USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

USING THE
SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

A scientific calculator is an invaluable tool while learning math or science.

Scientific calculators are a tool, to help you solve complex problems.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

BEFORE THE
SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Before calculators became so inexpensive and available we had to learn to

use tables and slide rules to calculate mathematical expressions containing
exponents and logarithms.

The scientific calculator, like the slide rule, requires some training to use it
properly and understand the results.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
Without the proper understanding of applying the operating
principles, there is no guarantee the answer is correct.

The calculator only performs the functions you instruct it.

In the order you instruct it.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Care should be taken in selecting the scientific

calculator to fit your needs.
The market is flooded with choices.

Most share the same functionality;

the only difference is in the
presentation.

Prices are very reasonable with the less expensive ones starting out around
$20.00.
You may find them cheaper on sale or on-line.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

GRAPHING CALCULATOR
The more complex graphing scientific calculators are
available and very powerful if you plan to study mathematics
and electronics at the engineering level.

They are fun toys if you have nothing

better to spend your money on.

The graphing capability helps you to see

and understand functions.

When you enter the equation of a line,

y = mx + b,

The calculator will plot the corresponding line.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

GRAPHING CALCULATOR

Graphing calculators are not required for this course.

You will have all the capability you will need

in a less expensive and less complicated
basic scientific calculator.

If you’ve never used a scientific calculator,

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
the basic version will be intimidating enough.
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS

The calculator you choose must have more than the basic functions.

You will be performing operations beyond addition, subtraction,

multiplication and division.

This calculator is not a scientific calculator

and is not suitable.

You limited to the basic arithmetic

functions, square root, and percentage.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

CALCULATOR FUNCTIONS

This calculator lacks the required functions needed to calculate

scientific expressions.

It can only perform the BASIC functions.

It’s great for balancing your checkbook!

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS
You will need to have a scientific calculator with the following
functions:

Degree and radian mode.

Inverse
Trigonometric functions

Trigonometric functions
Exponential function

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS
You will need to have a scientific calculator with the following
functions:

Inverse function
Pi [  ].

Square and
Square Root

Change Sign

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS
You will need to have a scientific calculator with exponential
and trigonometric functions, degree and radian mode.

There are several manufacturers to choose from, each is laid out a

little differently, but usually having the same functions available
from the keypad.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

THE OWNER’S GUIDE

It’s important to keep your owners manual or operators guide

handy while you are becoming familiar with the functions
available on your scientific calculator.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS
Aside from the basic functions of addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division…

Many scientific calculators have over a hundred functions available.

Many of the functions require multiple

keystrokes and secondary or tertiary key
modes.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS
Many of the functions are only available when the correct
MODE KEY is selected.

The function keys are usually blue or yellow keys

marked [ 2nd ] and [ 3rd ].

The key location and labeling

will vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer.

You will have to refer to your

owners guide.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS

Some scientific calculators have a SCROLL

or UP/DOWN LEFT/RIGHT set of keys to
add functionality.

You must rely on the operators guide

to learn to use these special function
keys!

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS

The most common scientific calculators

use algebraic parenthetical notation.

With algebraic parenthetical

notation, the rules of algebra
are followed when entering
the values correctly.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
FUNCTIONS

The Sharp calculator utilizes a proprietary architecture they call

Advanced Direct Algebraic Logic (D.A.L.)

D.A.L. allows the user to enter the

elements of an equation into the
calculator in the exact order they
appear in the expression or from a text.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Reverse Polish Notation

Some scientific calculators, like the HP, use reverse polish notation
(RPN).

RPN is a powerful stacking protocol

where the values are entered first and
them the proper function is applied.

The values move up and down the stack

as the elements are operated on.

HP33S/RPN ($40 -$50)

PROGRAMMABLE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Reverse Polish Notation

Reverse Polish Notation was developed in 1920 by Jan Lukasiewicz as a

way to write a mathematical expression without using parentheses and
brackets.

Hewlett-Packard Co., realizing

that Lukasiewicz's method was
superior to standard algebraic
expressions when using
calculators and computers,
adapted RPN for its first hand-
held scientific calculator, the
HP35, in 1972.

HP35 RPN
Programmable Scientific Calculator
LED Display

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Reverse Polish Notation

HP41CV/RPN (Original price 1982: $200.00)

PROGRAMMABLE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Reverse Polish Notation

RPN calculators do not have an EQUAL [ = ] key,

but instead have an [ENTER] key.

Two line, alpha/numeric display.

The ENTER key stores the value or completes

the function.

RPN takes some getting used to if you’ve

never used it.

Once you learn it, problem entry and

solving is a lot quicker.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Reverse Polish Notation

Why Use RPN?

•RPN saves time and keystrokes. You never have to account
for the parentheses while doing calculations. The process is
similar to the way you learned math on paper.
•You can see the intermediary results as you perform your
computations rather than just the answer at the end. This is an
extremely helpful byproduct. Math teachers are using this
feature to improve student understanding of mathematics
•An intermediate result allows the user to check the results and
correct errors more easily. It's easier to follow the stream of
calculation. The user defines the priority of operators.
•RPN is logical because the user first gives the number and
then tells what to do with it.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Exponential Notation

The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators.

The exponent

Some have an [ENG] key.

The exponential key allows

you to enter values that have
a power of ten associated with
them.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Exponential Notation

The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators.

Others have an [EE] key.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Exponential Notation

The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators.

Others have an [EE] [ 2nd ] key.

The 2nd function key must be

pressed first to access the [ EE ]
key

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Exponential Notation

The exponential function will vary between scientific calculators.

Others have an [EXP] key.

If neither key is available on your

keypad, you will have to refer to your
owner’s guide to determine how to
invoke the exponential function.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Raising to A Power
The exponential function is not to be confused with the exponent
function of raising a value to a power.
The most common is of course the square key, [ x2 ].

When you enter a value and

press the [ x2 ] key you
calculate the square of the
value.

Like the square key, [ x2 ], a

key marked [ xy ] allows you
to calculate values raised to a
power above 2.
1
Recall that x =
-y
xy

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Fractional Exponents
Exponents can be expressed as fractions.

Your scientific calculator will allow you

to enter a value raised to a power that is
expressed as a fraction or a quotient.

When you enter a value “a”, you can

raise it to the power “b/c”, by using the
[ab/c] key.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

The Root

The square root key x , calculates the square root of a value.

You must enter The same applies for

the value first, the y key, where
x

then press the x now you are

key. calculating a root for
any number other
Recall that x½ =
than 2.
x

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Inverse Function
The inverse function is also handy when calculating fractional
values or quotients.

It’s particularly valuable moving

summed values out of the denominator
and into the numerator.

The inverse key may be a

[1/x ] key.

Pressing this key results in

giving you the reciprocal
value.

NOTE TO ET STUDENTS:
You will recognize the value when you
learn to analyze parallel circuits.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Inverse Function
The inverse function is also handy when calculating fractional
values or quotients.

The inverse key may also be a

[ x-1 ] key.

Recall x-1 = 1/x

NOTE TO ET STUDENTS:
You will recognize the value when you
learn to analyze parallel circuits.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

On-board Functions
To properly use the power of the calculator, it’s important to use on-
board function keys like the [  ] key, and not merely enter the truncated
value 3.14 when  is required in a computation.

The reason for this is,  is a non-repeating,

infinite number that is best treated by the
calculator.

The display of your calculator only shows

the first ten or so digits.

There are more digits stored in memory

beyond what you see in the display.

With values like , the non-repeating,

infinite values not shown are stored in
memory to the limits of your calculator’s
storage and display capability.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

On-board Functions

Other on-board functions like sine [ sin ], cosine [cos ], and

tangent [ tan ] are available from the keypad and must be used to
the maximum capability of the calculators storage and display.

When you take the sine, cosine, or tangent

of a number, the display only shows you
part of the result.

It’s important to note that you must enter

the value first, then press the
trigonometric function key to calculate
the function.

For example:
To calculate the sin30, you first enter
30, then press the [ sin ] key to get 0.5.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

On-board Functions
Other on-board functions like inverse sine [ sin-1 ], inverse cosine
[cos-1 ], and inverse tangent [ tan-1 ] are also available from the
keypad and must be used to the maximum capability of the
calculators storage and display.
When you take the inverse sine, inverse
cosine, or inverse tangent of a number,
again the display only shows you part of
the result.
These functions also require that you
first press the [2nd] key.

It’s important to note that you must enter

the value first, then press the
trigonometric function key to calculate
the function.
For example:
To calculate the tan-11.33, you first enter 1.33,
then press the [ tan-1 ] key to get 53.1°.
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Memory

Memory in a scientific calculator is a nice option, but not a necessity.

Many come equipped with a memory

storage location on-board and available on
the keypad.

The [ STO ] and [ RCL ] keys are the keys

for storing one element at a time in
memory.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Memory

Some scientific calculators use an [M+]

and [M-] as well, to operate on elements
stored in memory.

This function is handy if you are adding

or subtracting from the value stored in
memory.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Memory

Some scientific calculators allow you to

swap values in a memory location by
using the [ xy] key.

For this calculator you would use the

[2nd] key and press the [] key to
perform the swap.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Programmable Scientific Calculators

Programmable scientific calculators, like memory are nice to have,
but not a necessity.

Programmable scientific calculators are

very powerful, normally used by
scientists and engineers, but beyond the
requirements for this course.

You will have your work cut out for you

if you decide to purchase a programmable
scientific calculator.

You will have wasted your money if you

don’t learn to use its full capability.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Programmable Scientific Calculators

Programmable scientific calculators, like memory are nice to have,
but not a necessity.

Programmable scientific calculators are very powerful, normally

used by scientist and engineers, but beyond the requirements for
this course.

Programmable calculators become

powerful when the problems you are
solving become repetitive or iterative.

Again, a fun toy, but not required.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Planning your Entry

With all of this in mind, it’s important to plan how you enter the
values in you calculator.

You have to obey the rules of mathematics.

Remember all those laws: associative, distributive, commutative…

I usually start with values in the denominator, especially if there are

values that have exponentials.

For example:
1
XC 
2 fC
If f = 500Hz and C = 0.01F
1 1
XC  
2 fC 2  500 Hz   0.01106 F 
ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

Planning your Entry

I would approach the problem by first entering the exponential in the
denominator 0.001X10-6F

Enter 0.01 and press [ EE ] or [ ENG ], the calculator will prompt you for the
exponent,
Enter 6 and press [  ] key to change the sign of the exponent.

Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter 500.

Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter [  ].

Press [  ] key to multiply, and enter 2.

Press [  ] key to multiply, and then press the [ 1/x ] or [ x-1 ] key to invert the
value in the denominator.

The value is now in the numerator, multiplied by the understood value of 1

You’re done!

You should have 31.8X103 or 31831.

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA
INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

The Power of Your Scientific Calculator

Your scientific calculator has many other functions that are available.

•Hyperpolic Functions
•Logarithmic Functions
•Inverse Logarithms
•The Natural Logarithm
•Fractional Exponents
•Summation
•Statistical Functions
•Standard Deviation
•Averaging (Statistical Mean)
•Scientific Notation
•Engineering Notation

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
USING THE SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR

CALCULATOR SKILLS

You can only become skilled using your calculator if you take the time to
learn how to properly use it.
Keep your owners guide handy and with you.
Work sample problems so that you gain proficiency.
Practice using your calculator!

ARTHUR G. EGGERS, BSEE, MBA

INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA