var{d})}
32916 where @var{n} is an integer (big or small) numerator, @var{d} is an
32917 integer denominator greater than one, and @var{n} and @var{d} are relatively
32918 prime. Note that fractions where @var{d} is one are automatically converted
32919 to plain integers by all math routines; fractions where @var{d} is negative
32920 are normalized by negating the numerator and denominator.
32922 Floating-point numbers are stored in the form, @samp{(float @var{mant}
32923 @var{exp})}, where @var{mant} (the ``mantissa'') is an integer less than
32924 @samp{10^@var{p}} in absolute value (@var{p} represents the current
32925 precision), and @var{exp} (the ``exponent'') is a fixnum. The value of
32926 the float is @samp{@var{mant} * 10^@var{exp}}. For example, the number
32927 @mathit{-3.14} is stored as @samp{(float -314 -2) = -314*10^-2}. Other constraints
32928 are that the number 0.0 is always stored as @samp{(float 0 0)}, and,
32929 except for the 0.0 case, the rightmost base-10 digit of @var{mant} is
32930 always nonzero. (If the rightmost digit is zero, the number is
32931 rearranged by dividing @var{mant} by ten and incrementing @var{exp}.)
32933 Rectangular complex numbers are stored in the form @samp{(cplx @var{re}
32934 @var{im})}, where @var{re} and @var{im} are each real numbers, either
32935 integers, fractions, or floats. The value is @samp{@var{re} + @var{im}i}.
32936 The @var{im} part is nonzero; complex numbers with zero imaginary
32937 components are converted to real numbers automatically.
32939 Polar complex numbers are stored in the form @samp{(polar @var{r}
32940 @var{theta})}, where @var{r} is a positive real value and @var{theta}
32941 is a real value or HMS form representing an angle. This angle is
32942 usually normalized to lie in the interval @samp{(-180 ..@: 180)} degrees,
32943 or @samp{(-pi ..@: pi)} radians, according to the current angular mode.
32944 If the angle is 0 the value is converted to a real number automatically.
32945 (If the angle is 180 degrees, the value is usually also converted to a
32946 negative real number.)
32948 Hours-minutes-seconds forms are stored as @samp{(hms @var{h} @var{m}
32949 @var{s})}, where @var{h} is an integer or an integer-valued float (i.e.,
32950 a float with @samp{@var{exp} >= 0}), @var{m} is an integer or integer-valued
32951 float in the range @w{@samp{[0 ..@: 60)}}, and @var{s} is any real number
32952 in the range @samp{[0 ..@: 60)}.
32954 Date forms are stored as @samp{(date @var{n})}, where @var{n} is
32955 a real number that counts days since midnight on the morning of
32956 January 1, 1 AD. If @var{n} is an integer, this is a pure date
32957 form. If @var{n} is a fraction or float, this is a date/time form.
32959 Modulo forms are stored as @samp{(mod @var{n} @var{m})}, where @var{m} is a
32960 positive real number or HMS form, and @var{n} is a real number or HMS
32961 form in the range @samp{[0 ..@: @var{m})}.
32963 Error forms are stored as @samp{(sdev @var{x} @var{sigma})}, where @var{x}
32964 is the mean value and @var{sigma} is the standard deviation. Each
32965 component is either a number, an HMS form, or a symbolic object
32966 (a variable or function call). If @var{sigma} is zero, the value is
32967 converted to a plain real number. If @var{sigma} is negative or
32968 complex, it is automatically normalized to be a positive real.
32970 Interval forms are stored as @samp{(intv @var{mask} @var{lo} @var{hi})},
32971 where @var{mask} is one of the integers 0, 1, 2, or 3, and @var{lo} and
32972 @var{hi} are real numbers, HMS forms, or symbolic objects. The @var{mask}
32973 is a binary integer where 1 represents the fact that the interval is
32974 closed on the high end, and 2 represents the fact that it is closed on
32975 the low end. (Thus 3 represents a fully closed interval.) The interval
32976 @w{@samp{(intv 3 @var{x} @var{x})}} is converted to the plain number @var{x};
32977 intervals @samp{(intv @var{mask} @var{x} @var{x})} for any other @var{mask}
32978 represent empty intervals. If @var{hi} is less than @var{lo}, the interval
32979 is converted to a standard empty interval by replacing @var{hi} with @var{lo}.
32981 Vectors are stored as @samp{(vec @var{v1} @var{v2} @dots{})}, where @var{v1}
32982 is the first element of the vector, @var{v2} is the second, and so on.
32983 An empty vector is stored as @samp{(vec)}. A matrix is simply a vector
32984 where all @var{v}'s are themselves vectors of equal lengths. Note that
32985 Calc vectors are unrelated to the Emacs Lisp ``vector'' type, which is
32986 generally unused by Calc data structures.
32988 Variables are stored as @samp{(var @var{name} @var{sym})}, where
32989 @var{name} is a Lisp symbol whose print name is used as the visible name
32990 of the variable, and @var{sym} is a Lisp symbol in which the variable's
32991 value is actually stored. Thus, @samp{(var pi var-pi)} represents the
32992 special constant @samp{pi}. Almost always, the form is @samp{(var
32993 @var{v} var-@var{v})}. If the variable name was entered with @code{#}
32994 signs (which are converted to hyphens internally), the form is
32995 @samp{(var @var{u} @var{v})}, where @var{u} is a symbol whose name
32996 contains @code{#} characters, and @var{v} is a symbol that contains
32997 @code{-} characters instead. The value of a variable is the Calc
32998 object stored in its @var{sym} symbol's value cell. If the symbol's
32999 value cell is void or if it contains @code{nil}, the variable has no
33000 value. Special constants have the form @samp{(special-const
33001 @var{value})} stored in their value cell, where @var{value} is a formula
33002 which is evaluated when the constant's value is requested. Variables
33003 which represent units are not stored in any special way; they are units
33004 only because their names appear in the units table. If the value
33005 cell contains a string, it is parsed to get the variable's value when
33006 the variable is used.
33008 A Lisp list with any other symbol as the first element is a function call.
33009 The symbols @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}, @code{^},
33010 and @code{|} represent special binary operators; these lists are always
33011 of the form @samp{(@var{op} @var{lhs} @var{rhs})} where @var{lhs} is the
33012 sub-formula on the lefthand side and @var{rhs} is the sub-formula on the
33013 right. The symbol @code{neg} represents unary negation; this list is always
33014 of the form @samp{(neg @var{arg})}. Any other symbol @var{func} represents a
33015 function that would be displayed in function-call notation; the symbol
33016 @var{func} is in general always of the form @samp{calcFunc-@var{name}}.
33017 The function cell of the symbol @var{func} should contain a Lisp function
33018 for evaluating a call to @var{func}. This function is passed the remaining
33019 elements of the list (themselves already evaluated) as arguments; such
33020 functions should return @code{nil} or call @code{reject-arg} to signify
33021 that they should be left in symbolic form, or they should return a Calc
33022 object which represents their value, or a list of such objects if they
33023 wish to return multiple values. (The latter case is allowed only for
33024 functions which are the outer-level call in an expression whose value is
33025 about to be pushed on the stack; this feature is considered obsolete
33026 and is not used by any built-in Calc functions.)
33028 @node Interactive Lisp Functions, Stack Lisp Functions, Data Type Formats, Internals
33029 @subsubsection Interactive Functions
33032 The functions described here are used in implementing interactive Calc
33033 commands. Note that this list is not exhaustive! If there is an
33034 existing command that behaves similarly to the one you want to define,
33035 you may find helpful tricks by checking the source code for that command.
33037 @defun calc-set-command-flag flag
33038 Set the command flag @var{flag}. This is generally a Lisp symbol, but
33039 may in fact be anything. The effect is to add @var{flag} to the list
33040 stored in the variable @code{calc-command-flags}, unless it is already
33041 there. @xref{Defining Simple Commands}.
33044 @defun calc-clear-command-flag flag
33045 If @var{flag} appears among the list of currently-set command flags,
33046 remove it from that list.
33049 @defun calc-record-undo rec
33050 Add the ``undo record'' @var{rec} to the list of steps to take if the
33051 current operation should need to be undone. Stack push and pop functions
33052 automatically call @code{calc-record-undo}, so the kinds of undo records
33053 you might need to create take the form @samp{(set @var{sym} @var{value})},
33054 which says that the Lisp variable @var{sym} was changed and had previously
33055 contained @var{value}; @samp{(store @var{var} @var{value})} which says that
33056 the Calc variable @var{var} (a string which is the name of the symbol that
33057 contains the variable's value) was stored and its previous value was
33058 @var{value} (either a Calc data object, or @code{nil} if the variable was
33059 previously void); or @samp{(eval @var{undo} @var{redo} @var{args} @dots{})},
33060 which means that to undo requires calling the function @samp{(@var{undo}
33061 @var{args} @dots{})} and, if the undo is later redone, calling
33062 @samp{(@var{redo} @var{args} @dots{})}.
33065 @defun calc-record-why msg args
33066 Record the error or warning message @var{msg}, which is normally a string.
33067 This message will be replayed if the user types @kbd{w} (@code{calc-why});
33068 if the message string begins with a @samp{*}, it is considered important
33069 enough to display even if the user doesn't type @kbd{w}. If one or more
33070 @var{args} are present, the displayed message will be of the form,
33071 @samp{@var{msg}: @var{arg1}, @var{arg2}, @dots{}}, where the arguments are
33072 formatted on the assumption that they are either strings or Calc objects of
33073 some sort. If @var{msg} is a symbol, it is the name of a Calc predicate
33074 (such as @code{integerp} or @code{numvecp}) which the arguments did not
33075 satisfy; it is expanded to a suitable string such as ``Expected an
33076 integer.'' The @code{reject-arg} function calls @code{calc-record-why}
33077 automatically; @pxref{Predicates}.
33080 @defun calc-is-inverse
33081 This predicate returns true if the current command is inverse,
33082 i.e., if the Inverse (@kbd{I} key) flag was set.
33085 @defun calc-is-hyperbolic
33086 This predicate is the analogous function for the @kbd{H} key.
33089 @node Stack Lisp Functions, Predicates, Interactive Lisp Functions, Internals
33090 @subsubsection Stack-Oriented Functions
33093 The functions described here perform various operations on the Calc
33094 stack and trail. They are to be used in interactive Calc commands.
33096 @defun calc-push-list vals n
33097 Push the Calc objects in list @var{vals} onto the stack at stack level
33098 @var{n}. If @var{n} is omitted it defaults to 1, so that the elements
33099 are pushed at the top of the stack. If @var{n} is greater than 1, the
33100 elements will be inserted into the stack so that the last element will
33101 end up at level @var{n}, the next-to-last at level @var{n}+1, etc.
33102 The elements of @var{vals} are assumed to be valid Calc objects, and
33103 are not evaluated, rounded, or renormalized in any way. If @var{vals}
33104 is an empty list, nothing happens.
33106 The stack elements are pushed without any sub-formula selections.
33107 You can give an optional third argument to this function, which must
33108 be a list the same size as @var{vals} of selections. Each selection
33109 must be @code{eq} to some sub-formula of the corresponding formula
33110 in @var{vals}, or @code{nil} if that formula should have no selection.
33113 @defun calc-top-list n m
33114 Return a list of the @var{n} objects starting at level @var{m} of the
33115 stack. If @var{m} is omitted it defaults to 1, so that the elements are
33116 taken from the top of the stack. If @var{n} is omitted, it also
33117 defaults to 1, so that the top stack element (in the form of a
33118 one-element list) is returned. If @var{m} is greater than 1, the
33119 @var{m}th stack element will be at the end of the list, the @var{m}+1st
33120 element will be next-to-last, etc. If @var{n} or @var{m} are out of
33121 range, the command is aborted with a suitable error message. If @var{n}
33122 is zero, the function returns an empty list. The stack elements are not
33123 evaluated, rounded, or renormalized.
33125 If any stack elements contain selections, and selections have not
33126 been disabled by the @kbd{j e} (@code{calc-enable-selections}) command,
33127 this function returns the selected portions rather than the entire
33128 stack elements. It can be given a third ``selection-mode'' argument
33129 which selects other behaviors. If it is the symbol @code{t}, then
33130 a selection in any of the requested stack elements produces an
33131 ``invalid operation on selections'' error. If it is the symbol @code{full},
33132 the whole stack entry is always returned regardless of selections.
33133 If it is the symbol @code{sel}, the selected portion is always returned,
33134 or @code{nil} if there is no selection. (This mode ignores the @kbd{j e}
33135 command.) If the symbol is @code{entry}, the complete stack entry in
33136 list form is returned; the first element of this list will be the whole
33137 formula, and the third element will be the selection (or @code{nil}).
33140 @defun calc-pop-stack n m
33141 Remove the specified elements from the stack. The parameters @var{n}
33142 and @var{m} are defined the same as for @code{calc-top-list}. The return
33143 value of @code{calc-pop-stack} is uninteresting.
33145 If there are any selected sub-formulas among the popped elements, and
33146 @kbd{j e} has not been used to disable selections, this produces an
33147 error without changing the stack. If you supply an optional third
33148 argument of @code{t}, the stack elements are popped even if they
33149 contain selections.
33152 @defun calc-record-list vals tag
33153 This function records one or more results in the trail. The @var{vals}
33154 are a list of strings or Calc objects. The @var{tag} is the four-character
33155 tag string to identify the values. If @var{tag} is omitted, a blank tag
33159 @defun calc-normalize n
33160 This function takes a Calc object and ``normalizes'' it. At the very
33161 least this involves re-rounding floating-point values according to the
33162 current precision and other similar jobs. Also, unless the user has
33163 selected No-Simplify mode (@pxref{Simplification Modes}), this involves
33164 actually evaluating a formula object by executing the function calls
33165 it contains, and possibly also doing algebraic simplification, etc.
33168 @defun calc-top-list-n n m
33169 This function is identical to @code{calc-top-list}, except that it calls
33170 @code{calc-normalize} on the values that it takes from the stack. They
33171 are also passed through @code{check-complete}, so that incomplete
33172 objects will be rejected with an error message. All computational
33173 commands should use this in preference to @code{calc-top-list}; the only
33174 standard Calc commands that operate on the stack without normalizing
33175 are stack management commands like @code{calc-enter} and @code{calc-roll-up}.
33176 This function accepts the same optional selection-mode argument as
33177 @code{calc-top-list}.
33180 @defun calc-top-n m
33181 This function is a convenient form of @code{calc-top-list-n} in which only
33182 a single element of the stack is taken and returned, rather than a list
33183 of elements. This also accepts an optional selection-mode argument.
33186 @defun calc-enter-result n tag vals
33187 This function is a convenient interface to most of the above functions.
33188 The @var{vals} argument should be either a single Calc object, or a list
33189 of Calc objects; the object or objects are normalized, and the top @var{n}
33190 stack entries are replaced by the normalized objects. If @var{tag} is
33191 non-@code{nil}, the normalized objects are also recorded in the trail.
33192 A typical stack-based computational command would take the form,
33195 (calc-enter-result @var{n} @var{tag} (cons 'calcFunc-@var{func}
33196 (calc-top-list-n @var{n})))
33199 If any of the @var{n} stack elements replaced contain sub-formula
33200 selections, and selections have not been disabled by @kbd{j e},
33201 this function takes one of two courses of action. If @var{n} is
33202 equal to the number of elements in @var{vals}, then each element of
33203 @var{vals} is spliced into the corresponding selection; this is what
33204 happens when you use the @key{TAB} key, or when you use a unary
33205 arithmetic operation like @code{sqrt}. If @var{vals} has only one
33206 element but @var{n} is greater than one, there must be only one
33207 selection among the top @var{n} stack elements; the element from
33208 @var{vals} is spliced into that selection. This is what happens when
33209 you use a binary arithmetic operation like @kbd{+}. Any other
33210 combination of @var{n} and @var{vals} is an error when selections
33214 @defun calc-unary-op tag func arg
33215 This function implements a unary operator that allows a numeric prefix
33216 argument to apply the operator over many stack entries. If the prefix
33217 argument @var{arg} is @code{nil}, this uses @code{calc-enter-result}
33218 as outlined above. Otherwise, it maps the function over several stack
33219 elements; @pxref{Prefix Arguments}. For example,
33222 (defun calc-zeta (arg)
33224 (calc-unary-op "zeta" 'calcFunc-zeta arg))
33228 @defun calc-binary-op tag func arg ident unary
33229 This function implements a binary operator, analogously to
33230 @code{calc-unary-op}. The optional @var{ident} and @var{unary}
33231 arguments specify the behavior when the prefix argument is zero or
33232 one, respectively. If the prefix is zero, the value @var{ident}
33233 is pushed onto the stack, if specified, otherwise an error message
33234 is displayed. If the prefix is one, the unary function @var{unary}
33235 is applied to the top stack element, or, if @var{unary} is not
33236 specified, nothing happens. When the argument is two or more,
33237 the binary function @var{func} is reduced across the top @var{arg}
33238 stack elements; when the argument is negative, the function is
33239 mapped between the next-to-top @mathit{-@var{arg}} stack elements and the
33243 @defun calc-stack-size
33244 Return the number of elements on the stack as an integer. This count
33245 does not include elements that have been temporarily hidden by stack
33246 truncation; @pxref{Truncating the Stack}.
33249 @defun calc-cursor-stack-index n
33250 Move the point to the @var{n}th stack entry. If @var{n} is zero, this
33251 will be the @samp{.} line. If @var{n} is from 1 to the current stack size,
33252 this will be the beginning of the first line of that stack entry's display.
33253 If line numbers are enabled, this will move to the first character of the
33254 line number, not the stack entry itself.
33257 @defun calc-substack-height n
33258 Return the number of lines between the beginning of the @var{n}th stack
33259 entry and the bottom of the buffer. If @var{n} is zero, this
33260 will be one (assuming no stack truncation). If all stack entries are
33261 one line long (i.e., no matrices are displayed), the return value will
33262 be equal @var{n}+1 as long as @var{n} is in range. (Note that in Big
33263 mode, the return value includes the blank lines that separate stack
33267 @defun calc-refresh
33268 Erase the @code{*Calculator*} buffer and reformat its contents from memory.
33269 This must be called after changing any parameter, such as the current
33270 display radix, which might change the appearance of existing stack
33271 entries. (During a keyboard macro invoked by the @kbd{X} key, refreshing
33272 is suppressed, but a flag is set so that the entire stack will be refreshed
33273 rather than just the top few elements when the macro finishes.)
