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8
Chapter 1: First Steps
Approximate using
.
The answer is displayed in scientific notation. Since the count of whole digits is one more than
the power of 10, the number has 173+1 = 174 digits.
In the next exercise, you will learn a different technique of entering expressions by using the
buttons preceding the entry field.
Type into the entry line
x/3+x/4
this time
without concluding with
(¢)
.
Note the five buttons left of the entry field. The usual technique of moving the mouse pointer
onto a button reveals the first one,
, as the
Author Expression
button. Selecting this button
has the same effect as concluding the input with the
(¢)
key. Try it:
Enter the above expression with
, then simplify as usual using the Command Toolbar’s
Simplify
button
.
Unlike ordinary calculators, D
ERIVE
can perform nonnumeric (symbolic, algebraic) computations
such as simplifying expression #10 into expression #11.
For the next example use the Expression Entry Toolbar’s second button,
.
To simplify
2
x
x
+
immediately, type
x+2x
then select the entry line’s
Simplify
button
.
This button simplified the entered expression immediately without the usual display of the
unsimplified expression. Note the result’s annotation:
Simp(User)
For the next example use the Expression Entry Toolbar’s third button,
.
Enter and simplify
sin
xy
x
+
by typing
xy+sinx
then using the entry line’s
Author and
Simplify
button
.