HP 50g Calculator - Negative Result when Squaring a Negative Number in Algebraic Mode

Issue

The calculator displays an answer with the incorrect sign when squaring a negative number in Algebraic mode.

SOLUTION

The calculator performs operations in a specific order, in which exponential expressions are evaluated before addition or subtraction. Thus, the squaring is done before the sign change.

If the term is enclosed in parentheses, then squared, the answer will be correct.

Correct Sequence

Here is the correct sequence for calculating the square of a negative number in Algebraic mode, say -3, using parentheses:

The square function of the keys in Algebraic mode can also be used:

In RPN mode:

Parentheses is not required to set the order of operation in RPN mode.

Specifying the Order of Operation in RPN and Algebraic Modes

In Algebraic mode, if the expression has more than one operation, use parentheses to set the order of operation. For example, calculate: (3+4) X (5+6):

In RPN mode:

There is no need for parentheses to set the order of operation in RPN. Simply enter the numbers on the stack, followed by the operations inside the parentheses first to obtain the same result: