What is a scientific calculator, and who needs one?
A scientific calculator is a tool that can do more than just simple math. Scientific calculators can do more than just add, subtract, multiply, and divide. They can also do trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponents, roots, factorials, and statistical computations. They do all of this while following the right order of operations.
The difference is important since you need to know PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) to work with complicated formulas like 5 + 4 x 9. A normal calculator can give you the wrong answer of 81, but a scientific calculator would give you the right answer of 41 by doing multiplication first.
After the HP-35 came out in 1972, scientific calculators were very important tools for learning. They took the place of slide rules in classrooms all around the world. Today, you have to have them for classes like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, physics, chemistry, statistics, and engineering. People who work in architecture, finance, medicine, and data science use them every day.
This online version has all the functionality of high-end portable variants like the TI-30X and Casio fx-991EX, plus graphing and computer algebra features that are usually only found in devices that cost $100 or more. You get 15-digit accuracy for hard computations, which is the same level of accuracy as a lab.
How to use this scientific calculator well
To begin, just input your expression and hit Enter or click the equals button. You may type in complicated formulas precisely as they are taught in textbooks since the calculator understands full expressions with the right operator precedence.
Basic operations and entering expressions
Use normal math symbols to write expressions. For addition, use +; for subtraction, use -; for multiplication, use * or x; for division, use /; and for exponents, use ^. Parentheses group operations and change the order in which they happen.
The live preview function shows you how your formatted expression will look as you write, making sure that the calculator understands what you mean before you compute. This stops mistakes from happening because of unclear notation. You'll know exactly what you're doing.
To make typing easier, every function has a text version. Type 5!, log(100), or sqrt(16) directly. The share link option makes a URL with your expression in it. This is great for transmitting calculations to classmates or preserving complicated formulas for later.
How to switch between degrees and radians
The DEG/RAD switch changes how trigonometric functions read angles, which is probably the most prevalent reason for calculator mistakes. When you use degrees, sin(90) gives you 1. In radian mode, the identical input gives back about 0.894 because 90 radians is not the same as 90 degrees.
A quick way to remember: 180 degrees = pi radians. Always use radians for calculus. Degrees are the standard unit of measurement for geometry, building, and navigation. To get radians, multiply degrees by pi/180. To get degrees, multiply radians by 180/pi.
The full guide to calculator functions
This calculator puts capabilities into logical tabs, each of which is best for a certain type of arithmetic problem.
Calculator tab - basic math
- To find angles, you can use trigonometric functions like sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), and their inverse functions (sin^-1, cos^-1, tan^-1). In physics, engineering, and mathematics, the hyperbolic versions (sinh, cosh, and tanh) are used to work with curves and exponential growth.
- Logarithmic functions provide you log for base-10 logarithms, ln for natural logarithms (base e), and exp for e raised to a power. Use the calculation for changing the base: log_b(x) = ln(x)/ln(b).
- For square roots, use sqrt; for cube roots, use cbrt; and for any nth root, use root(x, n). The power operator ^ can handle any exponent, even fractions for rational powers.
- Combinatorics functions find the factorial (n!), permutations (nPr), and combinations (nCr). These are very important for statistics and probability. For example, 10C3 = 120 means picking 3 things from 10 without caring about the order.
- Built-in constants give you very precise values, including pi (about 3.14159), e (about 2.71828), and i (the imaginary unit for complex numbers). The ans constant remembers your last answer so you may chain calculations.
Graph tab - seeing how functions work
You can plot up to five functions at once and change the colors to make them easier to compare. To zoom in on areas of interest, set the ranges for the x and y axes. The graphing interface shows things that equations alone can't, like intercepts, asymptotes, periodicity, and intersection points.
Use x as the variable to enter functions like sin(x), x^2 - 4, and ln(x). As you change the parameters, the graph updates in real time. This makes it quite useful for seeing how coefficients change the behavior of functions.
Stats tab - descriptive statistics
Enter data sets and get back a full set of statistical measures right away, including the mean, median, mode, standard deviation (for both population and sample), variance, range, minimum, maximum, sum, and count.
Solve tab - solving equations
- Linear equations: In formulations like 2x + 5 = 15, find the variables.
- Quadratic equations: Use the quadratic formula to find roots that are either real or complex.
- Problems of equations: Solve problems with two or three variables at the same time.
- Inequalities: Find the ranges of solutions for expressions that have <, >, <=, or >=.
- Numeric solving: Find approximate answers to equations that don't have exact answers.
Computer Algebra System
- Simplify takes expressions and makes them easier to understand.
- Expand takes products and powers and makes them bigger. For example, (x+1)^2 becomes x^2 + 2x + 1.
- Factor determines the factors of polynomials. For example, (x-2)(x+2) is the factor of x^2 - 4.
- Differentiate calculates derivatives using symbols.
- Integrate finds antiderivatives and definite integrals.
Examples that work with step-by-step solutions
Example 1: A issue with trigonometry
A building has a 70-degree angle and a 25-foot ladder leaning against it. How high does it go?
The height is equal to the length of the ladder times the sine of the angle.
- Expression:
25 * sin(70) - Result: 23.49 feet
- Note: Before you do the math, make sure DEG mode is on.
Example 2: How to figure out compound interest
For 5 years, what will $10,000 be worth if it is invested at 6% interest per year, compounded every month?
To find the answer, use the formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt).
- Expression:
10000 * (1 + 0.06/12)^(12*5) - Result: $13,488.50
Example 3: Using a logarithm
How long will it take for an investment to double if it grows at a steady rate of 7%?
The answer to example 3 is to use the formula t = ln(2)/r.
- Expression:
ln(2) / 0.07 - Result: 9.9 years
Example 4: Combinations and their chances
What are the chances of getting exactly 3 heads when you flip a coin 5 times?
Use binomial probability: C(5,3) x (0.5)^3 x (0.5)^2.
- Expression:
5C3 * 0.5^3 * 0.5^2 - Result: 0.3125 (31.25%).
Example 5: Physics - the motion of a bullet
How high can a ball go if it is hurled at 20 m/s at 45 degrees?
The maximum height is (v0^2 x sin^2(theta)) / (2g).
- Expression:
(20^2 * sin(45)^2) / (2 * 9.8) - Result: 10.2 meters.
Mistakes people make when using a calculator and how to avoid them
The degree/radian trap makes more mistakes than anything else. Check that the mode indication matches your angle units before doing any trigonometric calculations. If you choose the wrong mode for a computation, you can get technically correct but entirely inaccurate answers. For example, sin(90 degrees) = 1, but sin(90 radians) = 0.894.
Errors with parentheses make mistakes that don't show up. The equation -5^2 gives -25 (squaring happens before negation), whereas (-5)^2 gives 25. If you're not sure, add parentheses. They never harm.
A lot of people have trouble entering scientific notation. When you enter Avogadro's number, don't type 6.02 * 10^23. Use 6.02E23 or the EXP function instead. The E notation is quicker, cleaner, and stops mistakes in order of magnitude.
Confusing memory functions makes old values stay around. Before starting new computation sequences, clear the memory (MC) or use the specified memory slots to maintain track of several values.
How to use a calculator effectively
Learn how to type on a keyboard to make computations much faster. The buttons on the screen function, however typing sqrt(144) + log(1000) takes a lot less time. All functions enable you type in text and provide you suggestions for what to type next.
Use ans to link calculations together to make more complicated ones one step at a time. Typing ans * 1.08 after calculating 50 * 1.08 adds to the answer without having to type it again.
Use variables for values that are the same. Use the STO function to store constants. Give values to x, y, or z, and then use those values in several calculations. This stops mistakes from happening again and makes what-if analysis go faster.
Keep a record of your calculations for further use. The permanent sidebar keeps track of your session's calculations, so you may go back at, change, and use past expressions. To restore an item from history, click on it.
Before you believe the results, check them with an estimate. If you expect an answer around 100 but receive 0.01 or 10,000, something is wrong. Most of the time, it's a parenthesis or mode problem. Most mistakes can be found with a quick mental estimate.