- A scientific calculator is an invaluable tool for learning math and science that can help solve complex problems, as they provide functions like trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, and statistical operations. - Scientific calculators use different input methods, like algebraic notation where terms are entered in order of appearance or reverse polish notation (RPN) where values are entered before the operator. - It is important to learn the functions and input methods of your specific scientific calculator by referring to the owner's manual. Understanding how to properly use the calculator ensures accurate results.

1. USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

2. A scientific calculator is an invaluable tool while learning math or science. Scientific calculators are a tool, to help you solve complex problems. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

3. Before calculators became so inexpensive and available we had to learn to use tables and slide rules to calculate mathematical expressions containing exponents and logarithms. BEFORE THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR The scientific calculator, like the slide rule, requires some training to use it properly and understand the results.

4. Without the proper understanding of applying the operating principles, there is no guarantee the answer is correct. The calculator only performs the functions you instruct it. In the order you instruct it. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

5. Care should be taken in selecting the scientific calculator to fit your needs. The market is flooded with choices. Most share the same functionality; the only difference is in the presentation. Prices are very reasonable with the less expensive ones starting out around $20.00. You may find them cheaper on sale or on-line. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

6. The more complex graphing scientific calculators are available and very powerful if you plan to study mathematics and electronics at the engineering level. They are fun toys if you have nothing better to spend your money on. The graphing capability helps you to see and understand functions. GRAPHING CALCULATOR When you enter the equation of a line, y = mx + b, The calculator will plot the corresponding line.

7. Graphing calculators are not required for this course. If you’ve never used a scientific calculator, the basic version will be intimidating enough. GRAPHING CALCULATOR You will have all the capability you will need in a less expensive and less complicated basic scientific calculator .

8. CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS The calculator you choose must have more than the basic functions. You will be performing operations beyond addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This calculator is not a scientific calculator and is not suitable. You limited to the basic arithmetic functions, square root, and percentage.

9. CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS This calculator lacks the required functions needed to calculate scientific expressions. It can only perform the BASIC functions. It’s great for balancing your checkbook!

10. You will need to have a scientific calculator with the following functions: Degree and radian mode. Trigonometric functions Exponential function SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS Inverse Trigonometric functions

11. You will need to have a scientific calculator with the following functions: Pi [  ]. Inverse function Square and Square Root SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS Change Sign

12. You will need to have a scientific calculator with exponential and trigonometric functions, degree and radian mode. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS There are several manufacturers to choose from, each is laid out a little differently, but usually having the same functions available from the keypad.

13. It’s important to keep your owners manual or operators guide handy while you are becoming familiar with the functions available on your scientific calculator. THE OWNER’S GUIDE

14. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS Aside from the basic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division… Many scientific calculators have over a hundred functions available. Many of the functions require multiple keystrokes and secondary or tertiary key modes.

15. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS Many of the functions are only available when the correct MODE KEY is selected. The function keys are usually blue or yellow keys marked [ 2 nd ] and [ 3 rd ]. The key location and labeling will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. You will have to refer to your owners guide.

16. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS Some scientific calculators have a SCROLL or UP/DOWN LEFT/RIGHT set of keys to add functionality. You must rely on the operators guide to learn to use these special function keys!

17. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS The most common scientific calculators use algebraic parenthetical notation . With algebraic parenthetical notation, the rules of algebra are followed when entering the values correctly.

18. SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS The Sharp calculator utilizes a proprietary architecture they call Advanced Direct Algebraic Logic (D.A.L.) D.A.L. allows the user to enter the elements of an equation into the calculator in the exact order they appear in the expression or from a text.

19. Reverse Polish Notation Some scientific calculators, like the HP, use reverse polish notation (RPN) . RPN is a powerful stacking protocol where the values are entered first and them the proper function is applied. The values move up and down the stack as the elements are operated on. HP33S/RPN ($40 -$50) PROGRAMMABLE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

20. Reverse Polish Notation Reverse Polish Notation was developed in 1920 by Jan Lukasiewicz as a way to write a mathematical expression without using parentheses and brackets. Hewlett-Packard Co., realizing that Lukasiewicz's method was superior to standard algebraic expressions when using calculators and computers, adapted RPN for its first hand-held scientific calculator, the HP35, in 1972. HP35 RPN Programmable Scientific Calculator LED Display

21. Reverse Polish Notation HP41CV/RPN (Original price 1982: $200.00) PROGRAMMABLE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

22. Reverse Polish Notation RPN calculators do not have an EQUAL [ = ] key, but instead have an [ ENTER ] key. The ENTER key stores the value or completes the function. RPN takes some getting used to if you’ve never used it. Once you learn it, problem entry and solving is a lot quicker. Two line, alpha/numeric display.

24. Exponential Notation The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators. Some have an [ ENG ] key. The exponential key allows you to enter values that have a power of ten associated with them. The exponent

25. Exponential Notation The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators. Others have an [ EE ] key.

26. Exponential Notation The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators. Others have an [ EE ] [ 2 nd ] key. The 2 nd function key must be pressed first to access the [ EE ] key

27. Exponential Notation The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators. Others have an [ EXP ] key. If neither key is available on your keypad, you will have to refer to your owner’s guide to determine how to invoke the exponential function.

