Using Standard Calculators
Using Standard Calculators
Basic Functions
- Understand how to perform simple calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Understand how to handle fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Familiarise with constant function that allows repeated multiplications or divisions.
- Appreciate the clear entry (CE) function that clears the most recent entry, instead of the whole calculation.
Advanced Operations
- Get comfortable with square roots and cube roots.
- Learn how to use exponentiation (power) function, for raising one number to the power of another.
- Understand usage of factorial button for calculations involving permutations and combinations.
- Consider use of reciprocal (1/x) function for fraction conversions.
Memory Functions
- Learn to use the memory store (MS) and memory recall (MR) functions to store and recall numbers respectively.
- Understand the memory add (M+) and memory subtract (M-) functions to add/subtract numbers to/from stored memory.
Functions Involving Trigonometry and Algebra
- Familiarise with functions like sine, cosine, and tangent, and their inverses.
- Understand how to use logarithmic functions (log) and the natural logarithm (ln).
- Get a grip on how to implement the algebraic method for problem-solving.
Advanced Calculator Use
- Apply the correct order of operations using brackets.
- Understand modes of the calculator such as degree and radian modes for trigonometric calculations.
- Understand scientific notation for handling large or very small numbers.
- Examine the use of a fraction button for converting fractions into decimals and vice versa.
Note: Practising calculator usage with a diverse range of numerical and algebraic problems can encourage fluency and accuracy in the real world and exam settings.