Using time in Solver equations

95LX 100LX

Entering a time value in Solver depends on how you set your Time Format in SETUP. Assuming Format 1 (HH:MM:SS), then HH.MMSS should be the format in Solver.

Solver has two time functions: HR() converts HH.MMSS to an hour and a decimal part of an hour. HMS() converts the fractional hour to hours and minutes. Also, remember that HP CALC uses military time not am/pm, so use 14.53 instead of 2:53pm.

Ed Keefe CompuServe ID: [75300,3667]

Solver handles time and degrees by converting them to a decimal format. This is made very simple in Solver's editor by selecting the CONV (F5) and then HR (F4). This yields a HR() with your cursor inside the parentheses. You then enter HH.MMSS, e.g. 15.3322 for 3:3322 pm, and the function converts to decimal format, e.g. 15.5561. When you finish a calculation and want to convert back to hours and minutes, select CONV (F5) and then HMS (F5), putting the decimal time within the parentheses.

Our anesthesia billing is done to the minute. Here are the two equations that I use at the hospital:

Total_Hours= HMS(HR(end_time)- HR(start_time))

Total_Minutes= HR(end_time)- HR(start_time))*60

By using the same variable names in each equation, you don't have to re-enter the variables to solve the second equation.

Michael deCamp CompuServe ID: [71564,263]

[Editor's Note: SLVHLP.ZIP [ON DISK] is an updated version of HPSOLVE.PBK, a handy database that answers many questions about Solver.]