Scientific calculators are a very useful calculation tool, since our day to day life is surrounded by numbers. We could say that this is due to the increased use of technology, which is full of mathematics. Therefore, it is very useful to have a good electronic calculator at hand both in the office and at home.
What is a scientific calculator?
Digital scientific calculators are those that have specific calculation functions for mathematics, science and engineering. These are more complex than simple arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. That is why this type is usually used in more scientific or technological fields.
So what are the differences between scientific calculators and basic GPA Calculator? For starters, a non-scientific calculator is designed to perform calculations based on basic arithmetic operations. However, they are not designed to do calculations more complex than that, and they are not usually to Beas fast as the scientific ones. In addition, a standard calculator does not have such a high resolution in its results, since they are not very specialized.
Main Functions of Scientific Calculators
The mathematical functions that characterize good scientific calculators are usually related to slightly advanced levels of calculation, here you can find some examples:
- Fractions
- Square root and powers of integer and fractional exponent
- Logarithms
- Trigonometric functions
- Scientific notation
- Tables with variables
- Statistics functions
- Unit Conversion
- Include some scientific constants
- More complex mathematical functions
- Complex numbers
- Inverse hyperbolic functions and exponential functions
- Equations and systems
- Matrices
- Spreadsheet
- Integrals and derivatives
- Monomials and polynomials calculator
Before choosing a scientific calculator
In order to choose the best scientific calculator for you, you should take into account the following buying guide:
§ What use are you going to give your calculator?
The first thing you should consider is the use you are going to give it and the minimum level of calculation you need. Since, it is not the same to be studying or working in the field of engineering, where complex mathematics is constantly used, than to be studying ESO. It is not necessary to think about it in a very detailed way, because later we will talk about the characteristics of calculators aimed at each audience, you just have to get a minimal idea.
§ How to determine the price you should pay for a calculator?
This factor goes hand in hand with the one we discussed in the previous section, mainly because the calculation complexity of the model will determine the price. And if you want a very powerful graphing calculator, you can find cheap models, but not as cheap as some basic scientific calculator models. Therefore, in the top below, we will show models of all types and prices, including calculators that cost as little as 10 euros and others that reach 300 euros.
Once you have clarified the purpose for which you want to buy the calculator and the maximum cost you want to pay for it, you can start to get an idea about the ideal model for you. For this reason, in the following section we will show you the main components of scientific calculators, so that you can finish distinguishing your priorities.
How to choose the best scientific calculator?
The main key elements to consider when buying a Scientific Calculatorare: the numeric keypad, display, memory, software, and power:
Keyboard: scientific calculators usually have many buttons by default and the more complex it is, the more it will have. That’s why, that it is recommended to buy a calculator that has well-labeled buttons or on the contrary, you could get dizzy seeing so many keys.
Display: There are four main groups of displays: the simplest being the typical single line monochrome LCD natural display, this type is the cheapest. Also, we have the monocular of multiple lines that are the most common. Another type that we can find are high-resolution multicolored screens (with color digits) with multiple lines and that allow high-quality graphics to be represented. Finally, we find calculators with a color touch screen, these are the most expensive and most advanced.
Memory: The ability to store values and formulas is very handy, because it allows you to use formulas in your math exercises and problems, without having to memorize them yourself.
Software: the set of programs that a calculator has includes the use menus, the functions and the notation system (VPAM, SVPAM, among others). This is a determining point, since the convenience of use, the calculation speed and the calculation capacity of the model largely depend on it.
Functions: we want to emphasize that the number of functions that the device has is of vital importance, because they determine the level of calculation that you can access, for example: studying the first year of university is not the same as being already working.
Power: There are two different types of calculators depending on the power source they have. The most common is by batteries or batteries and the other type is by solar energy. Although generally, a solar calculator can also be powered by batteries.
Color: This element is not as high a priority as the others, but it is true that the aesthetic design may matter to some people. Personally, we think that a black scientific calculator is always a good option, because it brings elegance and is a hidden color. Although, the appearance is the most personal element and, therefore, the one that allows more variety of choice.