A scientific calculator has multiple additional functions compared to classical ones, useful in different scientific and technical fields such as mathematics, algebra, trigonometry, physics, engineering, finance, and statistics.
The scientific calculator looks like a common calculator enriched with more functions, used to complete more complex accounts. The most important functions are square root, sine, cosine, hyperbolic sine, cosine, hyperbolic, tangent, arctangent, natural logarithm, Pi greek, the constant ” e,” and many others.
Its use is widespread among students and researchers to support their calculations. Still, you have to know how to choose the calculator model you need because the degree of complexity of calculations is not the same for each device. Above all, it is useless to buy a calculator that performs more or fewer functions than we need.
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How to choose a scientific calculator: Types and Characteristics
A scientific calculator is different in size and functionality, so it is good to know in advance what operations you will most often find yourself performing, which display size seems more comfortable, and other parameters should not be underestimated. Let’s see them together.
Functions
One of the most important factors to evaluate before choosing our scientific calculator is the number and type of functions that the model we are targeting. In addition, each student or researcher has different needs regarding their own calculations and needs a calculator model capable of performing operations suited for their work.
A cheap product can have about 100-150 functions, while more expensive products can perform between 150 and 500 functions, up to super professional devices beyond the 500 different functions.
Many models can perform calculations in different numbering systems, such as decimal or binary, and perform numerical value conversion from one system to another. It will be necessary for other disciplines to calculate the angles in sexagesimal or centesimal degrees or radians and convert the values. Another required function is the conversion between polar coordinates and Cartesian coordinates.
Basic operations are trigonometric and hyperbolic, with inverse functions, common logarithm, linear and antilogarithm, power, and root. Therefore, depending on your study and work needs, you must verify that the calculator can solve the respective functions.
Programming
The programmable scientific calculators have the ability to program operations and functions by storing data and then using them when needed. Therefore, the programmable scientific calculator is handy for researchers and scholars of mathematics, physics, and engineering. On the other hand, a non-programmable scientific calculator is more appropriate for the students, as they can admit the latter to exams.
Display
The type and size of scientific calculator displays are important factors to evaluate in our choice. First of all, a good-quality display makes the job easier and less stressful for the eyes. This is why the size of the display and the number of digits it can hold, or the possibility of having two lines, is important, so its width allows us to elaborate calculations.
The cheaper models come with black-and-white LCD screens, but the most expensive calculators can be equipped with color and HD displays.
Supply
Another factor to consider when choosing the best scientific calculator is nutrition. The power supply does not affect the computing capacity but affects its practicality. Scientific calculators usually run on battery power, but some models also support solar power. Among the most advanced models is a USB output that can be recharged by connecting to a computer.
Archiving
Sometimes we need to keep track of the operations and calculations made during our studies. Not all devices on the market have this particularity, but most expensive products are equipped.
In this case, we can opt for models that can store data for several gigabytes. A high-school student will not need to record their own calculations, but a mathematics, physics, or finance researcher may need this function to make their work easier.
The best scientific calculators for study and work
Here is the selection with the top 10 best models currently on the market chosen for value for money to help you choose the best scientific calculator for your purpose. Considering the most important brands, we find Casio scientific calculators, a historical brand that produces reliable and economic calculators.
HP scientific calculators can also provide a durable and efficient product, just like Sharp scientific calculators full of functions and convenient use. For example, in the model Sharp EL-W516TBSL, one of the best.
A quality scientific calculator’s prices range from $9 to $30, a small expense for fundamental study and work support. Now the choice is yours.
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display.Horizontal and vertical split-screen...
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images.Fourteen interactive zoom features
- High-resolution, full-color Backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Sleek design
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images
- Real and complex numbers calculated to 14-digit accuracy and displayed with 10 digits plus...
- Sequence graphing mode shows time series plot, cobweb/stair-step plot, and phase plots....
- Interactive analysis of function values, roots, maximums, minimums, integrals, and...
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images
- High-resolution LCD display; Rechargeable Battery available
- 3MB Flash Memory
- Natural Textbook Display shows fractions
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display. The screen size is 320 x 240 pixels (3.5...
- Rechargeable battery included. Can last up to two weeks on a single charge
- Handheld-Software Bundle. Includes the TI-Inspire CX Student Software delivering enhanced...
- Permitted for use on SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, AP, IB and Praxis exams
- Offers large 64 x 96 pixel, 8 x 16 display; 24KB of RAM; and 160KB Flash ROM memory
- Also graphs 3 recursively-defined sequences; TVM, cash flows, amortization, and complex...
- Color Screen. The screen size is 320 x 240 pixels (3.5 inches diagonal) and the screen...
- Rechargeable battery included. Can last up to two weeks on a single charge
- Handheld-Software Bundle. Includes the TI-Inspire CX Student Software delivering enhanced...
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