33276 @node Predicates, Computational Lisp Functions, Stack Lisp Functions, Internals
33277 @subsubsection Predicates
33280 The functions described here are predicates, that is, they return a
33281 true/false value where @code{nil} means false and anything else means
33282 true. These predicates are expanded by @code{defmath}, for example,
33283 from @code{zerop} to @code{math-zerop}. In many cases they correspond
33284 to native Lisp functions by the same name, but are extended to cover
33285 the full range of Calc data types.
33288 Returns true if @var{x} is numerically zero, in any of the Calc data
33289 types. (Note that for some types, such as error forms and intervals,
33290 it never makes sense to return true.) In @code{defmath}, the expression
33291 @samp{(= x 0)} will automatically be converted to @samp{(math-zerop x)},
33292 and @samp{(/= x 0)} will be converted to @samp{(not (math-zerop x))}.
33296 Returns true if @var{x} is negative. This accepts negative real numbers
33297 of various types, negative HMS and date forms, and intervals in which
33298 all included values are negative. In @code{defmath}, the expression
33299 @samp{(< x 0)} will automatically be converted to @samp{(math-negp x)},
33300 and @samp{(>= x 0)} will be converted to @samp{(not (math-negp x))}.
33304 Returns true if @var{x} is positive (and non-zero). For complex
33305 numbers, none of these three predicates will return true.
33308 @defun looks-negp x
33309 Returns true if @var{x} is ``negative-looking.'' This returns true if
33310 @var{x} is a negative number, or a formula with a leading minus sign
33311 such as @samp{-a/b}. In other words, this is an object which can be
33312 made simpler by calling @code{(- @var{x})}.
33316 Returns true if @var{x} is an integer of any size.
33320 Returns true if @var{x} is a native Lisp integer.
33324 Returns true if @var{x} is a nonnegative integer of any size.
33327 @defun fixnatnump x
33328 Returns true if @var{x} is a nonnegative Lisp integer.
33331 @defun num-integerp x
33332 Returns true if @var{x} is numerically an integer, i.e., either a
33333 true integer or a float with no significant digits to the right of
33337 @defun messy-integerp x
33338 Returns true if @var{x} is numerically, but not literally, an integer.
33339 A value is @code{num-integerp} if it is @code{integerp} or
33340 @code{messy-integerp} (but it is never both at once).
33343 @defun num-natnump x
33344 Returns true if @var{x} is numerically a nonnegative integer.
33348 Returns true if @var{x} is an even integer.
33351 @defun looks-evenp x
33352 Returns true if @var{x} is an even integer, or a formula with a leading
33353 multiplicative coefficient which is an even integer.
33357 Returns true if @var{x} is an odd integer.
33361 Returns true if @var{x} is a rational number, i.e., an integer or a
33366 Returns true if @var{x} is a real number, i.e., an integer, fraction,
33367 or floating-point number.
33371 Returns true if @var{x} is a real number or HMS form.
33375 Returns true if @var{x} is a float, or a complex number, error form,
33376 interval, date form, or modulo form in which at least one component
33381 Returns true if @var{x} is a rectangular or polar complex number
33382 (but not a real number).
33385 @defun rect-complexp x
33386 Returns true if @var{x} is a rectangular complex number.
33389 @defun polar-complexp x
33390 Returns true if @var{x} is a polar complex number.
33394 Returns true if @var{x} is a real number or a complex number.
33398 Returns true if @var{x} is a real or complex number or an HMS form.
33402 Returns true if @var{x} is a vector (this simply checks if its argument
33403 is a list whose first element is the symbol @code{vec}).
33407 Returns true if @var{x} is a number or vector.
33411 Returns true if @var{x} is a matrix, i.e., a vector of one or more vectors,
33412 all of the same size.
33415 @defun square-matrixp x
33416 Returns true if @var{x} is a square matrix.
33420 Returns true if @var{x} is any numeric Calc object, including real and
33421 complex numbers, HMS forms, date forms, error forms, intervals, and
33422 modulo forms. (Note that error forms and intervals may include formulas
33423 as their components; see @code{constp} below.)
33427 Returns true if @var{x} is an object or a vector. This also accepts
33428 incomplete objects, but it rejects variables and formulas (except as
33429 mentioned above for @code{objectp}).
33433 Returns true if @var{x} is a ``primitive'' or ``atomic'' Calc object,
33434 i.e., one whose components cannot be regarded as sub-formulas. This
33435 includes variables, and all @code{objectp} types except error forms
33440 Returns true if @var{x} is constant, i.e., a real or complex number,
33441 HMS form, date form, or error form, interval, or vector all of whose
33442 components are @code{constp}.
33446 Returns true if @var{x} is numerically less than @var{y}. Returns false
33447 if @var{x} is greater than or equal to @var{y}, or if the order is
33448 undefined or cannot be determined. Generally speaking, this works
33449 by checking whether @samp{@var{x} - @var{y}} is @code{negp}. In
33450 @code{defmath}, the expression @samp{(< x y)} will automatically be
33451 converted to @samp{(lessp x y)}; expressions involving @code{>}, @code{<=},
33452 and @code{>=} are similarly converted in terms of @code{lessp}.
33456 Returns true if @var{x} comes before @var{y} in a canonical ordering
33457 of Calc objects. If @var{x} and @var{y} are both real numbers, this
33458 will be the same as @code{lessp}. But whereas @code{lessp} considers
33459 other types of objects to be unordered, @code{beforep} puts any two
33460 objects into a definite, consistent order. The @code{beforep}
33461 function is used by the @kbd{V S} vector-sorting command, and also
33462 by @kbd{a s} to put the terms of a product into canonical order:
33463 This allows @samp{x y + y x} to be simplified easily to @samp{2 x y}.
33467 This is the standard Lisp @code{equal} predicate; it returns true if
33468 @var{x} and @var{y} are structurally identical. This is the usual way
33469 to compare numbers for equality, but note that @code{equal} will treat
33470 0 and 0.0 as different.
33473 @defun math-equal x y
33474 Returns true if @var{x} and @var{y} are numerically equal, either because
33475 they are @code{equal}, or because their difference is @code{zerop}. In
33476 @code{defmath}, the expression @samp{(= x y)} will automatically be
33477 converted to @samp{(math-equal x y)}.
33480 @defun equal-int x n
33481 Returns true if @var{x} and @var{n} are numerically equal, where @var{n}
33482 is a fixnum which is not a multiple of 10. This will automatically be
33483 used by @code{defmath} in place of the more general @code{math-equal}
33487 @defun nearly-equal x y
33488 Returns true if @var{x} and @var{y}, as floating-point numbers, are
33489 equal except possibly in the last decimal place. For example,
33490 314.159 and 314.166 are considered nearly equal if the current
33491 precision is 6 (since they differ by 7 units), but not if the current
33492 precision is 7 (since they differ by 70 units). Most functions which
33493 use series expansions use @code{with-extra-prec} to evaluate the
33494 series with 2 extra digits of precision, then use @code{nearly-equal}
33495 to decide when the series has converged; this guards against cumulative
33496 error in the series evaluation without doing extra work which would be
33497 lost when the result is rounded back down to the current precision.
33498 In @code{defmath}, this can be written @samp{(~= @var{x} @var{y})}.
33499 The @var{x} and @var{y} can be numbers of any kind, including complex.
33502 @defun nearly-zerop x y
33503 Returns true if @var{x} is nearly zero, compared to @var{y}. This
33504 checks whether @var{x} plus @var{y} would by be @code{nearly-equal}
33505 to @var{y} itself, to within the current precision, in other words,
33506 if adding @var{x} to @var{y} would have a negligible effect on @var{y}
33507 due to roundoff error. @var{X} may be a real or complex number, but
33508 @var{y} must be real.
33512 Return true if the formula @var{x} represents a true value in
33513 Calc, not Lisp, terms. It tests if @var{x} is a non-zero number
33514 or a provably non-zero formula.
33517 @defun reject-arg val pred
33518 Abort the current function evaluation due to unacceptable argument values.
33519 This calls @samp{(calc-record-why @var{pred} @var{val})}, then signals a
33520 Lisp error which @code{normalize} will trap. The net effect is that the
33521 function call which led here will be left in symbolic form.
33524 @defun inexact-value
33525 If Symbolic mode is enabled, this will signal an error that causes
33526 @code{normalize} to leave the formula in symbolic form, with the message
33527 ``Inexact result.'' (This function has no effect when not in Symbolic mode.)
33528 Note that if your function calls @samp{(sin 5)} in Symbolic mode, the
33529 @code{sin} function will call @code{inexact-value}, which will cause your
33530 function to be left unsimplified. You may instead wish to call
33531 @samp{(normalize (list 'calcFunc-sin 5))}, which in Symbolic mode will
33532 return the formula @samp{sin(5)} to your function.
33536 This signals an error that will be reported as a floating-point overflow.
33540 This signals a floating-point underflow.
33543 @node Computational Lisp Functions, Vector Lisp Functions, Predicates, Internals
33544 @subsubsection Computational Functions
33547 The functions described here do the actual computational work of the
33548 Calculator. In addition to these, note that any function described in
33549 the main body of this manual may be called from Lisp; for example, if
33550 the documentation refers to the @code{calc-sqrt} [@code{sqrt}] command,
33551 this means @code{calc-sqrt} is an interactive stack-based square-root
33552 command and @code{sqrt} (which @code{defmath} expands to @code{calcFunc-sqrt})
33553 is the actual Lisp function for taking square roots.
33555 The functions @code{math-add}, @code{math-sub}, @code{math-mul},
33556 @code{math-div}, @code{math-mod}, and @code{math-neg} are not included
33557 in this list, since @code{defmath} allows you to write native Lisp
33558 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}, and unary @code{-},
33559 respectively, instead.
33561 @defun normalize val
33562 (Full form: @code{math-normalize}.)
33563 Reduce the value @var{val} to standard form. For example, if @var{val}
33564 is a fixnum, it will be converted to a bignum if it is too large, and
33565 if @var{val} is a bignum it will be normalized by clipping off trailing
33566 (i.e., most-significant) zero digits and converting to a fixnum if it is
33567 small. All the various data types are similarly converted to their standard
33568 forms. Variables are left alone, but function calls are actually evaluated
33569 in formulas. For example, normalizing @samp{(+ 2 (calcFunc-abs -4))} will
33572 If a function call fails, because the function is void or has the wrong
33573 number of parameters, or because it returns @code{nil} or calls
33574 @code{reject-arg} or @code{inexact-result}, @code{normalize} returns
33575 the formula still in symbolic form.
33577 If the current simplification mode is ``none'' or ``numeric arguments
33578 only,'' @code{normalize} will act appropriately. However, the more
33579 powerful simplification modes (like Algebraic Simplification) are
33580 not handled by @code{normalize}. They are handled by @code{calc-normalize},
33581 which calls @code{normalize} and possibly some other routines, such
33582 as @code{simplify} or @code{simplify-units}. Programs generally will
33583 never call @code{calc-normalize} except when popping or pushing values
33587 @defun evaluate-expr expr
33588 Replace all variables in @var{expr} that have values with their values,
33589 then use @code{normalize} to simplify the result. This is what happens
33590 when you press the @kbd{=} key interactively.
33593 @defmac with-extra-prec n body
33594 Evaluate the Lisp forms in @var{body} with precision increased by @var{n}
33595 digits. This is a macro which expands to
33599 (let ((calc-internal-prec (+ calc-internal-prec @var{n})))
33603 The surrounding call to @code{math-normalize} causes a floating-point
33604 result to be rounded down to the original precision afterwards. This
33605 is important because some arithmetic operations assume a number's
33606 mantissa contains no more digits than the current precision allows.
33609 @defun make-frac n d
33610 Build a fraction @samp{@var{n}:@var{d}}. This is equivalent to calling
33611 @samp{(normalize (list 'frac @var{n} @var{d}))}, but more efficient.
33614 @defun make-float mant exp
33615 Build a floating-point value out of @var{mant} and @var{exp}, both
33616 of which are arbitrary integers. This function will return a
33617 properly normalized float value, or signal an overflow or underflow
33618 if @var{exp} is out of range.
33621 @defun make-sdev x sigma
33622 Build an error form out of @var{x} and the absolute value of @var{sigma}.
33623 If @var{sigma} is zero, the result is the number @var{x} directly.
33624 If @var{sigma} is negative or complex, its absolute value is used.
33625 If @var{x} or @var{sigma} is not a valid type of object for use in
33626 error forms, this calls @code{reject-arg}.
33629 @defun make-intv mask lo hi
33630 Build an interval form out of @var{mask} (which is assumed to be an
33631 integer from 0 to 3), and the limits @var{lo} and @var{hi}. If
33632 @var{lo} is greater than @var{hi}, an empty interval form is returned.
33633 This calls @code{reject-arg} if @var{lo} or @var{hi} is unsuitable.
33636 @defun sort-intv mask lo hi
33637 Build an interval form, similar to @code{make-intv}, except that if
33638 @var{lo} is less than @var{hi} they are simply exchanged, and the
33639 bits of @var{mask} are swapped accordingly.
33642 @defun make-mod n m
33643 Build a modulo form out of @var{n} and the modulus @var{m}. Since modulo
33644 forms do not allow formulas as their components, if @var{n} or @var{m}
33645 is not a real number or HMS form the result will be a formula which
33646 is a call to @code{makemod}, the algebraic version of this function.
33650 Convert @var{x} to floating-point form. Integers and fractions are
33651 converted to numerically equivalent floats; components of complex
33652 numbers, vectors, HMS forms, date forms, error forms, intervals, and
33653 modulo forms are recursively floated. If the argument is a variable
33654 or formula, this calls @code{reject-arg}.
33658 Compare the numbers @var{x} and @var{y}, and return @mathit{-1} if
33659 @samp{(lessp @var{x} @var{y})}, 1 if @samp{(lessp @var{y} @var{x})},
33660 0 if @samp{(math-equal @var{x} @var{y})}, or 2 if the order is
33661 undefined or cannot be determined.
33665 Return the number of digits of integer @var{n}, effectively
33666 @samp{ceil(log10(@var{n}))}, but much more efficient. Zero is
33667 considered to have zero digits.
33670 @defun scale-int x n
33671 Shift integer @var{x} left @var{n} decimal digits, or right @mathit{-@var{n}}
33672 digits with truncation toward zero.
33675 @defun scale-rounding x n
33676 Like @code{scale-int}, except that a right shift rounds to the nearest
33677 integer rather than truncating.
33681 Return the integer @var{n} as a fixnum, i.e., a native Lisp integer.
33682 If @var{n} is outside the permissible range for Lisp integers (usually
33683 24 binary bits) the result is undefined.
33687 Compute the square of @var{x}; short for @samp{(* @var{x} @var{x})}.
33690 @defun quotient x y
33691 Divide integer @var{x} by integer @var{y}; return an integer quotient
33692 and discard the remainder. If @var{x} or @var{y} is negative, the
33693 direction of rounding is undefined.
33697 Perform an integer division; if @var{x} and @var{y} are both nonnegative
33698 integers, this uses the @code{quotient} function, otherwise it computes
33699 @samp{floor(@var{x}/@var{y})}. Thus the result is well-defined but
33700 slower than for @code{quotient}.
33704 Divide integer @var{x} by integer @var{y}; return the integer remainder
33705 and discard the quotient. Like @code{quotient}, this works only for
33706 integer arguments and is not well-defined for negative arguments.
33707 For a more well-defined result, use @samp{(% @var{x} @var{y})}.
33711 Divide integer @var{x} by integer @var{y}; return a cons cell whose
33712 @code{car} is @samp{(quotient @var{x} @var{y})} and whose @code{cdr}
33713 is @samp{(imod @var{x} @var{y})}.
33717 Compute @var{x} to the power @var{y}. In @code{defmath} code, this can
33718 also be written @samp{(^ @var{x} @var{y})} or
33719 @w{@samp{(expt @var{x} @var{y})}}.
33722 @defun abs-approx x
33723 Compute a fast approximation to the absolute value of @var{x}. For
33724 example, for a rectangular complex number the result is the sum of
33725 the absolute values of the components.
33729 @findex gamma-const
33735 @findex pi-over-180
33736 @findex sqrt-two-pi
33740 The function @samp{(pi)} computes @samp{pi} to the current precision.
33741 Other related constant-generating functions are @code{two-pi},
33742 @code{pi-over-2}, @code{pi-over-4}, @code{pi-over-180}, @code{sqrt-two-pi},
33743 @code{e}, @code{sqrt-e}, @code{ln-2}, @code{ln-10}, @code{phi} and
33744 @code{gamma-const}. Each function returns a floating-point value in the
33745 current precision, and each uses caching so that all calls after the
33746 first are essentially free.
33749 @defmac math-defcache @var{func} @var{initial} @var{form}
33750 This macro, usually used as a top-level call like @code{defun} or
33751 @code{defvar}, defines a new cached constant analogous to @code{pi}, etc.
33752 It defines a function @code{func} which returns the requested value;
33753 if @var{initial} is non-@code{nil} it must be a @samp{(float @dots{})}
33754 form which serves as an initial value for the cache. If @var{func}
33755 is called when the cache is empty or does not have enough digits to
33756 satisfy the current precision, the Lisp expression @var{form} is evaluated
33757 with the current precision increased by four, and the result minus its
33758 two least significant digits is stored in the cache. For example,
33759 calling @samp{(pi)} with a precision of 30 computes @samp{pi} to 34
33760 digits, rounds it down to 32 digits for future use, then rounds it
33761 again to 30 digits for use in the present request.
33764 @findex half-circle
33765 @findex quarter-circle
33766 @defun full-circle symb
33767 If the current angular mode is Degrees or HMS, this function returns the
33768 integer 360. In Radians mode, this function returns either the
33769 corresponding value in radians to the current precision, or the formula
33770 @samp{2*pi}, depending on the Symbolic mode. There are also similar
33771 function @code{half-circle} and @code{quarter-circle}.
33774 @defun power-of-2 n
33775 Compute two to the integer power @var{n}, as a (potentially very large)
33776 integer. Powers of two are cached, so only the first call for a
33777 particular @var{n} is expensive.
33780 @defun integer-log2 n
33781 Compute the base-2 logarithm of @var{n}, which must be an integer which
33782 is a power of two. If @var{n} is not a power of two, this function will
33786 @defun div-mod a b m
33787 Divide @var{a} by @var{b}, modulo @var{m}. This returns @code{nil} if
33788 there is no solution, or if any of the arguments are not integers.
33791 @defun pow-mod a b m
33792 Compute @var{a} to the power @var{b}, modulo @var{m}. If @var{a},
33793 @var{b}, and @var{m} are integers, this uses an especially efficient
33794 algorithm. Otherwise, it simply computes @samp{(% (^ a b) m)}.
33798 Compute the integer square root of @var{n}. This is the square root
33799 of @var{n} rounded down toward zero, i.e., @samp{floor(sqrt(@var{n}))}.
33800 If @var{n} is itself an integer, the computation is especially efficient.
33803 @defun to-hms a ang
33804 Convert the argument @var{a} into an HMS form. If @var{ang} is specified,
33805 it is the angular mode in which to interpret @var{a}, either @code{deg}
33806 or @code{rad}. Otherwise, the current angular mode is used. If @var{a}
33807 is already an HMS form it is returned as-is.
33810 @defun from-hms a ang
33811 Convert the HMS form @var{a} into a real number. If @var{ang} is specified,
33812 it is the angular mode in which to express the result, otherwise the
33813 current angular mode is used. If @var{a} is already a real number, it
33817 @defun to-radians a
33818 Convert the number or HMS form @var{a} to radians from the current
33822 @defun from-radians a
33823 Convert the number @var{a} from radians to the current angular mode.
33824 If @var{a} is a formula, this returns the formula @samp{deg(@var{a})}.
33827 @defun to-radians-2 a
33828 Like @code{to-radians}, except that in Symbolic mode a degrees to
33829 radians conversion yields a formula like @samp{@var{a}*pi/180}.
33832 @defun from-radians-2 a
33833 Like @code{from-radians}, except that in Symbolic mode a radians to
33834 degrees conversion yields a formula like @samp{@var{a}*180/pi}.
33837 @defun random-digit
33838 Produce a random base-1000 digit in the range 0 to 999.
33841 @defun random-digits n
33842 Produce a random @var{n}-digit integer; this will be an integer
33843 in the interval @samp{[0, 10^@var{n})}.
33846 @defun random-float
33847 Produce a random float in the interval @samp{[0, 1)}.
33850 @defun prime-test n iters
33851 Determine whether the integer @var{n} is prime. Return a list which has
33852 one of these forms: @samp{(nil @var{f})} means the number is non-prime
33853 because it was found to be divisible by @var{f}; @samp{(nil)} means it
33854 was found to be non-prime by table look-up (so no factors are known);
33855 @samp{(nil unknown)} means it is definitely non-prime but no factors
33856 are known because @var{n} was large enough that Fermat's probabilistic
33857 test had to be used; @samp{(t)} means the number is definitely prime;
33858 and @samp{(maybe @var{i} @var{p})} means that Fermat's test, after @var{i}
33859 iterations, is @var{p} percent sure that the number is prime. The
33860 @var{iters} parameter is the number of Fermat iterations to use, in the
33861 case that this is necessary. If @code{prime-test} returns ``maybe,''
33862 you can call it again with the same @var{n} to get a greater certainty;
33863 @code{prime-test} remembers where it left off.
33866 @defun to-simple-fraction f
33867 If @var{f} is a floating-point number which can be represented exactly
33868 as a small rational number. return that number, else return @var{f}.
33869 For example, 0.75 would be converted to 3:4. This function is very
33873 @defun to-fraction f tol
33874 Find a rational approximation to floating-point number @var{f} to within
33875 a specified tolerance @var{tol}; this corresponds to the algebraic
33876 function @code{frac}, and can be rather slow.
33879 @defun quarter-integer n
33880 If @var{n} is an integer or integer-valued float, this function
33881 returns zero. If @var{n} is a half-integer (i.e., an integer plus
33882 @mathit{1:2} or 0.5), it returns 2. If @var{n} is a quarter-integer,
33883 it returns 1 or 3. If @var{n} is anything else, this function
33884 returns @code{nil}.
33887 @node Vector Lisp Functions, Symbolic Lisp Functions, Computational Lisp Functions, Internals
33888 @subsubsection Vector Functions
33891 The functions described here perform various operations on vectors and
33894 @defun math-concat x y
33895 Do a vector concatenation; this operation is written @samp{@var{x} | @var{y}}
33896 in a symbolic formula. @xref{Building Vectors}.
33899 @defun vec-length v
33900 Return the length of vector @var{v}. If @var{v} is not a vector, the
33901 result is zero. If @var{v} is a matrix, this returns the number of
33902 rows in the matrix.
33905 @defun mat-dimens m
33906 Determine the dimensions of vector or matrix @var{m}. If @var{m} is not
33907 a vector, the result is an empty list. If @var{m} is a plain vector
33908 but not a matrix, the result is a one-element list containing the length
33909 of the vector. If @var{m} is a matrix with @var{r} rows and @var{c} columns,
33910 the result is the list @samp{(@var{r} @var{c})}. Higher-order tensors
33911 produce lists of more than two dimensions. Note that the object
33912 @samp{[[1, 2, 3], [4, 5]]} is a vector of vectors not all the same size,
33913 and is treated by this and other Calc routines as a plain vector of two
33917 @defun dimension-error
33918 Abort the current function with a message of ``Dimension error.''
33919 The Calculator will leave the function being evaluated in symbolic
33920 form; this is really just a special case of @code{reject-arg}.
33923 @defun build-vector args
33924 Return a Calc vector with @var{args} as elements.
33925 For example, @samp{(build-vector 1 2 3)} returns the Calc vector
33926 @samp{[1, 2, 3]}, stored internally as the list @samp{(vec 1 2 3)}.
33929 @defun make-vec obj dims
33930 Return a Calc vector or matrix all of whose elements are equal to
33931 @var{obj}. For example, @samp{(make-vec 27 3 4)} returns a 3x4 matrix
33935 @defun row-matrix v
33936 If @var{v} is a plain vector, convert it into a row matrix, i.e.,
33937 a matrix whose single row is @var{v}. If @var{v} is already a matrix,
33941 @defun col-matrix v
33942 If @var{v} is a plain vector, convert it into a column matrix, i.e., a
33943 matrix with each element of @var{v} as a separate row. If @var{v} is
33944 already a matrix, leave it alone.
33948 Map the Lisp function @var{f} over the Calc vector @var{v}. For example,
33949 @samp{(map-vec 'math-floor v)} returns a vector of the floored components
33953 @defun map-vec-2 f a b
33954 Map the Lisp function @var{f} over the two vectors @var{a} and @var{b}.
33955 If @var{a} and @var{b} are vectors of equal length, the result is a
33956 vector of the results of calling @samp{(@var{f} @var{ai} @var{bi})}
33957 for each pair of elements @var{ai} and @var{bi}. If either @var{a} or
33958 @var{b} is a scalar, it is matched with each value of the other vector.
33959 For example, @samp{(map-vec-2 'math-add v 1)} returns the vector @var{v}
33960 with each element increased by one. Note that using @samp{'+} would not
33961 work here, since @code{defmath} does not expand function names everywhere,
33962 just where they are in the function position of a Lisp expression.
33965 @defun reduce-vec f v
33966 Reduce the function @var{f} over the vector @var{v}. For example, if
33967 @var{v} is @samp{[10, 20, 30, 40]}, this calls @samp{(f (f (f 10 20) 30) 40)}.
33968 If @var{v} is a matrix, this reduces over the rows of @var{v}.
33971 @defun reduce-cols f m
33972 Reduce the function @var{f} over the columns of matrix @var{m}. For
33973 example, if @var{m} is @samp{[[1, 2], [3, 4], [5, 6]]}, the result
33974 is a vector of the two elements @samp{(f (f 1 3) 5)} and @samp{(f (f 2 4) 6)}.
33978 Return the @var{n}th row of matrix @var{m}. This is equivalent to
33979 @samp{(elt m n)}. For a slower but safer version, use @code{mrow}.
33980 (@xref{Extracting Elements}.)
33984 Return the @var{n}th column of matrix @var{m}, in the form of a vector.
33985 The arguments are not checked for correctness.
33988 @defun mat-less-row m n
33989 Return a copy of matrix @var{m} with its @var{n}th row deleted. The
33990 number @var{n} must be in range from 1 to the number of rows in @var{m}.
33993 @defun mat-less-col m n
33994 Return a copy of matrix @var{m} with its @var{n}th column deleted.
33998 Return the transpose of matrix @var{m}.
34001 @defun flatten-vector v
34002 Flatten nested vector @var{v} into a vector of scalars. For example,
34003 if @var{v} is @samp{[[1, 2, 3], [4, 5]]} the result is @samp{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}.
34006 @defun copy-matrix m
34007 If @var{m} is a matrix, return a copy of @var{m}. This maps
34008 @code{copy-sequence} over the rows of @var{m}; in Lisp terms, each
34009 element of the result matrix will be @code{eq} to the corresponding
34010 element of @var{m}, but none of the @code{cons} cells that make up
34011 the structure of the matrix will be @code{eq}. If @var{m} is a plain
34012 vector, this is the same as @code{copy-sequence}.
34015 @defun swap-rows m r1 r2
34016 Exchange rows @var{r1} and @var{r2} of matrix @var{m} in-place. In
34017 other words, unlike most of the other functions described here, this
34018 function changes @var{m} itself rather than building up a new result
34019 matrix. The return value is @var{m}, i.e., @samp{(eq (swap-rows m 1 2) m)}
34020 is true, with the side effect of exchanging the first two rows of
34024 @node Symbolic Lisp Functions, Formatting Lisp Functions, Vector Lisp Functions, Internals
34025 @subsubsection Symbolic Functions
34028 The functions described here operate on symbolic formulas in the
34031 @defun calc-prepare-selection num
34032 Prepare a stack entry for selection operations. If @var{num} is
34033 omitted, the stack entry containing the cursor is used; otherwise,
34034 it is the number of the stack entry to use. This function stores
34035 useful information about the current stack entry into a set of
34036 variables. @code{calc-selection-cache-num} contains the number of
34037 the stack entry involved (equal to @var{num} if you specified it);
34038 @code{calc-selection-cache-entry} contains the stack entry as a
34039 list (such as @code{calc-top-list} would return with @code{entry}
34040 as the selection mode); and @code{calc-selection-cache-comp} contains
34041 a special ``tagged'' composition (@pxref{Formatting Lisp Functions})
34042 which allows Calc to relate cursor positions in the buffer with
34043 their corresponding sub-formulas.
34045 A slight complication arises in the selection mechanism because
34046 formulas may contain small integers. For example, in the vector
34047 @samp{[1, 2, 1]} the first and last elements are @code{eq} to each
34048 other; selections are recorded as the actual Lisp object that
34049 appears somewhere in the tree of the whole formula, but storing
34050 @code{1} would falsely select both @code{1}'s in the vector. So
34051 @code{calc-prepare-selection} also checks the stack entry and
34052 replaces any plain integers with ``complex number'' lists of the form
34053 @samp{(cplx @var{n} 0)}. This list will be displayed the same as a
34054 plain @var{n} and the change will be completely invisible to the
34055 user, but it will guarantee that no two sub-formulas of the stack
34056 entry will be @code{eq} to each other. Next time the stack entry
34057 is involved in a computation, @code{calc-normalize} will replace
34058 these lists with plain numbers again, again invisibly to the user.
34061 @defun calc-encase-atoms x
34062 This modifies the formula @var{x} to ensure that each part of the
34063 formula is a unique atom, using the @samp{(cplx @var{n} 0)} trick
34064 described above. This function may use @code{setcar} to modify
34065 the formula in-place.
34068 @defun calc-find-selected-part
34069 Find the smallest sub-formula of the current formula that contains
34070 the cursor. This assumes @code{calc-prepare-selection} has been
34071 called already. If the cursor is not actually on any part of the
34072 formula, this returns @code{nil}.
34075 @defun calc-change-current-selection selection
34076 Change the currently prepared stack element's selection to
34077 @var{selection}, which should be @code{eq} to some sub-formula
34078 of the stack element, or @code{nil} to unselect the formula.
34079 The stack element's appearance in the Calc buffer is adjusted
34080 to reflect the new selection.
34083 @defun calc-find-nth-part expr n
34084 Return the @var{n}th sub-formula of @var{expr}. This function is used
34085 by the selection commands, and (unless @kbd{j b} has been used) treats
34086 sums and products as flat many-element formulas. Thus if @var{expr}
34087 is @samp{((a + b) - c) + d}, calling @code{calc-find-nth-part} with
34088 @var{n} equal to four will return @samp{d}.
34091 @defun calc-find-parent-formula expr part
34092 Return the sub-formula of @var{expr} which immediately contains
34093 @var{part}. If @var{expr} is @samp{a*b + (c+1)*d} and @var{part}
34094 is @code{eq} to the @samp{c+1} term of @var{expr}, then this function
34095 will return @samp{(c+1)*d}. If @var{part} turns out not to be a
34096 sub-formula of @var{expr}, the function returns @code{nil}. If
34097 @var{part} is @code{eq} to @var{expr}, the function returns @code{t}.
34098 This function does not take associativity into account.
34101 @defun calc-find-assoc-parent-formula expr part
34102 This is the same as @code{calc-find-parent-formula}, except that
34103 (unless @kbd{j b} has been used) it continues widening the selection
34104 to contain a complete level of the formula. Given @samp{a} from
34105 @samp{((a + b) - c) + d}, @code{calc-find-parent-formula} will
34106 return @samp{a + b} but @code{calc-find-assoc-parent-formula} will
34107 return the whole expression.
34110 @defun calc-grow-assoc-formula expr part
34111 This expands sub-formula @var{part} of @var{expr} to encompass a
34112 complete level of the formula. If @var{part} and its immediate
34113 parent are not compatible associative operators, or if @kbd{j b}
34114 has been used, this simply returns @var{part}.
34117 @defun calc-find-sub-formula expr part
34118 This finds the immediate sub-formula of @var{expr} which contains
34119 @var{part}. It returns an index @var{n} such that
34120 @samp{(calc-find-nth-part @var{expr} @var{n})} would return @var{part}.
34121 If @var{part} is not a sub-formula of @var{expr}, it returns @code{nil}.
34122 If @var{part} is @code{eq} to @var{expr}, it returns @code{t}. This
34123 function does not take associativity into account.
34126 @defun calc-replace-sub-formula expr old new
34127 This function returns a copy of formula @var{expr}, with the
34128 sub-formula that is @code{eq} to @var{old} replaced by @var{new}.
34131 @defun simplify expr
34132 Simplify the expression @var{expr} by applying various algebraic rules.
34133 This is what the @w{@kbd{a s}} (@code{calc-simplify}) command uses. This
34134 always returns a copy of the expression; the structure @var{expr} points
34135 to remains unchanged in memory.
34137 More precisely, here is what @code{simplify} does: The expression is
34138 first normalized and evaluated by calling @code{normalize}. If any
34139 @code{AlgSimpRules} have been defined, they are then applied. Then
34140 the expression is traversed in a depth-first, bottom-up fashion; at
34141 each level, any simplifications that can be made are made until no
34142 further changes are possible. Once the entire formula has been
34143 traversed in this way, it is compared with the original formula (from
34144 before the call to @code{normalize}) and, if it has changed,
34145 the entire procedure is repeated (starting with @code{normalize})
34146 until no further changes occur. Usually only two iterations are
34147 needed:@: one to simplify the formula, and another to verify that no
34148 further simplifications were possible.
34151 @defun simplify-extended expr
34152 Simplify the expression @var{expr}, with additional rules enabled that
34153 help do a more thorough job, while not being entirely ``safe'' in all
34154 circumstances. (For example, this mode will simplify @samp{sqrt(x^2)}
34155 to @samp{x}, which is only valid when @var{x} is positive.) This is
34156 implemented by temporarily binding the variable @code{math-living-dangerously}
34157 to @code{t} (using a @code{let} form) and calling @code{simplify}.
34158 Dangerous simplification rules are written to check this variable
34159 before taking any action.
34162 @defun simplify-units expr
34163 Simplify the expression @var{expr}, treating variable names as units
34164 whenever possible. This works by binding the variable
34165 @code{math-simplifying-units} to @code{t} while calling @code{simplify}.
34168 @defmac math-defsimplify funcs body
34169 Register a new simplification rule; this is normally called as a top-level
34170 form, like @code{defun} or @code{defmath}. If @var{funcs} is a symbol
34171 (like @code{+} or @code{calcFunc-sqrt}), this simplification rule is
34172 applied to the formulas which are calls to the specified function. Or,
34173 @var{funcs} can be a list of such symbols; the rule applies to all
34174 functions on the list. The @var{body} is written like the body of a
34175 function with a single argument called @code{expr}. The body will be
34176 executed with @code{expr} bound to a formula which is a call to one of
34177 the functions @var{funcs}. If the function body returns @code{nil}, or
34178 if it returns a result @code{equal} to the original @code{expr}, it is
34179 ignored and Calc goes on to try the next simplification rule that applies.
34180 If the function body returns something different, that new formula is
34181 substituted for @var{expr} in the original formula.
34183 At each point in the formula, rules are tried in the order of the
34184 original calls to @code{math-defsimplify}; the search stops after the
34185 first rule that makes a change. Thus later rules for that same
34186 function will not have a chance to trigger until the next iteration
34187 of the main @code{simplify} loop.
34189 Note that, since @code{defmath} is not being used here, @var{body} must
34190 be written in true Lisp code without the conveniences that @code{defmath}
34191 provides. If you prefer, you can have @var{body} simply call another
34192 function (defined with @code{defmath}) which does the real work.
34194 The arguments of a function call will already have been simplified
34195 before any rules for the call itself are invoked. Since a new argument
34196 list is consed up when this happens, this means that the rule's body is
34197 allowed to rearrange the function's arguments destructively if that is
34198 convenient. Here is a typical example of a simplification rule:
34201 (math-defsimplify calcFunc-arcsinh
34202 (or (and (math-looks-negp (nth 1 expr))
34203 (math-neg (list 'calcFunc-arcsinh
34204 (math-neg (nth 1 expr)))))
34205 (and (eq (car-safe (nth 1 expr)) 'calcFunc-sinh)
34206 (or math-living-dangerously
34207 (math-known-realp (nth 1 (nth 1 expr))))
34208 (nth 1 (nth 1 expr)))))
34211 This is really a pair of rules written with one @code{math-defsimplify}
34212 for convenience; the first replaces @samp{arcsinh(-x)} with
34213 @samp{-arcsinh(x)}, and the second, which is safe only for real @samp{x},
34214 replaces @samp{arcsinh(sinh(x))} with @samp{x}.
