Night Owl 6/Night Owl's Shareware - PDSI-006 - Night Owl Corp (1990).iso/006a/prmath30.zip/MANUAL.30

Text File | 1991-12-15 | 36KB | 1,061 lines

                                ProMATHeus Plus

                             The Formula Processor



























                     This manual is intended for registered
                      users only and may not be copied in
                                whole or in part.













                             Blarney Stone Software
                             2510 Blarney Stone Lane
                             Bloomington, IL 61704


                       A Guide to ProMATHeus Plus (c) 1991

ProMATHeus Plus is a copyrighted product designed to aid you in solving simple
and complicated calculations of all types.  It was created by a professional
mathematician and actuary who was frustrated by the lack of affordable
calculation software which avoids the pitfalls of old-fashioned calculators (and
their PC-based mimics) and spreadsheets.  ProMATHeus Plus differ from other
calculator software in that they work like you think--not the way the mechanics
require.  Further, they differ from spreadsheets in that they do not rely on
cumbersome cell-address "logic".  Features include:

- Named variables have replaced the nondescript numbered memories of calcula-
tors.

- Formulas are entered easily, they are remembered, and they can interact with
each other.

- Active formulas (i.e., those with variables) are reviewed constantly and
partial and/or full solutions are displayed.

- Formulas can contain functions and variables with known or unknown values.

- Many common functions are preprogrammed.  A few include:

   statistical    Factorials, combinations, permutations, erf function, normal,
                  inverse normal, chi-square, t distribution, F distribution,
                  and gamma.  (Most inverses are included),

   logarithmic    Log (base 10), ln (base e), exponential, power,...

   trigonometric  Sin, cos, tan,..., sinh, cosh, tanh,...(and inverses)

   financial      Loans, annuities, future values...

   miscellaneous  Integer part, fractional part, square root,...

- Custom functions can be defined easily, call other functions, and simplify
calculations.  They can also be: solved (by iteration) for any one of their
variables, numerically integrated and numerically differentiated.

- Libraries of custom functions can be created relating to any discipline:
mathematics, finance, engineering, statistics, surveying, navigation, etc.

- Up to four one-variable custom functions can be plotted with the Graph feature
simultaneously.

- Entire work sessions (formulas, functions, and variables) can be saved and
retrieved easily.

- The current work session is saved automatically.

ProMATHeus Plus is a powerful tool for users ranging from the beginning algebra
student to the advanced engineering or scientific professional.  It shapes
easily to fit the computational needs of each individual.






Required Registration------------------------------------------------

Some of you reading this manual have already registered.  Thank-you!!!  Your
support is greatly appreciated!  Those of you who haven't yet please read on.

After many hundreds of hours of development, ProMATHeus Plus is now being
released under the shareware concept.  It is only through the registrations of
honest customers that shareware authors are provided the motivation to further
refine and improve their products.  Shareware allows you, the user, the chance
to try a product before you buy it.  If, after trying it, you would like to
continue using ProMATHeus Plus, you must register your usage with a $25 donation
sent to:
             Mark D. Brissman
             Blarney Stone Software
             2510 Blarney Stone Lane
             Bloomington, IL 61704

!!! PLEASE print and use the include file "ORDER.ME" for registration !!!

We GREATLY appreciate your support!!!

Registered users will receive a full printed instruction manual with examples
and formulas.  The manual explores the richness of ProMATHeus Plus and
includes hints for users of all levels and abilities.  Registered users also
receive notices of future releases.


Disclaimer of Liability----------------------------------------------

No warranty or representation is made, either expressed or implied, with
respect to this program or documentation, including their quality, perfor-
mance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.

Blarney Stone Software has tried to assure the accuracy of ProMATHeus Plus.
However, because computer programs are inherently complex and may not be
completely free of errors, you are advised to verify your work.


Copyright------------------------------------------------------------

ProMATHeus Plus is a copyrighted product.

ProMATHeus Plus is distributed under the shareware concept.  You are permit-
ted to copy and distribute this product to other potential users.  All users
wishing to continue use of this product must pay for that right by regis-
tering with the Author (as detailed earlier).  All registered users may make
backup copies.  The Program, its documentation, and included files may not be
altered for redistribution for any reason without permission from Blarney
Stone Software.


Suggestions----------------------------------------------------------

The Author of these program welcomes any comments and/or suggestions.  Please
send all correspondence to the address given on the first page.  If problems
occur, please make a note of any messages received, save your session to a
unique file, and make a backup copy of your "PROMATH.DAT" (or PMP.DAT) file.
Include a diskette containing these files with your correspondence.


Get BBS Upload Credits!!!--------------------------------------------

Most BBS's give you credits for uploading software.  Please help yourself and
us by uploading the included ProMATHeus Plus ZIP file.  Also included is a
sample description which you can use in BBS catalogs.  Thanks!


ProMATHeus Plus 4.0 is in Our Future---------------------------------

As soon as we complete conversion to our new compiler and language (C++, that
is), ProMATHeus, the little brother to ProMATHeus Plus will be discontinued
so that we may put full efforts into ProMATHeus Plus.  That version will
include many new features--be watching!


Files Shipped with ProMATHeus Plus 3.0-------------------------------

README.1ST     Important new information.

PROMATHP.EXE   ProMATHeus Plus main file.  Just type 'promathp'.

PMP.DAT        Contains previous session data (automatically saved).

FINANCE.DAT    Example sessions.
STATS.DAT

PMP.SET        Contains previous session settings (automatically saved).

AZTEC.SET      Example color settings.
BLUESUIT.SET
CNDYCANE.SET
MONO.SET

PROMATHP.HLP   File used with the "help" key <F1>.

DEMO.SCR       Script used with demonstration facility.  Just type "demo".

ORDER.ME       Order and registration form for your printer!

PRMATH30.ZIP   Complete archive of ProMATHeus Plus 3.0 to upload to BBS's of
               your choice.

DESCRIBE.BBS   Sample description to be used in BBS catalogs.                                 A Brief Tutorial

















Starting-------------------------------------------------------------

With the ProMATHeus Plus disk in drive A:,

   type     :    A:<enter>

   Then type:    promathp<enter>

Upon entry, ProMATHeus Plus  calls the 'PMP.DAT' file which contains the
previous session which is saved each time automatically.  If you enter
'promathp filename', the previously saved session 'filename' will be loaded.
If you enter 'promath 0' ProMATHeus Plus will not recall the previous session
and will start with a clear screen.  Also called at entry is 'PMP.SET' which
contains characteristics from you ProMATHeus Plus last session.

Note to monochrome users: After getting to the main screen, enter: 'getset
mono.set' to set the screen colors to monochrome.


Demonstration Facility-----------------------------------------------

ProMATHeus Plus 3.0 offers a simple demonstration facility for new and
experienced users.  Simply type "demo" at the Input Window prompt (??) and
press <Enter>.  Then, just press a key when prompted and sit back and enjoy!
The demonstration will show you most of the basics and give you a taste some
of its powerful features.  If you have suggestions for this facility, please
let us know.

We recommend this as a good starting point.


Saving and Recalling Session Characteristics-------------------------

The original ProMATHeus stored operational characteristics inside of each
data file.  For more flexibility, ProMATHeus Plus has separate setup files
which can be saved and recalled independently of data.  Generally, the
characteristics in these setup files include everything except formulas,
functions, and variables.    Use 'saveset filename' and 'getset filename'
with file names of your choosing.  Each time you end your session, a PMP.SET
file is automatically created.


The Screen-----------------------------------------------------------

The screen consists of four main sections:

Formula window-   This section takes up the entire screen and is always show-
                  ing.  It includes a listing of all formulas.

Input window-     This is the second line from the bottom.  This window auto-
                  matically scrolls for long input.

Function window-  At the top left, this window lists all user-defined func-
                  tions.

Variable window-  At the top right, this window lists all formula variables
                  and their values.  If values are not determined,
                  '--unknown--' appears.


Message window-     Appearing on the bottom line when needed, to point out
                    entry or calculation errors and miscellaneous messages.

The function and variable windows are toggled on and off by pressing the
<Esc> key repeatedly.

The formula, function, and variable windows (if sufficiently long) can be
scrolled with the up and down arrows.  The Function window is scrolled if the
Variable window is not showing (i.e., by using the <esc> key to toggle) and
vice versa.  The Formula window is scrolled in all other cases.

The formula and function windows may be scrolled horizontally using the <F4>
and <F5> keys.

The bottom left corner of the border provides information on memory usage.

Screen colors may be altered by using the clr..... commands discussed later.
Also, four files are supplied which have alternative color sets (file
extension SET).

Several other commands are provided in 'Operational Commands' which alter the
appearance and performance of ProMATHeus Plus.


Entering Formulas----------------------------------------------------

Formulas can be entered in several forms.  The simplest is a direct calcula-
tion such as:

(Input window)
  ??: 2+3

After pressing <enter> ProMATHeus Plus responds:

(Formula window)
   1| 2+3 --> 5

The ProMATHeus Plus response consists of several parts:

   (number)(indicator) (original expression) --> (reduced expression)

'Number' is used for copying and deleting formulas.  As demonstrated later,
the 'indicator' identifies formulas which are evaluated once (|) from those
that will be re-evaluated continuously ().  The 'reduced expression' is the
current value for the 'original expression' which you typed.















Operators------------------------------------------------------------

Given no other operator precedence, calculations are performed left to right:

(Formula window)
   1| 2*3+5 --> 11
   2| 2+3*5 --> 17
   3| 2*(3+5) --> 16
   4| 2^3*5 --> 40
   5| 2^3^2 --> 64
   6| 2^(3^2) --> 512

ProMATHeus Plus offers three types of operators on values: mathematical,
logical and comparison.  Descriptions follow.

Mathematical operators, in order of precedence, are:

   (  )        (including functions)

   ^           (power)

   *  /  %     (% is the mod or remainder operator)

   +  -

There are four logical operators In order of precedence:

   !           (not)

   &           (and)

   |  #        (or, exclusive or)

With logical operators, a value of 0 is false and any non-zero value is true.
Logical operators return a value of either 0 or 1.  Thus

   1|0 --> 1
   1&0 --> 0
   5.43|0 --> 1.

In all other aspects, logical operators behave like regular ones.

Similar to logical operators are the conditional operators of:

   <    (greater than)
   <=   (greater than or equal to)
   >    (less than)
   >=   (less than or equal to)
   !=   (not equal to)
   ==   (equal to--note the double equals to distinguish it from the assign-
        ment equals)

These also return values of 0 or 1.  Thus, using x=3 and z=7, we can now have
expressions like:

   y=(x<0)*x/3 + (z!=9)*5
    =(0)*3/3 + (1)*5
    =5

One construction of interest (for example, in constructing a custom function)
is as follows:

   f(x)=(x<0)*sqrt(-x)+(x>=0)*sqrt(x)

It would seem that this would eliminate taking the square root of a negative
number.  However, it would cause an error because the every part of a formula
is evaluated whether it's needed or not!  The next "mega-function" takes care
of that.


The IF Function------------------------------------------------------

The "if" function works like the example above with the conditional operators
except that it throws out the part of the formula it doesn't need!  It is of
the form if(condition, if true, if false).  Thus if the condition is true,
the second argument is executed, if false, the third.  Our function above
would become:

   f(x)=if(x<0,sqrt(-x),sqrt(x))

Some interesting constructs are possible.  Try the following with various
combinations of  a, b, and e set to 0 or 1:

   if(a,if(b,c,d),if(e,f,g))


Entering Formulas----------------------------------------------------

Numbers may be in scientific notation:

   [sign]##.##e[sign][exponent]
      2.3
     -2.3
      2.3e5
     -2.3e-12

Any number of parentheses may be used.  The input line is limited to 200
characters.  Longer equations should be split into sub-parts by using interim
variables.

The constant PI may be used.  It represents 3.14159265358979.


Variable and Function Names------------------------------------------

Names must begin with an alpha character (a-z _ A-Z) and be followed by up to
nine alphanumeric characters (a-z _ A-Z 0-9).  The constant PI or operational
commands cannot be used as names.












Variables------------------------------------------------------------

Formulas can contain variables in place of numbers.  ProMATHeus Plus evalu-
ates as much of the formula as it can and prints the result after the arrow:

(Formula window)
   1 pennies+5*nickels --> pennies+5*nickels   if pennies & nickels are both
                                                       unknown, or,
   1 pennies+5*nickels --> 7+5*nickels         if pennies is known and equals
                                                       7, or,
   1 pennies+5*nickels --> pennies+15          if nickels is known and equals
                                                       3, or,
   1 pennies+5*nickels --> 22                   if both variables are known.

Note the symbols next to the formula numbers are  instead of |.   signifies
"active" formulas with variables which will be recalculated with each press
of the <enter> key.  | signifies "inactive" formulas without variables which
are calculated only once.

The Variables window keeps track of all variables and their values, if known.
The simplest way for a variable to become "known" is through an assignment
expression as shown in the Input Window below.  Simple assignments like this
do not become formulas--they simply update the value of the variable in-
volved.  Variables also become "known" through assignment formulas like
formulas 2 and 3 below.  Note that variables assigned to a constant expres-
sion (formula 2) are evaluated only once (i.e., '|' is the indicator).  Since
the Input Window reassigns "pennies" to equal 9, this value is used for
"pennies" in formula 1 (which is active) and formula 2 (which is inactive) is
ignored.

(Formula window)
   1 pennies+5*nickels --> 9+5*nickels
   2| pennies=10-3 --> pennies=7
   3 rabbits=5*carrots+6 --> 5*carrots+6
(Input window)
   pennies=9

A variable retains its value until it is changed by another assignment
expression (as in the Input window above), changed by a current assignment
expression (like #3), or set to --unknown-- by the "clear" command (see
Operational Commands).

A variable cannot be "clear"ed if it is defined by an active assignment
expression (like #3).  However the variable (e.g., "rabbits") will automati-
cally be set to --unknown-- if any of the assignment expression variables
(e.g., "carrots") are --unknown--.

If two formulas are both active and define the same dependent variable, the
first formula is in effect until deleted.











Functions------------------------------------------------------------

Functions can be included in formulas and can either refer to internal
ProMATHeus Plus functions or ones which you have created.  Internal functions
are listed by pressing the <F2> key.  To use them, simply enter them in your
formulas in the correct format.  For example:

(Formula window)
   1 x=log(2) --> x=.301029995663981

You may input any valid expression (including variables and other functions)
into a function.  Thus, the following are valid:

(Formula window)
   1 y=log(2+z) --> y=1.39794000867204
   2| z=19+4
or
   1| log(log(12)+3*log(13)) --> .645521625245258


ProMATHeus Plus Internal Functions-----------------------------------

Logarithmic------------------------------------------------

In addition to the power operator (^), these functions are available:

   log(x)    x>0    logarithm to the base 10

   ln(x)     x>0    logarithm to the base e

   exp(x)           exponential function (e raised to the x)


Trigonometric----------------------------------------------

The following functions are defined over their usual ranges:

   sin(x)         sine of x
   cos(x)         cosine of x
   tan(x)         tangent of x
   asin(x)        arcsine of x
   acos(x)        arccosine of x
   atan(x)        arctangent of x

These functions use and return angles measured in radians.  To convert from
degrees to radians use the "rad" function.  To convert from radians to
degrees use the "deg" function.  Thus, to get the cosine of PI/3 radians
enter "cos(PI/3)".  To get the cosine of 60 degrees (which equals PI/3
radians) enter "cos(rad(60))".

The following hyperbolic functions are also included:

   sinh(x)        hyperbolic sine of x
   cosh(x)        hyperbolic cosine of x
   tanh(x)        hyperbolic tangent of x
   asinh(x)       hyperbolic arcsine of x
   acosh(x)       hyperbolic arccosine of x
   atanh(x)       hyperbolic arctangent of x


Financial--------------------------------------------------

Three functions are provided for amortization calculations:

   pmt(balance,interest,periods)      loan payment
   pv(payment,interest,periods)       present value of a series of payments
   fv(payment,interest,periods)       future value of a series of payments

The interest rate must be the decimal equivalent of the interest rate per
period. Thus 10.2% annually with monthly payments requires either a 10.2/1200
or a .0085 entry.  For example, the present value of payments of $84.99 at
10% annual interest for five years is:

   pv(84.99,10/1200,5*12) -->4000.0

HINT: Create a custom function which calls one of these functions and use the
solve feature (described later) to determine other values.


Statistical------------------------------------------------

The following combinatorial functions are provided (values must be non-
negative integers):

   fact(x)     The factorial of x
   comb(n,r)   The number of combinations of n things taken r at a time
   perm(n,r)   The number of permutations of n things taken r at a time

Functions which estimate the following standard statistical distributions,
and their inverses, are also provided:

   norm(x,mean,stdev)    Normal distribution
   inorm(p,mean,stdev)   Inverse Normal distribution
   chi(x,df)             Chi-Square distribution
   ichi(p,df)            Inverse Chi-Square distribution
   fdis(x,df1,df2)       F-distribution
   ifdis(p,df1,df2)      Inverse F-distribution
   tdis(x,df)            student's t-distribution
   itdis(p,df)           Inverse student's t-distribution
   gamma(x)              Gamma distribution [no inverse]
   erf(x)                The statistical error function

In the above, 'x' is the observed value, 'p' the probability, and 'df' the
degrees of freedom.


Other------------------------------------------------------

   int(x)      Returns the integer portion of a number
   abs(x)      Returns the absolute value of a number
   sqrt(x)     Returns the square root of a number









Custom Functions-----------------------------------------------------

Customs functions are created by naming the function, listing the function
variables, and assigning a valid arithmetic expression.  For example:

(Function window)
  1: f(x)=x*x-3
  2: g(q)=2*q+3
  3: fire(fuel,heat)=f(fuel)*3-g(4+heat)

The function definition must be of the following form:

   (function name)(function variable list)=(valid equation using function
                        variables only)

The function name must be of the form defined previously.  The function
variable list may include a list of up to ten function variables and is of
the form:

   (var1,var2,var3,...)

These variables are used for the function definition only and are not
retained as regular variables of ProMATHeus Plus.  All function variables in
the equation to the right of the equal sign must be in the function variable
list.   Any functions called by a function must have been already defined.
With the above functions:

(Formula window)
  1 fire(5,3) --> 49

If all function variables are known, a function will return the calculated
value, otherwise the function is not evaluated.  Thus if a value for "cement"
is supplied but not for "gravel":

(Function window)
  1: concrete(cement,gravel)=cement*3+gravel*2

(Formula window)
  1 concrete(cmnt,rocks) --> concrete(15,rocks)
  2| cmnt=15

Functions may be changed by using the "fcopy #" command (see Operational
Commands) which copies function # to the Input window for editing.  Note that
even though a function is changed, values of function calls in inactive
formulas (|) do not change.

Although presented only briefly, custom functions are one of ProMATHeus
Plus's most important features.


Solving Functions----------------------------------------------------

The solve operation allows you to solve any custom function for any one of
its function variables, given:

   1.   Supplied values for its other function variables,
   2.   The desired value which the function would normally return, and,
   3.   A starting guess of the function variable which is being solved for.


It uses an iterative technique (Newton-Raphson) which may or may not con-
verge.  Convergence and the solution achieved are aided by a good starting
guess for the value.  Assume a defined function 'f' which returns the value
'a':

   a = f(...,b,c,d,...)    [i.e., any number of parameters]

If all other function variables are known (including 'b' and 'd'), then an
estimate of 'c' would be entered as:

   estimate of c  = f(...,b,{desired a , guess of c},d,...).

That is, the value of 'c' is replaced by two numbers in braces--the desired
outcome and a first guess.

   Thus if   f(s,t)=s*s+t,
   then      f(3,5) --> 14,
   and       f({14,1},5) --> 3.

If difficulties are encountered, try different starting guesses for the
value.  Also, by entering "solvedif #", the difference used in the iteration
process (specifically, the derivative calculation) will be set to '#'
(default: 1e-7).  Further, by entering "iterations #" the maximum number of
iterations used to solve the function will be set to "#" (default: 50).


Calculus and Custom Functions----------------------------------------

Custom functions can be integrated over a range or differentiated at a point
through numeric approximation.

The intg(fn#,begx,endx) function will integrate custom function fn# using a
Simpson's rule type of approach, if possible.  You can control the number of
intervals it uses with the 'intgnum #' command.  The default is 50.  The
lower the number the faster, the higher the more accurate, within some
limits.

The der(fn#,x) function takes the slope or derivative of custom function fn#
at the point x.  You can control the increment it uses in this calculation
with the 'solvedif #' command.  (This is the same as is used in the Solve
feature of ProMATHeus Plus.)  The default is 1e-7.  Because of the inherent
problems of truncation and roundoff errors, you may want to experiment with
different values of solvedif.


Multi-Function Graphing of Custom Functions

To graph in ProMATHeus Plus 3.0, simply type "graph" and answer the questions
in the Graphing Window.  All numbers must be separated by commas.  Previous
responses may be given in parentheses and are re-used by pressing <Enter>.
Questions:

1.   Functions (4 max):  Enter up to four one-variable function numbers.  The
     calculation time required for graphing increases proportionately to the
     number of functions requested.

2.   X range:  Enter the beginning and ending horizontal axis values, which
     must differ.


3.   Automatic Y range ([y] or n)?:  Choosing "y" uses the entire vertical
     screen to show the graphs (showing the max and min values of all
     graphs).  Be wary if your functions approach infinity!  Choosing "n"
     allows you to select your own vertical axis.

[If 3='y']
4a.  Square X and Y intervals (y or [n])?:  Choosing "y" creates X and Y
     units of equal length on the screen.  The graph is centered on the max
     and min Y values.

[If 3='n']
4b.  Y range:  Enter the beginning and ending vertical axis values, which
     must differ.

5.   Color ([y] or n)?:  Choosing 'n' is usually best for printing the
     graphs.

6.   Grid (<h>oriz, <v>ert, <b>oth, or [n]one)?:  Allows the inclusion of
     grid lines on the graph.

Once graphed, pressing "z" or "Z" zooms the graph in or out.  Pressing
<Enter> returns to the main ProMATHeus Plus windows.  If your printer is
compatible with the DOS "graphics" command, you can print the graphs by
pressing <Shift><Print Screen>.  Please see your DOS manual for details.

Note: Two commands control video graphics mode (graphon #) and video text
mode (graphoff #).  These are generally set at zero which is the automatic
mode.  Some computers will require different modes.  For example, some VGA
monitors require that "graphoff" be set to 768.  Appendix A may provide some
assistance in this regard.  If you have difficulties, register users may
contact Blarney Stone Software.


Operational Commands-------------------------------------------------

The following commands may also be entered at the ??: prompt:

  restart           Erase all functions, variables, and formulas.

  quit              Save the current session to automatic file and end
                    ProMATHeus Plus.

  nosave            Quit ProMATHeus Plus without updating the automatic file.


  save <filename>   Save current session (formulas, functions, and variables)
                    to <filename>.  <filename> must be a valid DOS file name
                    and may include a path.

  get <filename>    Retrieve a session from <filename>.  <filename> must be a
                    valid DOS file name and may include a path.

  saveset
    <filename>      Save current session characteristics to <filename>.
                    <filename> must be a valid DOS file name and may include
                    a path.
  getset
    <filename>      Retrieve current session characteristics to <filename>.
                    <filename> must be a valid DOS file name and may include
                    a path.

  del # #-# #       Delete a list or range of equations: "del 1 5-8 10" would
                    delete equations 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

  fdel # # #        Delete a list of functions.  Only functions which are not
                    included in any formula are deleted.  (Because functions
                    are saved without order for speed, there is no range de-
                    lete.)

  clear var var     Clear a list of variables to --unknown--.  Only variables
                    which are not assigned in an active formula are affected.
                    If no variable list is given, all qualifying variables
                    are cleared.

  erase var var     Erase a list of variables.  Only variables which are not
                    included in any formula are affected.  If no variable
                    list is given, all qualifying variables are affected.

  <esc>             Toggles Function and Variable display windows.

  <up>, <down>      Scrolls the active window up or down.
  <F4>, <F5>        Scrolls the active window left or right.

                    The active window is the Function window if the Variable
                    window is not showing, and vice versa.  The active window
                    is the Formula window in all other cases.

  <F1>              Help window.

  <F2>              Displays the internal functions window.

  <F3>              Displays system operation parameters.

  <F10>             Print a report of all formulas, functions, and variables.

  copy #            Copies formula # for editing and creation of a new formu-
                    la.  The original formula # is not changed.  If both
                    formulas define the same dependent variable, the first
                    usually needs to be deleted.

  fcopy #           Copies function # for editing.  If the function name re-
                    mains the same, you are asked if you want to replace the
                    old function.

  clr....f #        Changes foreground color to #.  # may be 0 to 15.
  clr....b #        Changes background color to #.  # may be 0 to 7.

