SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

5.1 Entering numbers using scientific notation to your calculator

Numbers written in scientific notation can be entered directly into the calculatorby by pressing the key in the right side of the keyboard. For instance, they can be entered with an alphabetic key .

The activity 13 Calculatingwith Scientific notation

Utilize the functions of scientific notation of your calculator to determine the number of these, giving your answer in both conventional and scientific formulas.

The answer is revealed

6 Powers and Surds on the calculator. calculator

Input fractional and negative power

Within Activity 4 you saw how you could utilize the key for input powers using the calculator. The key can be used together with other functions such using the fraction template , to calculate negative and fractional powers.

13 Activity Calculating more power

Calculate each of these using your calculator and then give your answer right to 3 significant numbers.

Reveal answer

6.1 Use the roots calculator on the calculator

Just as there are keypads on the calculator to enter the power and roots, they can also enter directly. You can calculate the square root with an button. For instance, can be entered by using . Cube roots can be entered by using the second function of the key. To enter higher roots for example, fourth or fifth roots you need to make use of the more general template that is the second purpose in the key. The templates is completed by using the number and arrow key ( and ) in a manner similar to that used when the fraction template is completed.

Activities 15 Calculating roots

Calculate each of these using your calculator Answer accurate to 3 significant figures.

Get the answer

You can see from the results of Activity 15 Part 4, that the calculator often provides answers with surds.

This can only be done it the calculator is operating in the recommended Math mode.

To find the decimal equivalent of an answer like this, use these or keys that you used earlier to determine the decimal equivalents for fractional solutions.

6.2 Inserting a missing root

Sometimes when entering into your calculator the formula that requires roots, you may forget to press the appropriate function key. But, moving the cursor to the appropriate point and pressing the key that is not there as described in section 1 does not work, as this is simply inserting without a template.

If you wish to edit an expression to add an unintentional root, you must first move the cursor in the correct place - that is, towards the left. After that, activate the "Insert" button through pressing (INS) and then pressing the appropriate root key.

7 trigonometric ratios you can find on your calculator

There are various different angles that can be measured. Degrees being just one of them. Before you can use your calculator to find the values of the trigonometric ratios of angles in degrees, you must ensure that it is configured to use the correct units.

Always check that your calculator is using the correct system of angle measurement prior to using trigonometric ratios.

You calculator is set to use degrees when the indicator for display is visible in the center of the display. If you notice that indicator as well the indicator, then your calculator can be set to employ different degrees for measuring angles.Figure 9 The degree setting

To adjust the calculator for working in decimal degrees, use the key sequence (SETUP) (Deg).

To calculate the sine cosine, tangent, or sine of an angle, use on the , or key and then type in the size of your angle. Note that the , and keys will automatically open the bracket for you to open a bracket for. If you're merely calculating the cosine, sine or tangent of an angle just press after entering the angle. There is nothing to do but close the bracket. If you're using these ratios as part of the calculation of a larger number, it is important to remember to close the bracket by yourself (by pressing ) prior to entering any other calculations.

Some older models of calculator require that the angle be input first. This is before the , or button.

Activities 16: Trigonometric Ratios using your calculator

Find the value for each of the following with your calculator by giving your responses correct to 3 significant figures.

The answer is revealed

If you look at the solution to part (3) it is that the calculator calculates the ratios for some angles as fractions, with surds when needed, and not in decimal format.

The decimal number can be found using the .

8 Calculating angles from trigonometric ratios

The inverse trigonometric coefficients can be determined using the second function as well as of the keys and of the. These functions can be used in a similar manner to , and .

Activity 17 Identifying angles using trigonometric ratios

Find the value for each of the following expressions using your calculator Where possible and then give your answers up to one decimal.

Find the answer

In the first part (1) of the task above, you used your calculator to determine an angle whose sine is 0.5. This is not the only angle with a sine of 0.5 which is why you could use this angle in order to determine the other angles. Similar observations apply to parts (2) and (3).

9 Radians in your calculator

Your calculator can be programmed to calculate trigonometric functions by using the radian measure of angles instead of degrees, by making use of an appropriate key sequence (SETUP) (Rad).

When this mode is on, the indicator for display is shown.

Activity 18 Radians on your calculator

In this activity you will be measuring angles in Radians. Find the values of the following equations and then provide your answers to 3 significant figures.

Answer the question

Look over the last example of this activity that where an answer is simple (possibly fractional) multiple of the answer, it is shown in terms of rather than as decimal numbers.

10 , Logarithms, on your calculator

Logarithms to base 10 numbers can be calculated using key key. For example, can be calculated by using an algorithm called the key sequence . As with trigonometric functions for example, the key is able to open a bracket that has to be closed when using the calculated logarithm as part of a bigger calculation.

The second purpose of the key by pressing the key , can be used to substitute for doing calculations on powers of 10.

The activity 19 Calculating logarithms

Make use of your calculator to find the sums in the below.

, , (1 billion) ,