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Evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we might have first started using fingers and toes to count, mankind has been working on machines that aid in calculationsfor thousands of years. From counting devices from the beginning to modern calculators and calculators, lots has happened in between.

Students and professionals alike have access to scientific calculators capable of performing complicated mathematical functions while also solving complex equations. They are able to save huge amounts of time when compared to writing out and solving individual problems and equations.

However, how did inventors advance from the earliest abacus thousands of years ago to the modern scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also referred to digital calculators, are devices powered by electricity that will solve numerous calculations used in mathematics engineering and science.

A more basic calculators typically have four primary tasks: subtracting, adding multiplying, dividing and adding. A few advanced electronic calculators have additional functions, such as quick percentage calculators. Scientific calculators, on the other hand are able to solve math problems that are more difficult such as those found in statistics or probabilities.

A lot of students utilize scientific calculators in high school and college level instruction in classes like calculus and algebra. They're also extensively used in a professional capacity by architects and engineers, and many others.

Today, more sophisticated calculators are readily available. For instance graphing calculators. For instance, a graphing calculator is a calculator that has all the features of a scientific one along with the ability of graphing input data.

History of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans began using devices to count using their invention of abacus as a tool that's so old its exact source has never been established. It's about moving a set of balls or beads from one side of an array of poles from one side to the next.

In the late 17th century the first machine to add was developed. It was only capable of subtracting and adding by turning dials.

After that, a series of variations on the addition machine pushed humanity further towards the modern electronic calculators of today. Philip Hahn's circular, hand-cranked calculator in 1778 and the first commercially produced calculator created by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Modern electronic calculators

Back in 1954 IBM invented the first transistor-only calculator. Before, calculators have all relied on vacuum tubes to run, but this model used approximately 3,000 transistors instead. It was a massive device that was heavy and could cost you upwards of $83,210.

Then, inventors started to create smaller versions of modern calculators. In 1967, an initial handheld calculator came on the market. Since then, the basic interface of standard handheld calculators hasn't changed much. It was introduced for sale commercially in the year 1970 It weighed 45 pounds and had ten numerical buttons that ranged from zero to nine. The display could display numbers up to 12-decimal place.

Pocket calculators

Throughout the 1970s, calculators have continued to develop. First pocket calculator with an LED display was launched by BUSICOM in 1971 . It cost $395. Hewlett-Packard soon followed in 1975 , releasing the very first handheld calculator that could be programmable at $795.

In 1985, Casio was releasing their very first graphing calculator and swiftly continued to develop this model. It's still one of the most well-known models of science calculators as we see them to this day.

The first scientific calculator

In all the variants of the modern calculator, the 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A is regarded as the first scientific calculator. It used transistor logic, CORDIC's algorithm for trigonometry, and was an ancestor of RPN entry.

Since then, other brands have emerged and have dominated the market for scientific calculators including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is specifically associated with their popular FX series, which includes its Casio FX-991EX, commonly used by students in schools.

Modern scientific calculators have functions

Today's modern scientific calculators are capable of performing a base array of calculations and functions. Different models and brands may also include extra options.

Scientific notation

If numbers are too big and lengthy to be written using decimal numbers, then scientific notation is employed instead. One example of scientific notation is "m x 10n."

Arithmetic using floating points

This kind of representation is used when dealing with extremely small or huge numbers. It depicts calculations and figures as an approximal formula instead of an actual integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry involves measuring and calculation of the angles and sides of triangles with respect to each other . It's usually taught as part of geometry in the educational system. Scientific calculators allow you to determine and show trigonometric equations and formulae.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants like "pi" so you can easily incorporate them into calculations and formulas.

Calculus

In the high school level of education calculus involves the exploration of concepts like functions and limits. Scientific calculators allow you to resolve limits instantly without long, detailed calculations on paper and paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal numbers by default, but the different functions of a scientific calculator let you express things like fractions using a variety of different formats.

Complex numbers

In certain mathematical equations, it is possible to use an imaginary number and is referred to as "i." Scientific calculators allow you to calculate using complex numbers. These numbers are written as "a + bi."

The best scientific calculators

A great scientific calculator that is ideal for middle school students

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available at Amazon
It is a light calculator that can easily be taken around, or even stored in lockers. The durable case slide over to shield the calculator screen from damage. It's also fairly priced, making it a little easy to replace if it gets lost or damaged.

Best scientific calculator for high school and college

Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator is available from Amazon
This calculator is suitable for all levels maths instruction at higher levels, such as college and high school, including advanced algebra, calculus, geometry and statistics. It can handle extremely complex equations and displays four lines of data.

Best scientific calculator for professionals

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: Available at Amazon
No matter if you're in the scientific, medical or engineering fields the calculator is as robust as it gets. You can choose between RPN or algebraic input. Additionally, it includes a complete library of unit conversions, and many more features.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a consumer review company that has a single goal to make it easier for you to make purchasing decisions and save you some time, as well as cash.

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