10 Calculator Tricks YOU NEED Before your Maths Exam | Save your Grades (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
TLDRThis video offers 10 essential calculator tips for GCSE maths exams, focusing on common calculator models. Tips include finding prime factors, graph plotting, standard form conversions, fraction simplification, mixed number conversion, time conversion, digit separators, ratio conversion, expression editing, and number storage. These tricks streamline complex calculations, making exams more manageable.
Takeaways
- π’ Use your calculator to find the product of prime factors of any number.
- π Use the table function to graph equations like f(x) = 2x - 3.
- π Convert between standard form and normal numbers easily.
- β Simplify fractions directly on your calculator.
- π Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice versa.
- β± Convert decimal time into hours, minutes, and seconds.
- π Use digit separators for easier reading of large numbers.
- π Convert ratios in the form of 1 to n.
- π Edit complex expressions without rewriting the whole line.
- πΎ Store numbers in your calculator's memory for later use.
Q & A
What is the first calculator trick mentioned for finding the product of prime factors?
-The first trick is to type the number into the calculator, hit equals, and then use the 'fact' button, which is usually accessed by pressing shift and a specific button, to find the prime factors.
How can a calculator help with graph plotting for functions?
-You can use the table function by pressing the menu button, selecting the appropriate option, inputting the equation, and then setting the start, end, and step values to plot the coordinates for the graph.
What is the standard form conversion feature of a calculator and how does it work?
-The calculator can convert normal numbers into standard form by pressing the 'times 10x' button followed by the power of 10. However, it only works with positive powers and multiples of three.
How does the calculator simplify fractions?
-By inputting the fraction and pressing equals, the calculator automatically simplifies it. For example, entering 90/160 results in the simplified fraction 9/16.
What is the process for converting mixed numbers to improper fractions on a calculator?
-After inputting the mixed number and pressing equals, you can use the shift and 'S to D' button to convert it to an improper fraction.
How can a calculator help with converting decimal time into hours and minutes?
-By inputting the decimal time and pressing equals, the calculator will convert it into hours and minutes, and possibly seconds if necessary.
What is the digit separator feature on a calculator and how do you enable it?
-The digit separator feature formats long numbers with spaces for easier reading. It can be enabled by going to the setup menu and selecting the option to turn it on.
How does the calculator assist with converting ratios?
-The calculator can convert ratios in the form of 'a to b' to '1 to n' by using the ratio function, where you input 'a' and 'b' and it calculates the equivalent ratio.
What is a useful trick for editing long expressions on a calculator without deleting the entire line?
-If you need to insert a fraction into a long expression, press the right bracket button followed by the fraction to insert it correctly without deleting the entire line.
How do you store numbers in a calculator for later use?
-You can store numbers by pressing the 'sto' or 'store' button, then selecting a letter to save the number under. To recall the number, press the corresponding alpha button followed by the stored letter.
Why is it important to clear the calculator's memory before an exam?
-Clearing the calculator's memory before an exam prevents potential cheating by ensuring that no stored values from previous calculations are available.
Outlines
π Calculator Tips for GCSE Maths
This paragraph provides 10 essential calculator tips for students preparing for their GCSE Maths exam. It covers how to find the product of prime factors of a number, such as 550, using the 'fact' function. It also explains how to use the calculator's table function to graph equations like 2x - 3 by setting start, end, and step values. The standard form conversion is discussed, detailing how to convert between normal numbers and scientific notation, with a note on limitations regarding negative powers. Simplifying fractions and converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is also covered, along with a tip for handling decimal time values by converting them into hours, minutes, and seconds. Lastly, it mentions a feature for easier reading of long numbers by using a digit separator.
π’ Advanced Calculator Functions
The second paragraph delves into more advanced calculator functions. It teaches how to convert ratios from one form to another, exemplified by converting 90:40 into a 1:n ratio, which results in 4:9. The paragraph also addresses the common issue of editing long expressions, particularly when inserting fractions into quadratic formulas, by using bracket buttons to avoid rewriting entire expressions. The importance of storing numbers in the calculator's memory for later use is highlighted, with a demonstration of how to save and recall values using the 'sto' and 'rec' buttons. The video concludes with a reminder to clear the calculator's memory before an exam to ensure fairness.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Prime Factors
π‘Table Function
π‘Standard Form
π‘Simplifying Fractions
π‘Improper Fractions
π‘Time Conversion
π‘Digit Separator
π‘Ratio Conversion
π‘Storing Numbers
π‘Memory Clear
Highlights
Use your calculator to find the product of prime factors of any number.
Calculators can simplify complex equations like finding the product of prime factors of 550.
Utilize the menu function to solve equations and graph them.
Convert between standard form and normal numbers using the calculator.
Calculators can simplify fractions and convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.
Quickly convert decimal time into hours and minutes with a single button press.
Use digit separators to make long numbers easier to read.
Convert ratios in the form of 1 to n using the calculator.
Avoid rewriting long expressions by inserting fractions correctly.
Store numbers in your calculator for easy recall during exams.
Clear calculator memory before exams to ensure fairness.
These calculator tricks are essential for GCSE maths exams.
The video provides practical applications of calculator functions for exams.
Learn how to use the calculator's menu and table functions for complex problems.
Understand how to use the Eng button for standard form conversions.
Use the calculator to simplify and solve quadratic equations.
The video demonstrates how to use the calculator for various mathematical conversions.