Basic Usage
This guide will help you get started with the Scientific Calculator and perform basic mathematical operations.
Interface Overview
The Scientific Calculator interface consists of several key components:
Display Area
- Expression Display: Shows the current mathematical expression being entered
- Result Display: Displays the calculated result in large, easy-to-read text
- Status Indicators: Shows current angle mode (Deg/Rad) and inverse function status
Control Buttons
- Mode Buttons: Switch between degrees and radians
- Function Buttons: Access mathematical functions like sin, cos, log, etc.
- Number Pad: Standard number input (0-9) and decimal point
- Operation Buttons: Basic arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷)
- Special Buttons: Clear (AC), Equals (=), and function buttons
Basic Operations
Number Input
- Enter Numbers: Click number buttons or use keyboard (0-9)
- Decimal Point: Click the "." button or press the period key
- Clear Input: Press AC (All Clear) to reset the calculator
Basic Arithmetic
- Addition: Enter first number, press +, enter second number, press =
- Subtraction: Enter first number, press -, enter second number, press =
- Multiplication: Enter first number, press ×, enter second number, press =
- Division: Enter first number, press ÷, enter second number, press =
Example Calculations
Basic Addition: 25 + 17 = 42
Basic Subtraction: 100 - 35 = 65
Basic Multiplication: 12 × 8 = 96
Basic Division: 144 ÷ 12 = 12
Function Operations
Trigonometric Functions
- Sine: Enter angle, press sin
- Cosine: Enter angle, press cos
- Tangent: Enter angle, press tan
Logarithmic Functions
- Base 10 Logarithm: Enter number, press log
- Natural Logarithm: Enter number, press ln
Power and Root Functions
- Square: Enter number, press x²
- Square Root: Enter number, press √
- Power: Enter base, press x^y, enter exponent, press =
Example Function Calculations
Sine of 30°: 30, sin = 0.5
Log of 100: 100, log = 2
Square of 7: 7, x² = 49
Square root of 144: 144, √ = 12
Angle Mode
Degrees vs Radians
- Degrees: Standard angle measurement (0° to 360°)
- Radians: Mathematical angle measurement (0 to 2π)
Switching Modes
- Click the "Deg" button for degree mode
- Click the "Rad" button for radian mode
- The active mode is highlighted
When to Use Each Mode
- Degrees: Use for most practical applications and geometry
- Radians: Use for advanced mathematics, calculus, and physics
Keyboard Shortcuts
Number Input
- 0-9: Enter numbers
- .: Decimal point
- Enter or =: Calculate result
- Escape: Clear all (AC)
Operations
- +: Addition
- -: Subtraction
- *: Multiplication
- /: Division
- %: Percentage
Functions
- s: Sine function
- c: Cosine function
- t: Tangent function
- l: Logarithm (base 10)
- n: Natural logarithm
Tips for Effective Use
Input Order
- Always enter numbers before functions
- Use parentheses to group operations
- Check your angle mode before trigonometric calculations
Error Prevention
- Check Mode: Verify angle mode (Deg/Rad) before trigonometric functions
- Valid Input: Ensure numbers are within valid ranges for functions
- Clear Between Calculations: Use AC to clear before starting new calculations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to set the correct angle mode
- Not using parentheses for complex expressions
- Entering functions before numbers
- Not clearing previous results
Getting Help
Built-in Examples
- Click "Load Example" to see sample calculations
- Study the example to understand function usage
- Modify the example to practice variations
History Feature
- View previous calculations in the history panel
- Click on history items to reuse expressions
- Clear history when needed to start fresh
The Scientific Calculator is designed to be intuitive and powerful. Start with basic operations and gradually explore the advanced functions as you become more comfortable with the interface.