Q&A for How to Operate a Scientific Calculator

Type the number you want to square and then press the "x2" button (small 2 on upper right of the x). If the calculator doesn't have such a button, you just have to multiply the number times itself (e.g., 13x13).

A scientific calculator can calculate angles using sine, cosine, and tangent. It can change the a number from decimal to hexadecimal or octal. It can also solve equations. Some scientific calculators allow you to store your own formula as well. Most are capable of calculating fraction, index and root.

The log is the inverse function of raising a number by a power. It takes the input number (base) and the output number and calculates which number the base must be raised to the power of to produce the output -- e.g. x^n=y --> logy(x) = n (the y would be given in subscript) and this is stated "Log base y of x equals n." If you have a modern calculator, there should be a log button with two blank rectangles allowing you to input the base and the output to find the power. On an older calculator, however, you will need to use a "log-law" to convert it into an equation involving the log function (meaning log base 10). Do this by typing logy/logx to give answer n.

There is button on your calculator that tells you the value of pi. It is marked with the Greek letter pi, which has two legs and a flat top like the bottom half of a capital H. If you want to calculate the approximate value of pi without pressing the pi button, it is about 22/7.

You can convert fractions to decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

Take the logarithm of the number and divide it by the root required, and then press the antilogarithm function key. This will give the required answer. For example, to find the 5th root of 1048576, take its logarithm and divide by 5. Take the antilogarithm of this result and you will have your answer.

You press the minus button (not the one near the equals button) which is inside brackets on one button.

Yes. If your calculator is FX-991ES, press shift, then the X raised to a box.

Sometimes there is a button with two boxes, one on top of the other, with a line in the middle. The top box represents the numerator, and you need to press the down arrow to access the denominator. If the key is not present, you need to just use the divide key. (Your calculator should have come with a manual that might point out a specific button for this function if you can't find the one I described.)

It is the default setup of the calculator when the system is in the "degrees" format. Accessing Mode will grant you the option to change the D into one of the other modes: R for "radians" or G for "gradians."

Exponential functions are often expressed as 10^x, with x serving as the exponent. In evaluating such functions, just find and press that button on your calculator; you will then have an evaluated answer from an exponential expression, with 10 as the base and the given number as the exponent.

Press the shift key, and then key in the sin button. This will display "sin-1" on the screen, which is the inverse of the sin function.

Divide the numerator by the denominator and multiply by 100. For example, (1/2) = 0.5 * 100 = 50%.

Getting the percentage has to be specific. If only the percentage in decimal form is needed, simply key in [1] [x] [the number] [%]. You will be given with the percentage in decimal form.

Press SD on a Casio calculator. This will give it in different forms; keep pressing it until you get a decimal.

That is the square root sign. It gets the square root of a certain number keyed in the calculator.

The sign is usually depicted as ^ or xy, with y as the superscript. Otherwise, you have to manually multiply the number. The exponent determines how many times you have to multiply that number. If the exponent is negative, use the number in the exponent to multiply the number how many times, then reciprocate the answer by pressing [1/x]. However, it's very unlikely you don't have that button, you just have to find it.

It is depicted as [x-1] with -1 as the superscript. First, key in the number. Then, press [x-1]; it will show a -1 superscript on the screen. Press [=] to get the reciprocal of the number.

Use the formula Pv = Fv / (1 + r)^n. Present value (Pv) is equal to future value (Fv) divided by (1 + r) raised to the power n, where r is the rate and n is number of years over which compounding takes place.

Try looking for the (-) or +/- symbol on a button or above it. Most scientific calculators have too many functions for just one set of buttons, so they'll write the overflow functions above the regular buttons. You can access these functions by pressing the [2nd] key, and then hitting the button with the wanted symbol above it.

Divide the numerator by the denominator. You will see your answer in decimal form.

Press AC, and it will clear everything you have written down.

It is above the opening bracket. So click shift, then click the opening bracket.

In general, Shift+ AC should work. However, some have direct OFF buttons instead. For those with solar-power, closing it up inside its case or flipping it over on a flat surface without light will be enough to power it off.

A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator, usually but not always handheld, designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. They have completely replaced slide rules in traditional applications, and are widely used in both education and professional settings.