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The evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

Although we may have first started using fingers and toes to count, humanity has been working on machines that aid in calculationsfor thousands of years. From early counting devices to modern calculators there has been a lot that has been accomplished in between.

Students and professionals alike have access to scientific calculators capable of executing complex mathematical functions while also solving equations. They will save you a significant amount of time as compared to writing out and solving individual issues and equations.

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

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, often referred to as digital calculators, are powered by electronics and can perform a range of calculations used in mathematics science and engineering.

A more basic calculators typically include four core tasks: subtracting, adding, multiplying and dividing. Certain advanced electronic calculators have additional functions, such as instant percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the other hand can be used to solve math problems that are more difficult like those that are used in probability or statistics.

Many students use scientific calculators for college and high school education in classes like algebra and calculus. They're also commonly used in a professional capacity by architects and engineers, as well as other professionals.

In the present, more advanced calculators are readily available. For example graphing calculators. For instance, a graphing calculator offers all the features of a scientific calculator along with the ability of graphing input data.

History of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans were first using tools to count with the invention of the abacus which is a instrument that's been around for so long that its exact source has never been proved. It's a process of moving a group of beads or balls from one side of a row of poles to another.

In the late 17th century the first addition machine was created. It could only be used for adding and subtracting by moving dials.

After that, a succession of variations on the addition machine advanced mankind towards the electronic calculators of the present. The first was Philip Hahn's spherical hand-cranked machine in 1778 and the first calculator produced commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

Back in the year 1954, IBM created the world's first all-transistor calculator. Before, calculators were all based on vacuum tubes to operate However, this model employed around 3,000 transistors instead. It was a massive, bulky machine that could cost you as high as $83,210.

Then, inventors started making smaller versions of the contemporary calculator. In 1967, that first calculator for handheld use was on the scene. In the years since, the basic interface of standard handheld calculators hasn't changed much. It was launched for sale commercially in the year 1970 it weighed 45 ounces, and featured ten buttons that were numerical between zero and nine. The display could show the digits of up to 12 decimal spaces.

Pocket calculators

In the 70s, calculators evolved. One of the first pocket calculator with an LED display was launched by BUSICOM in 1971 . It was priced at $395. Hewlett-Packard immediately followed in 1975 with the first hand-held calculator that could be programmed for $795.

By the year 1985 Casio was releasing its first calculator graphing. They swiftly continued to develop this model. Casio is still one of the most popular names in the field of scientific calculators as we recognize them in the present day.

The first scientific calculator

Of all the different versions of the modern calculator the 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A could be described as the first calculator that was scientific in nature. It utilized transistor logic, CORDIC algorithm for trigonometry and was an ancestor of RPN entry.

Since then, other brands have also taken over and have dominated the market for scientific calculators, including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is associated particularly with their popular FX series, including Casio's Casio FX-991EX which is commonly used by students in schools.

Modern scientific calculators are able to function

Modern scientific calculators can perform a core set of calculations and functions. Different models and brands may contain additional options.

Scientific notation

When numbers are too huge and long to be written with decimal forms, then scientific notation is often used instead. A good example of this is "m x 10n."

Floating point arithmetic

This type of numerical representation is utilized when dealing with extremely small or large numbers. It depicts calculations and figures in an approximal formula instead of an actual integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry includes measuring and calculating the sides and angles of triangles in relation to one another and is usually taught as a subset of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and display trigonometric ratios and formulae.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants, such as "pi" so you can effortlessly incorporate they into calculations and formulas.

Calculus

For high school students, calculus includes the study of concepts like limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to resolve limits instantly without long, written calculations on paper or white paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal numbers in default. However, the many functions of a scientific calculator allow you to write things like fractions in a number varieties of formats.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations, the concept of an imaginary number is employed and denoted as "i." Scientific calculators permit you to calculate using complex numbers. They are described as "a + bi."

The best scientific calculators

The most accurate scientific calculator for middle school students

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available on Amazon
This is a very light calculator that can be easily taken around, or even stored in the locker. The sturdy case can slide over to protect the calculator's screen from damage. It's also affordable and makes it more easy to replace should it gets lost or damaged.

The most accurate scientific calculator for high school and college

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator: Available at Amazon
This calculator is designed for every level of mathematical study at high school and college level which includes advanced algebra, calculus, statistics and geometry. It is capable of handling extremely complex equations and shows four lines of information.

Professional grade scientific calculator that is the best for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available at Amazon
Whatever your job is in the scientific, medical or engineering fields This calculator is as robust as they come. You can select between RPN and algebraic input and it comes with a complete library of unit conversions, among many other features.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company that has a single goal to make it easier for you to make purchase decisions and save the time as well as money.

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