How to use a Scientific Calculator

LearnersCloud
31 Aug 201213:01

TLDRThis video explains how to effectively use a scientific calculator, which is essential for math exams. It covers key functions, including setting the correct mode (degree mode), using the power, square, cube, and square root buttons, and understanding advanced features like trigonometric functions, fractions, pi, and standard form calculations. The video also highlights how to correct mistakes, use previous answers in new calculations, and navigate special keys like the 'second' or 'shift' button to access additional functions. Reading your calculator's manual is emphasized for familiarity.

Takeaways

  • 🔢 Understanding how to properly use a scientific calculator is essential for your math exam.
  • 🎯 Ensure your calculator is in **degree mode** before performing any calculations.
  • 🎛️ The **second button (or shift)** allows access to secondary functions labeled above the keys.
  • 🧮 To calculate powers, use the **X to the power of Y** button. Example: 2^7 is entered as 2, then X to the power of Y, then 7.
  • ² Use the **x² button** to square numbers (e.g., 5²). For cubing, press the second button, then x² to access x³.
  • √ The **square root** button is typically used after entering the number, but this may vary by calculator model.
  • 📐 Trigonometric functions like **sin, cos, tan** and their inverses are accessed via their respective buttons and second functions.
  • 🔢 For entering fractions, use the **fraction button** (a/b or similar), and for mixed numbers, press it twice.
  • π Use the **pi (π)** button, often accessed with the second button for calculations involving circles.
  • 🔁 The **ANS (Answer)** button allows you to reuse the result from a previous calculation in a new one.
  • 🧮 The **SD button** converts answers between fractions, surds, and decimals when necessary.
  • 🔄 Use the **percentage button** for percentage calculations, following the number and the second button.

Q & A

  • Why is it important to know how to use a scientific calculator properly for an exam?

    -Knowing how to use a scientific calculator properly is essential because it helps you get correct answers efficiently during an exam. Without proper understanding, the calculator may give wrong results if it's not in the correct mode or the correct buttons aren't used.

  • What is the significance of the 'Mode' button on a scientific calculator?

    -The 'Mode' button allows you to switch between different modes, such as degree mode, which is important for performing calculations related to angles. In exams, you should ensure the calculator is in degree mode (denoted as 'DEG') for trigonometric calculations.

  • How does the 'Second' button work on a scientific calculator?

    -The 'Second' button (sometimes called 'Shift') enables access to secondary functions, usually shown above the main buttons in a different color. You press the 'Second' button first, then the key for the desired operation, such as powers or inverse trigonometric functions.

  • How do you raise a number to a power using a scientific calculator?

    -To raise a number to a power, use the 'X to the power of Y' button. For example, to calculate 2 raised to the power of 7, enter 2, press the power button, and then 7. The calculator will display the result.

  • How can you square or cube a number on the calculator?

    -To square a number, press the number followed by the 'x²' button. To cube a number, press the number, followed by the 'Second' button and then the 'x²' button (which accesses the x³ function).

  • What should you be aware of when using the square root or cube root functions?

    -For square root, some calculators require entering the number first and then pressing the square root button, while others require pressing the button first. Cube roots may be accessed using the 'Second' button and the square root button. It’s important to know how your calculator works.

  • How do you perform trigonometric calculations using a scientific calculator?

    -For trigonometric calculations, use the 'sin', 'cos', or 'tan' buttons. If you're calculating angles, use the inverse functions ('sin⁻¹', 'cos⁻¹', 'tan⁻¹'), which are accessed through the 'Second' button.

  • How can you enter fractions and mixed numbers on a scientific calculator?

    -To enter fractions, use the 'a/b/c' button or a similar fraction button. For example, to enter ¾, press 3, then the fraction button, and then 4. To enter mixed numbers like 3½, press 3, the fraction button, 1, the fraction button again, and then 2.

  • What is the use of the 'ANS' button on a scientific calculator?

    -The 'ANS' (answer) button allows you to use the result from the previous calculation in the current calculation without re-entering it, which is useful for complex or lengthy calculations.

  • How can you calculate percentages using a scientific calculator?

    -To calculate percentages, enter the percentage value, press the 'Second' button, and then the percentage symbol (if necessary), followed by the number you want the percentage of. For example, to find 15% of 60, enter 15, press 'Second', then the '%' key, followed by 60, and then press equals.

Outlines

00:00

🔢 Introduction to Using Calculators for Exams

The paragraph introduces the importance of knowing how to use a calculator effectively in a mathematics exam. It emphasizes that the calculator is a valuable tool only if used properly, and students should familiarize themselves with their specific calculator by reading the manual. It also explains the significance of the mode button, instructing users to set their calculators to degree mode (DEG) before calculations, as this is crucial for getting correct answers.

05:00

🟪 The Second/Shift Button and Power Functions

This section explains the function of the 'second' or 'shift' button, which grants access to additional operations marked above the standard keys. It then details how to raise numbers to powers using the X^Y button, and how to square or cube a number using the X^2 and X^3 buttons. The process of using the second button to access advanced functions, such as cubing a number, is discussed in detail.

