Calculator use

#### Tier: #Foundation #Higher

Description

Efficient calculator use saves time and avoids errors. Key skills include entering fractions, powers, roots, and using memory functions correctly.

Essential key knowledge (Casio fx series):

• Fractions: use the $\frac{\square}{\square}$ key; the calculator displays results as fractions automatically
• Powers: use the $x^\square$ key (e.g. $3^5$ → type $3$, $x^\square$, $5$)
• Square roots: $\sqrt{\square}$ key — bracket the whole expression if needed
• Negative numbers: use the $\text{(–)}$ key, not the minus key
• Standard form: use $\times 10^x$ to enter values like $3.2 \times 10^4$
• Brackets: use them to ensure correct order of operations

$$\frac{3.4^2 + 1.8}{2.6 - 0.9} \quad \text{— enter as a single fraction to avoid errors}$$

Always check your answer makes sense. For multi-step calculations, use the ANS key to chain results rather than retyping rounded values.

Common error: entering $-3^2$ and getting $9$ when you meant $(-3)^2 = 9$, or omitting brackets around a denominator.

Links

Standard form Rounding

Use SHIFT → SOLVE (equation solver) for trial-and-improvement style problems. Use the TABLE function to generate values of a function quickly.