BA II Plus and HP 12c question

Question

I am a CFA Level 1 Candidate and just purchased both of these calculators. I am still new on both models and want to learn them both before making a final decision on which to use. I understand a lot of the built-in features (TVM, Amortization, etc.) but oddly enough STILL can't grasp how to do a string of arithmetic on either calculator.

For instance: (12(.6) + 8(.5)) / 2 = (how do I enter this on either model???):

Any help will be SO appreciated!! I have already tried searching the forums, YouTube, Google to no avail. I can find easier single operator problems (i. 2+2=) or more dedicated function (i. TVM) tutorials only. Nothing with long arithmetic or a string of simple calculations.

joetomlee · Answer

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question Christine! That is unfortunate to hear but at least I can stop trying to figure out something the calculators weren't designed for.

christine · Answer

Hi @joetomlee! The BA II Plus and HP 12C isn't quite like the scientific calculators you may have used in the past - they don't really take a long arithmetic string that easily. To specifically address the arithmetic string you posted, I'd simply use a combination of the calculator and mentally calculating some bits:First operation: 12 x .6Add in 4 (8 x .5): + 4Divide the whole thing by 2: ÷ 2 =Hope that helps!