Operate a Scientific Calculator

Scientific calculators are incredibly important and efficient when you start getting into higher-level math, but they can be daunting to look at for the first time. To operate a scientific calculator, learn the most important functions and practice inputting information in the correct order. Before you go into your first test, make sure that you know where everything is and how to perform the functions you need.

Steps

  1. Find the important functions. There are several functions on the calculator that will be essential for Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, and more. Find the following functions on your calculator (the labels may vary). Some functions may require you to press the Fn or Shift button to access them:

      Basic Operations[1]
      Operation Function
       +  Addition
       -  Subtraction (not negative)
       x  Multiplication (There is often an key for variables as well)
       ÷  Division
       ^  Raise to the power of
       yx  y to the power of x
       √ or Sqrt  Square root
       ex  Exponential
       sin  Sine function
       sin-1  Inverse sine function
       cos  Cosine function
       cos-1  Inverse cosine function
       tan  Tangent function
       tan-1  Inverse tangent function
       ln  Log to the base of
       log  Log base 10
       (-) or neg  Denotes negative number
       ()  Parentheses for denoting order of operations
       π  Inserts pi
       Mode  Switches between degrees and radians
  2. Determine what order you need to press the keys. For a lot of the function keys, you will be performing them on numbers you input. Some calculators will perform the function on a number you've already entered, while others will perform it on the next number that is entered.
  3. Try a simple square root. Test out the button order on an easy and quick problem. For example, try taking the square root of 9. You should already know that the answer will be three, so this is a great tip to use in the middle of a test if you forget which order you're supposed to be pressing buttons.
    • Press 9 and then the checkmark key. If nothing happens, press the checkmark key and then press 9.
    • Some calculators will add parentheses to the calculation, such as √(3. You will need to add the closing parenthesis ) before completing the calculation.
    • You may have to press the equals key to see the results.
  4. Take the power of a number. Another good test for button order is using the yx function. Since it involves two numbers, you'll want to ensure you know which order they go in. Try performing a simple test, such as 23. If you get 8 as the answer, then you did it in the right order. If you got 9, then you actually did 32.
  5. Practice the trigonometry functions. When you are using the SIN, COS, or TAN functions, you will have to keep in mind two different things: the order of the button presses, and radians versus degrees.
    • Perform a simple SIN function with an easy to remember answer. For example, the sine of 30° is 0.5. Determine if you need to enter 30 first or press sin first.
    • Check your answer. If you get 0.5, then your calculator is set to display in degrees. If your answer is -.988, then your calculator is set to radians. Look for the Mode button to switch.
  6. Practice entering longer equations. Things can get a bit more complicated when you start entering longer equations into your calculator. You will need to take order into consideration, and will often make use of the () keys. Try entering the following equation into your calculator: 3^4/(3+(25/3+4*(-(1^2))))
    • Note how many parentheses are necessary to keep the formula intact. Proper parentheses use is essential to successfully using the calculator
  7. Learn how to save and restore. Saving your results and pulling them back later is an essential skill for dealing with longer problems. There are a couple of different ways to use stored information:
    • Use the Answer key to recall the last displayed answer to an equation. For example, if you just entered 2^4, you could subtract 10 from that result by pressing ANS + - + 1 + 0.
    • Use the M+ or STO (Store) keys to add values to the calculator memory. You can then use the REC or MR keys to recall that value from the memory for use in an equation.[2]

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    Tips

  • Every scientific calculator is laid out differently, so take some time to familiarize yourself with where everything is. Refer to the manual if you can't find a specific function that you know should be there.
  • If you want to save your calculations on the calculator, follow this: Do the required equation. For example:22+22=44 Then press the shift key, then rcl. then any alpha key. For example, a. Then press = on your calculator, then press alpha and then a, then =. Your answer will be saved.[citation needed]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.shodor.org/unchem-old/math/calc/index.html
  2. ↑ http://www.ivc.edu/faculty/iwhite/Pages/Scientific-Calculator.aspx
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