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What is Calc?

Calc is an advanced calculator and mathematical tool that runs as part of the GNU Emacs environment. Very roughly based on the HP-28/48 series of calculators, its many features include:

Calc tries to include a little something for everyone; as a result it is large and might be intimidating to the first-time user. If you plan to use Calc only as a traditional desk calculator, all you really need to read is the "Getting Started" chapter of this manual and possibly the first few sections of the tutorial. As you become more comfortable with the program you can learn its additional features. In terms of efficiency, scope and depth, Calc cannot replace a powerful tool like Mathematica. But Calc has the advantages of convenience, portability, and availability of the source code. And, of course, it's free!


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