What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator is an electronic device which is used to calculate and solve mathematics and science problems. This type of calculator operates just like a standard calculator with the addition of some more advanced features. These calculators are used in the study of mathematics, science, engineering and others.
Different types of calculators are available for solving math’s problems. Some companies also offer calculators which can be used for general purposes along with the study of mathematics and science.
Basic requirement while using scientific calculator for math
There are two types of scientific calculators, one which is used for the simplification of math’s problems and other which can be used to solve problems related to trigonometry, geometry and algebra.
To use a scientific calculator for solving math’s problems, the basic requirements are as follows:
1. The mathematical problem which has to be solved should be typed in the calculator using correct syntax.
2. The direction of keys on the calculator should be kept as same as the direction on a standard calculator.
3. The input key of the scientific calculator has to be pressed first, followed by the mathematical operator key.
4. Wrong input should be checked thoroughly before getting started on a problem, since this can lead to wrong calculation.
5. Wrong input should be corrected immediately to avoid any incorrect result.
6. Different types of storage functions are available on a calculator such as memory and register.
7. A scientific calculator can also be used to solve problems related to geometry, algebra and trigonometry.
Scientific calculators can be used for general purpose to solve problems related to operations, roots and fractions. This type of calculator is useful when a problem requires a number of steps to be performed.
In mathematics, a scientific calculator can be used to solve problems related to square roots and other roots, operations with fractions and polynomials, algebraic expressions and other types of functions.
These calculators can be used to solve problems related to logarithms, trigonometric equations and exponential functions.
Types of Scientific Calculators
A calculator is a very important tool for students and professionals when it comes to solving math’s problems. Different types of calculators are available in the market such as:
- Basic calculator
- Standard scientific calculator
- Graphing calculator.
1. Basic Calculator
The basic calculator is widely used in solving math’s problems, but it cannot be used to solve complex mathematical problems. It has only a few functions and therefore cannot be used to solve problems related to manual computations.
2. Graphing Calculator
The graphing calculator is widely used in the study of mathematics. It has a number of functions to display graphs and tables related to math’s problems. Students can use this kind of calculator in their everyday life.
3. Standard Scientific Calculator
The standard scientific calculator can be used to solve all types of problems related to mathematics. Visit Calculatorology.com to use a scientific calculator which is widely used for solving complex mathematics and science problems. Since this calculator can be used to solve problems in geometry, algebra and trigonometry, it is widely used by engineers and scientists.
Besides Calculatorology, there are also several powerful online scientific calculators to try out. check out the 7 best online scientific calculators post to learn more.
Importance of scientific calculator in math
A scientific calculator is an electronic device that performs the basic operations of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). In maths, a scientific calculator is a valuable and useful tool, since it allows the user to solve more difficult equations greater than one or two terms quickly and easily.
Equations with a scientific calculator are commonly used in maths, physics and other sciences. In fact, even some calculators created for mathematics can solve equations containing roots or indeterminate.
In more advanced maths, a scientific calculator can be of great help in solving complex problems, where the steps required to solve them manually would be too time–consuming, tedious and inaccurate.
A scientific calculator is also used as a tool for checking solutions to more complicated problems. In high school, a scientific calculator may be used in different ways:
- Either as a standalone tool, to solve problems on its own, without having to use paper and pencil; or as part of a learning management system (LMS), to solve the more complicated problems of mathematics; or finally, to learn how to use it.
A scientific calculator is important in maths for all of these reasons. It can do a lot more than a normal calculator and definitely makes the process of learning math’s a lot easier. In fact, in high school math, students are constantly required to make use of it in order to solve problems. It is most commonly used in trigonometry, calculus and statistics:
Trigonometry Calculators
In trigonometry, a scientific calculator is used for solving problems involving sinusoidal motion and trigonometric identities. There are several good online trigonometry calculators that students can use to ‘calculate trigonometric angle functions (sin, cos, tan, sec, csc, tan) in either degrees or radians’. All of these calculators are simple and easy to use. Examples of my favourite trigonometry calculators include: Mathway, Microsoft Math Solver, symbolab, Giga calculator, among others. Check out best trigonometry calculators list to learn more.
Calculus
In calculus, a scientific calculator is used to solve problems involving derivatives and integrals, as well as other functions.
Statistics
In statistics, a scientific calculator is used to compute probabilities and statistical distributions. Other subjects where a scientific calculator can be useful include physics, chemistry and algebra.
Some calculators have more advanced functions than others and can be used in higher math classes and for engineering and other related fields. Be aware that not all calculators are good for everyone, as some have a different view. Try before you buy to make sure it will work the way you want it to.
Calculators designed for engineering and sciences usually have buttons that make the steps of calculations easier; these calculators may also have advanced functions, such as conversion between units.
Although a calculator may have many advanced functions, it is important to understand the basic functions as well. In some cases, it may be easier to use a low-tech calculator for simple tasks, such as adding and subtracting. Study the guide books and manuals that come with your calculator to find out exactly what functions it has and how to use them before you begin your calculations.