Both these types of scientific calculator are fine for exams, but make sure you know how to use your own type.

If you are not sure whether you have a scientific calculator or not, type in:

[4] [+] [3] [x] [2] [=]

If you get an answer of 14, then you have a left to right non-scientific calculator.

If you get an answer of 10, then you have a scientific calculator as it has worked out the multiplication part first.

Lost Calculator Manuals

Calculator manuals tend to get lost very easily or you can never find them as an exam is approaching. A frequent request is what can you do if you have lost your calculator?™s manual? If it is a relatively new model then you can download a copy from the manufacturer?™s web site. If it is an old Sharp or old Casio calculator manual then you can still find these on the internet. Even with search engines, finding these manuals can take some time - the following link has information about new and old calculator manuals for Casio, Sharp, Hewlett-Packard and Texas Instruments: here.

Calculator Mode

Now that you have your calculator manual you can set your calculator to the correct settings. The standard settings are usually:

COMPUTATIONAL:

(use MODE button ??choose normal not stat) NOT: SD or REG

DEGREES:

(use MODE or DRG button) NOT: RAD OR GRAD

NORMAL:

(use MODE or SETUP and arrow keys) NOT: FIX, SCI, ENG

Many calculators have a reset button on the back that can be pressed in using a pen or paper clip if you want the original factory settings.

The most common mistake is to leave your calculator in a previous mode and FORGETTING TO CHANGE IT BACK AGAIN ! (We?™ve all done it, just try to avoid doing it in the exam !)

Common Calculator Mistakes

(a) Pressing the DRG button by mistake and not doing trigonometry questions in DEGREES mode. (If you are doing more advanced work then forgetting to change out of DEGREES mode !).