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The evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we could have begun using fingers and toes to countthings, the human race has been developing machines that aid in calculationsfor hundreds of years. From counting devices that were used in the early days to the modern calculators, a lot has been created in the space between.

Today, students and professionals alike are equipped with scientific calculators capable of carrying out complex mathematical functions while also solving complex equations. They save a huge amount of time when compared to writing out and solving problems and equations.

However, how did inventors advance from the very first abacus thousands of years ago, to today's scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also known as digital calculators, are electronic devices that will solve numerous calculations used in mathematics, science and engineering.

The more basic calculators typically have four primary functions: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Some advanced electronic calculators also include additional functions such as instant percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the contrary, are capable of solving much more complex mathematical problems like those in the fields of statistics or probability.

A lot of students utilize scientific calculators for high school and college education in classes like calculus and algebra. They're also extensively used in professional settings by architects and engineers, in addition to other.

Nowadays, even more advanced calculators are readily available. For example, a graphing calculator has all the features of a scientific calculator , along with the ability to graph input data.

History of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans first started using tools to count with their invention of abacus, a tool so old its exact source has never been verified. It involves moving a set of beads or balls from one end of the poles row to the next.

In the 17th century, around the middle The first adding machine was invented. It was only capable of adding and subtracting with the help of the dials.

After that, a series of variations on the addition machine led to the modern electronic calculators that we have today. The first was Philip Hahn's spherical hand-cranked model in 1778 and the first calculator manufactured commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Electronically advanced calculators

In 1954, IBM came up with the first calculator that was entirely transistor. In the past, calculators were all based on vacuum tubes to function however this model utilized about 3,000 transistors instead. It was a big and bulky machine that could cost up to $83,210.

In the midst of this, inventors began producing smaller versions of the current calculator. In 1967, the first handheld calculator was on the scene. From then on, the fundamental interface of standard handheld calculators hasn't been changed in a significant way. It was released for sale to the public in 1970 with a weight of 45 ounces. It contained ten buttons with numbers that varied from zero to nine. The display was able to display the digits of up to twelve decimal points.

Pocket calculators

Through the 1970s calculators were constantly evolving. In the beginning, the very first pocket calculator with an LED display was made available by BUSICOM in 1971 . It cost $395. Hewlett-Packard soon followed in 1975 , releasing the very first handheld calculator that could be programmable at $795.

In 1985, Casio had introduced its first calculator graphing. The company was quick to continue to improve on this model. They're one of the most well-known brands of scientific calculators in the way we use them today.

The first scientific calculator

Of all the various versions of the modern calculator, the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A could be described as the first calculator that was scientific in nature. It was based on transistor logic and the CORDIC algorithm for trigonometry and was inspired by RPN entry.

Since then, various brands have come in and dominated the market for scientific calculators which includes Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is associated particularly with their popular FX series, which includes Casio's Casio FX-991EX popularly used by schoolchildren.

Modern scientific calculator functions

Today's modern scientific calculators have the ability to carry out a fundamental number of calculations and functions. Different models and brands could contain additional options.

Scientific notation

If numbers are too big and long to write using decimal numbers, scientific notation is instead used. One example of scientific notation could be "m x 10n."

Arithmetic with floating point floating

This kind of representation is often used to deal with very small or very massive numbers. It represents calculations and figures as an approximal equation rather than an ordinary integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry requires measuring as well as calculation of the angles and sides of triangles relative to each other . It's typically taught as an aspect of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and present trigonometric proportions and formulas.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants, such as "pi" so you can easily integrate their use into calculations and formulas.

Calculus

In the high school level of education Calculus is the study of concepts such as functions and limits. Scientific calculators allow you to solve problems directly, without the need for long, written calculations using pen as well as papers.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions in decimal numbers by default. However, the many capabilities of a scientific calculator allow you to display things such as fractions in a variety diverse formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations, the concept of an imaginary number is employed and is denoted by "i." Scientific calculators allow you to calculate using complex numbers. These numbers are written in the form of "a + bi."

Most accurate 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 transported around or kept in lockers. A durable outer case slides over to protect the calculator's screen from damage. It's also priced reasonably that makes it more affordable to replace in the event that it's stolen or damaged.

Most accurate scientific calculators for college and high school

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator is available from Amazon
This calculator is ideal for all levels of maths at the high school and college level which includes advanced algebra, calculus, geometry, and statistics. It is capable of handling extremely complicated equations. It also displays four lines of data.

Best scientific calculator for professionals

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
Whether you work in the scientific, medical or engineering fields This calculator is as robust as it gets. You can select between RPN and algebraic input and it comes with a full library of unit conversions, as well as other functions.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product reviews company with a mission that is to ease your purchase decisions and save some time, as well as cash.

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