                    '....' is replaced with 'form' (formula window), 'func'
                    (function window), 'vari' (variable window), 'inpu'
                    (input line), or 'mess' (message windows).

  clrboard #        Changes boarder color to #.  # may be 0 to 15.

  graphon #         Sets the graphics mode to # (0 = automatic).
  graphoff #        Sets the text mode to # (0 = automatic).

                    Generally, you will not have to adjust these values.
                    However some setups may require different values.  See
                    Appendix A or your screen/video card specifications.

  iterations #      Sets the maximum number of iterations to # for custom
                    function 'Solve'.

  solvedif #        Sets the incremental difference used to calculate the
                    derivative for the 'Solve' command.

  fix #             Sets the numeric format to FIXED with # decimals.

  sci #             Sets the numeric format to SCIENTIFIC with # decimals.


Formula, Function, and Variable Order--------------------------------

ProMATHeus Plus was designed to balance speed, memory usage, and ease of use.
If the same variable is defined by two different formulas, the result is
order dependent in the following manner:

   If the first assignment was in a inactive formula--the latter assignment of
   the same variable supersedes the first.

   Otherwise, the second assignment is ignored until the first is deleted.

Formulas are listed and numbered in order of their entry.  For speed, it is
more efficient to not restrict functions and variables to any order.  Thus,
they are placed in the first available space in their lists.  In fact,
deleted function numbers (using "fdel") are only replaced when new functions
are entered.  The same is true for the order of variables in the Variable
Screen.


Circularity----------------------------------------------------------

Circularity occurs when a formula or function calls itself, possibly through
a long chain.  ProMATHeus Plus does not allow circularity within functions as
it would cause an infinite loop.  Formulas are allowed to be circular as it
might be required temporarily with some editing tasks.  Generally, ProMATHeus
Plus will return no values for any formulas which contain circularity.  In
most cases, you would want to delete formulas which create circularity.


Error Messages-------------------------------------------------------

ProMATHeus Plus displays a number of error messages.  Calculation errors are
indicated in the "reduced expression" portion of a formula listing.  Opera-
tional error messages are listed at the bottom of the screen and begin with
two numbers: the first is an internal code for Blarney Stone Software's use
and the second identifies, if possible, the formula where the error occurred.
ProMATHeus Plus detects many input errors and makes you correct them before
proceeding.


Sample Sessions------------------------------------------------------

FINANCE.DAT and STATS.DAT are provided as short examples of the power of
ProMATHeus Plus's custom functions.  The first includes loan analysis
functions for determining the difference in total interest between a 15 and
30 year mortgage.  The second shows the development of the binomial and
poisson distributions.  You may retrieve them using the 'get' command de-
scribed previously.

Problems-------------------------------------------------------------

With a free-form entry system like ProMATHeus Plus, occasionally what you
enter may confuse ProMATHeus Plus as to what you intend.  Generally error
messages will alleviate this problem.  If not, review what has been entered
earlier and try deleting offending formulas or functions.  Check for circu-
larity.  Try saving what you have to a new .dat file and end with 'nosave'.
Restarting, you will get the original promath.dat file and should be where
you started.  If you feel you have identified a true bug, please contact us
as provided earlier.


















































                                  Appendix A

                                 Screen Modes

If the default automatic modes of 0 do not produce desired results when
graphing, you may want to experiment with other screen modes.  This might
require a value which is the sum of the appropriate factors below.

        Display   Card

mono      1        256
color     2        512
EGA       4       1024
VGA       8       2048
Hercules          4096

Modes---------------------

Bl/Wt 40 text  32768
Color 40 text  32769  or   256

Bl/Wt 80 text  32770  or   512
Color 80 text  32769  or   768

Graphics       32770  or  1024
Med res color  32770  or  1024
Med res Bl/Wt  32771  or  1280
High res Bl/Wt 32772  or  1536

Mono text      32773  or  1792
Hercules text  32774  or  2048
Hercules GFX   32775  or  2304

EGA med res    32781  or  3328
EGA high res   32782  or  3584
EGA mono       32783  or  3840
EGA color      32784  or  4096

VGA mono       32785  or  4352
VGA color      32786  or  4608