Sunday, November 2, 2025

Quick Review: Casio fx-9910CW 2nd Edition

Quick Review: Casio fx-9910CW 2nd Edition













The Casio fx-9910CW 2nd Edition is an update of the fx-991CW first released in 2023.



Product Pages


United States:

https://www.casio.com/us/scientific-calculators/product.FX-9910CW/


The fx-9910CW has two keyboards: black with gold font and pink with purple font (limited). I have one each and Casio has improved on the readability on the pink edition with the dark purple font.


I’m sure this model will be available world wide soon.



What’s the Same and What’s Different


Overall, the fx-9910CW 2nd Edition has the same mathematical features as the fx-991CW. The modes included are:


Calculate: the main app for mathematical calculations


Statistics: 1 and 2 variable with seven regression models:


Linear:  y=a+bx

Quadratic: y=a+bx+cx^2

Logarithmic:  y=a+b*ln(x)

Exponential:  y=a*e^(bx)

Power I:  y=a*b^x

Power II: y=a*x^b

Inverse:  y=a+b/x


Statistical graphs may be generated with the QR feature.


Distribution: Binomial, Normal, and Poisson distributions, along with their inverses. The functions work with lower-tail probabilities (-∞ or 0 to x).


Spreadsheet: 5 columns, 45 rows. 2,380 byte memory.


Table: Generate a table for up to two functions f(x) and g(x). Generate graphs with the QR feature.


Equations: Linear systems (up to 4 x 4), polynomials up to 4th order, and a general equation solver.


Inequalities: Solve inequalities for polynomials up to the 4th order.


Complex Numbers: Complex number arithmetic with polar/rectangular conversion, integer powers, real/imaginary parts, conjugate


Base N: Base mode for the traditional decimal, hexadecimal, octal, and binary basis. Binary integers are up to 31 bytes with one sign bit.


Matrix: Four matrices, up to size 4 x 4, with basic matrix functions such as determinant, transpose, and inverse.


Vector: Four vectors, 2D or 3D, with dot product, cross product, and norm.


Math Box: Dice Roll and Coin Toss simulations

47 scientific constants (SI units) and unit conversions


We still have the newer Casio style of navigation keys, the Home Key, the Back Key, the Settings key, and the Scroll up and down keys.


What is different?


First, the fx-9910CW is not solar powered, but instead runs on a single AAA battery.


Welcome changes:


The menus all have short cut keys! This eliminates the requirement to scroll down menus, which some get long, to find the sub menus and functions. This makes the operating the calculator a lot easier and more efficient, eliminating additional key strokes by repeatedly pressing the arrow keys.


For example, to get the absolute value in Calculate mode, press [ CATALOG ], [ 3 ] for Numeric Calc, [ 1 ] for Absolute Value.


In the same mode, we call up the Speed of Light constant (c), press [ CATALOG ] , [ 7 ] for Sci Constants, [ 1 ] for Universal, and [ 3 ] for c.


There is a setting to turn the hide the shortcut numbers but thankfully it won’t turn off the ability to navigate by using short cut keys.


The 10^[] and FORMAT keys return to familiar form! Like the fx-CG 100, we have an option on how the 10^[] and FORMAT keys operate.


10^[] Key:

(1) Power: Acts like a power key like the fx-991CW. I read that there are potential problems with calculating with this key leaving calculations to return unexpected answers.

(2) Sci. Notat: This returns this key to the traditional scientific notation key. When this option is selected, the 10^ is shown in a small font. This key now acts like the [ EE ] or [ EXP ] keys on other scientific calculators. This is the default setting.


FORMAT Key:

(1) -π√ ←→ Decimal. Pressing the FORMAT key just toggles between decimal and the exact (when available) format of answers. This brings back the beloved [ S←→D ] key. This is the default settings.

(2) Format Menu. This is the format menu that is presented, similar to the fx-991CW. We trade off the quick toggle for additional formatting options.


