Online Scientific Calculator
A modern online scientific calculator is specially designed to perform specific operations and ease the work of teachers and students studying mathematics. Today we can find scientific calculators in affordable sizes with all types of special functions usually incorporated with a general-purpose computer. A student should learn the use of an online scientific calculator in order to use it in his exams efficiently. However, before knowing how to use a scientific calculator let us have a brief look at the origin of calculators.
A Quick View Of The History Of Calculators
Many of you might be unaware of the fact that a ‘calculator’ in the past denoted a person who performed numeric work with the help of mathematical tables, slide rules, abaci, comptometers, Napier bones, and other mechanical adding devices. He was hired to solve mathematical queries and he made his living by using semi-manual processes with the help of mathematical devices. However, his calculations were prone to errors and it was replaced with mechanical desktop device that was as large as today’s computer. The first mechanical calculator underwent a metamorphosis and it gradually transformed into today’s handheld microelectronic devices. An online scientific calculator is the result of today’s technological advancement.
Some Useful Tips For Students Using Online Scientific Calculator
• Students appearing for mathematics examinations often commit mistakes in spite of using scientific calculators. There are many reasons for it. Let us look at the important points for the students to keep in mind while working with scientific calculators.
• Students should remember that the order of reading a scientific calculator is not just from left to right. The calculator calculates according to the order of priority in which a calculation should always be done. You have to remember the abbreviated terms ‘BODMAS’ and ‘BIDMAS’ while performing calculations. That is
• Brackets
• Operations
• Division and Multiplication
• Addition and Subtraction
• Always remember to set up the right mode before calculating. Do not forget to change it back to its original setting after you are done.
• It is always advisable to double-check all calculations in order to find out if you have pressed any wrong button.
• Never forget writing down the calculations even though you arrived at the solution with your online scientific calculator, as you will score marks only for the method and check work.
• While you are calculating divisions, never forget to use brackets.
• Always round the figures at the end of the calculations in order to get an accurate answer.
• Always use a scientific calculator that you are familiar with. Borrowing another calculator will lead to confusion in how to operate it at the time of exam.
• Always keep your manual handy at the time of your exams.
• A simple way to check whether your calculator is scientific or not is to type an equation in brackets and test it to see in which order your calculator is calculating. A calculator that gives you an answer using the BODMAS order is a scientific calculator.
Most often students commit silly mistakes. In such cases, it would be better to calculate without a calculator. However when used in the right manner an online scientific calculator can give you accurate results. They are mini computers with incredible computational power. The accuracy of an online scientific calculator depends upon the efficiency of the operator.