What is the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)?

The order of operations determines the sequence in which calculations are performed. It is commonly remembered by the acronyms PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) or BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction). This calculator correctly follows this order to ensure accurate results.

How do I use the trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan)?

First, select your desired angle mode (DEG for degrees or RAD for radians) using the 'MODE' button. Then, press the function button (e.g., 'sin'), which will add 'sin(' to the display. Enter the number, close the parenthesis with the ')' button, and press equals.

What is the difference between 'log' and 'ln'?

'log' represents the base-10 logarithm, which answers the question '10 to what power gives me this number?'. 'ln' represents the natural logarithm, which uses the mathematical constant 'e' (approximately 2.718) as its base.

Scientific Calculator

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The Ultimate Guide to Using a Scientific Calculator

From the classroom to the laboratory, the scientific calculator is an indispensable tool for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone who needs to perform advanced mathematical computations. While a basic calculator handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, a scientific calculator opens up a world of complex functions. Our free online Scientific Calculator provides all the features you need in a clean, easy-to-use interface. This guide will walk you through its features, explain the underlying mathematical principles, and show you how to leverage this powerful tool for your work or studies.

Understanding the Interface

Our calculator is divided into two main sections: the display and the button grid. The display shows your current expression and the final result. The button grid contains all the numbers, operators, and functions you'll need.

Mode Display: In the top-left of the display, you'll see either "DEG" or "RAD", indicating the current angle mode for trigonometric calculations.
Number & Basic Operator Buttons: These include the digits 0-9, the decimal point (.), and the four basic arithmetic operations (+, -, ×, ÷).
Function Buttons: These grey buttons handle advanced operations like trigonometry (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log, ln), roots (√), and constants (π, e).
Control Buttons: The red buttons (DEL, AC) are for clearing your input, the MODE button switches between degrees and radians, and the green equals button (=) performs the calculation.

Core Concept: The Order of Operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)

To ensure accurate results, this calculator strictly follows the standard mathematical order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS or BODMAS.

Parentheses (or Brackets): Any calculations inside parentheses are performed first.
Exponents (or Orders): Powers and roots are calculated next.
Multiplication and Division: These are performed from left to right.
Addition and Subtraction: These are performed last, from left to right.

For example, in the expression 5 + 2 * 3, the calculator will perform the multiplication first (2 * 3 = 6) and then the addition (5 + 6), for a final answer of 11. To force the addition to happen first, you would use parentheses: (5 + 2) * 3, which results in 21.

How to Use the Advanced Functions

Trigonometric Functions (sin, cos, tan)

These functions relate the angles of a right-angled triangle to the ratios of its sides. Our calculator can operate in both Degrees (DEG) and Radians (RAD). Use the `MODE` button to select your desired unit.

Example: To calculate sin(30°), ensure the mode is "DEG", then press: sin → 3 → 0 → ) → =. The result will be 0.5.

Logarithmic Functions (log, ln)

log: This is the base-10 logarithm. log(100) asks, "10 to what power equals 100?" The answer is 2.
ln: This is the natural logarithm, which uses the mathematical constant 'e' (approx. 2.718) as its base. It's widely used in science and finance to model continuous growth.

Example: To calculate ln(10), you would press: ln → 1 → 0 → ) → =.

Powers and Roots

xʸ (Power): Use the ^ button to raise a number to a power. For example, 2^3 calculates 2³.
√ (Square Root): Press the √ button to find the square root of the following number. For example, √(9) calculates the square root of 9.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between AC and DEL?

AC (All Clear) completely resets the calculator, clearing the current number and the entire expression. DEL (Delete) acts as a backspace, removing only the last character you entered, which is useful for correcting minor typing mistakes.

How does the calculator handle degrees and radians?

You can switch between Degrees (DEG) and Radians (RAD) using the 'MODE' button. The active mode is shown in the top left of the display. The calculator automatically handles the necessary conversions for all trigonometric functions based on the selected mode.

Why did I get an 'Error' message?

An error message typically occurs if you enter a mathematically invalid expression, such as having two operators in a row (e.g., 5 * + 3), mismatched parentheses (e.g., (5+2 without the closing parenthesis), or attempting an impossible calculation like dividing by zero.