Shortcut Catalog. Pressing [ SHIFT ] [ CATALOG ] is a new feature and provides a listing of all mathematical functions available in the active mode. Up to 15 functions are shown, using the arithmetic keys (+, -, ×, ÷) and the decimal point (.) as additional shortcut keys. The shortcut catalog does not have the conversions or constants.


These changes are welcome and enhance the operating experience of the calculator.


My next wish is that the fx-9910CW included the Algo mode (algorithm mode) that allowed small programs (via a mix of Scratch and Casio Basic). You can find out more details here:

https://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2025/08/casio-fx-92-college-plotting-lines.html


I just think the algorithm mode is neat, gives students an introduction to programming, and would have fit the fx-9910CW well.


Great job, Casio. I think Casio listened to calculator users and brought back these improvements, and brought it more in line with operating the fx-CG 100/Graph Math Plus. If you were hesitant about the fx-991CW, the fx-9910CW 2nd Edition is a good time to jump in.




Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.













Saturday, November 1, 2025

fx-3650P and TI-68: Quadratic Equation and Arc Length between Roots of a Quadratic Curve

fx-3650P and TI-68: Quadratic Equation and Arc Length between Roots of a Quadratic Curve


Two approaches using two well-liked, classic calculators. The fx-3650P uses Basic like language while the TI-68 handles formulas.



Quadratic Equation


Solve for A x^2 + B x + C = 0, with the discriminant D = B^2 – 4 * A * C.


We know the solutions: X = (-B ± √(B² – 4 * A * C)) / (2 * A)


fx-3650P Program

? → A : ? → B : ? → C :

B² – 4 A C → D ◢

-B ÷ ( 2 A ) → M :

√ ( √ ( D² ) ) ÷ ( 2 A ) → Y :

D ≥ 0 ⇒ Goto 1 : M ◢ Y ◢ Goto 2 :

Lbl 1 : M + Y → X ◢ M – Y → Y ◢ Lbl 2


D: discriminant

If D<0; roots are in the form of M ± Yi

Else, the roots are real and are stored in X, Y


TI-68 Formula


X = 0 × A + (-B + √(B² – 4 × C × A) × J) ÷ (2 × A)


The 0 × A is added to force A to be prompted for first.

J = -1 for one root, J = 1 for the other

TI-68 takes care of both real and complex roots, no worries.

The coefficients can be complex!


Examples

A

B

C

D

Roots

2

-3

-9

81

3, -1.5

1

0

25

-100

5i, -5i

-48

64

28

9472

-0.347127088, 1.680464022



Arc Length of a Quadratic Equation between its Real Roots


Give roots X, Y: (t – X) * (t – Y) = t^2 – (X + Y )* t + X * Y

f(t) = t^2 – (X + Y) * t + X * Y

f’(t) = 2 * t – (X + Y)

arc = ∫( √(1 + f’(t)^2) dt


TI-68 will set up for the outside integral function, while the fx-3650P can use the integral function inside of the program.


We are going to assume that X < Y.


fx-3650P Program

? → A : ? → B : ∫ ( √ (1 + (2 X – A – B) ² ), A, B)


This is the direct approach.


TI-68 Formula

ARC = √(1 + (2 × X – A – B)²)


for X use the integral function (dx)

[ 3rd ] [ Σ+ ] (dx) [ = ]

Enter low, high, and the number of intervals.

The more intervals, generally, the more accurate the integral is.


Examples

I compared results against the fx-991CW.


A

B

TI-68, intv = 16

fx-3650P

fx-991 CW

2

9

26.070832160

26.070800000

26.070797720

0

5

13.903768900

13.904000000

13.903767950

-2

2

9.293567375

9.293568000

9.293567525



Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.


The author does not use AI engines and never will.


Thursday, October 30, 2025

HP 67 Programs… Almost 50 Years Later

 HP 67 Programs… Almost 50 Years Later


Both downloads are in PDF format. This is for use for the HP 67 and its emulators, or really almost any RPN scientific calculator. Enjoy!



