13.1: Built-in Functions

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To access the complete list of built-in functions in Mathcad, use the menu with Insert > Function or type Ctrl + e.

Selecting a “Function Category” (left side of the dialog box) will restrict the list under “Function Name” (right side of the dialog box) for easier searching. A description of the highlighted function’s output will appear in the lower part of the dialog box.

A few special functions that one might use often:

Square root

The square root function can be created either using the Calculator toolbar or by simply typing \. To create an nth root, also in the Calculator toolbar, the shortcut key is Ctrl + \.

Absolute value

Both bars in the total absolute value symbol are created at the same time when selected from the Calculator toolbar (the |x| button), or by typing the vertical bar | (located on your keyboard above the Enter key - it looks like two stacked bars, but will create one solid vertical bar).

Key Idea 4: Absolute Value versus Matrix Determinant

If you already know about determinant of matrices:

The determinant and the absolute value look exactly the same on the page (both are |x|) and both are created using the same keyboard shortcut key (the vertical bar | )! If you have an error using the vertical bars, it could be that you are either trying to take the absolute value of a matrix (not allowed), or the determinant of a number (not allowed either). You have to be very careful as to the context of your problem in using these two
functions!