The HP CAS system was created by Bernard Parisse of University de Grenoble for the HP 49g calculator. It was later implemented on the HP 48gII, HP 49g+, and HP 50g Graphing Calculators. The HP CAS system offers the user a vast array of functions and abilities as well as an easy user interface. It also includes the ability to display many algebraic calculations in ‘step-by-step’ mode, making it an invaluable teaching tool in universities and schools. Functions are grouped by category and accessed via choose boxes of menus at the bottom of the screen.
Example: Factorise the expression (x-4)(x+5)-(x-40)
Here are the steps involved:
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Press [Shift] [EQW].
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On the Equation Writer Screen, enter the following key sequence. [(] [X] [-] [4] and the press the [Up Arrow] key 4 times to highlight ‘(X-4)’. Press [*] [(] [X] [+] [5] and press the [Up Arrow] key 4 times to hightlight ‘(X-4)*(X+5)’. Press [-] [(] [X] [-] [4] [0].
Press Up Arrow 7 times to highlight ‘(x-4)(x+4)-(x-40)’.
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Press {FACTO} soft key to simply the entire expression.