>> A fair number of algebraic calculators use RPN for certain
>> functions, such as square root.
 
> Oh!  That's an interesting observation.  In fact, popping up my  
> "scientific calculator" app, I would say that MANY of the functions  
> beyond basic math are essentially RPN.  (all trig, 10^x, e^x, 1/x, ln,  
> log, x^2, sqrt(x), factorial.)
> Pretty much anything with a single argument.  (this leaves log-base- 
> y(x) and x^y as about the only ones that aren't, and they're sorta  
> "mixed")


The "better" algebraic calculators do not use RPN for any functions.
And they are an abomination to use. Always IMHO, of course :-). 

If use want sqrt(2) then you press [SQRT] 2
That's easy.

or eg SQRT(X^2+Y^2)
Hmm - not sure about X^y and Y^x but maybe

    SQRT(EXP 2 X + EXP 2 Y) =

FWIW an RPM number manipulation system would do that as 
e=enter

2 e X Y e 2 + SQRT


                Russell



    
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