scientific calculator

Evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we could have first started using fingers and toes to count, humanity has been developing machines that aid in calculationsfor hundreds of years. From counting devices that were used in the early days to modern calculators There has been plenty that has been accomplished in between.

Students and professionals alike have access to technological calculators capable of executing complex mathematical functions, as well as handling equations. They save a huge amount of time as compared to writing out and solving individual problems and equations.

But how did inventors progress from the very first abacus hundreds of years ago to the modern scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

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

More basic calculators typically include four core tasks: subtracting, adding as well as multiplying and divising. Some advanced electronic calculators have additional functions, such as immediate percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the contrary are able to solve difficult mathematical problems like those in the fields of statistics or probability.

A lot of students utilize scientific calculators in high school and college level education in classes such as calculus and algebra. They're also frequently used as professional tools by architects and engineers, among others.

Today, more sophisticated calculators are readily available. For instance the graphing calculator has all the features of a scientific calculator , along with the ability of graphing input data.

The history of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans were first using devices to count using an invention known as the abacus which is a device that's so ancient that its precise origins haven't been confirmed. It involves moving a set of beads or balls from one end of the poles row to another.

Around the time of the 17th century The first adding machine was invented. It was only capable of subtracting and adding by turning a set of dials.

Following that, a number of variations of the adding machine led to the modern electronic calculators of today. The first was Philip Hahn's spherical, hand-cranked calculator in 1778, and the first calculator produced commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Electronically advanced calculators

In 1954, IBM invented the first ever all transistor calculator. Before, calculators had used vacuum tubes However, this model employed approximately 3,000 transistors instead. It was a big, bulky machine that could cost you up to $83,210.

Soon after, inventors began producing smaller versions of the contemporary calculator. In 1967, that first calculator for handheld use came on the scene. In the years since, the fundamental interface of handheld calculators hasn't been changed in a significant way. It was released to the market in 1970 it weighed 45 ounces, and featured ten numeral buttons all the way from zero through nine. The display was capable of showing numerals that could reach 12-decimal place.

Pocket calculators

In the 70s, calculators have continued to develop. In the beginning, the very first pocket calculator with an LED display was introduced by BUSICOM in 1971 . It cost $395. Hewlett-Packard soon followed in 1974 with its first handheld calculator that could be programmable at $795.

By the year 1985 Casio had launched their first graphing calculator and rapidly continued to refine this model. It's still one of the most popular names in the field of scientific calculators as we recognize them in the present day.

The first scientific calculator

In all the variants of the modern calculator the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A can be described as the first calculator that was scientific in nature. It was built using transistor logic, CORDIC algorithm for trigonometry and was constructed on RPN entry.

Since then, several brands have taken over and dominated the market for scientific calculators such as Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is associated particularly with their famous FX series, which includes the Casio FX-991EX which is commonly used by students in schools.

Modern scientific calculators can be used

Today's scientific calculators can perform a core set of calculations and functions. Different models and makes may also include extra features.

Scientific notation

If numbers are too big and lengthy to be written with decimal forms, scientific notation is utilized instead. A good example of this could be "m x 10n."

Arithmetic floating point

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

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is the process of measuring and measuring the angles and sides of triangles in relation to each other and is typically taught as an element of geometry in the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and present trigonometric proportions and formulae.

Constants

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

Calculus

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

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal numbers as default. However, the many features of a scientific calculator allow you to write things like fractions in a number of different formats.

Complex numbers

In certain mathematical equations, an imaginary number can be used and is referred to as "i." Scientific calculators permit you to calculate using complex numbers, which are represented in the form of "a + bi."

Best scientific calculators

A great scientific calculator that is ideal for middle schoolers

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
This is a super lightweight calculator that is easily transported around or kept in the locker. A durable outer case slides over to shield the calculator screen from damage. It's also affordable and makes it easier to replace if it is lost 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 ideal for all levels of maths at the higher levels, such as college and high school that includes advanced algebra, calculus, geometrics and statistics. It is capable of handling extremely complicated equations. It also displays four lines of information.

Professional grade scientific calculator that is the best for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator is available from Amazon
No matter if you're in the scientific, medical or engineering field this calculator is robust as it gets. You can choose between RPN in addition to algebraic input, and it comes with a complete library of unit conversions, among many other features.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a review company with a singular mission to make it easier for you to make purchasing decision and save you both time and cash.

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