Function Dropdowns

Napier has over 130 functions, so they donít all fit on the keyboard at once (although there are 4 keyboard maps available as will be discussed below). All the functions are available, grouped by area under the 7 keys in the dropdown function key row. These are similar to the memory dropdown discussed above. When you tap the key, a list of functions with a brief description drops down and the you pick the one you want by tapping it.

This is what the Mony dropdown looks like:

When you select a function, the name is inserted into the expression you are creating, and, if there are values that need to be entered (the arguments), a set of parenthesis and commas for each will be shown. The information bar will contain a list of arguments, and if you tap the drop arrow, it will show a brief description of the function.

This is what the DNPV function (Net Present Value of the cash flows in the Data Set) shows when it is tapped:

And this is the help for it when the drop arrow is pressed:

Previous Information Box Contents

Since there is only one area for function information to be shown, and each function has its own set of information, notably the arguments it takes, there can be a problem if you use a function (or a memory) in one of the function input values. The list of arguments for the function you are filling in will be lost. They can be redisplayed using the buttons on the menu bar at the bottom that are shown as an ìiî with an arrow next to it. Napier keeps a list of the information shown, and these buttons move up and down in that list. The list is reset when the ENTER key is tapped.

Function Help

The Function Help key (the ? in the command line), will give an explanation for any key or function. To use it, tap it, then tap the function or key to get help on it.

This is the help after tapping the Function Help Key, then the wTip key: