The HP 50g calculator can produce answers in either Exact mode or Approximate mode. Exact mode gives solutions in exact form. For example, dividing 12 by 18 in Exact mode would give 2/3. Approximate mode rounds the final value within a certain decimal range. If 12 is divided by 18 in Approximate mode, the result is 0.666666666667 with the last 6 rounded up to 7. The mode can be switched by pressing "Mode," "F3," the down arrow twice, "F3" and "OK" twice.
Entering a polynomial into the "factormod" command will reorganize the polynomial to eliminate all exponents and return the polynomial in factored form. The "lim" command is used to solve for the limit of an equation. The "lim" command is in the form lim(f(x), a), where f(x) is the function and a is the range. Placing a function into "tabvar" will create a full analysis of function traits like identifying variables and ranges. "Bar" and "Conic" can be used to create bar and conic charts respectively. The "Function" command produces a Cartesian coordinate system and plots a function in the form y = f(x).
If the calculator has a minor error and needs to be restarted, press "On," followed by "F1" and "F3." The calculator will pause for several seconds and restart. If the problem occurs repeatedly, the system may need to be recovered. Press "On," followed by "F1" and "F6." Press "F1" to begin automatic recovery. The libraries can be recovered by pressing "On," followed by "F3" and the left arrow button.
Library files have the .lib file extension. A library file contains a collection of data functions and tools for use with an application. Library files can be installed using the HP Calculator Connectivity software included with the calculator and available at the HP website. Applications can be installed by placing the application directly into the "APPS" folder on the calculator.