Using Variables

TLCalc allows you to store 24 complex values and 26 general values for a total of 50 variables. The 24 complex variables are letters a-z excluding e and i which have special meaning inside TLCalc as the exponential constant and imaginary constant respectively. To store a complex value, specify the variable name followed by an equals symbol:

    a = 2+3i

To use the variable, just type in the letter:

    a = 2+3i

The general variables are simply variables proceeded by the hash symbol:

    #a = 2+3i

The general variables are special as they can be used to store results that aren't just complex values. They can also be used to store expressions and matrices.

    #b = [2,4;2,3+4i]
    #c = x+2x^2

Note that unlike complex variables, general variables #e and #i are allowed.

When you use variables that have not been defined, TLCalc will simplify the expression for you. Note that TLCalc's algebra system is very basic and will not always produce the best results. TLCalc is best suited to numerical calculations.

Warning: when the number base is higher than 10, letters used by the number system may be confused for numeric values. Use a multiplication (*) symbol to separate the variable if it follows a number. E.g. if a is a variable, then 2a should be entered in as 2*a in bases higher than 10.