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The evolution of the scientific calculator

The scientific calculator

While we might have first started using fingers and toes to count, humanity has been creating machines to aid with calculationsfor decades. From the earliest counting devices to modern calculators there has been a lot that has happened in between.

Students and professionals alike have access to scientific calculators capable of performing complex mathematical functions. They can also solve equations. They save a huge amount of time when compared to writing out and solving individual problems and equations.

But how did inventors progress from the first abacus hundreds of years ago to the current scientific calculator?

What is a scientific calculator?

Scientific calculators, also referred as digital calculators, are powered by electronics and are able to solve a variety of calculations used in mathematics, engineering and science.

Basic calculators typically include four core tasks: subtracting, adding multiplication and division. Some sophisticated electronic calculators include other functions like the instant percent calculators. Scientific calculators, on the other hand are able of solving much more complex mathematical problems for example, those used in statistics or probabilities.

A large number of students use scientific calculators in the high school level and for college instruction in classes like calculus and algebra. They're also extensively used as professional tools by architects and engineers, as well as other professionals.

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

The history of the calculator

Early calculators

Humans were first using tools to count with the invention of the abacus which is a tool so old its precise origins haven't been verified. It's about moving a collection of beads or balls from one end of the poles row to another.

About the middle of 17th century, the first adding machine was invented. It could only be used for adding and subtracting using dials.

Then, a string of variations of the adding machine helped to advance humanity towards the electronic calculators that we have today. This included Philip Hahn's circular hand-cranked model in 1778. It was also the first calculator produced commercially by Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar in 1820.

Electronically advanced calculators

Back in 1954, IBM came up with the first transistor-only calculator. In the past, calculators had all used vacuum tubes to function however this one used around 3,000 transistors instead. It was an enormous, bulky machine that could cost you up to $83,210.

Soon after, inventors began producing smaller versions of modern calculators. In 1967, an initial handheld calculator appeared on the market. After that, however, the fundamental interface of handheld calculators hasn't been changed in a significant way. The first calculator, which was made available for sale commercially in the year 1970 that weighed 45 ounces and featured ten buttons that were numerical between zero and nine. The display was able of showing numbers up to twelve decimal points.

Pocket calculators

In the 1970s, calculators evolved. One of the first pocket calculator with an LED display was released by BUSICOM in 1971 and cost $395. Hewlett-Packard immediately followed in 1975 by releasing their first hand-held calculator that could be programmed for $795.

By 1985, Casio had introduced their first graphing calculator, and immediately began to improve the model. They're still among the most popular names in the field of scientific calculators as we know them today.

The first calculator that was scientific in nature.

From all the versions of the modern calculator the one that was released in 1968 Hewlett-Packard HP-9100A can be defined as the first scientific calculator. It was based on transistor logic and the CORDIC's trigonometry algorithm, and was based on RPN entry.

Since then, other brands have also taken over and led the market for scientific calculators, including Sharp, Casio and Canon. Casio is specifically associated with their popular FX series, which includes the Casio FX-991EX, commonly used by schoolchildren.

Modern scientific calculator functions

Today's scientific calculators can perform a core array of calculations and functions. Different models and makes may have additional features.

Scientific notation

If the numbers are too massive and lengthy to be written with decimal forms, scientific notation is utilized instead. A good example of this would be "m x 10n."

Arithmetic with floating point floating

This kind of representation is utilized when dealing with very small or very massive numbers. It depicts calculations and figures using an approximal formula rather than an actual integer.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry includes measuring and formulating the angles and sides of triangles with respect to each other . It's typically taught as an aspect of geometry within the education system. Scientific calculators allow you to calculate and display trigonometric ratios and formulas.

Constants

Scientific calculators also include shorthand buttons for constants such as "pi" so you can easily integrate these into calculations and formulas.

Calculus

In high school level education Calculus is the study of concepts, such as limits and functions. Scientific calculators allow you to solve limits directly without using long, lengthy calculations on paper or the paper.

Fractions

Scientific calculators often display fractions as decimal number by default, but the different capabilities of a scientific calculator allow you to display things like fractions in a number variations of format.

Complex numbers

In some mathematical equations an imaginary number can be used and is denoted by "i." Scientific calculators let you calculate with complex numbers which are represented as "a + bi."

Most accurate scientific calculators

A great scientific calculator that is ideal for middle schoolers

Casio FX 260 Solar II Scientific Calculator is available at Amazon
This is a lightweight calculator that can be easily carried around in a locker. The durable case slide over to protect the screen of the calculator from damage. It's also priced reasonably so it's easier to replace if it is 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 ideal for all levels of mathematical studies at college and high school levels such as advanced algebra calculus, geometrics and statistics. It's capable of handling highly complicated equations. It also displays four lines of information.

The most accurate scientific calculator for professionals.

HP 35S Programmable Scientific Calculator: available on Amazon
Whatever your job is in the medical, scientific or engineering field This calculator is as robust as they come. You can choose between RPN in addition to algebraic input. Additionally, it comes with a full collection of unit conversions as well as other functions.

Lauren Farrell is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review business with one goal that is to ease your purchasing decision and save you time and money.

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