Figure

Math and relationships

Calculation order and parentheses

Understand precedence, left-to-right calculation, and grouping with parentheses.

The same numbers can give different answers when operations run in a different order. Figure supports ordinary precedence and left-to-right calculation. Parentheses make a group explicit in either setting.

Combine lengths before multiplying

Total the parts of one assembly, then multiply by how many you need.

Do the group first

Each assembly needs a 3 ft piece and a 4 ft piece. For two assemblies, use 2 × (3 ft + 4 ft). Parentheses make the addition happen first.

Try it · two matching assemblies

Use 2nd if Feet is above its key.

  1. Start fresh

    Press Clear entry, then Clear entry, then Select length units.

  2. Two assemblies; open the group

    Press 2, then Multiply, then Open parenthesis.

  3. First piece

    Press 3, then feet, then Add.

  4. Second piece; close the group

    Press 4, then feet, then Close parenthesis.

  5. Find the total

    Press Equals.
  1. Total material length14 feet 0 inches

Also useful for

Repeated framing sections, pipe or duct assemblies, trim sets and combining material plus labor before multiplying by a count.

Remember

Parentheses work in either calculation-order setting. This totals lengths; it does not include saw kerf, joint allowances or a cutting plan.

Use order of operations

Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction.

Start a new calculation

  1. Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.

Set the preference

Calculation order
Order of operations

Calculate

  1. First number

    Press 10, then Add.

  2. Second number

    Press 4, then Multiply.

  3. Third number

    Press 5, then Equals.
  1. Example result30

Calculate left to right

Operations run from left to right.

Start a new calculation

  1. Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.

Set the preference

Calculation order
Left to right

Calculate

  1. First number

    Press 10, then Add.

  2. Second number

    Press 4, then Multiply.

  3. Third number

    Press 5, then Equals.
  1. Example result70

Group with parentheses

Parentheses calculate the grouped expression first.

Start a new calculation

  1. Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.

Calculate

  1. Multiplier

    Press 2, then Multiply.

  2. Open the group

    Press Open parenthesis.

  3. First grouped number

    Press 3, then Add.

  4. Next grouped number

    Press 4, then Close parenthesis.

  5. Complete the value

    Press Equals.
  1. Example result14

Keep in mind

Parentheses group expressions in either calculation order. Use ( and ) for arithmetic. Use the default grid to open Offset or Cylinder. 2nd → Cone opens Cone. Close any open mode first.

Keep the guide beside your calculation.

These examples are built into Figure. Open Help while you calculate, then return to the same guide and reading position.

See Help in Figure →