scientific calculator

Scientific calculators have evolved over time.

The scientific calculator

Although we may have first started using fingers and toes to countthings, the human race has been working on machines that aid in calculations for many centuries. From counting devices from the beginning to modern calculators many things have been created in the space between.

Today, students and professionals alike are equipped with technological calculators capable of carrying out complex mathematical functions. They can also solve equations. They can save a lot of time, compared to writing out individual questions and equations.

But how did they get from the earliest abacus many thousands of years ago, to today's scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also referred as digital calculators are electronic-powered devices that can perform a range of calculations used in mathematics, science and engineering.

A more basic calculators typically have four primary tasks: subtracting, adding, multiplying and dividing. Some of the more sophisticated electronic calculators also include additional functions such as immediate percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the contrary are able to solve much more complex mathematical problems such as those used in the fields of statistics or probability.

Many students make use of scientific calculators for higher school and college education in classes like algebra and calculus. They're also extensively used professionally by architects and engineers, among others.

These days, much more advanced calculators are readily available. For example, a graphing calculator offers all the features that a scientific calculator has, along with the ability to graph input data.

History of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans first began using tools to count with an invention known as the abacus as a tool that's so old that its origins haven't been verified. It's the process of moving a set of balls or beads from one side of the poles row to the next.

In the late 17th century the first addition machine was created. It could only be used for subtracting and adding by turning the dials.

Following that, a number of iterations of the adding machine led to the electronic calculators of the present. It was Philip Hahn's first circular hand-cranked model in 1778. It was also the first calculator that was commercially manufactured by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Electronically advanced calculators

In 1954, IBM came up with the first calculator that was entirely transistor. Previous calculators had all used vacuum tubes for operation however this model utilized more than 3,000 transistors. It was an enormous and bulky machine that could cost you up to $83,210.

Then, inventors started to create smaller versions of modern calculators. In 1967 that first calculator for handheld use came on the scene. The fundamental interface of handheld calculators hasn't changed much. It was released for sale commercially in the year 1970 with a weight of 45 ounces. It featured ten buttons that were numerical that varied from zero to nine. The display was able to display numbers up to twelve decimal points.

Pocket calculators

In the 1970s, calculators were constantly evolving. The first pocket calculator with an LED display was released by BUSICOM in 1971 and cost $395. Hewlett-Packard quickly followed in 1975 by releasing their first hand-held calculator that was programmable for $795.

In 1985, Casio had released its graphing calculator for the first time and swiftly continued to develop this model. They're still among the most well-known models of science calculators in the way we use them to this day.

The first scientific calculator

Of all the various versions of the modern calculator, the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A is regarded as the first calculator that was scientific in nature. It was built using transistor logic, trigonometry using the CORDIC algorithm, and was inspired by RPN entry.

Since then, other brands have emerged and led the market for scientific calculators, including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is most well-known for their famous FX series of calculators, like that of the Casio FX-991EX which is commonly utilized by students at school.

Modern scientific calculators can be used

Today's modern scientific calculators can carry out a primary range of calculations and functions. Different makes and models may also include extra features.

Scientific notation

When numbers are too big and long to write using decimal numbers, then scientific notation is often used instead. One example of scientific notation is "m x 10n."

Arithmetic floating point

This type of numerical representation is employed when dealing with very small or very huge numbers. It is used to represent calculations and figures as an approximate formula, rather than an ordinary integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry requires measuring as well as measuring the angles and sides of triangles with respect to each other . It's generally taught as an element of geometry in the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate trigonometric ratios and to represent them and formulae.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants such as "pi" so you can effortlessly incorporate them into calculations and formulae.

Calculus

In high school level education Calculus is the study of concepts such as limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to solve problems directly, without the need for lengthy, written calculations using paper and sheets of paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal number by default. However, the diverse functions of a calculator for science permit you to represent things like fractions , in a variety various formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations an imaginary number is used and is referred to as "i." Scientific calculators permit you to calculate using complex numbers that are described in the form of "a + bi."

Top scientific calculators

Most scientific calculator suitable for middle schoolers

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
This is an extremely light calculator that is easily carried around or stored in a locker. The sturdy case can slide over to shield the calculator's screen from damage. It's also fairly priced, making it a little easier to replace if it's stolen or damaged.

Most accurate scientific calculators for college and high school

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator is available on Amazon
This calculator is suitable for all levels of mathematics at high school and at college levels which includes advanced algebra, calculus, statistics and geometry. It's capable to handle highly complex equations and displays four lines of data.

The most accurate scientific calculator for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
If you are in the medical, scientific or engineering fields this calculator is robust as it gets. It can be used with RPN or algebraic input, and it comes with a complete collection of unit conversions in addition to other features.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a review company with a mission that is to ease your purchasing decisions and save you your time and dollars.

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