calculator

4. Perform longer calculations using calculator calculator

The volume that of the wood (in cubic metres) included in a log with a length of meters with a distance around its middle of metres is determined by the formula

For a log that measures 1.5 meters and a length between 92 and 93 cm, this will be

In this section , we will look at several different methods that can be used to determine this and other more complex expressions using various functions on your calculator. While the method we first discussed described by us in Activity 9 - is probably the easiest approach for this fairly simple equation It is also useful to consider how you could employ other calculatorfunctions to help you when you have more complicated equations to assess.

The expression for the volume of wood requires an amount of . It is possible to enter an approximate value by hand however this can be time-consuming and is susceptible to errors. The calculator provides an approximate value the value built in and is obtained by using this key sequence .

The key is located in the lower row of the keypad.

Activity 9 Using the fraction key

The most obvious method for finding the value is entering it as fractions in your calculator.

What key sequence is needed to complete the final answer to 3 important figures?

Another way to carry out the calculation in Activity 9 , is to utilize an number key.

Activity 10 Using the key

You will not obtain the correct solution to your calculation

If you type

in your calculator and press . Do you know why? Put a bracket in the expression using the / sign in order it will yield the correct answer. You can then type this phrase into the calculator and verify that you get the same answer as in the activity above.Reveal the answer

4.1 Reusing a previous outcome

Another alternative to the calculation is to find the denominator of the fraction first then, then divide the numerator by this.

It is possible to write the answer to the initial portion in the equation on a piece of paper and then enter it in the calculator once more. It is however possible to make an error in recording the number or typing it in to the calculator. The best option is to make use of the fact that the calculator retains the last calculated answer which is then used in the next calculation by pressing the keypad at the bottom of the keypad.

Be aware that the key is only able to remember the outcome of your previous calculation.

Activity 11: Bottom first!

Utilize your calculator to calculate the value of the denominator of , then complete the calculation by finding out the equivalent of to 3 significant figures.Reveal your answer

4.2 Utilizing the calculator memory

Another variation of the technique is to break down this calculation down into two components, and then utilize the memory functions used by calculator memory functions calculator as a way to keep the outcome of the first one. The calculator memory function is especially helpful for calculations that require the values of several expressions with a common component. This common part need be entered once, and the value can be reused multiple times subsequently. This includes, for instance, rewriting your formula for the volume of wood within the log.

we can see that no matter what the values have been determined for or and, the formula always requires the value of . If we wanted to determine the volume of wood contained in various logs it may be more efficient to calculate the value of one time, store it in memory and then use the value later in subsequent calculations.

The calculator is equipped with a variety of memories. The first memory we'll look at is the memory with the letter 'M' which can be accessed via the key (and its functions) in the lower right-hand corner of the function keys area.

Before you use for the first time with the calculator memory, it's an ideal practice to remove all previous data that was stored within the calculator using this key sequence (CLR) (Memory) (Yes) .

Note that this clears all memories of the calculator memories.

To save the results of an expression that you have just calculated(i.e. an answer will be displayed in the out-line of the calculator display) in the 'M' calculator memory, use keys (STO) (M). This is an additional function that is available on the (or recall) button, also known as "STO" (or the store). Once we have selected the store function then we must inform the calculator what memory the data will be stored in. These memory are marked in red on some keypads on calculator keys, and the 'M' memory is created using the key. It is possible to read the key sequence as'save this current result into M memory'.

Once (or (STO)) is clicked, the indicator for display the RCL (or STO) will be displayed on the screen to indicate that the calculator is waiting to find out which memory to read (store) to store the result from (in).

To display the current contents of the memory 'M, press (M). The value that is stored in memory could also be used as an element of a subsequent calculus by inserting 'letter"M" into the appropriate location of the expression (M). To find, for instance, what is the square of the data currently stored in the "M memory we can make use of the key sequence (M) .

When there is a value stored in memory 'M, the display indicator M will be displayed at the top of the monitor.

Activity 12: Memory use

Record the value your calculator's memory 'M' of the calculator and then use this stored value to assess to 3 significant figures.Reveal your answer

4.3 Other 'M' memory operations

The data stored in 'M' memory can also be changed by adding or subtracting the result of a further calculation:

• To add the value of the most recent calculation the current value in memory Press .
• To subtract what is the current value of the calculation from the one currently stored in memory, use to subtract the value of the latest calculation, use the key sequence (M*).

Expressions can also be stored as part of, coupled to, or removed from memory in the same way as they are evaluated by replacing the at the conclusion of a calculation with any of memory access sequences. For instance, to calculate and store the result straight into the memory, make use of the key sequence (STO) (M).

To eliminate the 'M' memory alone then simply save the value zero within it through the key sequence (STO) (M).

4.4 Other memories

The calculator also contains six additional memory slots, labeled "A," "B," ('C'), 'D', "X" and "Y' accessible via several of the keys in the lower section of the functional key area of the calculator. Each memory's names are printed in red, above the key that is used to access it.

These memories can be used exactly in the same manner as the memory known as 'M' however, there aren't any equivalents to the 'add to memory' ( ) and'subtract memory' ( (M+)) functions as well as no display indicators.

5 Scientific notation on your calculator

Showing scientific notation numbers on your calculator

If the outcome of an equation is one that is a number which is greater than to (i.e. ) The calculator will display the result using scientific notation. For instance, calculating will give the answer

,

which appears on the calculator display as in this article.

Small numbers are also displayed with scientific notation. However, how small the number has to be to allow this to happen depends on the mode the calculator is working in:

• 'Norm 1"mode" uses science-based notation when referring to any number that is less that but greater over .
• 'Norm 2"' mode makes use of in-depth scientific terminology for any number lower than but greater in .

'Norm' is short for 'normal'.

Then, in Activity 1 you will have already changed your calculator to use Norm 2 mode, and we recommend that for the moment you continue to use this. To switch your mode, simply use keys (SETUP) (Norm) which is followed by (for Norm 1) or (for the Norm 2 mode)).

You can also set your calculator to show results in scientific notation, with the set number relevant figures by using keys (SETUP) (Sci) which is followed by the number of significant figures required such as . When your calculator is set in this fashion the display indicator SCI is displayed on the top of the screen. To cancel such a setting, simply use one of the sequences of keys listed above to switch back to a Normal mode.