Before the development of calculators in the late 1960s and early 1970s, most of us were relegated to traditional forms of calculation, either using adding machines, a slide rule, or paper and pencil. These new devices took off immediately, and by the mid-1970s there were several versions of scientific calculators available to the public. Now, these handheld units are absolutely critical to engineers and scientists, as well as students from primary school to college.

Calculators are the workhorses of science, engineering, and mathematics. They come in various sizes and shapes, and have been developed for nearly every potential calculating need. Popular devices include simple four-function and financial calculators, and there are even specific devices designed for use by accountants. However, it’s the scientific calculators that have become absolutely critical to people of all ages involved in higher mathematics, especially those studying or working in the various sciences and engineering disciplines. Scientific calculators are the singular, pivotal tools available to us for use in the higher sciences and mathematics.

Basic scientific calculators offer various higher mathematics functions, such as scientific notation (where numbers too large to register are assigned superscript notations) and the various required functions needed to study trigonometry, or the study of triangles. There are, however, even more powerful scientific calculators available with several other higher functions included as options. Some devices calculate statistics, calculus, and even binary and hexadecimal functions. No matter what your mathematics requirements are, by now there is more than likely a calculator designed and built to fit those needs.

In earlier years, there was some controversy over allowing the use of certain calculators by students studying higher mathematics. Thankfully, these attitudes changed quickly. Now, in certain cases, students taking various standardized tests in higher mathematics and science are not only allowed to use calculators, but in many cases they’re actually required items for the tests. Since we have fully incorporated and integrated these devices for student use, from middle school to college, there are literally dozens of high-quality scientific calculators available to students, each with varying options depending on specific need. Additionally, there are less powerful calculators available for students who don’t require the more powerful versions, but still need to have a calculating device available to them. These units are available for many different disciplines.

One of the more attractive features of a calculator is, of course, its high portability and ease of access wherever you are. Thanks to “shrinking” high-powered computer chips, all types of calculators are just about as thin as they’ll ever need to be. However, you may actually be looking for a larger device to use on your desktop or other table surface. For this reason, several calculators have been built specifically for desktop use. These include scientific calculators, and though they’re larger, they generally provide most of the same functions available on their portable cousins.

Engineers and scientists have always relied on calculating machines of some sort in their studies. Now, even students learning math are encouraged to use a device. Calculators are routine items in all of our homes and offices, from simple solar-powered four-function devices to high-functioning scientific calculators. Across the board, in nearly every discipline, these complex devices have simplified our lives.


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