Section 1: Getting Started27
For example, solve (17 – 5) × 4.
If you were working the problem with pencil and paper, you would first calculate the intermediate result of (17 – 5)...
(17 – 5) × 4 =
12           
...and then you would multiply the intermediate result by 4.
(17 – 5) × 4 =
      12 × 4 = 48
Work through the problem exactly the same way with the HP-41C, one operation at a time. You solve for the intermediate result first...
(17 – 5)
Keystrokes Display    
17  17 _    
ENTER    17.0000    
5  5 _    
 –    12.0000   Intermediate result.
...and then solve for the final answer. You don't need to press ENTER  to store the intermediate result—the calculator automatically stores it when you key in the next number. Complete the problem now by multiplying the intermediate result by 4.
Keystrokes Display    
   12.0000   The intermediate result is in the display.
4  4 _   The intermediate result is automatically stored in the HP-41C when you key in this number.
 ×    48.0000   Pressing the function (  ×  ) multiplies the new number and the intermediate result, giving the final answer.
Because the HP-41C stores intermediate results automatically, you don't need to remember them.