Bad Argument Type
HP HP Calculator
Severity: MinorWhat it means
Bad Argument Type means you passed the wrong type of object to a function.
For example, giving a string to a math function or a number to a string function.
Check that your arguments are the correct type (number, list, matrix, string).
Affected Models
- HP 50g
- HP Prime
- HP 48GX
Common Causes
- Passing a string where a number is expected
- Passing a real number where a complex is expected
- Passing a list where a single value is needed
- Mixing types in a calculation (adding a number to a string)
How to Fix It
-
Check what type of argument the function expects.
Press the function's help (if available) or check the manual.
Most math functions expect real or complex numbers. -
Convert the argument to the correct type.
String to number: use STR→ or OBJ→.
Number to string: use →STR. -
Check the stack for unexpected object types (HP 50g RPN).
In RPN mode, check what is on the stack before applying a function.
The wrong object type on the stack causes this error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the type of an object on the stack?
On the HP 50g: TYPE function returns the type number.
0=real, 1=complex, 2=string, 5=list, etc.
Can I add a number and a string on the HP?
Not directly.
You must convert one: either the number to a string (→STR) or the string to a number (STR→).