How to use the scientific calculator
Build the calculation the way you would write it on paper, for example sin(30) + 2^3 or √(16) × (3 + 4). The answer appears under the expression while you type, and pressing = prints it to your tape so you can come back to it.
Use the switch above the keys to choose degrees or radians for sin, cos and tan. Multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction, and powers before both, exactly as in school maths. Add brackets when you want a different order.
How it works things out
The calculator follows the standard order of operations: brackets, then powers and roots, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. A percent sign after a number divides it by 100, and 200 + 10% adds ten percent of 200, the way a desk calculator does.
Functions you can type: sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, log (base 10), ln (natural log), sqrt, cbrt, abs, exp. Constants: pi and e. Use ^ for powers and ! for factorials.
Worked example
To find the long side of a right-angled triangle with sides 3 and 4, type √(3^2 + 4^2). The calculator squares each side first (9 and 16), adds them (25), then takes the square root: 5.
Common questions
Is it in degrees or radians?
Degrees to begin with. Use the switch above the keys to change to radians. Your choice is remembered on this device.
Why does my phone calculator give a different answer?
Many simple calculators work strictly left to right, so 2 + 3 × 4 gives 20. This one follows the order of operations and gives 14, which is the mathematically correct answer.
How many digits does it show?
Up to 12 significant digits. Very large or very small answers are shown in scientific notation, such as 1.5e20.