About This Calculator

This scientific calculator supports advanced operations including powers, square roots, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable math tool.

Using a Scientific Calculator

Introduction

The course describes some of the main features of a scientific calculator and encourages you to use your calculator, both for everyday arithmetic and for more complicated calculations that use the function keys as well. Key sequences, which describe which keys to press, are included in all the activities, so you can try out the ideas straightaway.

Due to the wide range of scientific calculators available, for the purposes of this course we will be concentrating on the Casio fx-83ES model. Other calculators may function differently to the methods described within this course.

This calculator is used on the Open University courses Starting with maths (Y182) and Discovering mathematics (MU123), but would also be useful for many other courses requiring the use of a scientific calculator.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course MU123 Discovering Mathematics.

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the basic functions on your calculator
• Understand which calculator functions are needed for a given problem
• Understand what may go wrong when entering calculations and know how to fix them
• Apply knowledge of calculator functions to a range of mathematical calculations

1. Getting to know your calculator

The first 11 sections describe how to use the calculator and how to perform different types of calculations. Section 12 contains a calculator reference guide that you can refer to as needed for some of the main key sequences.

This course is not an exhaustive list of all the calculator’s features. If you are using a different calculator, you should use the corresponding features of your own calculator to do the activities in this guide. You may need to refer to your calculator manual to do this.

You may be able to download the manual for your calculator from the manufacturer’s website.

The first step in using your calculator effectively is to make sure that you are familiar with the layout of the keys on the keypad, and that you can understand the information on the display.

Figure 1 shows the different parts of the Casio fx-83ES calculator. (Image not included in this version)

If you are using a different model of calculator, make sure that you can identify similar functions on your model.

The calculator is switched on using the key at the top right-hand corner of the keypad. Figure 2 shows the different elements of this calculator’s display. (Image not included in this version)

The lower half of the keypad contains the number keys, keys for the basic operations of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, and the = key, which is pressed when you want the calculator to display the result of the calculation you have entered. The keys ( and ) used to insert brackets into a calculation are in the centre of the row above the number keys.

Many keys on the calculator have more than one use. The main function of a key is printed in white on the key itself. The second function of the key is printed in yellow above the key, and is accessed by pressing the SHIFT button before pressing the key. When you press the SHIFT button, the symbol S appears at the top left-hand corner of the calculator display to remind you that the button has been pressed. It disappears when you press another key. Some keys also have a third function, printed above the key in red. These functions allow numerical values stored in the calculator memories to be used within calculations and are accessed by pressing the ALPHA button before the appropriate key. When the ALPHA button is pressed, the symbol A is shown at the top of the calculator display. You will learn how to use the calculator memories later in section 4.

The calculator manual describes this second function as the ‘alternate’ function of the key.

Some calculator operations are accessed through a system of menus that are displayed on the calculator screen, as shown in Figure 3. The required menu option is selected by pressing the number key associated with the option, as given on the calculator screen. (Image not included in this version)

When describing how to use various calculator functions, this guide gives the exact keys that you need to press using the symbols shown on the keys. This is known as a ‘key sequence’. If the key sequence accesses the second function of a key, or a function from a menu, the name of this function will be given in brackets at the appropriate point in the key sequence. Names in brackets are thus not keys that you press but simply describe the function that is accessed using the previous key sequence. For example, to turn off the calculator, press SHIFT AC (OFF).

Real-World Applications of Scientific Calculators

Scientific calculators are not just classroom tools—they are used across industries including engineering, architecture, physics, chemistry, finance, and even medicine. For example, architects use them to calculate angles and structural loads, while chemists rely on them to compute molar masses, chemical ratios, and logarithmic pH levels. Financial analysts use functions like exponents and logarithms to calculate compound interest, growth models, and depreciation.

In everyday scenarios, scientific calculators help with tasks like determining electrical power using Ohm's Law (P = VI), calculating body mass index (BMI), or solving unit conversions. Their ability to handle scientific notation and parenthesis makes them superior to basic calculators when dealing with complex equations.

Tips for Efficient Calculator Usage

• ✅ Always clear the display before starting a new calculation.
• ✅ Use brackets to manage the order of operations, especially when mixing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• ✅ Learn key functions like SIN, COS, and TAN to solve trigonometric problems efficiently.
• ✅ Familiarize yourself with memory keys like STO (store) and RCL (recall) for repetitive use of constants.
• ✅ Use scientific notation (e.g., 3.5E8) for very large or small numbers to prevent rounding errors.

Scientific Calculators vs Graphing Calculators

While both calculator types offer advanced mathematical functions, they serve slightly different purposes. Scientific calculators are more compact and ideal for algebra, trigonometry, and basic calculus. Graphing calculators, on the other hand, allow you to visualize functions, analyze graphs, and solve equations numerically or graphically. For students up to high school or early college level, scientific calculators are usually sufficient and more affordable.

Advantages of Using Online Scientific Calculators

Online scientific calculators like the one on Easy Converters provide a user-friendly interface, cross-device accessibility, and don’t require software installation. These tools are optimized for fast calculations, responsive design for mobile use, and can even be bookmarked or embedded into educational portals.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

• Wrong Order of Operations: Always use brackets to control the sequence. For instance, use (2+3)*4 instead of 2+3*4.
• Radian vs Degree: Ensure you switch to the correct angle mode before performing trigonometric functions.
• Overflow Errors: Large numbers without scientific notation may exceed display capacity—use exponent form like 1.2E10.
• Parenthesis Mismatch: Double-check open and close brackets in nested calculations to avoid syntax errors.

The Evolution of Scientific Calculators

From the bulky mechanical devices of the 1960s to today’s pocket-sized solar-powered models, scientific calculators have evolved significantly. The introduction of microchips enabled complex mathematical computations in real-time. Today, many calculators include statistical functions, matrix handling, and programming capabilities. Online calculators further push the boundaries with seamless updates and integrations with educational platforms.

Scientific Calculator Shortcuts Worth Learning

• SHIFT + LOG = Inverse Logarithm (10^x)
• SHIFT + SIN/COS/TAN = Inverse Trigonometric Functions
• EXP = Quickly enter exponential values
• ENG = Display in Engineering Notation (powers of 3)
• MODE = Toggle between DEG/RAD/GRAD or between computation modes

Useful Formulas to Try on a Scientific Calculator

• Quadratic Formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
• Compound Interest: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
• Circle Area: A = πr²
• Logarithmic Decay: N(t) = N₀e^(-λt)
• Projectile Motion: y = x tan(θ) - (gx²) / (2v²cos²θ)

How to Practice with a Scientific Calculator

One of the best ways to build calculator fluency is through daily practice. Use online math problem sets, YouTube tutorials, or open-source textbooks. Try reworking solved examples with your calculator and experiment with different ways to approach a problem. The more comfortable you get with key sequences and function recall, the faster and more accurately you can work in exams or real-life scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can scientific calculators solve algebraic equations?
A: While basic scientific calculators cannot symbolically solve equations like a CAS calculator, you can manually rearrange formulas and input numerical values to test solutions.

Q: Are scientific calculators allowed in exams?
A: Most standardized exams like SAT, ACT, and school board exams allow non-programmable scientific calculators. Always verify the model restrictions before the test.

Q: What if I make a mistake in input?
A: Use the DEL key to delete one character at a time or the AC key to clear the full input. For complex operations, it’s good practice to double-check values before hitting =.

Final analysis

Scientific calculators empower learners and professionals to handle numerical tasks with confidence and precision. Whether you're analyzing trigonometric identities or exploring exponential decay, these tools offer a reliable, efficient solution for everyday problem-solving. Mastering the functions of a scientific calculator is an essential skill for any STEM-focused journey—and with online access through Easy Converters, it’s now easier than ever to get started.