Volume 1:


https://drive.google.com/file/d/114H4D0hcOjxDj_MHQNvwDBUJV3chlpdC/view?usp=sharing


Countdown of HP 67 "seconds"

Random Numbers

Snell's Law

Circle: Area and Circumference

Sphere: Surface Area and Volume

Angle Between 2 Lines with Slopes x and y

Sum of Powers

Adding Complex Numbers

Multiplying Complex Numbers

Complex Number to a Real Power

Permutation

Combination (with duplicating X and Y stack values)

Speed of Sound Approximation (in meters per second)

Finance: Present Value Annuity Factor (including setting N and I% with monthly payments)

Distance Between Two Points (x,y) and (z,t)

Horizontal Curve


Volume 2:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RPK2C879JeiyReox1SOTeAOQc_7QYdUN/view?usp=sharing

Sigmoid Function

Logit Function

Solving Linear Equations

Solving Monic Quadratic Polynomials (real roots only)

Intensity of a Spherical Light Source

Determinant of a 2 x 2 Matrix

Air Density of Dry Air

Time Dilation Factor

Simple Interest

Calculus: Area Under the Curve of a Linear Function

Horizontal Curve Solution given Radius and Central Angle

Freezing Altitude Levels: Dry and Wet

HP 67 Solvers:

Temperature Conversions

Cost-Sell-Margin

Decibel Gain/Loss




Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.


Saturday, October 25, 2025

Casio fx-991CW: Arc of a Quadratic Curve

Casio fx-991CW: Arc of a Quadratic Curve



All screen shots will be taken with the https://www.classpad.app/ website.


Introduction


We are given three points: (x1, y1), (x2, y2), and (x3, y3) which are connected to a quadratic curve:


y(x) = a + b * x + c * x^2


with it’s derivative:

y’(x) = b + 2 * c * x


We assume that all three x-values are unique, therefore x1 ≠ x2, x2 ≠ x3, and x1 ≠ x3.


The arc length is the integral: ∫( √(1 + (b + 2 * c * x)^2 dx, min(x), max(x))


In curve fitting, if we only have three points, the quadratic curve will fit all three points.



Procedure


We can do the entire calculation in the Statistics app of the fx-991CW.


1. Go to the Statistics app by pressing [ Home ], selecting Statistics.

2. Enter the three points. If you need to, you can clear the lists by selecting Tools > Edit > Delete All.

3. Press [OK] (or [EXE] ), select Statistics Calc, y = a + b * x + c * x^2, and then press [OK] (or [EXE]) again. The Statistics Calc will allow us to make calculations using the statistics variables.

4. Calculate the integral:

( √(1 + (b + 2 * c * x)^2), min(x), max(x))


∫: Catalog > Func Analysis > Integration

b: Catalog > Statistics > Regression > b

c: Catalog > Statistics > Regression > c

min(x): Catalog > Statistics > Regression > Min/Max > min(x)

max(x): Catalog > Statistics > Regression > Min/Max > min(x)


Let’s walk through an example:


Points: (0,0), (5,4), (7,2)

Arc length: 9.97139451


You can see the procedure through the screen shots below:





Quadratic Curve:



Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.


Saturday, October 18, 2025

Numworks: Estimating the Speed of Sound in Water

 Numworks: Estimating the Speed of Sound in Water


Generally, the speed of sound in water is faster than the speed of sound in air. Is there an easy way to estimate the speed of sound in water using curve fitting? I will use the Numworks’ Regression App. The online simulator of Numworks: https://www.numworks.com/simulator/ .


* For readability, I consolidated some screen shots.


The data, from The Engineering Toolbox (see Source below) is shown in below:


SI Units

Temperature in °C

Speed of sound in m/s (meters/second)

0

1403

5

1427

10

1447

20

1481

30

1507

40

1526

50

1541

60

1552

70

1555

80

1555

90

1550

100

1543


https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sound-speed-water-d_598.html





Of the curve fits available, I found the best fits were to be with polynomial regression.


Quadratic Regression: y = a2 * x^2 + a1 * x + a0



y = -0.02736013 * x^2 + 4.059449 * x + 1407.3398


where y is the speed of sound in water (m/s) and x is the temperature (°C). The r^2 parameter is 0.9980768, which is pretty good given the raw data is only rounded the nearest integer. The Numworks also offers residual plot, which is the difference between predicted and given data. From the residual plot, the biggest difference was at x = 0.


Quartic Regression: y = a4 * x^4 + a3 * x^3 + a2 * x^2 + a1 * x + a0



If we are looking for better accuracy, we could use the quartic regression, where r^2 parameter is 0.99981. From the residual plot, the biggest difference was located at x = 60.


y = -7.955665 * 10^-7 * x^4 + 2.523644 * 10^-4 * x^3 – 0.05122094 * x^2 + 4.782147 * x + 1403.692


For a quick calculation, the quadratic equation could be sufficient enough.



Source


The Engineering ToolBox (2004). Water - Speed of Sound vs. Temperature. [online] Available at: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sound-speed-water-d_598.html. Accessed May, 2025.


Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.


The author does not use AI engines and never will.


Tuesday, October 14, 2025

HHC 2025 Videos

 HHC 2025 Videos



The talks from the HHC 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida are starting to be up on hpcalc’s YouTube page within the coming days.

https://www.youtube.com/@hpcalc/videos



So far, the following videos are up (as of 5:30 AM Pacific Standard Time on October 14):



Is the HP 71B Still Relevant?: Wlodek Mier-Jerdzejowicz. Yes and Wlodek explains why.


The RPN Journey Continues – Gary Carter: This is about the new and upcoming C47 and R47 calculators. The C47 is an advanced, open-source RPN calculator that runs on the Swiss Micros DM42 and DM42n calculator. The R47 will be hardware version.

For more information: https://47calc.com/



Moravia Product Update. Moravia is a worldwide distributor and has the license to sell HP calculators. There are plans to release an HP 16C Collector’s Edition next year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwgQu2s7rxY



The HP 16C is part of the Voyager series, which includes the HP 12C and HP 15C, but the 16C specializes in computer science and Boolean algebra.

https://www.hpmuseum.org/hp16.htm



There is more to come. You can see the full schedule here:

https://hhuc.us/2025/schedule.htm



Topics to come include (not an all inclusive list):



Video Game Preservation and how it relates to calculators: Charles McCord



Creating the Calculator Calculus Companion book: David Hayden

A copy can be downloaded here: https://literature.hpcalc.org/items/2685



Building a Classic Battery pack from scratch: David Ramsey



Photographing Calculators on a budget: Alan Striegel



A New Random Number Generator (using dice): Richard Schwartz



HHC is one of the events I try to get to every year. It is a two, talk and calculating packed days. Saturdays typically start at 7:30 in the morning local time and we go to at least 9:30 at night, sometimes later. Sundays start about 9:30 in the morning through about 4:00-5:00, counting the door prize drawing. The weekend goes by so fast!


[edited October 18, 2025]

Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

Saturday, October 11, 2025

RPN Calculators: INPUT vs PROMPT

RPN Calculators: INPUT vs PROMPT


Later RPN keystroke programming calculators are able to display alphabetic messages and store to variables for alphabetic names.


HP 32S, HP 32SII, HP 33S, HP 35S, DM32

HP 41C (all variants), DM41X

HP 42S, DM42, DM42n, Free 42

Single letter variable names

Numeric-named variables only

Both numeric-named variables and alphabetic (and alphanumeric) variable names. Alphabetic and alphanumeric named variables are enclosed in quotes (alpha strings) well stored and recalled and take additional memory.

Can display messages by setting Flag 10 and using the equation feature to type messages

Can display messages and prompts

Can display messages and prompts


Two common ways to cue the user to enter values are the INPUT and PROMPT commands.


The INPUT Command: HP 32 and HP 42S (and Swiss Micros/emulator equivalents)


Note: The INPUT command is not available in the HP 41C’s command set.


General syntax: INPUT var


When an INPUT command is encountered, the screen will display [var]?= on the X stack.


Example:

INPUT R displays R? [previous value stored in R]


HP 32 Family: The variable is a single-letter name or the indirect variable i.

