6 Jan
2014
6 Jan
'14
1:14 p.m.
Even though I agree that RPN calculators are superior
to algebraic
ones, I think that Ken's message was thoroughly condescending and rude.
RPN vs algebraic is a matter of opinion, not a law of nature or an
indicator of personal worth.
I wonder if part of it is confusing 'Easy to learn' with 'Easy to use'
The two are not the same. And which is more important depends on you, the
problem , and how many tiems you will have to solve it.
I will agree that in a sense RPN calculators are not 'easy to learn'.
You odn't just read a normal maths expression and press the keys in the
same order. You have to think about it.
But they are easy to use in that once you know how to use one, you don't
have to worry about the order that the machine will do operations, you
don't have to worry whether or not you need brackets, and so on. The
machie nalways behaves the same way.
And for me (and jsut about everyone elase I know), that is important. The
time taken to learn RPN is regaiend many times over in not having to think
aobut the machine rahter than the problem.
-tony