RPN(HP-31) vs AN(TI-57)

[ijabbott]

(02-16-2020 03:48 PM)lrdheat Wrote:  ...to be clear, I am comparing text book vs RPN entry. I find algebraic entry prone to symbolic error (did I handle ()’s correctly), but not satisfying in being intimately involved from a math viewpoint.

It depends on the calculator. The algebraics with an input line let you see the full expression, although it is still possible to make mistakes, e.g. -2 ^ 8 versus (-2) ^ 8.

Algebraics without an input line will indicate that you've exceeded the stack size of pending operations or exceeded the maximum number of nested parentheses. An RPN calculator with a fixed copy-down stack will silently lose stuff off the top of the stack and produce incorrect results it you enter an expression that is too complicated.