HP 42S Family: A custom alpha variable, a numeric-named variable (i.e. 00, 01, 02, etc.), indirect variables, or the stack levels X, Y, T, Z, or L (last argument).


The INPUT has the double benefit of storing whatever is entered into the variable asked for. INPUT will also show the previously stored value, so we can just accept it by pressing R/S to keep the old value.


Example: Volume of a Cone


HP 32 family

HP 42S family

V01 LBL V

V02 INPUT R

V03 INPUT H

V04 π

V05 RCL R

V06 x^2

V07 ×

V08 RCL H

V09 ×

V10 3

V11 ÷

V12 RTN


No quotes are needed for alphabetic variables.



00 {30-Byte Prgm }

01 LBL “VCONE1”

02 INPUT “R”

03 INPUT “H”

04 PI

05 RCL “R”

06 x↑2

07 ×

08 RCL “H”

09 ×

10 3

11 ÷

12 RTN


We could use variables 00 and 01 (for example) for radius and height, respectively, except the input command prompt will show “R00?” or “R01?” which may not be user-friendly.


The INPUT does not replace the contents of the alpha register.


If we want the alphanumeric/alphanumeric variables (“R”, “H”) to be erased, we could have inserted CLV “R” and CLV “H” at the end, but that will erase the value associated with them.



The PROMPT Command: HP 41C and HP 42S (and Swiss Micros/emulator equivalents)


Note: The PROMPT command is not available on the HP 32S family.


General Syntax:

alpha string”

PROMPT

STO var


The alpha string is displayed until something, usually a numeric value, is entered. Unlike the INPUT command, the PROMPT does not automatically store the entered value into a variable. Therefore, if you want to use the value for future use, a STO (store) command must be used following the prompt.


Let’s take our volume of the cone example again:


HP 41C family

HP 42S family

01 LBL “VCONE2”

02 ^T RADIUS?

03 PROMPT

04 STO 00

05 ^T HEIGHT?

06 PROMPT

07 STO 01

08 PI

09 RCL 00

10 X↗2

11 *

12 RCL 01

13 *

14 3

15 /

16 RTN



R00 = radius

R01 = volume

00 { 40-Byte Prgm }

01 LBL “VCONE2”

02 “RADIUS?”

03 PROMPT

04 STO 00

05 “HEIGHT?”

06 PROMPT

07 STO 01

08 PI

09 RCL 00

10 X↑2

11 ×

12 RCL 01

13 ×

14 3

15 ÷

16 RTN



R00 = radius

R01 = volume


With PROMPT, I like to use the numeric-named memory registers, but we can use alphabetic or alphanumeric registers as well.


HP 32SII/DM32: Simulating PROMPT with Flag 10


Even though the HP 32SII does not have a PROMPT command, we can kind of simulate it by using the equation message feature.


To set flag 10: [ |→ ] [ × ]* (FLAGS), { SF }. [ . ] [ 0 ]

To clear flag 10: [ |→ ] [ × ]* (FLAGS), { CF }. [ . ] [ 0 ]

We have to use the decimal point key in order to access flags beyond 9.

(*HP 35S: [ ←| ] [ ↑ ] (FLAGS))


HP 32SII/33S/35S/DM32


W01 LBL W

W02 SF 10

W03 “=RADIUS”

W04 STO R

W05 “=HEIGHT”

W06 STO H

W07 CF 10


W08 π

W09 RCL R

W10 x^2

W11 ×

W12 RCL H

W13 ×

W14 3

W15 ÷

W16 RTN


Turn message mode on

Enter as an equation =RADIUS

Enter radius and press [R/S]

Enter as an equation =HEIGHT

Enter height and press [R/S]

Turn message mode off, so equations can operate normally



Note: Equations are NOT on the original HP 32S.



I hope you find this helpful.


Eddie


All original content copyright, © 2011-2025. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.


The author does not use AI engines and never will.

Quick Review: Casio fx-9910CW 2nd Edition

Quick Review: Casio fx-9910CW 2 nd Edition The Casio fx-9910CW 2 nd Edition is an update of the fx-991CW first released in 202...