Tip: Grab A Value

Question: Ok, I've typed this magic number in my document & need to run a calculation on it. How can I bring it into calc? . . .

Answer: Use the grab command of the calc package.

= First type your number, in the document. Then, select it to the end of your number, and grab.

• Find your number, move to the first digit, select start, and go to end: Ctrl-space.
• Grab command: Alt-#, g.
• Perform your calculations. If you have a result to return to the document? Move to the line with the desired result, and kill that line & quit (calc): Alt-k, q. (Otherwise, leave with a q.)
• Last yank it back: Ctrl-y.

= Note: Just hitting the q key. Quits out of calc. It isn't necessary to Alt-#, c; to leave.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Run A Quick Calc

Question: Ok, do I have to enter this calc mode & mess with it's buffer? . . .

Answer: No, you don't. There is a quick calc command, also. However, you cannot kill (the answer) to paste it.

= It will let you enter the expression in the mini-buffer (or echo area) and not jump you to another buffer view. Thus, the quick moniker, and it vanishes. When you resume typing on the file.

• Enter the quick calc mode: Alt-#, q.
• Enter an algebraic expression, hit enter, and view your answer.
• Exit quick calc mode: Alt-#, q.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Paste Your Result

Question: After calculating some special value. How do I paste it into XEmacs? . . .

Answer: Just a matter of getting this routine, into your finger memory.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Run your expression.
• Move (usually up) to the numbered line with your result. (Try 1: 400. If you ran '100+300, enter.) Kill the current result without deleting: Alt-k.

• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Then yank it: Ctrl-y.

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Tip: Calc Info Screen

Question: How do I pull up the "info viewer" screen on Calc? . . .

Answer: When you're inside XEmacs. It is the best way to learn more, read up on new concepts, and study it further.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Invoke Info Viewer on calc: ?, h, i
• Kill the Info View buffer: Ctrl-x, k, enter.
• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.

= At step three, you are probably asking. How do I return to the calculator window? Just use Alt-#, c, again, once or twice.
= Otherwise, I'd have to recommend. Use the mouse and select your original file buffer. (I'll check into the keyboard sequence to jump around buffers [or views], later.)

• Normal command to pull up the Info Viewer: Ctrl-h, i (or Alt-?, i also.)

Platform: Linux
Level: Amateur
GlR

Topic: Calc Tutorial

Question: How do I evaluate plain algebraic expressions? . . .

Answer: Not really that hard. Just try it out.

• Enter the calc mode: Alt-#, c.
• Use the apostrophe command: ', (100+200)*3-500 / 7, enter.
• Exit calc mode: Alt-#, c.

= Want to learn more? Read up on the (shorter) XEmacs calculator tutorial.

= What if? I write something illegal? (100++2). Revert back to our old friend: Ctrl-g. That'll escape and clear the expression, for you.

Platform: Linux
Level: Basic
GlR