Application Guide

160 Using Variables
Entry Result Comment
a := a
3
8
Variable a updated with result.
a
8
a
2
& a
64
Variable a updated with result.
a
64
Reusing the Last Answer
Each instance of Calculator automatically stores the last calculated result as a variable
named Ans. You can use Ans to create a chain of calculations.
Note: Do not link to Ans or any system variable. Doing so could prevent the variable
from being updated by the system. System variables include statistics results (such as
Stat.RegEqn, Stat.dfError, and Stat.Resid) and Finance Solver variables (such as
tvm.n, tvm.pmt, and tvm.fv).
Example 1
As an example of using Ans, calculate the area of a garden plot that is 1.7 meters by
4.2 meters. Then use the area to calculate the yield per square meter if the plot
produces a total of 147 tomatoes.
1. Calculate the area:
- On the Calculator entry line, type 1.7*4.2, and press Enter.
- Handheld: On the Calculator entry line, type 1.7 r 4.2, and press ·.
2. Reuse the last answer to calculate the yield per square meter:
- Type 147/ans and press Enter to find the yield.
- Handheld: Type 147 p ans, and press · to find the yield.
Example 2
As a second example, calculate and then add 2*log(45).
1. Type 3.76/(-7.9+sqrt(5)), and press Enter.
Handheld: Type 3.76 p (v7.9+sqrt(5)), and press ·.