scientific calculator

The evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we might initially have used our fingers and toes to count, mankind has been developing machines to aid with calculations for thousands of years. From early counting devices to the modern calculators There has been plenty that has occurred in the interim.

Nowadays, professionals and students alike are equipped with scientific calculators capable of performing complex mathematical functions while also solving complex equations. They save a huge amount of time as compared to writing out individual questions and equations.

But how did they get from the first abacus thousands of years ago, to today's scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also referred to digital calculators, are devices powered by electricity that can solve many different calculations employed in mathematics, science and engineering.

More basic calculators typically have four primary tasks: subtracting, adding multiplying and dividing. Some sophisticated electronic calculators include other functions like the instant percent calculators. Scientific calculators, on the contrary, are capable of solving the most complex mathematical issues like those in probability or statistics.

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

Today, more sophisticated calculators are readily available. For example, a graphing calculator incorporates all the functionalities of a scientific calculator , along with the capability of graphing input data.

The story of the calculator's history

Early calculators

The first time humans used tools for counting with creation of abacus which is a tool that's so old its exact origins have never been proven. It's a process of moving a group of beads or balls from one end of a row of poles the other side of the row.

In the 17th century, around the middle the first machine to add was invented. It was able of adding and subtracting by moving dials.

After that, a series of iterations on the adding machine pushed humanity further towards the modern electronic calculators of the present. It was Philip Hahn's first circular hand-cranked model in 1778. It was also the very first commercially produced calculator created by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

In the year 1954, IBM released the initial calculator that was entirely transistor. Before, calculators were all based on vacuum tubes to function however this one used about 3,000 transistors instead. It was a massive weight machine that could cost you as high as $83,210.

Pretty soon, inventors began making smaller versions of the contemporary calculator. In 1967, the very first portable calculator came on the scene. Since then, the fundamental interface of 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 ounces, and included ten buttons for numerical values between zero and nine. The display could display figures up to 12 decimal spaces.

Pocket calculators

Through the 1970s calculators have continued to develop. A first pocket calculator with an LED display was introduced by BUSICOM in 1971 . It was priced at $395. Hewlett-Packard soon followed in 1975 with the first handheld calculator that could be programmed for $795.

By 1985, Casio had introduced their very first graphing calculator and quickly continued iterating on this model. They're one of the most well-known brand names of modern scientific calculators in the way we use them today.

The first calculator that was scientific in nature.

In all the variants of the modern calculator, the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A is regarded as the first calculator that was scientific in nature. It was built using transistor logic, trigonometry using the CORDIC algorithm, and was an ancestor of RPN entry.

Since then, several brands have emerged and taken over the market for scientific calculators, such as Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is especially associated with their famous FX series of calculators, like that of the Casio FX-991EX widely used by students in schools.

Modern scientific calculators can be used

Today's modern scientific calculators can perform a core set of calculations and functions. Different brands and models could contain additional functions.

Scientific notation

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

Arithmetic with floating points

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

Trigonometry

Trigonometry includes measuring and measuring the angles and sides of triangles in relation to each other and is generally taught as an aspect of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to determine and show trigonometric equations and formulas.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants such as "pi" so you can easily integrate their use into calculations and formulas.

Calculus

In the high school level of education calculus involves the exploration of concepts, such as limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to solve problems directly, without the need for lengthy, written calculations using pen and the paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions in decimal numbers by default. However, the many functions of a calculator for science allow you to write things like fractions in a range various formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations, an imaginary number can be used and denoted as "i." Scientific calculators permit you to calculate using complex numbers. They are written in the form of "a + bi."

Best scientific calculators

Best scientific calculator for middle school students

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available at Amazon
This is an extremely light calculator that is easily carried around or stored in lockers. The tough outer case slides over to protect the screen from being damaged. It's also priced reasonably and makes it simpler to replace in case it gets lost or damaged.

The most accurate scientific calculator for high school and college

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator: Available at Amazon
This calculator is suitable for all levels maths instruction at high school and college levels which includes advanced algebra, calculus, geometrics and statistics. It's capable to handle highly complicated equations. It also displays four lines of data.

The most accurate scientific calculator for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
Whatever your job is in the scientific, medical or engineering field it is as robust as they come. You can choose between RPN in addition to algebraic input. Additionally, it includes a complete range of unit conversions along with other functions.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review business with one goal that is to ease your purchasing decision and save you some time, as well as cash.

BestReviews is a renowned review site that spends hours studying, analyzing and testing products to help you make the best choices for the majority of consumers. BestReviews or its newspapers partners may earn a commission if you purchase a item through one of our links.


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