34217 @defun common-constant-factor expr
34218 Check @var{expr} to see if it is a sum of terms all multiplied by the
34219 same rational value. If so, return this value. If not, return @code{nil}.
34220 For example, if called on @samp{6x + 9y + 12z}, it would return 3, since
34221 3 is a common factor of all the terms.
34224 @defun cancel-common-factor expr factor
34225 Assuming @var{expr} is a sum with @var{factor} as a common factor,
34226 divide each term of the sum by @var{factor}. This is done by
34227 destructively modifying parts of @var{expr}, on the assumption that
34228 it is being used by a simplification rule (where such things are
34229 allowed; see above). For example, consider this built-in rule for
34233 (math-defsimplify calcFunc-sqrt
34234 (let ((fac (math-common-constant-factor (nth 1 expr))))
34235 (and fac (not (eq fac 1))
34236 (math-mul (math-normalize (list 'calcFunc-sqrt fac))
34238 (list 'calcFunc-sqrt
34239 (math-cancel-common-factor
34240 (nth 1 expr) fac)))))))
34244 @defun frac-gcd a b
34245 Compute a ``rational GCD'' of @var{a} and @var{b}, which must both be
34246 rational numbers. This is the fraction composed of the GCD of the
34247 numerators of @var{a} and @var{b}, over the GCD of the denominators.
34248 It is used by @code{common-constant-factor}. Note that the standard
34249 @code{gcd} function uses the LCM to combine the denominators.
34252 @defun map-tree func expr many
34253 Try applying Lisp function @var{func} to various sub-expressions of
34254 @var{expr}. Initially, call @var{func} with @var{expr} itself as an
34255 argument. If this returns an expression which is not @code{equal} to
34256 @var{expr}, apply @var{func} again until eventually it does return
34257 @var{expr} with no changes. Then, if @var{expr} is a function call,
34258 recursively apply @var{func} to each of the arguments. This keeps going
34259 until no changes occur anywhere in the expression; this final expression
34260 is returned by @code{map-tree}. Note that, unlike simplification rules,
34261 @var{func} functions may @emph{not} make destructive changes to
34262 @var{expr}. If a third argument @var{many} is provided, it is an
34263 integer which says how many times @var{func} may be applied; the
34264 default, as described above, is infinitely many times.
34267 @defun compile-rewrites rules
34268 Compile the rewrite rule set specified by @var{rules}, which should
34269 be a formula that is either a vector or a variable name. If the latter,
34270 the compiled rules are saved so that later @code{compile-rules} calls
34271 for that same variable can return immediately. If there are problems
34272 with the rules, this function calls @code{error} with a suitable
34276 @defun apply-rewrites expr crules heads
34277 Apply the compiled rewrite rule set @var{crules} to the expression
34278 @var{expr}. This will make only one rewrite and only checks at the
34279 top level of the expression. The result @code{nil} if no rules
34280 matched, or if the only rules that matched did not actually change
34281 the expression. The @var{heads} argument is optional; if is given,
34282 it should be a list of all function names that (may) appear in
34283 @var{expr}. The rewrite compiler tags each rule with the
34284 rarest-looking function name in the rule; if you specify @var{heads},
34285 @code{apply-rewrites} can use this information to narrow its search
34286 down to just a few rules in the rule set.
34289 @defun rewrite-heads expr
34290 Compute a @var{heads} list for @var{expr} suitable for use with
34291 @code{apply-rewrites}, as discussed above.
34294 @defun rewrite expr rules many
34295 This is an all-in-one rewrite function. It compiles the rule set
34296 specified by @var{rules}, then uses @code{map-tree} to apply the
34297 rules throughout @var{expr} up to @var{many} (default infinity)
34301 @defun match-patterns pat vec not-flag
34302 Given a Calc vector @var{vec} and an uncompiled pattern set or
34303 pattern set variable @var{pat}, this function returns a new vector
34304 of all elements of @var{vec} which do (or don't, if @var{not-flag} is
34305 non-@code{nil}) match any of the patterns in @var{pat}.
34308 @defun deriv expr var value symb
34309 Compute the derivative of @var{expr} with respect to variable @var{var}
34310 (which may actually be any sub-expression). If @var{value} is specified,
34311 the derivative is evaluated at the value of @var{var}; otherwise, the
34312 derivative is left in terms of @var{var}. If the expression contains
34313 functions for which no derivative formula is known, new derivative
34314 functions are invented by adding primes to the names; @pxref{Calculus}.
34315 However, if @var{symb} is non-@code{nil}, the presence of undifferentiable
34316 functions in @var{expr} instead cancels the whole differentiation, and
34317 @code{deriv} returns @code{nil} instead.
34319 Derivatives of an @var{n}-argument function can be defined by
34320 adding a @code{math-derivative-@var{n}} property to the property list
34321 of the symbol for the function's derivative, which will be the
34322 function name followed by an apostrophe. The value of the property
34323 should be a Lisp function; it is called with the same arguments as the
34324 original function call that is being differentiated. It should return
34325 a formula for the derivative. For example, the derivative of @code{ln}
34329 (put 'calcFunc-ln\' 'math-derivative-1
34330 (function (lambda (u) (math-div 1 u))))
34333 The two-argument @code{log} function has two derivatives,
34335 (put 'calcFunc-log\' 'math-derivative-2 ; d(log(x,b)) / dx
34336 (function (lambda (x b) ... )))
34337 (put 'calcFunc-log\'2 'math-derivative-2 ; d(log(x,b)) / db
34338 (function (lambda (x b) ... )))
34342 @defun tderiv expr var value symb
34343 Compute the total derivative of @var{expr}. This is the same as
34344 @code{deriv}, except that variables other than @var{var} are not
34345 assumed to be constant with respect to @var{var}.
34348 @defun integ expr var low high
34349 Compute the integral of @var{expr} with respect to @var{var}.
34350 @xref{Calculus}, for further details.
34353 @defmac math-defintegral funcs body
34354 Define a rule for integrating a function or functions of one argument;
34355 this macro is very similar in format to @code{math-defsimplify}.
34356 The main difference is that here @var{body} is the body of a function
34357 with a single argument @code{u} which is bound to the argument to the
34358 function being integrated, not the function call itself. Also, the
34359 variable of integration is available as @code{math-integ-var}. If
34360 evaluation of the integral requires doing further integrals, the body
34361 should call @samp{(math-integral @var{x})} to find the integral of
34362 @var{x} with respect to @code{math-integ-var}; this function returns
34363 @code{nil} if the integral could not be done. Some examples:
34366 (math-defintegral calcFunc-conj
34367 (let ((int (math-integral u)))
34369 (list 'calcFunc-conj int))))
34371 (math-defintegral calcFunc-cos
34372 (and (equal u math-integ-var)
34373 (math-from-radians-2 (list 'calcFunc-sin u))))
34376 In the @code{cos} example, we define only the integral of @samp{cos(x) dx},
34377 relying on the general integration-by-substitution facility to handle
34378 cosines of more complicated arguments. An integration rule should return
34379 @code{nil} if it can't do the integral; if several rules are defined for
34380 the same function, they are tried in order until one returns a non-@code{nil}
34384 @defmac math-defintegral-2 funcs body
34385 Define a rule for integrating a function or functions of two arguments.
34386 This is exactly analogous to @code{math-defintegral}, except that @var{body}
34387 is written as the body of a function with two arguments, @var{u} and
34391 @defun solve-for lhs rhs var full
34392 Attempt to solve the equation @samp{@var{lhs} = @var{rhs}} by isolating
34393 the variable @var{var} on the lefthand side; return the resulting righthand
34394 side, or @code{nil} if the equation cannot be solved. The variable
34395 @var{var} must appear at least once in @var{lhs} or @var{rhs}. Note that
34396 the return value is a formula which does not contain @var{var}; this is
34397 different from the user-level @code{solve} and @code{finv} functions,
34398 which return a rearranged equation or a functional inverse, respectively.
34399 If @var{full} is non-@code{nil}, a full solution including dummy signs
34400 and dummy integers will be produced. User-defined inverses are provided
34401 as properties in a manner similar to derivatives:
34404 (put 'calcFunc-ln 'math-inverse
34405 (function (lambda (x) (list 'calcFunc-exp x))))
34408 This function can call @samp{(math-solve-get-sign @var{x})} to create
34409 a new arbitrary sign variable, returning @var{x} times that sign, and
34410 @samp{(math-solve-get-int @var{x})} to create a new arbitrary integer
34411 variable multiplied by @var{x}. These functions simply return @var{x}
34412 if the caller requested a non-``full'' solution.
34415 @defun solve-eqn expr var full
34416 This version of @code{solve-for} takes an expression which will
34417 typically be an equation or inequality. (If it is not, it will be
34418 interpreted as the equation @samp{@var{expr} = 0}.) It returns an
34419 equation or inequality, or @code{nil} if no solution could be found.
34422 @defun solve-system exprs vars full
34423 This function solves a system of equations. Generally, @var{exprs}
34424 and @var{vars} will be vectors of equal length.
34425 @xref{Solving Systems of Equations}, for other options.
34428 @defun expr-contains expr var
34429 Returns a non-@code{nil} value if @var{var} occurs as a subexpression
34432 This function might seem at first to be identical to
34433 @code{calc-find-sub-formula}. The key difference is that
34434 @code{expr-contains} uses @code{equal} to test for matches, whereas
34435 @code{calc-find-sub-formula} uses @code{eq}. In the formula
34436 @samp{f(a, a)}, the two @samp{a}s will be @code{equal} but not
34437 @code{eq} to each other.
34440 @defun expr-contains-count expr var
34441 Returns the number of occurrences of @var{var} as a subexpression
34442 of @var{expr}, or @code{nil} if there are no occurrences.
34445 @defun expr-depends expr var
34446 Returns true if @var{expr} refers to any variable the occurs in @var{var}.
34447 In other words, it checks if @var{expr} and @var{var} have any variables
34451 @defun expr-contains-vars expr
34452 Return true if @var{expr} contains any variables, or @code{nil} if @var{expr}
34453 contains only constants and functions with constant arguments.
34456 @defun expr-subst expr old new
34457 Returns a copy of @var{expr}, with all occurrences of @var{old} replaced
34458 by @var{new}. This treats @code{lambda} forms specially with respect
34459 to the dummy argument variables, so that the effect is always to return
34460 @var{expr} evaluated at @var{old} = @var{new}.
34463 @defun multi-subst expr old new
34464 This is like @code{expr-subst}, except that @var{old} and @var{new}
34465 are lists of expressions to be substituted simultaneously. If one
34466 list is shorter than the other, trailing elements of the longer list
34470 @defun expr-weight expr
34471 Returns the ``weight'' of @var{expr}, basically a count of the total
34472 number of objects and function calls that appear in @var{expr}. For
34473 ``primitive'' objects, this will be one.
34476 @defun expr-height expr
34477 Returns the ``height'' of @var{expr}, which is the deepest level to
34478 which function calls are nested. (Note that @samp{@var{a} + @var{b}}
34479 counts as a function call.) For primitive objects, this returns zero.
34482 @defun polynomial-p expr var
34483 Check if @var{expr} is a polynomial in variable (or sub-expression)
34484 @var{var}. If so, return the degree of the polynomial, that is, the
34485 highest power of @var{var} that appears in @var{expr}. For example,
34486 for @samp{(x^2 + 3)^3 + 4} this would return 6. This function returns
34487 @code{nil} unless @var{expr}, when expanded out by @kbd{a x}
34488 (@code{calc-expand}), would consist of a sum of terms in which @var{var}
34489 appears only raised to nonnegative integer powers. Note that if
34490 @var{var} does not occur in @var{expr}, then @var{expr} is considered
34491 a polynomial of degree 0.
34494 @defun is-polynomial expr var degree loose
34495 Check if @var{expr} is a polynomial in variable or sub-expression
34496 @var{var}, and, if so, return a list representation of the polynomial
34497 where the elements of the list are coefficients of successive powers of
34498 @var{var}: @samp{@var{a} + @var{b} x + @var{c} x^3} would produce the
34499 list @samp{(@var{a} @var{b} 0 @var{c})}, and @samp{(x + 1)^2} would
34500 produce the list @samp{(1 2 1)}. The highest element of the list will
34501 be non-zero, with the special exception that if @var{expr} is the
34502 constant zero, the returned value will be @samp{(0)}. Return @code{nil}
34503 if @var{expr} is not a polynomial in @var{var}. If @var{degree} is
34504 specified, this will not consider polynomials of degree higher than that
34505 value. This is a good precaution because otherwise an input of
34506 @samp{(x+1)^1000} will cause a huge coefficient list to be built. If
34507 @var{loose} is non-@code{nil}, then a looser definition of a polynomial
34508 is used in which coefficients are no longer required not to depend on
34509 @var{var}, but are only required not to take the form of polynomials
34510 themselves. For example, @samp{sin(x) x^2 + cos(x)} is a loose
34511 polynomial with coefficients @samp{((calcFunc-cos x) 0 (calcFunc-sin
34512 x))}. The result will never be @code{nil} in loose mode, since any
34513 expression can be interpreted as a ``constant'' loose polynomial.
34516 @defun polynomial-base expr pred
34517 Check if @var{expr} is a polynomial in any variable that occurs in it;
34518 if so, return that variable. (If @var{expr} is a multivariate polynomial,
34519 this chooses one variable arbitrarily.) If @var{pred} is specified, it should
34520 be a Lisp function which is called as @samp{(@var{pred} @var{subexpr})},
34521 and which should return true if @code{mpb-top-expr} (a global name for
34522 the original @var{expr}) is a suitable polynomial in @var{subexpr}.
34523 The default predicate uses @samp{(polynomial-p mpb-top-expr @var{subexpr})};
34524 you can use @var{pred} to specify additional conditions. Or, you could
34525 have @var{pred} build up a list of every suitable @var{subexpr} that
34529 @defun poly-simplify poly
34530 Simplify polynomial coefficient list @var{poly} by (destructively)
34531 clipping off trailing zeros.
34534 @defun poly-mix a ac b bc
34535 Mix two polynomial lists @var{a} and @var{b} (in the form returned by
34536 @code{is-polynomial}) in a linear combination with coefficient expressions
34537 @var{ac} and @var{bc}. The result is a (not necessarily simplified)
34538 polynomial list representing @samp{@var{ac} @var{a} + @var{bc} @var{b}}.
34541 @defun poly-mul a b
34542 Multiply two polynomial coefficient lists @var{a} and @var{b}. The
34543 result will be in simplified form if the inputs were simplified.
34546 @defun build-polynomial-expr poly var
34547 Construct a Calc formula which represents the polynomial coefficient
34548 list @var{poly} applied to variable @var{var}. The @kbd{a c}
34549 (@code{calc-collect}) command uses @code{is-polynomial} to turn an
34550 expression into a coefficient list, then @code{build-polynomial-expr}
34551 to turn the list back into an expression in regular form.
34554 @defun check-unit-name var
34555 Check if @var{var} is a variable which can be interpreted as a unit
34556 name. If so, return the units table entry for that unit. This
34557 will be a list whose first element is the unit name (not counting
34558 prefix characters) as a symbol and whose second element is the
34559 Calc expression which defines the unit. (Refer to the Calc sources
34560 for details on the remaining elements of this list.) If @var{var}
34561 is not a variable or is not a unit name, return @code{nil}.
34564 @defun units-in-expr-p expr sub-exprs
34565 Return true if @var{expr} contains any variables which can be
34566 interpreted as units. If @var{sub-exprs} is @code{t}, the entire
34567 expression is searched. If @var{sub-exprs} is @code{nil}, this
34568 checks whether @var{expr} is directly a units expression.
34571 @defun single-units-in-expr-p expr
34572 Check whether @var{expr} contains exactly one units variable. If so,
34573 return the units table entry for the variable. If @var{expr} does
34574 not contain any units, return @code{nil}. If @var{expr} contains
34575 two or more units, return the symbol @code{wrong}.
34578 @defun to-standard-units expr which
34579 Convert units expression @var{expr} to base units. If @var{which}
34580 is @code{nil}, use Calc's native base units. Otherwise, @var{which}
34581 can specify a units system, which is a list of two-element lists,
34582 where the first element is a Calc base symbol name and the second
34583 is an expression to substitute for it.
34586 @defun remove-units expr
34587 Return a copy of @var{expr} with all units variables replaced by ones.
34588 This expression is generally normalized before use.
34591 @defun extract-units expr
34592 Return a copy of @var{expr} with everything but units variables replaced
34596 @node Formatting Lisp Functions, Hooks, Symbolic Lisp Functions, Internals
34597 @subsubsection I/O and Formatting Functions
34600 The functions described here are responsible for parsing and formatting
34601 Calc numbers and formulas.
34603 @defun calc-eval str sep arg1 arg2 @dots{}
34604 This is the simplest interface to the Calculator from another Lisp program.
34605 @xref{Calling Calc from Your Programs}.
34608 @defun read-number str
34609 If string @var{str} contains a valid Calc number, either integer,
34610 fraction, float, or HMS form, this function parses and returns that
34611 number. Otherwise, it returns @code{nil}.
34614 @defun read-expr str
34615 Read an algebraic expression from string @var{str}. If @var{str} does
34616 not have the form of a valid expression, return a list of the form
34617 @samp{(error @var{pos} @var{msg})} where @var{pos} is an integer index
34618 into @var{str} of the general location of the error, and @var{msg} is
34619 a string describing the problem.
34622 @defun read-exprs str
34623 Read a list of expressions separated by commas, and return it as a
34624 Lisp list. If an error occurs in any expressions, an error list as
34625 shown above is returned instead.
34628 @defun calc-do-alg-entry initial prompt no-norm
34629 Read an algebraic formula or formulas using the minibuffer. All
34630 conventions of regular algebraic entry are observed. The return value
34631 is a list of Calc formulas; there will be more than one if the user
34632 entered a list of values separated by commas. The result is @code{nil}
34633 if the user presses Return with a blank line. If @var{initial} is
34634 given, it is a string which the minibuffer will initially contain.
34635 If @var{prompt} is given, it is the prompt string to use; the default
34636 is ``Algebraic:''. If @var{no-norm} is @code{t}, the formulas will
34637 be returned exactly as parsed; otherwise, they will be passed through
34638 @code{calc-normalize} first.
34640 To support the use of @kbd{$} characters in the algebraic entry, use
34641 @code{let} to bind @code{calc-dollar-values} to a list of the values
34642 to be substituted for @kbd{$}, @kbd{$$}, and so on, and bind
34643 @code{calc-dollar-used} to 0. Upon return, @code{calc-dollar-used}
34644 will have been changed to the highest number of consecutive @kbd{$}s
34645 that actually appeared in the input.
34648 @defun format-number a
34649 Convert the real or complex number or HMS form @var{a} to string form.
34652 @defun format-flat-expr a prec
34653 Convert the arbitrary Calc number or formula @var{a} to string form,
34654 in the style used by the trail buffer and the @code{calc-edit} command.
34655 This is a simple format designed
34656 mostly to guarantee the string is of a form that can be re-parsed by
34657 @code{read-expr}. Most formatting modes, such as digit grouping,
34658 complex number format, and point character, are ignored to ensure the
34659 result will be re-readable. The @var{prec} parameter is normally 0; if
34660 you pass a large integer like 1000 instead, the expression will be
34661 surrounded by parentheses unless it is a plain number or variable name.
34664 @defun format-nice-expr a width
34665 This is like @code{format-flat-expr} (with @var{prec} equal to 0),
34666 except that newlines will be inserted to keep lines down to the
34667 specified @var{width}, and vectors that look like matrices or rewrite
34668 rules are written in a pseudo-matrix format. The @code{calc-edit}
34669 command uses this when only one stack entry is being edited.
34672 @defun format-value a width
34673 Convert the Calc number or formula @var{a} to string form, using the
34674 format seen in the stack buffer. Beware the string returned may
34675 not be re-readable by @code{read-expr}, for example, because of digit
34676 grouping. Multi-line objects like matrices produce strings that
34677 contain newline characters to separate the lines. The @var{w}
34678 parameter, if given, is the target window size for which to format
34679 the expressions. If @var{w} is omitted, the width of the Calculator
34683 @defun compose-expr a prec
34684 Format the Calc number or formula @var{a} according to the current
34685 language mode, returning a ``composition.'' To learn about the
34686 structure of compositions, see the comments in the Calc source code.
34687 You can specify the format of a given type of function call by putting
34688 a @code{math-compose-@var{lang}} property on the function's symbol,
34689 whose value is a Lisp function that takes @var{a} and @var{prec} as
34690 arguments and returns a composition. Here @var{lang} is a language
34691 mode name, one of @code{normal}, @code{big}, @code{c}, @code{pascal},
34692 @code{fortran}, @code{tex}, @code{eqn}, @code{math}, or @code{maple}.
34693 In Big mode, Calc actually tries @code{math-compose-big} first, then
34694 tries @code{math-compose-normal}. If this property does not exist,
34695 or if the function returns @code{nil}, the function is written in the
34696 normal function-call notation for that language.
34699 @defun composition-to-string c w
34700 Convert a composition structure returned by @code{compose-expr} into
34701 a string. Multi-line compositions convert to strings containing
34702 newline characters. The target window size is given by @var{w}.
34703 The @code{format-value} function basically calls @code{compose-expr}
34704 followed by @code{composition-to-string}.
34707 @defun comp-width c
34708 Compute the width in characters of composition @var{c}.
34711 @defun comp-height c
34712 Compute the height in lines of composition @var{c}.
34715 @defun comp-ascent c
34716 Compute the portion of the height of composition @var{c} which is on or
34717 above the baseline. For a one-line composition, this will be one.
34720 @defun comp-descent c
34721 Compute the portion of the height of composition @var{c} which is below
34722 the baseline. For a one-line composition, this will be zero.
34725 @defun comp-first-char c
34726 If composition @var{c} is a ``flat'' composition, return the first
34727 (leftmost) character of the composition as an integer. Otherwise,
34731 @defun comp-last-char c
34732 If composition @var{c} is a ``flat'' composition, return the last
34733 (rightmost) character, otherwise return @code{nil}.
34736 @comment @node Lisp Variables, Hooks, Formatting Lisp Functions, Internals
34737 @comment @subsubsection Lisp Variables
34740 @comment (This section is currently unfinished.)
34742 @node Hooks, , Formatting Lisp Functions, Internals
34743 @subsubsection Hooks
34746 Hooks are variables which contain Lisp functions (or lists of functions)
34747 which are called at various times. Calc defines a number of hooks
34748 that help you to customize it in various ways. Calc uses the Lisp
34749 function @code{run-hooks} to invoke the hooks shown below. Several
34750 other customization-related variables are also described here.
34752 @defvar calc-load-hook
34753 This hook is called at the end of @file{calc.el}, after the file has
34754 been loaded, before any functions in it have been called, but after
34755 @code{calc-mode-map} and similar variables have been set up.
34758 @defvar calc-ext-load-hook
34759 This hook is called at the end of @file{calc-ext.el}.
34762 @defvar calc-start-hook
34763 This hook is called as the last step in a @kbd{M-x calc} command.
34764 At this point, the Calc buffer has been created and initialized if
34765 necessary, the Calc window and trail window have been created,
34766 and the ``Welcome to Calc'' message has been displayed.
34769 @defvar calc-mode-hook
34770 This hook is called when the Calc buffer is being created. Usually
34771 this will only happen once per Emacs session. The hook is called
34772 after Emacs has switched to the new buffer, the mode-settings file
34773 has been read if necessary, and all other buffer-local variables
34774 have been set up. After this hook returns, Calc will perform a
34775 @code{calc-refresh} operation, set up the mode line display, then
34776 evaluate any deferred @code{calc-define} properties that have not
34777 been evaluated yet.
34780 @defvar calc-trail-mode-hook
34781 This hook is called when the Calc Trail buffer is being created.
34782 It is called as the very last step of setting up the Trail buffer.
34783 Like @code{calc-mode-hook}, this will normally happen only once
34787 @defvar calc-end-hook
34788 This hook is called by @code{calc-quit}, generally because the user
34789 presses @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x * c} while in Calc. The Calc buffer will
34790 be the current buffer. The hook is called as the very first
34791 step, before the Calc window is destroyed.
34794 @defvar calc-window-hook
34795 If this hook is non-@code{nil}, it is called to create the Calc window.
34796 Upon return, this new Calc window should be the current window.
34797 (The Calc buffer will already be the current buffer when the
34798 hook is called.) If the hook is not defined, Calc will
34799 generally use @code{split-window}, @code{set-window-buffer},
34800 and @code{select-window} to create the Calc window.
34803 @defvar calc-trail-window-hook
34804 If this hook is non-@code{nil}, it is called to create the Calc Trail
34805 window. The variable @code{calc-trail-buffer} will contain the buffer
34806 which the window should use. Unlike @code{calc-window-hook}, this hook
34807 must @emph{not} switch into the new window.
34810 @defvar calc-embedded-mode-hook
34811 This hook is called the first time that Embedded mode is entered.
34814 @defvar calc-embedded-new-buffer-hook
34815 This hook is called each time that Embedded mode is entered in a
34819 @defvar calc-embedded-new-formula-hook
34820 This hook is called each time that Embedded mode is enabled for a
34824 @defvar calc-edit-mode-hook
34825 This hook is called by @code{calc-edit} (and the other ``edit''
34826 commands) when the temporary editing buffer is being created.
34827 The buffer will have been selected and set up to be in
34828 @code{calc-edit-mode}, but will not yet have been filled with
34829 text. (In fact it may still have leftover text from a previous
34830 @code{calc-edit} command.)
34833 @defvar calc-mode-save-hook
34834 This hook is called by the @code{calc-save-modes} command,
34835 after Calc's own mode features have been inserted into the
34836 Calc init file and just before the ``End of mode settings''
34837 message is inserted.
34840 @defvar calc-reset-hook
34841 This hook is called after @kbd{C-x * 0} (@code{calc-reset}) has
34842 reset all modes. The Calc buffer will be the current buffer.
34845 @defvar calc-other-modes
34846 This variable contains a list of strings. The strings are
34847 concatenated at the end of the modes portion of the Calc
34848 mode line (after standard modes such as ``Deg'', ``Inv'' and
34849 ``Hyp''). Each string should be a short, single word followed
34850 by a space. The variable is @code{nil} by default.
34853 @defvar calc-mode-map
34854 This is the keymap that is used by Calc mode. The best time
34855 to adjust it is probably in a @code{calc-mode-hook}. If the
34856 Calc extensions package (@file{calc-ext.el}) has not yet been
34857 loaded, many of these keys will be bound to @code{calc-missing-key},
34858 which is a command that loads the extensions package and
34859 ``retypes'' the key. If your @code{calc-mode-hook} rebinds
34860 one of these keys, it will probably be overridden when the
34861 extensions are loaded.
34864 @defvar calc-digit-map
34865 This is the keymap that is used during numeric entry. Numeric
34866 entry uses the minibuffer, but this map binds every non-numeric
34867 key to @code{calcDigit-nondigit} which generally calls
34868 @code{exit-minibuffer} and ``retypes'' the key.
34871 @defvar calc-alg-ent-map
34872 This is the keymap that is used during algebraic entry. This is
34873 mostly a copy of @code{minibuffer-local-map}.
34876 @defvar calc-store-var-map
34877 This is the keymap that is used during entry of variable names for
34878 commands like @code{calc-store} and @code{calc-recall}. This is
34879 mostly a copy of @code{minibuffer-local-completion-map}.
34882 @defvar calc-edit-mode-map
34883 This is the (sparse) keymap used by @code{calc-edit} and other
34884 temporary editing commands. It binds @key{RET}, @key{LFD},
34885 and @kbd{C-c C-c} to @code{calc-edit-finish}.
34888 @defvar calc-mode-var-list
34889 This is a list of variables which are saved by @code{calc-save-modes}.
34890 Each entry is a list of two items, the variable (as a Lisp symbol)
34891 and its default value. When modes are being saved, each variable
34892 is compared with its default value (using @code{equal}) and any
34893 non-default variables are written out.
34896 @defvar calc-local-var-list
34897 This is a list of variables which should be buffer-local to the
34898 Calc buffer. Each entry is a variable name (as a Lisp symbol).
34899 These variables also have their default values manipulated by
34900 the @code{calc} and @code{calc-quit} commands; @pxref{Multiple Calculators}.
34901 Since @code{calc-mode-hook} is called after this list has been
34902 used the first time, your hook should add a variable to the
34903 list and also call @code{make-local-variable} itself.
34906 @node Copying, GNU Free Documentation License, Programming, Top
34907 @appendix GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
34910 @node GNU Free Documentation License, Customizing Calc, Copying, Top
34911 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
34912 @include doclicense.texi
34914 @node Customizing Calc, Reporting Bugs, GNU Free Documentation License, Top
34915 @appendix Customizing Calc
34917 The usual prefix for Calc is the key sequence @kbd{C-x *}. If you wish
34918 to use a different prefix, you can put
34921 (global-set-key "NEWPREFIX" 'calc-dispatch)
34925 in your .emacs file.
34926 (@xref{Key Bindings,,Customizing Key Bindings,emacs,
34927 The GNU Emacs Manual}, for more information on binding keys.)
34928 A convenient way to start Calc is with @kbd{C-x * *}; to make it equally
34929 convenient for users who use a different prefix, the prefix can be
34930 followed by @kbd{=}, @kbd{&}, @kbd{#}, @kbd{\}, @kbd{/}, @kbd{+} or
34931 @kbd{-} as well as @kbd{*} to start Calc, and so in many cases the last
34932 character of the prefix can simply be typed twice.
34934 Calc is controlled by many variables, most of which can be reset
34935 from within Calc. Some variables are less involved with actual
34936 calculation, and can be set outside of Calc using Emacs's
34937 customization facilities. These variables are listed below.
34938 Typing @kbd{M-x customize-variable RET @var{variable-name} RET}
34939 will bring up a buffer in which the variable's value can be redefined.
34940 Typing @kbd{M-x customize-group RET calc RET} will bring up a buffer which
34941 contains all of Calc's customizable variables. (These variables can
34942 also be reset by putting the appropriate lines in your .emacs file;
34943 @xref{Init File, ,Init File, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}.)
34945 Some of the customizable variables are regular expressions. A regular
34946 expression is basically a pattern that Calc can search for.
34947 See @ref{Regexp Search,, Regular Expression Search, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}
34948 to see how regular expressions work.
34950 @defvar calc-settings-file
34951 The variable @code{calc-settings-file} holds the file name in
34952 which commands like @kbd{m m} and @kbd{Z P} store ``permanent''
34954 If @code{calc-settings-file} is not your user init file (typically
34955 @file{~/.emacs}) and if the variable @code{calc-loaded-settings-file} is
34956 @code{nil}, then Calc will automatically load your settings file (if it
34957 exists) the first time Calc is invoked.
34959 The default value for this variable is @code{"~/.calc.el"}.
34962 @defvar calc-gnuplot-name
34963 See @ref{Graphics}.@*
34964 The variable @code{calc-gnuplot-name} should be the name of the
34965 GNUPLOT program (a string). If you have GNUPLOT installed on your
34966 system but Calc is unable to find it, you may need to set this
34967 variable. You may also need to set some Lisp variables to show Calc how
34968 to run GNUPLOT on your system, see @ref{Devices, ,Graphical Devices} .
34969 The default value of @code{calc-gnuplot-name} is @code{"gnuplot"}.
34972 @defvar calc-gnuplot-plot-command
34973 @defvarx calc-gnuplot-print-command
34974 See @ref{Devices, ,Graphical Devices}.@*
34975 The variables @code{calc-gnuplot-plot-command} and
34976 @code{calc-gnuplot-print-command} represent system commands to
34977 display and print the output of GNUPLOT, respectively. These may be
34978 @code{nil} if no command is necessary, or strings which can include
34979 @samp{%s} to signify the name of the file to be displayed or printed.
34980 Or, these variables may contain Lisp expressions which are evaluated
34981 to display or print the output.
34983 The default value of @code{calc-gnuplot-plot-command} is @code{nil},
34984 and the default value of @code{calc-gnuplot-print-command} is
34988 @defvar calc-language-alist
34989 See @ref{Basic Embedded Mode}.@*
34990 The variable @code{calc-language-alist} controls the languages that
34991 Calc will associate with major modes. When Calc embedded mode is
34992 enabled, it will try to use the current major mode to
34993 determine what language should be used. (This can be overridden using
34994 Calc's mode changing commands, @xref{Mode Settings in Embedded Mode}.)
34995 The variable @code{calc-language-alist} consists of a list of pairs of
34996 the form @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} . @var{LANGUAGE})}; for example,
34997 @code{(latex-mode . latex)} is one such pair. If Calc embedded is
34998 activated in a buffer whose major mode is @var{MAJOR-MODE}, it will set itself
34999 to use the language @var{LANGUAGE}.
35001 The default value of @code{calc-language-alist} is
35003 ((latex-mode . latex)
35005 (plain-tex-mode . tex)
35006 (context-mode . tex)
35008 (pascal-mode . pascal)
35011 (fortran-mode . fortran)
35012 (f90-mode . fortran))
35016 @defvar calc-embedded-announce-formula
35017 @defvarx calc-embedded-announce-formula-alist
35018 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35019 The variable @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula} helps determine
35020 what formulas @kbd{C-x * a} will activate in a buffer. It is a
35021 regular expression, and when activating embedded formulas with
35022 @kbd{C-x * a}, it will tell Calc that what follows is a formula to be
35023 activated. (Calc also uses other patterns to find formulas, such as
35024 @samp{=>} and @samp{:=}.)
35026 The default pattern is @code{"%Embed\n\\(% .*\n\\)*"}, which checks
35027 for @samp{%Embed} followed by any number of lines beginning with
35028 @samp{%} and a space.
35030 The variable @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula-alist} is used to
35031 set @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula} to different regular
35032 expressions depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35033 It consists of a list of pairs of the form @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} .
35034 @var{REGEXP})}, and its default value is
35036 ((c++-mode . "//Embed\n\\(// .*\n\\)*")
35037 (c-mode . "/\\*Embed\\*/\n\\(/\\* .*\\*/\n\\)*")
35038 (f90-mode . "!Embed\n\\(! .*\n\\)*")
35039 (fortran-mode . "C Embed\n\\(C .*\n\\)*")
35040 (html-helper-mode . "<!-- Embed -->\n\\(<!-- .* -->\n\\)*")
35041 (html-mode . "<!-- Embed -->\n\\(<!-- .* -->\n\\)*")
35042 (nroff-mode . "\\\\\"Embed\n\\(\\\\\" .*\n\\)*")
35043 (pascal-mode . "@{Embed@}\n\\(@{.*@}\n\\)*")
35044 (sgml-mode . "<!-- Embed -->\n\\(<!-- .* -->\n\\)*")
35045 (xml-mode . "<!-- Embed -->\n\\(<!-- .* -->\n\\)*")
35046 (texinfo-mode . "@@c Embed\n\\(@@c .*\n\\)*"))
35048 Any major modes added to @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula-alist}
35049 should also be added to @code{calc-embedded-open-close-plain-alist}
35050 and @code{calc-embedded-open-close-mode-alist}.
35053 @defvar calc-embedded-open-formula
35054 @defvarx calc-embedded-close-formula
35055 @defvarx calc-embedded-open-close-formula-alist
35056 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35057 The variables @code{calc-embedded-open-formula} and
35058 @code{calc-embedded-close-formula} control the region that Calc will
35059 activate as a formula when Embedded mode is entered with @kbd{C-x * e}.
35060 They are regular expressions;
35061 Calc normally scans backward and forward in the buffer for the
35062 nearest text matching these regular expressions to be the ``formula
35065 The simplest delimiters are blank lines. Other delimiters that
35066 Embedded mode understands by default are:
35069 The @TeX{} and La@TeX{} math delimiters @samp{$ $}, @samp{$$ $$},
35070 @samp{\[ \]}, and @samp{\( \)};
35072 Lines beginning with @samp{\begin} and @samp{\end} (except matrix delimiters);
35074 Lines beginning with @samp{@@} (Texinfo delimiters).
35076 Lines beginning with @samp{.EQ} and @samp{.EN} (@dfn{eqn} delimiters);
35078 Lines containing a single @samp{%} or @samp{.\"} symbol and nothing else.
35081 The variable @code{calc-embedded-open-close-formula-alist} is used to
35082 set @code{calc-embedded-open-formula} and
35083 @code{calc-embedded-close-formula} to different regular
35084 expressions depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35085 It consists of a list of lists of the form
35086 @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} @var{OPEN-FORMULA-REGEXP}
35087 @var{CLOSE-FORMULA-REGEXP})}, and its default value is
35091 @defvar calc-embedded-word-regexp
35092 @defvarx calc-embedded-word-regexp-alist
35093 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35094 The variable @code{calc-embedded-word-regexp} determines the expression
35095 that Calc will activate when Embedded mode is entered with @kbd{C-x *
35096 w}. It is a regular expressions.
35098 The default value of @code{calc-embedded-word-regexp} is
35099 @code{"[-+]?[0-9]+\\(\\.[0-9]+\\)?\\([eE][-+]?[0-9]+\\)?"}.
35101 The variable @code{calc-embedded-word-regexp-alist} is used to
35102 set @code{calc-embedded-word-regexp} to a different regular
35103 expression depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35104 It consists of a list of lists of the form
35105 @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} @var{WORD-REGEXP})}, and its default value is
35109 @defvar calc-embedded-open-plain
35110 @defvarx calc-embedded-close-plain
35111 @defvarx calc-embedded-open-close-plain-alist
35112 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35113 The variables @code{calc-embedded-open-plain} and
35114 @code{calc-embedded-open-plain} are used to delimit ``plain''
35115 formulas. Note that these are actual strings, not regular
35116 expressions, because Calc must be able to write these string into a
35117 buffer as well as to recognize them.
35119 The default string for @code{calc-embedded-open-plain} is
35120 @code{"%%% "}, note the trailing space. The default string for
35121 @code{calc-embedded-close-plain} is @code{" %%%\n"}, without
35122 the trailing newline here, the first line of a Big mode formula
35123 that followed might be shifted over with respect to the other lines.
35125 The variable @code{calc-embedded-open-close-plain-alist} is used to
35126 set @code{calc-embedded-open-plain} and
35127 @code{calc-embedded-close-plain} to different strings
35128 depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35129 It consists of a list of lists of the form
35130 @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} @var{OPEN-PLAIN-STRING}
35131 @var{CLOSE-PLAIN-STRING})}, and its default value is
35133 ((c++-mode "// %% " " %%\n")
35134 (c-mode "/* %% " " %% */\n")
35135 (f90-mode "! %% " " %%\n")
35136 (fortran-mode "C %% " " %%\n")
35137 (html-helper-mode "<!-- %% " " %% -->\n")
35138 (html-mode "<!-- %% " " %% -->\n")
35139 (nroff-mode "\\\" %% " " %%\n")
35140 (pascal-mode "@{%% " " %%@}\n")
35141 (sgml-mode "<!-- %% " " %% -->\n")
35142 (xml-mode "<!-- %% " " %% -->\n")
35143 (texinfo-mode "@@c %% " " %%\n"))
35145 Any major modes added to @code{calc-embedded-open-close-plain-alist}
35146 should also be added to @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula-alist}
35147 and @code{calc-embedded-open-close-mode-alist}.
35150 @defvar calc-embedded-open-new-formula
35151 @defvarx calc-embedded-close-new-formula
35152 @defvarx calc-embedded-open-close-new-formula-alist
35153 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35154 The variables @code{calc-embedded-open-new-formula} and
35155 @code{calc-embedded-close-new-formula} are strings which are
35156 inserted before and after a new formula when you type @kbd{C-x * f}.
35158 The default value of @code{calc-embedded-open-new-formula} is
35159 @code{"\n\n"}. If this string begins with a newline character and the
35160 @kbd{C-x * f} is typed at the beginning of a line, @kbd{C-x * f} will skip
35161 this first newline to avoid introducing unnecessary blank lines in the
35162 file. The default value of @code{calc-embedded-close-new-formula} is
35163 also @code{"\n\n"}. The final newline is omitted by @w{@kbd{C-x * f}}
35164 if typed at the end of a line. (It follows that if @kbd{C-x * f} is
35165 typed on a blank line, both a leading opening newline and a trailing
35166 closing newline are omitted.)
35168 The variable @code{calc-embedded-open-close-new-formula-alist} is used to
35169 set @code{calc-embedded-open-new-formula} and
35170 @code{calc-embedded-close-new-formula} to different strings
35171 depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35172 It consists of a list of lists of the form
35173 @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} @var{OPEN-NEW-FORMULA-STRING}
35174 @var{CLOSE-NEW-FORMULA-STRING})}, and its default value is
35178 @defvar calc-embedded-open-mode
35179 @defvarx calc-embedded-close-mode
35180 @defvarx calc-embedded-open-close-mode-alist
35181 See @ref{Customizing Embedded Mode}.@*
35182 The variables @code{calc-embedded-open-mode} and
35183 @code{calc-embedded-close-mode} are strings which Calc will place before
35184 and after any mode annotations that it inserts. Calc never scans for
35185 these strings; Calc always looks for the annotation itself, so it is not
35186 necessary to add them to user-written annotations.
35188 The default value of @code{calc-embedded-open-mode} is @code{"% "}
35189 and the default value of @code{calc-embedded-close-mode} is
35191 If you change the value of @code{calc-embedded-close-mode}, it is a good
35192 idea still to end with a newline so that mode annotations will appear on
35193 lines by themselves.
35195 The variable @code{calc-embedded-open-close-mode-alist} is used to
35196 set @code{calc-embedded-open-mode} and
35197 @code{calc-embedded-close-mode} to different strings
35198 expressions depending on the major mode of the editing buffer.
35199 It consists of a list of lists of the form
35200 @code{(@var{MAJOR-MODE} @var{OPEN-MODE-STRING}
35201 @var{CLOSE-MODE-STRING})}, and its default value is
35203 ((c++-mode "// " "\n")
35204 (c-mode "/* " " */\n")
35205 (f90-mode "! " "\n")
35206 (fortran-mode "C " "\n")
35207 (html-helper-mode "<!-- " " -->\n")
35208 (html-mode "<!-- " " -->\n")
35209 (nroff-mode "\\\" " "\n")
35210 (pascal-mode "@{ " " @}\n")
35211 (sgml-mode "<!-- " " -->\n")
35212 (xml-mode "<!-- " " -->\n")
35213 (texinfo-mode "@@c " "\n"))
35215 Any major modes added to @code{calc-embedded-open-close-mode-alist}
35216 should also be added to @code{calc-embedded-announce-formula-alist}
35217 and @code{calc-embedded-open-close-plain-alist}.
35220 @defvar calc-multiplication-has-precedence
35221 The variable @code{calc-multiplication-has-precedence} determines
35222 whether multiplication has precedence over division in algebraic
35223 formulas in normal language modes. If
35224 @code{calc-multiplication-has-precedence} is non-@code{nil}, then
35225 multiplication has precedence (and, for certain obscure reasons, is
35226 right associative), and so for example @samp{a/b*c} will be interpreted
35227 as @samp{a/(b*c)}. If @code{calc-multiplication-has-precedence} is
35228 @code{nil}, then multiplication has the same precedence as division
35229 (and, like division, is left associative), and so for example
35230 @samp{a/b*c} will be interpreted as @samp{(a/b)*c}. The default value
35231 of @code{calc-multiplication-has-precedence} is @code{t}.
35234 @defvar calc-undo-length
35235 The variable @code{calc-undo-length} determines the number of undo
35236 steps that Calc will keep track of when @code{calc-quit} is called.
35237 If @code{calc-undo-length} is a non-negative integer, then this is the
35238 number of undo steps that will be preserved; if
35239 @code{calc-undo-length} has any other value, then all undo steps will
35240 be preserved. The default value of @code{calc-undo-length} is @expr{100}.
35243 @node Reporting Bugs, Summary, Customizing Calc, Top
35244 @appendix Reporting Bugs
35247 If you find a bug in Calc, send e-mail to Jay Belanger,
35250 jay.p.belanger@@gmail.com
35254 There is an automatic command @kbd{M-x report-calc-bug} which helps
35255 you to report bugs. This command prompts you for a brief subject
35256 line, then leaves you in a mail editing buffer. Type @kbd{C-c C-c} to
35257 send your mail. Make sure your subject line indicates that you are
35258 reporting a Calc bug; this command sends mail to the maintainer's
35261 If you have suggestions for additional features for Calc, please send
35262 them. Some have dared to suggest that Calc is already top-heavy with
35263 features; this obviously cannot be the case, so if you have ideas, send
35266 At the front of the source file, @file{calc.el}, is a list of ideas for
35267 future work. If any enthusiastic souls wish to take it upon themselves
35268 to work on these, please send a message (using @kbd{M-x report-calc-bug})
35269 so any efforts can be coordinated.
35271 The latest version of Calc is available from Savannah, in the Emacs
35272 repository. See @uref{http://savannah.gnu.org/projects/emacs}.
35275 @node Summary, Key Index, Reporting Bugs, Top
35276 @appendix Calc Summary
35279 This section includes a complete list of Calc keystroke commands.
35280 Each line lists the stack entries used by the command (top-of-stack
35281 last), the keystrokes themselves, the prompts asked by the command,
35282 and the result of the command (also with top-of-stack last).
35283 The result is expressed using the equivalent algebraic function.
35284 Commands which put no results on the stack show the full @kbd{M-x}
35285 command name in that position. Numbers preceding the result or
35286 command name refer to notes at the end.
35288 Algebraic functions and @kbd{M-x} commands that don't have corresponding
35289 keystrokes are not listed in this summary.
35290 @xref{Command Index}. @xref{Function Index}.
35295 \vskip-2\baselineskip \null
35296 \gdef\sumrow#1{\sumrowx#1\relax}%
35297 \gdef\sumrowx#1\:#2\:#3\:#4\:#5\:#6\relax{%
35300 \hbox to5em{\sl\hss#1}%
35301 \hbox to5em{\tt#2\hss}%
35302 \hbox to4em{\sl#3\hss}%
35303 \hbox to5em{\rm\hss#4}%
35308 \gdef\sumlpar{{\rm(}}%
35309 \gdef\sumrpar{{\rm)}}%
35310 \gdef\sumcomma{{\rm,\thinspace}}%
35311 \gdef\sumexcl{{\rm!}}%
35312 \gdef\sumbreak{\vskip-2.5\baselineskip\goodbreak}%
35313 \gdef\minus#1{{\tt-}}%
35317 @catcode`@(=@active @let(=@sumlpar
35318 @catcode`@)=@active @let)=@sumrpar
35319 @catcode`@,=@active @let,=@sumcomma
35320 @catcode`@!=@active @let!=@sumexcl
35324 @advance@baselineskip-2.5pt
35327 @r{ @: C-x * a @: @: 33 @:calc-embedded-activate@:}
35328 @r{ @: C-x * b @: @: @:calc-big-or-small@:}
35329 @r{ @: C-x * c @: @: @:calc@:}
35330 @r{ @: C-x * d @: @: @:calc-embedded-duplicate@:}
35331 @r{ @: C-x * e @: @: 34 @:calc-embedded@:}
35332 @r{ @: C-x * f @:formula @: @:calc-embedded-new-formula@:}
35333 @r{ @: C-x * g @: @: 35 @:calc-grab-region@:}
35334 @r{ @: C-x * i @: @: @:calc-info@:}
35335 @r{ @: C-x * j @: @: @:calc-embedded-select@:}
35336 @r{ @: C-x * k @: @: @:calc-keypad@:}
35337 @r{ @: C-x * l @: @: @:calc-load-everything@:}
35338 @r{ @: C-x * m @: @: @:read-kbd-macro@:}
35339 @r{ @: C-x * n @: @: 4 @:calc-embedded-next@:}
35340 @r{ @: C-x * o @: @: @:calc-other-window@:}
35341 @r{ @: C-x * p @: @: 4 @:calc-embedded-previous@:}
35342 @r{ @: C-x * q @:formula @: @:quick-calc@:}
35343 @r{ @: C-x * r @: @: 36 @:calc-grab-rectangle@:}
35344 @r{ @: C-x * s @: @: @:calc-info-summary@:}
35345 @r{ @: C-x * t @: @: @:calc-tutorial@:}
35346 @r{ @: C-x * u @: @: @:calc-embedded-update-formula@:}
35347 @r{ @: C-x * w @: @: @:calc-embedded-word@:}
35348 @r{ @: C-x * x @: @: @:calc-quit@:}
35349 @r{ @: C-x * y @: @:1,28,49 @:calc-copy-to-buffer@:}
35350 @r{ @: C-x * z @: @: @:calc-user-invocation@:}
35351 @r{ @: C-x * : @: @: 36 @:calc-grab-sum-down@:}
35352 @r{ @: C-x * _ @: @: 36 @:calc-grab-sum-across@:}
35353 @r{ @: C-x * ` @:editing @: 30 @:calc-embedded-edit@:}
35354 @r{ @: C-x * 0 @:(zero) @: @:calc-reset@:}
35357 @r{ @: 0-9 @:number @: @:@:number}
35358 @r{ @: . @:number @: @:@:0.number}
35359 @r{ @: _ @:number @: @:-@:number}
35360 @r{ @: e @:number @: @:@:1e number}
35361 @r{ @: # @:number @: @:@:current-radix@tfn{#}number}
35362 @r{ @: P @:(in number) @: @:+/-@:}
35363 @r{ @: M @:(in number) @: @:mod@:}
35364 @r{ @: @@ ' " @: (in number)@: @:@:HMS form}
35365 @r{ @: h m s @: (in number)@: @:@:HMS form}
35368 @r{ @: ' @:formula @: 37,46 @:@:formula}
35369 @r{ @: $ @:formula @: 37,46 @:$@:formula}
35370 @r{ @: " @:string @: 37,46 @:@:string}
35373 @r{ a b@: + @: @: 2 @:add@:(a,b) a+b}
35374 @r{ a b@: - @: @: 2 @:sub@:(a,b) a@minus{}b}
35375 @r{ a b@: * @: @: 2 @:mul@:(a,b) a b, a*b}
35376 @r{ a b@: / @: @: 2 @:div@:(a,b) a/b}
35377 @r{ a b@: ^ @: @: 2 @:pow@:(a,b) a^b}
35378 @r{ a b@: I ^ @: @: 2 @:nroot@:(a,b) a^(1/b)}
35379 @r{ a b@: % @: @: 2 @:mod@:(a,b) a%b}
35380 @r{ a b@: \ @: @: 2 @:idiv@:(a,b) a\b}
35381 @r{ a b@: : @: @: 2 @:fdiv@:(a,b)}
35382 @r{ a b@: | @: @: 2 @:vconcat@:(a,b) a|b}
35383 @r{ a b@: I | @: @: @:vconcat@:(b,a) b|a}
35384 @r{ a b@: H | @: @: 2 @:append@:(a,b)}
35385 @r{ a b@: I H | @: @: @:append@:(b,a)}
35386 @r{ a@: & @: @: 1 @:inv@:(a) 1/a}
35387 @r{ a@: ! @: @: 1 @:fact@:(a) a!}
35388 @r{ a@: = @: @: 1 @:evalv@:(a)}
35389 @r{ a@: M-% @: @: @:percent@:(a) a%}
35392 @r{ ... a@: @summarykey{RET} @: @: 1 @:@:... a a}
35393 @r{ ... a@: @summarykey{SPC} @: @: 1 @:@:... a a}
35394 @r{... a b@: @summarykey{TAB} @: @: 3 @:@:... b a}
35395 @r{. a b c@: M-@summarykey{TAB} @: @: 3 @:@:... b c a}
35396 @r{... a b@: @summarykey{LFD} @: @: 1 @:@:... a b a}
35397 @r{ ... a@: @summarykey{DEL} @: @: 1 @:@:...}
35398 @r{... a b@: M-@summarykey{DEL} @: @: 1 @:@:... b}
35399 @r{ @: M-@summarykey{RET} @: @: 4 @:calc-last-args@:}
35400 @r{ a@: ` @:editing @: 1,30 @:calc-edit@:}
35403 @r{ ... a@: C-d @: @: 1 @:@:...}
35404 @r{ @: C-k @: @: 27 @:calc-kill@:}
