scientific calculator

Scientific calculators have evolved over time.

The scientific calculator

While we could have started out using our fingers and toes to count, humanity is busy creating machines that aid in calculations for several hundred years. From the earliest counting devices to the modern calculators There has been plenty that has been accomplished in between.

Students and professionals alike are equipped with technological calculators that are capable of performing intricate mathematical functions, as well as handling equations. They can cut down a considerable amount of time over writing out and solving individual issues and equations.

But how did inventors move from the earliest abacus thousands of years ago to a modern scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also referred to digital calculators are devices powered by electricity that can be used to solve various calculations used in mathematics, engineering and science.

Simpler calculators typically include four core functions: adding, subtracting multiplying and dividing. Some sophisticated electronic calculators include other functions like Instant percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the other hand can be used to solve the most complex mathematical issues such as those found in statistics or probability.

Many students use scientific calculators for college and high school education in classes like calculus and algebra. They're also extensively used in professional settings by architects and engineers among others.

In the present, more advanced calculators are on the market. For instance, a graphing calculator is a calculator that has all the features of a scientific calculator , along with the ability of graphing input data.

The history of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans first started using tools for counting with an invention known as the abacus which is a device that's so ancient that its precise origins haven't been verified. It's the process of moving a set of balls or beads from one end of a row of poles another.

In the late 17th century the first addition machine was invented. It was able of adding and subtracting with the help of dials.

After that, a succession of variations on the adding machine led to the modern electronic calculators that we have the present. This included Philip Hahn's circular hand-cranked model in 1778. It was also the very first calculator manufactured commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

Back in the year 1954, IBM invented the first all-transistor calculator. Before, calculators utilized vacuum tubes to function, but this model used about 3,000 transistors instead. It was a large weight machine that could cost you upwards of $83,210.

Then, inventors started to create smaller versions of the current calculator. In 1967 an initial handheld calculator came on the market. From then on, the fundamental interface of handheld calculators hasn't been changed in a significant way. It was introduced to the market in 1970, weighed 45 ounces and featured ten buttons that were numerical from zero to nine. The display was able to display numbers up to 12-decimal place.

Pocket calculators

Through the 1970s calculators evolved. One of the first pocket calculator with an LED display was introduced by BUSICOM in the year 1971 and cost $395. Hewlett-Packard quickly followed in 1975 with the first handheld calculator that was programmable for $795.

In the year 1985, Casio had released its graphing calculator for the first time. They swiftly continued to develop this model. They're one of the most well-known brands of scientific calculators as we see them today.

The first calculator that was scientific in nature.

Of all the various versions of the modern calculator the 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A is regarded as the first scientific calculator. It utilized transistor logic, CORDIC trigonometry algorithm and was constructed on RPN entry.

Since then, several brands have also taken over and led the market for scientific calculators, which includes Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is associated particularly with their famous FX series, including Casio's Casio FX-991EX that is used by schoolchildren.

Modern scientific calculators function

Modern scientific calculators are capable of performing a base set of calculations and functions. Different models and brands could also include extra features.

Scientific notation

When numbers are too large and long to be written with decimal forms, then scientific notation is instead used. A good example of this could be "m x 10n."

Arithmetic with floating point floating

This kind of representation is employed when dealing with extremely small or massive numbers. It shows calculations and figures in an approximal form rather than an integer standard.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry requires measuring as well as calculation of the angles and sides of triangles in relation to each other and is typically taught as an aspect of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and represent trigonometric ratios and formulae.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants, such as "pi" so you can easily integrate their use into calculations and formulae.

Calculus

At the high school level Calculus is the study of concepts, such as functions and limits. Scientific calculators allow you to solve limit problems without lengthy, written calculations with pen or sheets of paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions in decimal numbers by default, however the various functions of a scientific calculator let you express things like fractions in a range diverse formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations, the concept of an imaginary number is employed and denoted as "i." Scientific calculators allow calculations using complex numbers. They are represented as "a + bi."

The best scientific calculators

Best scientific calculator for middle school students

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available on Amazon
This is a very light calculator that is easily carried around in the locker. A durable outer case slides over to protect the screen of the calculator from damage. It's also fairly priced that makes it simpler to replace in case it's damaged or lost.

Best scientific calculator for high school and college

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
This calculator is designed for every level of mathematical studies at high school and college levels that includes advanced algebra, calculus, geometry, and statistics. It's capable to handle highly complex equations and shows four lines of data.

Best scientific calculator for professionals

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
No matter if you're in the scientific, medical or engineering fields This calculator is as robust as they come. You can select between RPN for input with algebraic functions, and it includes a complete library of unit conversions, as well as other functions.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a consumer review business with one goal to simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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