One of the few approved calculators that can be used during the FE/PE exams is the HP 33s. This inexpensive device (MFG#F2216A#ABA $39.99) provides the basic functionality needed to successfully pass these tests. HP provides on their web site a Macromedia Flash demonstration of this calculator. The tour and practice problems can be experienced on-line as well as downloaded (a Mac version is also available).
The tour allows you to click on the various keys to see an explanation of the various functions.
The FE / PE practice problems include (but are not limited to):
- Determinant of a matrix
- Number of atoms in an object
- Effective (rms) current
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February 27th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hp introduced the 35s in July 2008, which has been added to the NCEES approved list for the April 2008 exams. The functionality is essentially identical to the 33s, but the keyboard layout, contrast of the key labels, and overall look and feel have been vastly improved on the 35s. Anyone used to the classic Hp calcs (through the 48Gx) will be much more comfortable with this unit than the 33s. The 35s in unquestionably the way to go for RPN users.
Even though the 33s and 35s are both fairly basic units, I really like the fraction entry feature, which my older calcs didn’t have. Enter 5 9/16 as:
5.9.16 Enter
instead of:
9 Enter 16 / 5 +