10:01

✔️ Using the Square Root and Cube Root Buttons

This part covers the usage of the square root button, instructing students on different calculator behaviors (inputting the number before or after pressing the square root button). Cube root functions are also addressed, accessed via the second button and square root key. The paragraph advises users to familiarize themselves with their calculator’s specific setup for these operations.

📐 Trigonometry Functions and Fractions

The focus here is on trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent) and their inverses (sin^(-1), cos^(-1), tan^(-1)), used for finding angles. It also explains how to input fractions, using a dedicated fraction button, and how to handle mixed numbers in calculations. The importance of reading the manual for specific button placements is reiterated.

🔢 Pi Button, ANS Key, and Brackets for Order of Operations

This paragraph explores the use of the pi button, typically accessed through the second key, and the ANS (answer) button, which helps carry results from one calculation into the next. It also highlights the importance of brackets to ensure operations are carried out in the correct order, especially in complex calculations.

🔄 Converting Fractions to Decimals and Standard Form Operations

The paragraph discusses the SD button, used to convert fractions or surds into decimal form, and explains how to perform operations involving numbers in standard form. It emphasizes the need to use brackets when calculating with standard form numbers to ensure accurate results.

💯 Percentage Calculations and Deleting Mistakes

This section explains how to calculate percentages using the calculator's percentage button and provides an example calculation (e.g., finding 15% of 60). It also covers how to correct input errors by using the delete key (DEL), which removes the last input or operation in a sequence. Lastly, it reinforces the importance of reading the calculator manual for proper usage of all functions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Calculator

A device used to perform mathematical calculations. The video emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use a calculator correctly for mathematics exams. It is mentioned throughout the video as a necessary tool to ensure accurate results in various mathematical operations.

💡Mode Button

A key on a calculator that allows users to change the calculation mode, such as switching between degree and radian mode. In the video, it is stressed that the calculator must be in 'Degree mode' (DEG) before any exam calculations involving angles, as incorrect mode settings can lead to wrong answers.

💡Second Button

Also referred to as the 'shift' button on some calculators, this key allows users to access secondary functions of other keys, usually marked above the main key symbols. The video highlights its role in accessing operations like X cubed or square roots, showing how it expands the calculator’s functionality.

💡Exponentiation

Raising a number to the power of another number, typically using keys like X to the power of Y. The video explains how to use this feature on a scientific calculator, providing examples such as calculating 2 to the power of 7, which is essential in many math problems.

💡Square and Cube Functions

These are specific functions used to square or cube a number. The video explains how the 'X squared' and 'X cubed' buttons are used, along with the second button to access cube operations. These functions simplify common calculations such as 5 squared (25) or 3 cubed (27).

💡Square Root and Cube Root

Functions that allow users to find the square root or cube root of a number. The video shows how to use these keys to solve problems like finding the square root of a number or cube root of 8. It also warns that on some calculators, the order of key presses may differ.

💡Trigonometry Buttons

These are the sine (sin), cosine (cos), and tangent (tan) keys, as well as their inverse functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹). The video explains how these are used for solving trigonometric problems in exams, such as finding angles or sides of a triangle.

💡Fraction Button

A key that allows users to input and calculate fractions. The video shows how to input both simple fractions (e.g., 3/4) and mixed numbers (e.g., 3 and 1/2), emphasizing the need to understand where this button is located on individual calculators.

💡Pi Button

A button used to insert the value of π (Pi), approximately 3.14159, which is crucial in geometry and trigonometry problems involving circles. The video demonstrates how to access the Pi symbol using the second button and explains its importance in mathematical formulas.

💡ANS (Answer) Button

A key that allows users to carry over the result of a previous calculation into the next one. The video mentions its utility when dealing with long chains of calculations, where manually inputting the previous answer could be time-consuming or error-prone.

Highlights

Understanding the calculator is crucial for math exams; make sure to learn how to use it properly.

The mode button is essential to set the calculator in the correct mode (degree) before calculations.

The second or shift button allows access to additional functions on the calculator.

Raising a number to the power of another number can be done using the X to the power of Y button.

To square a number, use the x-squared button on the calculator.

Cubing a number requires using the second button and the x-squared button to access the x-cubed function.

The square root button can be used to calculate square roots, but the input order may vary by calculator.

Cube root calculations also require the second button in conjunction with the square root button.

Trigonometric functions like sine, cosine, and tangent are accessed through dedicated keys, and their inverse operations need the second button.

Fractions are entered using the fraction button, which might be represented differently depending on the calculator model.

To input the value of Pi, use the second button and then the Pi symbol on the calculator.

The ANS button allows you to use the result of a previous calculation in a new calculation.

Brackets are important when performing calculations to ensure the correct order of operations.

The SD button converts answers from fraction or surd form into decimal form if needed.

Percentage calculations can be done using the percentage key along with multiplication for percentages of quantities.