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Scientific Calculator

Advanced Mathematical Functions & Constants

Calculation History

Your recent calculations will appear here.

The Ultimate Guide to Scientific Calculators

What is a Scientific Calculator?

A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator, usually but not always handheld, designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. They have completely replaced slide rules in traditional applications and are widely used in both educational and professional settings.

Unlike basic calculators, scientific calculators can handle complex functions such as trigonometry, logarithms, and exponential growth.

Key Functions Explained

Trigonometry (sin, cos, tan)

Used to calculate the relationships between the angles and sides of triangles. Essential for physics, engineering, and architecture.

Logarithms (log, ln)

Logarithms are the inverse of exponentiation. 'log' usually refers to base 10, while 'ln' refers to the natural logarithm (base e).

Exponents & Roots (^, )

Calculate numbers raised to any power or find the square root of a value. Vital for growth calculations and geometry.

Factorials (n!)

The product of an integer and all the integers below it. Used extensively in probability and statistics.

Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)

Our scientific calculator automatically follows the standard order of operations:

  1. Parentheses / Brackets
  2. Exponents / Orders
  3. Multiplication and Division (left to right)
  4. Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Mathematical Constants

  • Pi (p): Approximately 3.14159, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
  • Euler's Number (e): Approximately 2.71828, the base of natural logarithms.

Tips for Accurate Calculations

  • Always close your parentheses to avoid syntax errors.
  • Check if your calculator is in Degrees or Radians mode (our web version uses Radians for trig functions).
  • Use the 'AC' button to clear the entire display before starting a new problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

'log' is the common logarithm, which uses base 10. 'ln' is the natural logarithm, which uses base e (approximately 2.718).

Click the '√' button, enter your number, and then close the parenthesis if needed. For example, sqrt(16) will give 4.

Most online calculators (including this one) use Radians by default for trigonometric functions. If you are using degrees, you must convert them to radians first (multiply by π/180).

It stands for 'factorial'. It is the product of all positive integers up to n. For example, 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120.

Yes! Your recent calculations are shown in the history panel on the right. You can also export this history as a PDF or CSV file.

Pro Tips

  • Use ^ for powers (e.g., 2^3 = 8).
  • Parentheses are your best friend.
  • p and e are built-in constants.
  • Check the history for previous results.
  • Export results for your homework or reports!

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Scientific Mathematics Resources:

Disclaimer

This calculator uses JavaScript's Math library. While highly accurate, it may have floating-point limitations for extremely large or small numbers. Not for critical engineering use.