Switch HP 20b to Algebraic Mode

To switch the HP20b calculator in (Hierarchical) Algebraic mode press [Shift][Mode]. Press [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] repeatedly to scroll through the menu till you see "Chain" or "RPN" item is displayed, press [INPUT] key to cycle through till you see "Algebraic". To exit the Mode menu, press [ON/CE] key once.

In (Hierarchical) Algebraic mode, multiplication and division have a higher priority than addition and subtraction. For example, in (Hierarchical) "Algebraic" mode, pressing 1+2*3 returns a result of 7.00. In Chain mode, the same key presses return a different result.

In (Hierarchical) Algebraic mode, operations have the following priority:

1. First priority: the power function (y x).
2. Second priority: combinations and permutations.
3. Third priority: multiplication and division.
4. Fourth priority: addition and subtraction.

HP 20b *New » HP20B Keyboard: 5. Switch between RPN and Algebraic ·

HP 20b Keyboard & Display Reference » HP 20 b Switch to Chain Mode · HP 20 b Switch to RPN Mode ·