Monday, August 2, 2021

Retro Review: Casio fx-5000F

 Retro Review:  Casio fx-5000F







Quick Facts


Company:  Casio

Year Introduced:  1987

Type:  Scientific, Formula Programming

Memory:  675 steps

Batteries:  2 x CR-2032

Operating System: Algebraic

Display:  Scrolling 14 character screen

Formula Library: 128 formulas


Keyboard and ALPHA Key


The Casio fx-5000F has the keyboard split into two sections:  the scientific keys (gray keys, upper half) and the number and arithmetic keys (black keys, lower half).   There is a physical ON-OFF switch on the left side of the thin keyboard and a contrast wheel on the right side.   


There is a fx-1000F where is the same fx-5000F, except the keyboard of the fx-1000F is angled and the hyperbolic functions are not available.  


The keyboard of the fx-5000F is busy.  The alpha characters are presented in red, including symbols and Greek letters.   In fact, the [ ALPHA ] key serves multiple purposes:


*  Alone, the uppercase letter is typed (bottom right hand corner of the key)

*  [ ALPHA ] [ : ] (SMALL) combination: a lowercase letter is typed

*  [ ALPHA ] [ ENG ] (GREEK) combination: a Greek character is typed (top right hand of the key)

*  [ ALPHA ] [ √ ] combination:  small uppercase letters

*  [ ALPHA ] [ x^2 ] combination: small lowercase letters

*  [ ALPHA ] [ log ] combination: small numbers

*  [ ALPHA ] [ ln ] combination:  calls up constants (upper left hand of the keyboard)


Modes Included


* Formula Programming

* Statistics:  Single Variable (SD) and Linear Regression (LR)

* Base Conversions and Boolean Math


A Library of Formulas


The fx-5000F has a library of 128 formulas, which includes topics like:


*  geometry

*  quadratic equations

*  electricity

*  physics

*  probability

*  combinatorics


For a full listing, you can download the calculator's manual here:


http://www.usersmanualguide.com/info_redirect/manuals/casio/FX-1000F__FX-5000F.pdf.shtml



User Formulas


The fx-5000F can handle user formulas.   User formulas that are meant for one-time or temporary can be entered directly in Run mode (1) by using the format:


var = expression


Example:


A=π*R^2


Variables on the right side of the equation will be prompted automatically.  No input or print commands are required.  Multiple statements can be chained in one of three ways:


*  Colon ( : ):  variable values are carried over in multiple calculations

*  Right Triangle (◢):  intermediate calculations are shown and variables are re-prompted

*  Right Angle Symbol/"Fraction" Symbol ( _| ):  intermediate calculations are not shown and variables are re-prompted


At the conclusion of each formula, all the variables are treated as local variables and cleared.  The practice is different from other formula calculators like the TI-68, where values are stored in variable registers for future use.


We can store user formulas in 12 program slots (0-9, A, B) in WRT (Write) mode (Mode 2).  Up to 675 steps can be used, and storing operations (→) are allowed.  


There are no loop (for, Σ) commands or comparison commands (if, >, <, =); hence each written formula must be a closed expression.  However, multiple formulas can be stored in a program slot.


Example:


P1:  S=A+B:D=A-B


This program asks for A and B and displays S (the sum) and D (difference).


Verdict


I enjoy using this calculator, it is small and compact.  The fx-5000F is hard to get at a bargain price as it is one of more sought after calculators, commanding a premium price.  The closest thing to the fx-5000F that I can think of is the Casio fx-5800P, which has a formula feature and a library of formulas.   


I find the formula library to be one of the most underrated features.  


Eddie


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