calculator

4 Doing more calculations using the calculator

The volume of wood (in cubic metres) included in a log with a length of metres with a distance around its middle of metres is defined by the formula

For a log with a length of 1.5 millimeters with a distance in the middle of 92 cm, this becomes

In this article, we look at several different ways to be used to assess this , and other more complex equations by using various functions on your calculator. While the first one described as part of Activity 9 - might be the most straightforward for the relatively simple expression, it is useful to consider how you could utilize different calculator functions to help you when you're confronted with more complex expressions to analyze.

The expression for wood's volume is the value of . You can input an approximate value manually however, this takes a lot of time and could lead to errors. The calculator provides an approximate value built into it which is calculated by using the sequence of keys .

The keypad is located on the lower row of the keypad.

Activity 9: Using the fraction key

The most straightforward method of the calculation is entering it as fractions in your calculator.

What key sequence is required, and what is the final answer to 3 significant figures?

Another way to do the calculation in Activity 9 , is to utilize an keys.

Activity 10 Using the key

There is no way to obtain the correct answer to the calculation

if you compose

into your calculator and press . Can you explain why? Incorporate a pair of brackets into the expression that contain the / symbol so that it gives an accurate answer. Then type this newly created expression in your calculator and make sure you receive the same answer as you did above.Reveal answer

4.1 Reusing an existing result

A different approach to the calculation is to find the denominator first before dividing the numerator by that.

It is possible to write the answer to the first portion of calculation, on a piece of paper and then enter it into your calculator and then enter it again. It is however possible to make an error in writing down the number or typing your answer into the calculator. An alternative is to use the fact that the calculator stores the last calculated answer and can be added to the next calculation by using the key located at the bottom of the keypad.

Remember That the key can only store the outcome of your last calculation.

Activity 11 Bottom first!

Utilize your calculator to calculate that the amount of the denominator Then, complete the calculation by finding the equivalent of three to 3 significant figures.Reveal your answer

4.2 Utilizing the calculator memory

An alternative to the above technique is to break down your calculation in two separate parts, and then utilize the memory functions of calculator memory functions calculator and store the results from the first step. The calculator memory functions are especially useful when you want to calculate the sum of several variables that share a common portion. This common component should be entered once only and its value is reused many times over the course of time. For example, rewriting the formula for the volume of wood that is contained in a log as

it is clear that regardless of the values have been determined for the variables are it is clear that the formula always requires an amount . If we would like to calculate the amount of wood that is contained in a number of different logs it could be beneficial to calculate its value one time, then store the data in memory and use this number in subsequent calculations.

The calculator has a number of different memory types. We shall first consider the memory with the letter 'M' accessible via the key (and the functions associated with it) in the lower right-hand area of the keys area.

Before using for the first time with the calculator memory, it's ideal to wipe any previous data within the calculator by using this key sequence (CLR) (Memory) (Yes) .

Note that this clears all memories on the calculator memories.

To store the result of an expression that you have just calculated(i.e. the answer is displayed in the output area of the calculator screen) in the 'M' calculator memory, use to store the result using the key sequence (STO) (M). In this case, we're using the second function of the (or recall) button, which is called "STO" (or stores). After selecting the store option then we must inform the calculator what memory the data is to be saved to. The memory is marked in red on a few keypads on calculator keys and the memory 'M' can be obtained by pressing the key. The key sequence as 'store this current result into Memory'.

When (or (STO)) is hit, the display indicator (RCL) (or STO) will be displayed on the display to show it is the calculator is waiting to determine what memory to retrieve (store) to store the result from (in).

To display the contents of the memory for 'M, press (M). The value stored in memory may also be used part of a later computation by placing the 'letter M' into the appropriate value using (M). For instance, to determine what is the square of the data that is stored in the 'M' memory we could use keysequences (M) .

When there is a value stored in the memory called 'M the indicator of the display is shown at the top on the screen.

Activity 12: Using memory

Write the value your calculator's memory of 'M' in the calculator and then use the stored value to determine to 3 important figures.Reveal the results

4.3 Other memory 'M' operations

The value stored in the "M" memory may also be altered by adding or subtracting the results of another calculation.

• To add the value of the latest calculation to the value that is currently stored in memory Press .
• To subtract from the value of the most recent calculation from the value currently in memory, make use of this key sequence (M*).

Expressions can also be recorded inside, added into or subtracted from the memory at the same time as it is evaluated through replacing at the end of a calculation using some of the sequences for accessing memory. For instance, to calculate and store the result directly into memory, make use of keys (STO) (M).

To erase the memory 'M' by itself, simply store the value zero in it by in the key sequence (STO) (M).

4.4 Other memories

The calculator also includes 6 additional memory slots, labeled "A", "B," as well as 'C'", "X" and "Y' and accessed via various keys located in the lower portion of the function keys area of the calculator. Each memory's names are printed in red over the key that allows access to it.

These memories can be used exactly in the same manner as the memory 'M', with the exception that there are no equivalents to the 'add memory' ( ) and'subtract memory' ( (M+)) functions, and no display indicators.

5 Scientific note on the back of your calculator

Calculating numbers using scientific notation on your calculator

If the result of any calculation results in an number that is greater than or equal to (i.e. ), the calculator will show the result using scientific notation. For instance the calculation results in the correct answer

,

which appears on the calculator screen as it is written here.

Small numbers are also displayed with scientific notation. However, how small a number needs to be for this to happen depends on the mode that the calculator is operating in:

• 'Norm 1' mode uses an academic notation to describe any number that is less that but higher than .
• 'Norm 2"' mode makes use of science-based notation when referring to any number lower than but greater by .

"Norm" is a short form for "normal".

When you are in Activity 1 you will have already changed your calculator to use Norm 2 mode, and we suggest for the time being, you utilize this. To switch the mode, follow the sequence (SETUP) (Norm) followed by (for the Norm 1 mode) or (for) or (for Norm 2).

You can also set your calculator to display the results in scientific notation, with a specified number relevant figures. To do this, you need to use the key sequence (SETUP) (Sci) followed by the number of significant figures required for instance . When your calculator is set to display in this manner, the display indicator SCI is displayed at high-up on the display. To cancel such a setting, follow one of the key sequences mentioned above to return to a 'Norm' mode.