2011

Table Of Contents
QuickCalc evaluates expressions according to the following standard
mathematical rules of precedence:
Expressions in parentheses first, starting with the innermost set
Operators in standard order: exponents first, multiplication and division
second, and addition and subtraction last
Operators of equal precedence from left to right
The Input box of the calculator is where you enter and retrieve expressions.
With QuickCalc, there are two ways you can enter data in the Input box. You
can either enter expressions using the QuickCalc Number Pad buttons, or you
can use the computer keyboard or numeric keypad. To use the computer
numeric keypad, you must have NUMLOCK on.
To evaluate an expression, click the equal (=) sign on the QuickCalc Number
Pad, or press Enter on the computer keyboard.
Understand the Syntax of Expressions
The syntax for QuickCalc expressions and Command prompt calculator
expressions is identical. For example, to perform an operation on the vector
or coordinates 5,2,0, you enter [5,2,0] in the Input box.
You can use the GETVAR function to read the value of a system variable. The
syntax is
getvar(variable_name)
For more information see CAL.
Use the History Area
The History area keeps an ongoing record of calculations, similar to the paper
tape in a physical desk calculator. You can use the History area to review
previous operations and pass them back to the Input box for re-evaluation
with different parameters.
Rules for Displaying and Handling Units
QuickCalc adheres to the following rules:
Results of calculations are always expressed in decimal format unless a
distance is entered in feet and inches
632 | Chapter 17 Use Precision Tools