Some teachers feel like calculators have hurt students’ ability to reason and calculate basic mathematics on their own. Over the past few years there has been a scholarly debate about the use (or over use depending on your perspective) of calculators in the school systems nationwide. However, other teachers say that learning how to properly work a calculator is a skill that is invaluable and much needed. As students matriculate, the curriculum is sure to become slightly more difficult and will require the knowledge of how to properly work a calculator. Here are a few steps that will explain how to se a calculator. Read on for more information.
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with the symbols that are on the calculator in relation to mathematics. Some basic versions of calculators have only the standard keys. The addition key, the subtraction key, the multiplication key and the division key are all found on basic calculators. You’ll also find an equal key to finalize and process any mathematic equation.
Step 2
Take time to become familiar of the mathematical functions as a process. For example, understanding division has to do with understanding fractions. If you have a grasp of what the functions keys actually mean in mathematics then you will understand how to use the calculator to complete values for you. If you fail to understand the mathematical process yourself then a calculator will not be of much use to you. You will not understand which keys need to be used if you have not first understood mathematical processes. Learning the basic principles of mathematics is a pre-requisite to knowing how to work any calculator.
Step 3
Familiarize yourself with the way your calculator is made. Some calculators have the numbers keys in the center of the apparatus. It may begin with the number zero at the bottom of the sequence. The key may be set in rows of 3 and continues up to the number 9. The symbols on calculators are normally positioned to the right hand side of the where the number keys are. You may also find a square root and percent button along with the rest of the symbols on the face of the calculator.
Step 4
When your studies require you to graduate to a more complicated mathematical instrument, upgrade to a scientific calculator (or graphing calculator). These have far more functions, keys, options and processes. They are able to compute more complex equations and more diverse sets of numerical values. When you have to deal with formulas, graphic equations, and more then you will need a more advanced calculator. Texas Instruments is a very popular graphing calculator. You can search the internet for the bed price if the need arises.
Further Readings: