Written by: Allen Atienza
Most of us possess or are at least familiar with a scientific calculator, the tool for efficient computations of complex equations. In other words, you will be using it a lot in your days as an engineering student.
The Scientific calculator is “smart”. It can calculate complex equations in a matter of seconds. HOWEVER, we have to be smart in how to use it as well. Our minds need to be familiar in keys, its shortcuts, and functions in order to use its full potential.
Let us have a quick review over the parts:
Basic parts of the scientific calculator (Casio fx-83ES) from
You can fiddle around with the keys, experiment around before or after trying calculator techniques. It is up to you. Once you are feeling comfy and familiar with your calculator, it is time to introduce some basic and essential calculator techniques/fundamentals.
#1: PEMDAS
Scientific calculators follow PEMDAS, the rule in which part of the equation is prioritized first. This is super helpful to keep in mind, because you can avoid solving complex problems part by part, and just solve it in one straight equation. You must also be very careful since inputting the equation wrong will definitely give you a wrong answer, so you have to be very confident in how you arrange your equations.
#2: CONSTANTS and CONVERSIONS
Most common calculators such as the CASIO fx-570ES, fx-570ES Plus, fx-115ES, fx-115ES Plus, fx-991ES, and fx-991ES Plus have conversion and constant functions with a list two-digit code number codes on the back of the calculator's slide cover. What you simply need to do is press SHIFT, then press CONV or CONST. When you do, the calculator will prompt you to enter a two-digit number code.
What CONV does is you enter the value of a given measurement in order to convert it to its value in another mode of measurement (e.g. km to miles, inches to ft). The CONST function allows you to access numerical constants such as gravity. It saves you the trouble of having to memorize every single conversion and constant needed.
#3: SHIFT SOLVE
The list would not be complete without this infamous scientific calculator technique. Pressing SHIFT then SOLVE saves time on algebraic expressions. Do note that calculators such as fx-82ES fx-83-ES and other older models do not have this feature. If you can see SOLVE in your function keys, it means you can execute this technique.
Let us use a linear equation for example.
0 = 4x2 +5
In order to generate an “=” sign in an equation, press ALPHA then CALC. Use the cursor keys to edit the equation to your liking. To input variables press ALPHA then ‘)’, which will generate a variable X. It is important that your variable is X because most calculators will only accept X as an inputted variable. As soon as you finish making your equation, press SHIFT then SOLVE. The value of X will then show itself. You can also use it for more complex situations such as parabolas and other curvilinear equations.
#4: STORAGE OF VALUES
In engineering, you will deal with a LOT of precise values. Normally, you write down values as exact as you possibly can. But sometimes writing can be tedious and time consuming, so we try to cut corners. We can avoid cutting corners by using the STORE function.
To use it, you must first have a value on your output (the values showing on the lower right corner). If you have a value you want to store you can just input it then press =, which will display it on the output. Then, press SHIFT then RCL (which has STO as its shift counterpart), then press any variable present in your calculator (A, B, X, Y, etc.). Your input display would look like this:
ANS -> A
#5: CLEARING MEMORY
Clearing the memory and history of a calculator isn’t technically a “technique”, but you need to do this every once in a while because your calculator has saved settings that might hinder your future solutions. Fortunately, you can clear its entire memory by pressing SHIFT then 9 (which alternate function is CLR). You will be prompted with 3 options; press 1 for Setup, press 2 Memory, and press 3 for All. Press 3 and all stored values and revert setups to computation mode. It’s a clean slate where you can reset and start again.
BONUS TIP: EXPERIENCE IS YOUR BEST TEACHER.
Practice makes perfect. Participation encourages growth. Simply having knowledge of the techniques will not help you bring out the best of your calculator. Ready your calculators when the professor is discussing, when you study old and new topics, and when you review for your exams. Nothing beats knowledge than experience. Professors occasionally teach you calculator techniques of their own, so it’s best ready to learn. You will not be fazed by complex problems if you have simulated lots of problems on your own using your calculator. There will be many calculator technique seminars, many people who use their calculators efficiently, and many struggles that you will only have your pen and calculator beside you. Make your scientific calculator your own, and use it the best you can.
Sources:
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-clear-the-memory-on-a-scientific-calculator#:~:text=When%20one%20or%20more%20options,from%20scratch%20for%20optimal%20use.
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