scientific calculator

The evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we could have started out using our fingers and toes to countthings, the human race has been creating machines to assist in calculations for decades. From early counting devices to the modern calculators and calculators, lots has been accomplished in between.

Students and professionals alike are equipped with scientific calculators capable of carrying out complex mathematical functions and solving equations. They save a huge amount of time over writing out and solving individual challenges and equations.

How did the inventors make the leap from the very first abacus many thousands of years ago to the current scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, often referred to as digital calculators are electronic devices that will solve numerous calculations that are used in math, science and engineering.

More basic calculators typically have four core functions: adding, subtracting multiplication and division. Some advanced electronic calculators include other functions like the instant percent calculators. Scientific calculators, on the other hand are able to solve math problems that are more difficult for example, those used in statistics or probabilities.

Many students use scientific calculators for higher school and college education in classes such as algebra and calculus. They're also frequently used as professional tools by architects and engineers among others.

In the present, more advanced calculators are available. For example graphing calculators. For instance, a graphing calculator has all the features of a scientific one along with the capability of graphing input data.

The story of the calculator's history

Early calculators

Humans were first using devices to count using creation of abacus an instrument that's been around for so long that its exact origins have never been proved. It's a process of moving a group of balls or beads from one end of a row of poles the next.

In the late 17th century the first addition machine was created. It was capable of adding and subtracting using a set of dials.

After that, a succession of iterations on the adding machine advanced humanity toward the modern electronic calculators that we have the present. The first was Philip Hahn's spherical hand-cranked machine in 1778. It was also the very first commercially produced calculator invented by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

In 1954 IBM released the initial ever all transistor calculator. The previous calculators have all relied on vacuum tubes, but this model used more than 3,000 transistors. It was a big heavy machine that could cost you as high as $83,210.

Then, inventors started to develop smaller versions of modern calculators. In 1967 the very first portable calculator was on the scene. The basic interface of standard handheld calculators hasn't changed much. The calculator was first released to the market in 1970 with a weight of 45 ounces. It had ten numerical buttons that varied from zero to nine. The display was capable of showing figures up to 12 decimal places.

Pocket calculators

Through the 1970s, calculators continued to evolve. In the beginning, the very first pocket calculator with an LED display was launched by BUSICOM in 1971 and cost $395. Hewlett-Packard was next in 1995 with their very first handheld programmable calculator at $795.

In 1985, Casio had launched its first calculator graphing and rapidly continued to refine this model. They're still one of the most well-known brands of scientific calculators as we know them today.

The first calculator that was scientific in nature.

Of all the different versions of the modern calculator the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A can be described as the first scientific calculator. It utilized transistor logic, CORDIC's algorithm for trigonometry, and was inspired by RPN entry.

Since then, several brands have risen up and have dominated the market for scientific calculators, including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is especially associated with their popular FX series, which includes its Casio FX-991EX that is used by students at school.

Modern scientific calculators are able to function

Modern scientific calculators can perform a core set of calculations and functions. Different models and brands could also include extra functions.

Scientific notation

When numbers are too huge and long to be written into decimal format, scientific notation is utilized instead. A good example of this would be "m x 10n."

Arithmetic with floating point floating

This type of numerical representation is used when dealing with very small or very large numbers. It shows calculations and figures as an approximal form rather than a standard integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry requires measuring as well as calculating the sides and angles of triangles relative to one another. It is usually taught as a subset of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and represent trigonometric ratios and formulae.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants such as "pi" so you can easily incorporate they into calculations and formulae.

Calculus

In high school level education calculus involves the exploration of concepts like limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to solve limit problems without long, lengthy calculations using paper or sheets of paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal numbers by default, but the different functions of a science calculator let you express things such as fractions in a variety varieties of formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations the concept of an imaginary number is employed and is referred to as "i." Scientific calculators allow calculations using complex numbers that are described in the form of "a + bi."

Top scientific calculators

A great scientific calculator that is ideal for middle schoolers

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
This is a lightweight calculator that can be easily carried around or put in lockers. A sturdy outer case slides over to shield the calculator's screen from being damaged. It's also affordable, making it a little easier to replace if it's lost or damaged.

Best scientific calculator for college and high school

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator is available on Amazon
This calculator is designed for every level of mathematical studies at high school and at college levels, including advanced algebra, calculus, geometrics and statistics. It can handle extremely complicated equations, and it displays four lines of information.

The most accurate scientific calculator for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
If you are in the scientific, medical or engineering field the calculator is as robust as they come. It can be used with RPN and algebraic input. Additionally, it has a full collection of unit conversions among many other features.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a consumer review company with a mission helping you make better purchasing decision and save you time and money.

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