35405 @r{ @: C-w @: @: 27 @:calc-kill-region@:}
35406 @r{ @: C-y @: @: @:calc-yank@:}
35407 @r{ @: C-_ @: @: 4 @:calc-undo@:}
35408 @r{ @: M-k @: @: 27 @:calc-copy-as-kill@:}
35409 @r{ @: M-w @: @: 27 @:calc-copy-region-as-kill@:}
35412 @r{ @: [ @: @: @:@:[...}
35413 @r{[.. a b@: ] @: @: @:@:[a,b]}
35414 @r{ @: ( @: @: @:@:(...}
35415 @r{(.. a b@: ) @: @: @:@:(a,b)}
35416 @r{ @: , @: @: @:@:vector or rect complex}
35417 @r{ @: ; @: @: @:@:matrix or polar complex}
35418 @r{ @: .. @: @: @:@:interval}
35421 @r{ @: ~ @: @: @:calc-num-prefix@:}
35422 @r{ @: < @: @: 4 @:calc-scroll-left@:}
35423 @r{ @: > @: @: 4 @:calc-scroll-right@:}
35424 @r{ @: @{ @: @: 4 @:calc-scroll-down@:}
35425 @r{ @: @} @: @: 4 @:calc-scroll-up@:}
35426 @r{ @: ? @: @: @:calc-help@:}
35429 @r{ a@: n @: @: 1 @:neg@:(a) @minus{}a}
35430 @r{ @: o @: @: 4 @:calc-realign@:}
35431 @r{ @: p @:precision @: 31 @:calc-precision@:}
35432 @r{ @: q @: @: @:calc-quit@:}
35433 @r{ @: w @: @: @:calc-why@:}
35434 @r{ @: x @:command @: @:M-x calc-@:command}
35435 @r{ a@: y @: @:1,28,49 @:calc-copy-to-buffer@:}
35438 @r{ a@: A @: @: 1 @:abs@:(a)}
35439 @r{ a b@: B @: @: 2 @:log@:(a,b)}
35440 @r{ a b@: I B @: @: 2 @:alog@:(a,b) b^a}
35441 @r{ a@: C @: @: 1 @:cos@:(a)}
35442 @r{ a@: I C @: @: 1 @:arccos@:(a)}
35443 @r{ a@: H C @: @: 1 @:cosh@:(a)}
35444 @r{ a@: I H C @: @: 1 @:arccosh@:(a)}
35445 @r{ @: D @: @: 4 @:calc-redo@:}
35446 @r{ a@: E @: @: 1 @:exp@:(a)}
35447 @r{ a@: H E @: @: 1 @:exp10@:(a) 10.^a}
35448 @r{ a@: F @: @: 1,11 @:floor@:(a,d)}
35449 @r{ a@: I F @: @: 1,11 @:ceil@:(a,d)}
35450 @r{ a@: H F @: @: 1,11 @:ffloor@:(a,d)}
35451 @r{ a@: I H F @: @: 1,11 @:fceil@:(a,d)}
35452 @r{ a@: G @: @: 1 @:arg@:(a)}
35453 @r{ @: H @:command @: 32 @:@:Hyperbolic}
35454 @r{ @: I @:command @: 32 @:@:Inverse}
35455 @r{ a@: J @: @: 1 @:conj@:(a)}
35456 @r{ @: K @:command @: 32 @:@:Keep-args}
35457 @r{ a@: L @: @: 1 @:ln@:(a)}
35458 @r{ a@: H L @: @: 1 @:log10@:(a)}
35459 @r{ @: M @: @: @:calc-more-recursion-depth@:}
35460 @r{ @: I M @: @: @:calc-less-recursion-depth@:}
35461 @r{ a@: N @: @: 5 @:evalvn@:(a)}
35462 @r{ @: P @: @: @:@:pi}
35463 @r{ @: I P @: @: @:@:gamma}
35464 @r{ @: H P @: @: @:@:e}
35465 @r{ @: I H P @: @: @:@:phi}
35466 @r{ a@: Q @: @: 1 @:sqrt@:(a)}
35467 @r{ a@: I Q @: @: 1 @:sqr@:(a) a^2}
35468 @r{ a@: R @: @: 1,11 @:round@:(a,d)}
35469 @r{ a@: I R @: @: 1,11 @:trunc@:(a,d)}
35470 @r{ a@: H R @: @: 1,11 @:fround@:(a,d)}
35471 @r{ a@: I H R @: @: 1,11 @:ftrunc@:(a,d)}
35472 @r{ a@: S @: @: 1 @:sin@:(a)}
35473 @r{ a@: I S @: @: 1 @:arcsin@:(a)}
35474 @r{ a@: H S @: @: 1 @:sinh@:(a)}
35475 @r{ a@: I H S @: @: 1 @:arcsinh@:(a)}
35476 @r{ a@: T @: @: 1 @:tan@:(a)}
35477 @r{ a@: I T @: @: 1 @:arctan@:(a)}
35478 @r{ a@: H T @: @: 1 @:tanh@:(a)}
35479 @r{ a@: I H T @: @: 1 @:arctanh@:(a)}
35480 @r{ @: U @: @: 4 @:calc-undo@:}
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35818 @r{ n@: k d @: @: 1 @:dfact@:(n) n!!}
35819 @r{ n@: k e @: @: 1 @:euler@:(n)}
35820 @r{ n x@: H k e @: @: 2 @:euler@:(n,x)}
35821 @r{ n@: k f @: @: 4 @:prfac@:(n)}
35822 @r{ n m@: k g @: @: 2 @:gcd@:(n,m)}
35823 @r{ m n@: k h @: @: 14 @:shuffle@:(n,m)}
35824 @r{ n m@: k l @: @: 2 @:lcm@:(n,m)}
35825 @r{ n@: k m @: @: 1 @:moebius@:(n)}
35826 @r{ n@: k n @: @: 4 @:nextprime@:(n)}
35827 @r{ n@: I k n @: @: 4 @:prevprime@:(n)}
35828 @r{ n@: k p @: @: 4,28 @:calc-prime-test@:}
35829 @r{ m@: k r @: @: 14 @:random@:(m)}
35830 @r{ n m@: k s @: @: 2 @:stir1@:(n,m)}
35831 @r{ n m@: H k s @: @: 2 @:stir2@:(n,m)}
35832 @r{ n@: k t @: @: 1 @:totient@:(n)}
35835 @r{ n p x@: k B @: @: @:utpb@:(x,n,p)}
35836 @r{ n p x@: I k B @: @: @:ltpb@:(x,n,p)}
35837 @r{ v x@: k C @: @: @:utpc@:(x,v)}
35838 @r{ v x@: I k C @: @: @:ltpc@:(x,v)}
35839 @r{ n m@: k E @: @: @:egcd@:(n,m)}
35840 @r{v1 v2 x@: k F @: @: @:utpf@:(x,v1,v2)}
35841 @r{v1 v2 x@: I k F @: @: @:ltpf@:(x,v1,v2)}
35842 @r{ m s x@: k N @: @: @:utpn@:(x,m,s)}
35843 @r{ m s x@: I k N @: @: @:ltpn@:(x,m,s)}
35844 @r{ m x@: k P @: @: @:utpp@:(x,m)}
35845 @r{ m x@: I k P @: @: @:ltpp@:(x,m)}
35846 @r{ v x@: k T @: @: @:utpt@:(x,v)}
35847 @r{ v x@: I k T @: @: @:ltpt@:(x,v)}
35850 @r{ @: m a @: @: 12,13 @:calc-algebraic-mode@:}
35851 @r{ @: m d @: @: @:calc-degrees-mode@:}
35852 @r{ @: m e @: @: @:calc-embedded-preserve-modes@:}
35853 @r{ @: m f @: @: 12 @:calc-frac-mode@:}
35854 @r{ @: m g @: @: 52 @:calc-get-modes@:}
35855 @r{ @: m h @: @: @:calc-hms-mode@:}
35856 @r{ @: m i @: @: 12,13 @:calc-infinite-mode@:}
35857 @r{ @: m m @: @: @:calc-save-modes@:}
35858 @r{ @: m p @: @: 12 @:calc-polar-mode@:}
35859 @r{ @: m r @: @: @:calc-radians-mode@:}
35860 @r{ @: m s @: @: 12 @:calc-symbolic-mode@:}
35861 @r{ @: m t @: @: 12 @:calc-total-algebraic-mode@:}
35862 @r{ @: m v @: @: 12,13 @:calc-matrix-mode@:}
35863 @r{ @: m w @: @: 13 @:calc-working@:}
35864 @r{ @: m x @: @: @:calc-always-load-extensions@:}
35867 @r{ @: m A @: @: 12 @:calc-alg-simplify-mode@:}
35868 @r{ @: m B @: @: 12 @:calc-bin-simplify-mode@:}
35869 @r{ @: m C @: @: 12 @:calc-auto-recompute@:}
35870 @r{ @: m D @: @: @:calc-default-simplify-mode@:}
35871 @r{ @: m E @: @: 12 @:calc-ext-simplify-mode@:}
35872 @r{ @: m F @:filename @: 13 @:calc-settings-file-name@:}
35873 @r{ @: m N @: @: 12 @:calc-num-simplify-mode@:}
35874 @r{ @: m O @: @: 12 @:calc-no-simplify-mode@:}
35875 @r{ @: m R @: @: 12,13 @:calc-mode-record-mode@:}
35876 @r{ @: m S @: @: 12 @:calc-shift-prefix@:}
35877 @r{ @: m U @: @: 12 @:calc-units-simplify-mode@:}
35880 @r{ @: r s @:register @: 27 @:calc-copy-to-register@:}
35881 @r{ @: r i @:register @: @:calc-insert-register@:}
35884 @r{ @: s c @:var1, var2 @: 29 @:calc-copy-variable@:}
35885 @r{ @: s d @:var, decl @: @:calc-declare-variable@:}
35886 @r{ @: s e @:var, editing @: 29,30 @:calc-edit-variable@:}
35887 @r{ @: s i @:buffer @: @:calc-insert-variables@:}
35888 @r{ @: s k @:const, var @: 29 @:calc-copy-special-constant@:}
35889 @r{ a b@: s l @:var @: 29 @:@:a (letting var=b)}
35890 @r{ a ...@: s m @:op, var @: 22,29 @:calc-store-map@:}
35891 @r{ @: s n @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-neg@: (v/-1)}
35892 @r{ @: s p @:var @: 29 @:calc-permanent-variable@:}
35893 @r{ @: s r @:var @: 29 @:@:v (recalled value)}
35894 @r{ @: r 0-9 @: @: @:calc-recall-quick@:}
35895 @r{ a@: s s @:var @: 28,29 @:calc-store@:}
35896 @r{ a@: s 0-9 @: @: @:calc-store-quick@:}
35897 @r{ a@: s t @:var @: 29 @:calc-store-into@:}
35898 @r{ a@: t 0-9 @: @: @:calc-store-into-quick@:}
35899 @r{ @: s u @:var @: 29 @:calc-unstore@:}
35900 @r{ a@: s x @:var @: 29 @:calc-store-exchange@:}
35903 @r{ @: s A @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-AlgSimpRules@:}
35904 @r{ @: s D @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-Decls@:}
35905 @r{ @: s E @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-EvalRules@:}
35906 @r{ @: s F @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-FitRules@:}
35907 @r{ @: s G @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-GenCount@:}
35908 @r{ @: s H @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-Holidays@:}
35909 @r{ @: s I @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-IntegLimit@:}
35910 @r{ @: s L @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-LineStyles@:}
35911 @r{ @: s P @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-PointStyles@:}
35912 @r{ @: s R @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-PlotRejects@:}
35913 @r{ @: s T @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-TimeZone@:}
35914 @r{ @: s U @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-Units@:}
35915 @r{ @: s X @:editing @: 30 @:calc-edit-ExtSimpRules@:}
35918 @r{ a@: s + @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-plus@: (v+a)}
35919 @r{ a@: s - @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-minus@: (v-a)}
35920 @r{ a@: s * @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-times@: (v*a)}
35921 @r{ a@: s / @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-div@: (v/a)}
35922 @r{ a@: s ^ @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-power@: (v^a)}
35923 @r{ a@: s | @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-concat@: (v|a)}
35924 @r{ @: s & @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-inv@: (v^-1)}
35925 @r{ @: s [ @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-decr@: (v-1)}
35926 @r{ @: s ] @:var @: 29,47 @:calc-store-incr@: (v-(-1))}
35927 @r{ a b@: s : @: @: 2 @:assign@:(a,b) a @tfn{:=} b}
35928 @r{ a@: s = @: @: 1 @:evalto@:(a,b) a @tfn{=>}}
35931 @r{ @: t [ @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-first@:}
35932 @r{ @: t ] @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-last@:}
35933 @r{ @: t < @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-scroll-left@:}
35934 @r{ @: t > @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-scroll-right@:}
35935 @r{ @: t . @: @: 12 @:calc-full-trail-vectors@:}
35938 @r{ @: t b @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-backward@:}
35939 @r{ @: t d @: @: 12,50 @:calc-trail-display@:}
35940 @r{ @: t f @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-forward@:}
35941 @r{ @: t h @: @: @:calc-trail-here@:}
35942 @r{ @: t i @: @: @:calc-trail-in@:}
35943 @r{ @: t k @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-kill@:}
35944 @r{ @: t m @:string @: @:calc-trail-marker@:}
35945 @r{ @: t n @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-next@:}
35946 @r{ @: t o @: @: @:calc-trail-out@:}
35947 @r{ @: t p @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-previous@:}
35948 @r{ @: t r @:string @: @:calc-trail-isearch-backward@:}
35949 @r{ @: t s @:string @: @:calc-trail-isearch-forward@:}
35950 @r{ @: t y @: @: 4 @:calc-trail-yank@:}
35953 @r{ d@: t C @:oz, nz @: @:tzconv@:(d,oz,nz)}
35954 @r{d oz nz@: t C @:$ @: @:tzconv@:(d,oz,nz)}
35955 @r{ d@: t D @: @: 15 @:date@:(d)}
35956 @r{ d@: t I @: @: 4 @:incmonth@:(d,n)}
35957 @r{ d@: t J @: @: 16 @:julian@:(d,z)}
35958 @r{ d@: t M @: @: 17 @:newmonth@:(d,n)}
35959 @r{ @: t N @: @: 16 @:now@:(z)}
35960 @r{ d@: t P @:1 @: 31 @:year@:(d)}
35961 @r{ d@: t P @:2 @: 31 @:month@:(d)}
35962 @r{ d@: t P @:3 @: 31 @:day@:(d)}
35963 @r{ d@: t P @:4 @: 31 @:hour@:(d)}
35964 @r{ d@: t P @:5 @: 31 @:minute@:(d)}
35965 @r{ d@: t P @:6 @: 31 @:second@:(d)}
35966 @r{ d@: t P @:7 @: 31 @:weekday@:(d)}
35967 @r{ d@: t P @:8 @: 31 @:yearday@:(d)}
35968 @r{ d@: t P @:9 @: 31 @:time@:(d)}
35969 @r{ d@: t U @: @: 16 @:unixtime@:(d,z)}
35970 @r{ d@: t W @: @: 17 @:newweek@:(d,w)}
35971 @r{ d@: t Y @: @: 17 @:newyear@:(d,n)}
35974 @r{ a b@: t + @: @: 2 @:badd@:(a,b)}
35975 @r{ a b@: t - @: @: 2 @:bsub@:(a,b)}
35978 @r{ @: u a @: @: 12 @:calc-autorange-units@:}
35979 @r{ a@: u b @: @: @:calc-base-units@:}
35980 @r{ a@: u c @:units @: 18 @:calc-convert-units@:}
35981 @r{ defn@: u d @:unit, descr @: @:calc-define-unit@:}
35982 @r{ @: u e @: @: @:calc-explain-units@:}
35983 @r{ @: u g @:unit @: @:calc-get-unit-definition@:}
35984 @r{ @: u p @: @: @:calc-permanent-units@:}
35985 @r{ a@: u r @: @: @:calc-remove-units@:}
35986 @r{ a@: u s @: @: @:usimplify@:(a)}
35987 @r{ a@: u t @:units @: 18 @:calc-convert-temperature@:}
35988 @r{ @: u u @:unit @: @:calc-undefine-unit@:}
35989 @r{ @: u v @: @: @:calc-enter-units-table@:}
35990 @r{ a@: u x @: @: @:calc-extract-units@:}
35991 @r{ a@: u 0-9 @: @: @:calc-quick-units@:}
35994 @r{ v1 v2@: u C @: @: 20 @:vcov@:(v1,v2)}
35995 @r{ v1 v2@: I u C @: @: 20 @:vpcov@:(v1,v2)}
35996 @r{ v1 v2@: H u C @: @: 20 @:vcorr@:(v1,v2)}
35997 @r{ v@: u G @: @: 19 @:vgmean@:(v)}
35998 @r{ a b@: H u G @: @: 2 @:agmean@:(a,b)}
35999 @r{ v@: u M @: @: 19 @:vmean@:(v)}
36000 @r{ v@: I u M @: @: 19 @:vmeane@:(v)}
36001 @r{ v@: H u M @: @: 19 @:vmedian@:(v)}
36002 @r{ v@: I H u M @: @: 19 @:vhmean@:(v)}
36003 @r{ v@: u N @: @: 19 @:vmin@:(v)}
36004 @r{ v@: u S @: @: 19 @:vsdev@:(v)}
36005 @r{ v@: I u S @: @: 19 @:vpsdev@:(v)}
36006 @r{ v@: H u S @: @: 19 @:vvar@:(v)}
36007 @r{ v@: I H u S @: @: 19 @:vpvar@:(v)}
36008 @r{ @: u V @: @: @:calc-view-units-table@:}
36009 @r{ v@: u X @: @: 19 @:vmax@:(v)}
36012 @r{ v@: u + @: @: 19 @:vsum@:(v)}
36013 @r{ v@: u * @: @: 19 @:vprod@:(v)}
36014 @r{ v@: u # @: @: 19 @:vcount@:(v)}
36017 @r{ @: V ( @: @: 50 @:calc-vector-parens@:}
36018 @r{ @: V @{ @: @: 50 @:calc-vector-braces@:}
36019 @r{ @: V [ @: @: 50 @:calc-vector-brackets@:}
36020 @r{ @: V ] @:ROCP @: 50 @:calc-matrix-brackets@:}
36021 @r{ @: V , @: @: 50 @:calc-vector-commas@:}
36022 @r{ @: V < @: @: 50 @:calc-matrix-left-justify@:}
36023 @r{ @: V = @: @: 50 @:calc-matrix-center-justify@:}
36024 @r{ @: V > @: @: 50 @:calc-matrix-right-justify@:}
36025 @r{ @: V / @: @: 12,50 @:calc-break-vectors@:}
36026 @r{ @: V . @: @: 12,50 @:calc-full-vectors@:}
36029 @r{ s t@: V ^ @: @: 2 @:vint@:(s,t)}
36030 @r{ s t@: V - @: @: 2 @:vdiff@:(s,t)}
36031 @r{ s@: V ~ @: @: 1 @:vcompl@:(s)}
36032 @r{ s@: V # @: @: 1 @:vcard@:(s)}
36033 @r{ s@: V : @: @: 1 @:vspan@:(s)}
36034 @r{ s@: V + @: @: 1 @:rdup@:(s)}
36037 @r{ m@: V & @: @: 1 @:inv@:(m) 1/m}
36040 @r{ v@: v a @:n @: @:arrange@:(v,n)}
36041 @r{ a@: v b @:n @: @:cvec@:(a,n)}
36042 @r{ v@: v c @:n >0 @: 21,31 @:mcol@:(v,n)}
36043 @r{ v@: v c @:n <0 @: 31 @:mrcol@:(v,-n)}
36044 @r{ m@: v c @:0 @: 31 @:getdiag@:(m)}
36045 @r{ v@: v d @: @: 25 @:diag@:(v,n)}
36046 @r{ v m@: v e @: @: 2 @:vexp@:(v,m)}
36047 @r{ v m f@: H v e @: @: 2 @:vexp@:(v,m,f)}
36048 @r{ v a@: v f @: @: 26 @:find@:(v,a,n)}
36049 @r{ v@: v h @: @: 1 @:head@:(v)}
36050 @r{ v@: I v h @: @: 1 @:tail@:(v)}
36051 @r{ v@: H v h @: @: 1 @:rhead@:(v)}
36052 @r{ v@: I H v h @: @: 1 @:rtail@:(v)}
36053 @r{ @: v i @:n @: 31 @:idn@:(1,n)}
36054 @r{ @: v i @:0 @: 31 @:idn@:(1)}
36055 @r{ h t@: v k @: @: 2 @:cons@:(h,t)}
36056 @r{ h t@: H v k @: @: 2 @:rcons@:(h,t)}
36057 @r{ v@: v l @: @: 1 @:vlen@:(v)}
36058 @r{ v@: H v l @: @: 1 @:mdims@:(v)}
36059 @r{ v m@: v m @: @: 2 @:vmask@:(v,m)}
36060 @r{ v@: v n @: @: 1 @:rnorm@:(v)}
36061 @r{ a b c@: v p @: @: 24 @:calc-pack@:}
36062 @r{ v@: v r @:n >0 @: 21,31 @:mrow@:(v,n)}
36063 @r{ v@: v r @:n <0 @: 31 @:mrrow@:(v,-n)}
36064 @r{ m@: v r @:0 @: 31 @:getdiag@:(m)}
36065 @r{ v i j@: v s @: @: @:subvec@:(v,i,j)}
36066 @r{ v i j@: I v s @: @: @:rsubvec@:(v,i,j)}
36067 @r{ m@: v t @: @: 1 @:trn@:(m)}
36068 @r{ v@: v u @: @: 24 @:calc-unpack@:}
36069 @r{ v@: v v @: @: 1 @:rev@:(v)}
36070 @r{ @: v x @:n @: 31 @:index@:(n)}
36071 @r{ n s i@: C-u v x @: @: @:index@:(n,s,i)}
36074 @r{ v@: V A @:op @: 22 @:apply@:(op,v)}
36075 @r{ v1 v2@: V C @: @: 2 @:cross@:(v1,v2)}
36076 @r{ m@: V D @: @: 1 @:det@:(m)}