28. Raising to A Power The exponential function is not to be confused with the exponent function of raising a value to a power . The most common is of course the square key, [ x 2 ]. When you enter a value and press the [ x 2 ] key you calculate the square of the value. Like the square key, [ x 2 ], a key marked [ x y ] allows you to calculate values raised to a power above 2. Recall that x -y =

29. Fractional Exponents Exponents can be expressed as fractions. Your scientific calculator will allow you to enter a value raised to a power that is expressed as a fraction or a quotient. When you enter a value “a”, you can raise it to the power “b/c”, by using the [a b/c ] key.

30. The Root The square root key , calculates the square root of a value. You must enter the value first, then press the key. The same applies for the key, where now you are calculating a root for any number other than 2. Recall that x ½ =

31. Inverse Function The inverse function is also handy when calculating fractional values or quotients. It’s particularly valuable moving summed values out of the denominator and into the numerator. NOTE TO ET STUDENTS: You will recognize the value when you learn to analyze parallel circuits. The inverse key may be a [ 1/x ] key. Pressing this key results in giving you the reciprocal value.

32. Inverse Function The inverse function is also handy when calculating fractional values or quotients. NOTE TO ET STUDENTS: You will recognize the value when you learn to analyze parallel circuits. The inverse key may also be a [ x -1 ] key. Recall x -1 = 1/x

33. On-board Functions The display of your calculator only shows the first ten or so digits. There are more digits stored in memory beyond what you see in the display. With values like  , the non-repeating, infinite values not shown are stored in memory to the limits of your calculator’s storage and display capability. To properly use the power of the calculator, it’s important to use on-board function keys like the [  ] key, and not merely enter the truncated value 3.14 when  is required in a computation. The reason for this is,  is a non-repeating, infinite number that is best treated by the calculator.

34. On-board Functions When you take the sine, cosine, or tangent of a number, the display only shows you part of the result. Other on-board functions like sine [ sin ], cosine [ cos ], and tangent [ tan ] are available from the keypad and must be used to the maximum capability of the calculators storage and display. For example: To calculate the sin30  , you first enter 30 , then press the [ sin ] key to get 0.5 . It’s important to note that you must enter the value first, then press the trigonometric function key to calculate the function.

35. On-board Functions When you take the inverse sine, inverse cosine, or inverse tangent of a number, again the display only shows you part of the result. Other on-board functions like inverse sine [ sin -1 ], inverse cosine [ cos -1 ], and inverse tangent [ tan -1 ] are also available from the keypad and must be used to the maximum capability of the calculators storage and display. For example: To calculate the tan -1 1.33 , you first enter 1.33 , then press the [ tan -1 ] key to get 53.1 ° . It’s important to note that you must enter the value first, then press the trigonometric function key to calculate the function. These functions also require that you first press the [2 nd ] key.

36. Memory Memory in a scientific calculator is a nice option, but not a necessity. Many come equipped with a memory storage location on-board and available on the keypad. The [ STO ] and [ RCL ] keys are the keys for storing one element at a time in memory.

37. Memory Some scientific calculators use an [M+] and [M-] as well, to operate on elements stored in memory. This function is handy if you are adding or subtracting from the value stored in memory.

38. Memory Some scientific calculators allow you to swap values in a memory location by using the [ x  y] key. For this calculator you would use the [2 nd ] key and press the [  ] key to perform the swap.

39. Programmable Scientific Calculators Programmable scientific calculators , like memory are nice to have, but not a necessity. Programmable scientific calculators are very powerful, normally used by scientists and engineers, but beyond the requirements for this course. You will have your work cut out for you if you decide to purchase a programmable scientific calculator. You will have wasted your money if you don’t learn to use its full capability.

40. Programmable Scientific Calculators Programmable scientific calculators , like memory are nice to have, but not a necessity. Programmable scientific calculators are very powerful, normally used by scientist and engineers, but beyond the requirements for this course. Programmable calculators become powerful when the problems you are solving become repetitive or iterative. Again, a fun toy, but not required.

41. Planning your Entry With all of this in mind, it’s important to plan how you enter the values in you calculator. You have to obey the rules of mathematics. Remember all those laws: associative, distributive, commutative… I usually start with values in the denominator, especially if there are values that have exponentials. For example : If f = 500Hz and C = 0.01  F

42. Planning your Entry I would approach the problem by first entering the exponential in the denominator 0.001X10 -6 F Enter 0.01 and press [ EE ] or [ ENG ], the calculator will prompt you for the exponent, Enter 6 and press [  ] key to change the sign of the exponent. Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter 500 . Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter [  ]. Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter 2 . Press [  ] key to multiply, and then press the [ 1/x ] or [ x -1 ] key to invert the value in the denominator. The value is now in the numerator, multiplied by the understood value of 1 You’re done! You should have 31.8X10 3 or 31831 .

44. CALCULATOR SKILLS You can only become skilled using your calculator if you take the time to learn how to properly use it. Keep your owners guide handy and with you. Work sample problems so that you gain proficiency. Practice using your calculator!