Defining and Evaluating Variables / 87

To apply a function to an expression you have already entered, select the expression and follow the steps given above. See Chapter 4, “Working with Math.”

You can also type the name of a built-in function directly into a math placeholder or in a math region.

Tip Although built-in function names are not font sensitive, they are case sensitive. If you do not use the Insert Function dialog box to insert a function name, you must enter the name of a built-in function in a math region exactly as it appears in the Insert Function dialog.

Note Brackets, [ ], around an argument indicate that the argument is optional.

Assistance for Using Built-in Functions

Mathcad offers several sources of assistance for using built-in functions:

•The Insert Function dialog box gives you a convenient way to look up a function by category, to see the arguments required, and to see a brief function description. Click “?” in the Insert Function dialog box to open the Help topic associated with a selected function.

details on the syntax, arguments, algorithms, and behavior of all of Mathcad’s builtin functions, operators, and keywords.

•QuickSheets under the Help menu include working examples of many functions.

Applying a Function to an Expression

To turn an expression into the argument of a function:

1.Click in the expression and press [Space] until the entire expression, w t – k z , is held between the editing lines.

2.Type the single-quote key [‘] or click on the Calculator toolbar to enclose the selected expression by parentheses.

3.Press [Space] so that the editing lines hold the parentheses.

4.If necessary, press the [Insert] key so that the vertical editing line switches to the left side.

5.Now type the name of the function. If the function is a builtin function, you can choose Function from the Insert menu