36077 @r{ s@: V E @: @: 1 @:venum@:(s)}
36078 @r{ s@: V F @: @: 1 @:vfloor@:(s)}
36079 @r{ v@: V G @: @: @:grade@:(v)}
36080 @r{ v@: I V G @: @: @:rgrade@:(v)}
36081 @r{ v@: V H @:n @: 31 @:histogram@:(v,n)}
36082 @r{ v w@: H V H @:n @: 31 @:histogram@:(v,w,n)}
36083 @r{ v1 v2@: V I @:mop aop @: 22 @:inner@:(mop,aop,v1,v2)}
36084 @r{ m@: V J @: @: 1 @:ctrn@:(m)}
36085 @r{ m1 m2@: V K @: @: @:kron@:(m1,m2)}
36086 @r{ m@: V L @: @: 1 @:lud@:(m)}
36087 @r{ v@: V M @:op @: 22,23 @:map@:(op,v)}
36088 @r{ v@: V N @: @: 1 @:cnorm@:(v)}
36089 @r{ v1 v2@: V O @:op @: 22 @:outer@:(op,v1,v2)}
36090 @r{ v@: V R @:op @: 22,23 @:reduce@:(op,v)}
36091 @r{ v@: I V R @:op @: 22,23 @:rreduce@:(op,v)}
36092 @r{ a n@: H V R @:op @: 22 @:nest@:(op,a,n)}
36093 @r{ a@: I H V R @:op @: 22 @:fixp@:(op,a)}
36094 @r{ v@: V S @: @: @:sort@:(v)}
36095 @r{ v@: I V S @: @: @:rsort@:(v)}
36096 @r{ m@: V T @: @: 1 @:tr@:(m)}
36097 @r{ v@: V U @:op @: 22 @:accum@:(op,v)}
36098 @r{ v@: I V U @:op @: 22 @:raccum@:(op,v)}
36099 @r{ a n@: H V U @:op @: 22 @:anest@:(op,a,n)}
36100 @r{ a@: I H V U @:op @: 22 @:afixp@:(op,a)}
36101 @r{ s t@: V V @: @: 2 @:vunion@:(s,t)}
36102 @r{ s t@: V X @: @: 2 @:vxor@:(s,t)}
36105 @r{ @: Y @: @: @:@:user commands}
36108 @r{ @: z @: @: @:@:user commands}
36111 @r{ c@: Z [ @: @: 45 @:calc-kbd-if@:}
36112 @r{ c@: Z | @: @: 45 @:calc-kbd-else-if@:}
36113 @r{ @: Z : @: @: @:calc-kbd-else@:}
36114 @r{ @: Z ] @: @: @:calc-kbd-end-if@:}
36117 @r{ @: Z @{ @: @: 4 @:calc-kbd-loop@:}
36118 @r{ c@: Z / @: @: 45 @:calc-kbd-break@:}
36119 @r{ @: Z @} @: @: @:calc-kbd-end-loop@:}
36120 @r{ n@: Z < @: @: @:calc-kbd-repeat@:}
36121 @r{ @: Z > @: @: @:calc-kbd-end-repeat@:}
36122 @r{ n m@: Z ( @: @: @:calc-kbd-for@:}
36123 @r{ s@: Z ) @: @: @:calc-kbd-end-for@:}
36126 @r{ @: Z C-g @: @: @:@:cancel if/loop command}
36129 @r{ @: Z ` @: @: @:calc-kbd-push@:}
36130 @r{ @: Z ' @: @: @:calc-kbd-pop@:}
36131 @r{ @: Z # @: @: @:calc-kbd-query@:}
36134 @r{ comp@: Z C @:func, args @: 50 @:calc-user-define-composition@:}
36135 @r{ @: Z D @:key, command @: @:calc-user-define@:}
36136 @r{ @: Z E @:key, editing @: 30 @:calc-user-define-edit@:}
36137 @r{ defn@: Z F @:k, c, f, a, n@: 28 @:calc-user-define-formula@:}
36138 @r{ @: Z G @:key @: @:calc-get-user-defn@:}
36139 @r{ @: Z I @: @: @:calc-user-define-invocation@:}
36140 @r{ @: Z K @:key, command @: @:calc-user-define-kbd-macro@:}
36141 @r{ @: Z P @:key @: @:calc-user-define-permanent@:}
36142 @r{ @: Z S @: @: 30 @:calc-edit-user-syntax@:}
36143 @r{ @: Z T @: @: 12 @:calc-timing@:}
36144 @r{ @: Z U @:key @: @:calc-user-undefine@:}
36154 Positive prefix arguments apply to @expr{n} stack entries.
36155 Negative prefix arguments apply to the @expr{-n}th stack entry.
36156 A prefix of zero applies to the entire stack. (For @key{LFD} and
36157 @kbd{M-@key{DEL}}, the meaning of the sign is reversed.)
36161 Positive prefix arguments apply to @expr{n} stack entries.
36162 Negative prefix arguments apply to the top stack entry
36163 and the next @expr{-n} stack entries.
36167 Positive prefix arguments rotate top @expr{n} stack entries by one.
36168 Negative prefix arguments rotate the entire stack by @expr{-n}.
36169 A prefix of zero reverses the entire stack.
36173 Prefix argument specifies a repeat count or distance.
36177 Positive prefix arguments specify a precision @expr{p}.
36178 Negative prefix arguments reduce the current precision by @expr{-p}.
36182 A prefix argument is interpreted as an additional step-size parameter.
36183 A plain @kbd{C-u} prefix means to prompt for the step size.
36187 A prefix argument specifies simplification level and depth.
36188 1=Default, 2=like @kbd{a s}, 3=like @kbd{a e}.
36192 A negative prefix operates only on the top level of the input formula.
36196 Positive prefix arguments specify a word size of @expr{w} bits, unsigned.
36197 Negative prefix arguments specify a word size of @expr{w} bits, signed.
36201 Prefix arguments specify the shift amount @expr{n}. The @expr{w} argument
36202 cannot be specified in the keyboard version of this command.
36206 From the keyboard, @expr{d} is omitted and defaults to zero.
36210 Mode is toggled; a positive prefix always sets the mode, and a negative
36211 prefix always clears the mode.
36215 Some prefix argument values provide special variations of the mode.
36219 A prefix argument, if any, is used for @expr{m} instead of taking
36220 @expr{m} from the stack. @expr{M} may take any of these values:
36222 {@advance@tableindent10pt
36226 Random integer in the interval @expr{[0 .. m)}.
36228 Random floating-point number in the interval @expr{[0 .. m)}.
36230 Gaussian with mean 1 and standard deviation 0.
36232 Gaussian with specified mean and standard deviation.
36234 Random integer or floating-point number in that interval.
36236 Random element from the vector.
36244 A prefix argument from 1 to 6 specifies number of date components
36245 to remove from the stack. @xref{Date Conversions}.
36249 A prefix argument specifies a time zone; @kbd{C-u} says to take the
36250 time zone number or name from the top of the stack. @xref{Time Zones}.
36254 A prefix argument specifies a day number (0-6, 0-31, or 0-366).
36258 If the input has no units, you will be prompted for both the old and
36263 With a prefix argument, collect that many stack entries to form the
36264 input data set. Each entry may be a single value or a vector of values.
36268 With a prefix argument of 1, take a single
36269 @texline @var{n}@math{\times2}
36270 @infoline @mathit{@var{N}x2}
36271 matrix from the stack instead of two separate data vectors.
36275 The row or column number @expr{n} may be given as a numeric prefix
36276 argument instead. A plain @kbd{C-u} prefix says to take @expr{n}
36277 from the top of the stack. If @expr{n} is a vector or interval,
36278 a subvector/submatrix of the input is created.
36282 The @expr{op} prompt can be answered with the key sequence for the
36283 desired function, or with @kbd{x} or @kbd{z} followed by a function name,
36284 or with @kbd{$} to take a formula from the top of the stack, or with
36285 @kbd{'} and a typed formula. In the last two cases, the formula may
36286 be a nameless function like @samp{<#1+#2>} or @samp{<x, y : x+y>}, or it
36287 may include @kbd{$}, @kbd{$$}, etc. (where @kbd{$} will correspond to the
36288 last argument of the created function), or otherwise you will be
36289 prompted for an argument list. The number of vectors popped from the
36290 stack by @kbd{V M} depends on the number of arguments of the function.
36294 One of the mapping direction keys @kbd{_} (horizontal, i.e., map
36295 by rows or reduce across), @kbd{:} (vertical, i.e., map by columns or
36296 reduce down), or @kbd{=} (map or reduce by rows) may be used before
36297 entering @expr{op}; these modify the function name by adding the letter
36298 @code{r} for ``rows,'' @code{c} for ``columns,'' @code{a} for ``across,''
36299 or @code{d} for ``down.''
36303 The prefix argument specifies a packing mode. A nonnegative mode
36304 is the number of items (for @kbd{v p}) or the number of levels
36305 (for @kbd{v u}). A negative mode is as described below. With no
36306 prefix argument, the mode is taken from the top of the stack and
36307 may be an integer or a vector of integers.
36309 {@advance@tableindent-20pt
36313 (@var{2}) Rectangular complex number.
36315 (@var{2}) Polar complex number.
36317 (@var{3}) HMS form.
36319 (@var{2}) Error form.
36321 (@var{2}) Modulo form.
36323 (@var{2}) Closed interval.
36325 (@var{2}) Closed .. open interval.
36327 (@var{2}) Open .. closed interval.
36329 (@var{2}) Open interval.
36331 (@var{2}) Fraction.
36333 (@var{2}) Float with integer mantissa.
36335 (@var{2}) Float with mantissa in @expr{[1 .. 10)}.
36337 (@var{1}) Date form (using date numbers).
36339 (@var{3}) Date form (using year, month, day).
36341 (@var{6}) Date form (using year, month, day, hour, minute, second).
36349 A prefix argument specifies the size @expr{n} of the matrix. With no
36350 prefix argument, @expr{n} is omitted and the size is inferred from
36355 The prefix argument specifies the starting position @expr{n} (default 1).
36359 Cursor position within stack buffer affects this command.
36363 Arguments are not actually removed from the stack by this command.
36367 Variable name may be a single digit or a full name.
36371 Editing occurs in a separate buffer. Press @kbd{C-c C-c} (or
36372 @key{LFD}, or in some cases @key{RET}) to finish the edit, or kill the
36373 buffer with @kbd{C-x k} to cancel the edit. The @key{LFD} key prevents evaluation
36374 of the result of the edit.
36378 The number prompted for can also be provided as a prefix argument.
36382 Press this key a second time to cancel the prefix.
36386 With a negative prefix, deactivate all formulas. With a positive
36387 prefix, deactivate and then reactivate from scratch.
36391 Default is to scan for nearest formula delimiter symbols. With a
36392 prefix of zero, formula is delimited by mark and point. With a
36393 non-zero prefix, formula is delimited by scanning forward or
36394 backward by that many lines.
36398 Parse the region between point and mark as a vector. A nonzero prefix
36399 parses @var{n} lines before or after point as a vector. A zero prefix
36400 parses the current line as a vector. A @kbd{C-u} prefix parses the
36401 region between point and mark as a single formula.
36405 Parse the rectangle defined by point and mark as a matrix. A positive
36406 prefix @var{n} divides the rectangle into columns of width @var{n}.
36407 A zero or @kbd{C-u} prefix parses each line as one formula. A negative
36408 prefix suppresses special treatment of bracketed portions of a line.
36412 A numeric prefix causes the current language mode to be ignored.
36416 Responding to a prompt with a blank line answers that and all
36417 later prompts by popping additional stack entries.
36421 Answer for @expr{v} may also be of the form @expr{v = v_0} or
36426 With a positive prefix argument, stack contains many @expr{y}'s and one
36427 common @expr{x}. With a zero prefix, stack contains a vector of
36428 @expr{y}s and a common @expr{x}. With a negative prefix, stack
36429 contains many @expr{[x,y]} vectors. (For 3D plots, substitute
36430 @expr{z} for @expr{y} and @expr{x,y} for @expr{x}.)
36434 With any prefix argument, all curves in the graph are deleted.
36438 With a positive prefix, refines an existing plot with more data points.
36439 With a negative prefix, forces recomputation of the plot data.
36443 With any prefix argument, set the default value instead of the
36444 value for this graph.
36448 With a negative prefix argument, set the value for the printer.
36452 Condition is considered ``true'' if it is a nonzero real or complex
36453 number, or a formula whose value is known to be nonzero; it is ``false''
36458 Several formulas separated by commas are pushed as multiple stack
36459 entries. Trailing @kbd{)}, @kbd{]}, @kbd{@}}, @kbd{>}, and @kbd{"}
36460 delimiters may be omitted. The notation @kbd{$$$} refers to the value
36461 in stack level three, and causes the formula to replace the top three
36462 stack levels. The notation @kbd{$3} refers to stack level three without
36463 causing that value to be removed from the stack. Use @key{LFD} in place
36464 of @key{RET} to prevent evaluation; use @kbd{M-=} in place of @key{RET}
36465 to evaluate variables.
36469 The variable is replaced by the formula shown on the right. The
36470 Inverse flag reverses the order of the operands, e.g., @kbd{I s - x}
36472 @texline @math{x \coloneq a-x}.
36473 @infoline @expr{x := a-x}.
36477 Press @kbd{?} repeatedly to see how to choose a model. Answer the
36478 variables prompt with @expr{iv} or @expr{iv;pv} to specify
36479 independent and parameter variables. A positive prefix argument
36480 takes @mathit{@var{n}+1} vectors from the stack; a zero prefix takes a matrix
36481 and a vector from the stack.
36485 With a plain @kbd{C-u} prefix, replace the current region of the
36486 destination buffer with the yanked text instead of inserting.
36490 All stack entries are reformatted; the @kbd{H} prefix inhibits this.
36491 The @kbd{I} prefix sets the mode temporarily, redraws the top stack
36492 entry, then restores the original setting of the mode.
36496 A negative prefix sets the default 3D resolution instead of the
36497 default 2D resolution.
36501 This grabs a vector of the form [@var{prec}, @var{wsize}, @var{ssize},
36502 @var{radix}, @var{flfmt}, @var{ang}, @var{frac}, @var{symb}, @var{polar},
36503 @var{matrix}, @var{simp}, @var{inf}]. A prefix argument from 1 to 12
36504 grabs the @var{n}th mode value only.
36508 (Space is provided below for you to keep your own written notes.)
36516 @node Key Index, Command Index, Summary, Top
36517 @unnumbered Index of Key Sequences
36521 @node Command Index, Function Index, Key Index, Top
36522 @unnumbered Index of Calculator Commands
36524 Since all Calculator commands begin with the prefix @samp{calc-}, the
36525 @kbd{x} key has been provided as a variant of @kbd{M-x} which automatically
36526 types @samp{calc-} for you. Thus, @kbd{x last-args} is short for
36527 @kbd{M-x calc-last-args}.
36531 @node Function Index, Concept Index, Command Index, Top
36532 @unnumbered Index of Algebraic Functions
36534 This is a list of built-in functions and operators usable in algebraic
36535 expressions. Their full Lisp names are derived by adding the prefix
36536 @samp{calcFunc-}, as in @code{calcFunc-sqrt}.
36538 All functions except those noted with ``*'' have corresponding
36539 Calc keystrokes and can also be found in the Calc Summary.
36544 @node Concept Index, Variable Index, Function Index, Top
36545 @unnumbered Concept Index
36549 @node Variable Index, Lisp Function Index, Concept Index, Top
36550 @unnumbered Index of Variables
36552 The variables in this list that do not contain dashes are accessible
36553 as Calc variables. Add a @samp{var-} prefix to get the name of the
36554 corresponding Lisp variable.
36556 The remaining variables are Lisp variables suitable for @code{setq}ing
36557 in your Calc init file or @file{.emacs} file.
36561 @node Lisp Function Index, , Variable Index, Top
36562 @unnumbered Index of Lisp Math Functions
36564 The following functions are meant to be used with @code{defmath}, not
36565 @code{defun} definitions. For names that do not start with @samp{calc-},
36566 the corresponding full Lisp name is derived by adding a prefix of
36575 arch-tag: 77a71809-fa4d-40be-b2cc-da3e8fb137c0