scientific calculator

Evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we might have begun using fingers and toes to countthings, the human race has been working on machines that aid in calculations for thousands of years. From the first counting devices, to the modern calculators and calculators, lots has been accomplished in between.

Nowadays, professionals and students alike have access to technological calculators capable of performing complicated mathematical functions, as well as handling problems. They can cut down a considerable amount of time, compared to writing out and solving individual challenges and equations.

But how did they get from the first abacus hundreds of years ago to the current scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

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

A more basic calculators typically have four core functions: adding, subtracting multiplication and division. Some of the more sophisticated electronic calculators have additional functions, such as immediate percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the contrary, are capable of solving many more complicated mathematical problems like those in statistics or probability.

Students are increasingly using scientific calculators in college and high school education in classes such as algebra and calculus. They're also extensively used in professional settings by architects and engineers, among others.

Nowadays, even more advanced calculators are readily available. For instance the graphing calculator is a calculator that has all the features of a scientific calculator with the ability to graph input data.

The story of the calculator's history

Early calculators

Humans first started using tools for counting with their invention of abacus as a tool so old its exact source has never been established. It's the process of moving a set of beads or balls from one end of the poles row to the next.

In the 17th century, around the middle the first machine for adding was created. It could only be used for adding and subtracting by moving dials.

Following that, a number of iterations on the adding machine pushed humanity further towards the electronic calculators that we have the present. This included Philip Hahn's round hand-cranked calculator, which was introduced in 1778, and the first calculator produced commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

Back in 1954 IBM created the world's first all-transistor calculator. In the past, calculators have all relied on vacuum tubes to operate, but this model used approximately 3,000 transistors instead. It was a large device that was heavy and could cost you as high as $83,210.

In the midst of this, inventors began to create smaller versions of the modern calculator. In 1967, that first calculator for handheld use came on the scene. From then on, the fundamental interface of standard handheld calculators hasn't been changed in a significant way. The calculator was first released for sale to the public in 1970 It weighed 45 pounds and contained ten buttons with numbers from zero to nine. The display could display digits up to 12 decimal places.

Pocket calculators

Through the 1970s, calculators changed over the course of the 1970s as they developed. In the beginning, the very first pocket calculator with an LED display was launched by BUSICOM in 1971 and cost $395. Hewlett-Packard promptly followed in the year 1995 with their very first handheld calculator that was programmable for $795.

By the year 1985 Casio was releasing the first graphing calculator, and immediately began to improve the model. They're one of the most popular manufacturers of the scientific calculators as we recognize them today.

The first calculator that was scientific in nature.

From all the versions of the modern calculator, the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A can be described as the first scientific calculator. It employed transistor logic, trigonometry using the CORDIC algorithm, and was inspired by RPN entry.

Since then, different brands have taken over and led the scientific calculator market, including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is associated particularly with their popular FX series, for instance that of the Casio FX-991EX, commonly utilized by students at school.

Modern scientific calculator functions

Modern scientific calculators are able to perform a basic number of calculations and functions. Different models and brands could contain additional functions.

Scientific notation

If the numbers are too massive and long to write with decimal forms, then scientific notation is employed instead. A good example of this is "m x 10n."

Arithmetic using floating points

This kind of representation is employed when dealing with very small or very massive numbers. It illustrates calculations and figures using an approximal equation rather than an actual integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry encompasses measuring and measuring the angles and sides of triangles in relation to each other . It's typically taught as a subset of geometry in the educational system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate trigonometric ratios and to represent them and formulas.

Constants

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

Calculus

For high school students calculus involves the exploration of concepts, such as limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to solve problems directly, without the need for long, detailed calculations on pen or paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal numbers as default, however the various functions of a science calculator allow you to display things like fractions in a number diverse formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations, an imaginary number is used and denoted with "i." Scientific calculators allow you to calculate using complex numbers that are expressed in the form of "a + bi."

The best scientific calculators

Most scientific calculator suitable for middle school students

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available on Amazon
This is an extremely light calculator that can easily be carried around or stored in the locker. A sturdy outer case slides over to protect the calculator's screen from damage. It's also affordable that makes it more affordable to replace in the event that it gets lost or damaged.

The best scientific calculator for college and high school

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
This calculator is suitable for all levels of mathematical studies at high school and college level including advanced algebra, calculus, statistics and geometry. It is capable of handling extremely complex equations and shows four lines of information.

Professional grade scientific calculator that is the best for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: Available at Amazon
Whatever your job is in the scientific, medical or engineering field, this calculator is as robust as they come. It can be used with RPN and algebraic input, and it comes with a full range of unit conversions along with other functions.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a mission that is to ease your purchase decisions and save your time and dollars.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours analysing, researching and testing products to recommend the best choices for the majority of consumers. BestReviews or its newspapers partners may be compensated if purchase a item through one of our affiliate links.


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