Top 5 Uses for a Scientific Calculator | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Top 5 Uses for a Scientific Calculator

Scientific Calculator

111
Top 5 Uses for a Scientific Calculator

While scientific calculators may execute the same operations as regular electronic calculators, they also provide a plethora of extra benefits.

A rudimentary calculator, in the form of our smartphones, is something that most of us always have on us. However, what if you are enrolled in upper-level science and mathematics courses? Or if you're in a field like engineering, surveying, medicine, or chemistry where intricate mathematical calculations are routinely used in the creation and development of cutting-edge ideas?

If your difficulties are really complex, you'll need a different approach. For this purpose, a scientific calculator will do. The usage of a free calculator may also be mandated in any upcoming or current advanced mathematics courses.

First, let's define what a scientific calculator is and go through five distinct uses for it, and then we'll examine three HP scientific calculators at various pricing points at the conclusion of the post.

Explain the function of a scientific calculator.

While scientific calculators may execute the same operations as regular electronic calculators, they also provide a plethora of extra benefits. The three primary types of calculators available today are business calculators, simple calculators, and scientific calculators.

You have probably used a calculator before, perhaps a simple one in high school math studies or a more advanced one in economics or business statistics classes.

However, only the scientific calculator is capable of doing the calculations necessary for subjects like trigonometry, physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Working with exponents and logs requires more memory than is often available on a standard calculator, making a scientific calculator the tool of choice for those seeking precise answers.

Simple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are possible, although they just scratch the surface of the calculator's capabilities.

Five Uses of Scientific calculator

Exponents and the fundamental functions

Perform mathematical operations as fundamental as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with a calculator. You need to keep in mind that the sign for subtraction (-) is not the same as a distinct negative function in each given situation. Because the signs for positive and negative numbers are so similar to one another, using a calculator for the first time might result in some misunderstanding regarding the difference between the two types of numbers.

Logarithms

It's possible that you'll need to study logarithms once you've mastered more advanced material in calculus and trigonometry. You may use these calculations to figure out how fast something is moving, how big an area it occupies, and a lot more besides.

These were nearly exclusively hand-done in the past. Today, the problem can be solved using a calculator in a matter of seconds when the right data is entered.

Applications of the sine, cosine, and tangent

sine functions are assumed knowledge in any calculus or trigonometry lesson. It's also common to encounter them while pursuing a profession in the engineering or building design industries.

Symbols used in science

The utility of a scientific calculator extends well beyond the solution of difficult mathematical equations. One of its strongest points is perhaps the fact that it can perform calculations in scientific notation. A standard calculator will not handle numbers that are too big to be expressed as a decimal.

If you want a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, you'll need a more advanced calculator to manage your schoolwork and the scientific notation that goes along with it.

Calculations in binary form

A scientific calculator can solve for binary functions in the same way that you would solve for notations or logs, tangents, and sines by entering equations. Two variables are needed for these equations.

This is something you'll certainly talk about while learning about the Cartesian product and subsets, but you could also run across it in algebra or calculus when you're trying to solve for an unknown.

Another form of equation that requires a calculator with memory if you want to keep track of it and build on your previous work or save your progress for later use is one like this.

In conclusion

In the past, entire classes were devoted to the process of learning how to solve specific equations. However, students may not have been expected to actually learn what the purpose of those equations was or how they would apply those equations in their future careers.

Because of the scientific calculator, it is now much simpler to carry out a wide variety of operations and evaluate the potential effects those operations may have on a career in the mathematical sciences or the natural sciences.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

550
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

341
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199305
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20335
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments