1. About Hewlett Packard Calculators

Hewlett Packard (HP) calculators are renowned for their advanced functionality and reliability. They introduced RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) and have been widely used in engineering, finance, and scientific fields since the 1970s.

2. RPN (Reverse Polish Notation)

RPN is a mathematical notation where operators follow their operands, eliminating the need for parentheses. For example, "3 4 +" instead of "3 + 4".

Advantages: More efficient for complex calculations, requires fewer keystrokes, and provides a clear view of the calculation stack.

3. Financial Calculations

HP calculators excel at financial calculations including:

• Time Value of Money (TVM)
• Amortization schedules
• Cash flow analysis
• Bond calculations

4. Scientific Functions

HP scientific calculators provide advanced functions including:

• Trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan)
• Logarithmic and exponential functions
• Statistical calculations
• Matrix operations
• Complex number arithmetic

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is RPN and why is it better?
A: RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) is a stack-based calculation method that eliminates the need for parentheses and often requires fewer keystrokes than algebraic notation.

Q2: Which HP calculators use RPN?
A: Most HP scientific and financial calculators use RPN, including the HP-12C, HP-35, and HP-48 series.

Q3: Are HP calculators still being made?
A: Yes, HP continues to produce calculators, though many classic models are now collector's items.

Q4: What's special about HP financial calculators?
A: They're optimized for financial professionals with dedicated TVM (Time Value of Money) buttons and specialized functions.

Q5: Can I use this calculator for complex engineering problems?
A: This web version provides basic functions. For complex problems, consider a physical HP calculator or advanced software.