A simple calculator is a basic tool used to perform basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Whether you’re balancing your budget, working on a math problem, or performing everyday calculations, a simple calculator makes these tasks much easier and faster.
What is a Simple Calculator?
A simple calculator is something that accomplishes simple arithmetic operations. It’s a device with buttons for digits 0 to 9 and the plus (+), minus (−), times (×), and divided by (÷). The more advance simple calculators include other features like a decimal point and capabilities such as showing zero, positive/negative sign etc.
Basic Features of a Simple Calculator
- Basic Arithmetic Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are allowed.
- Clear Function (C): This function clears the current calculation.
- Equals Button (=): The calculated result will be given in the end.
- Decimal Point (.): This will allow the user to use calculations involving decimal numbers
History of the Calculator
The concept of a calculator dates back to centuries ago, from the usage by ancient civilizations of the early tools, abacus, in performing arithmetic calculations. However, the development of the calculator began in the 17th century during the invention of mechanical calculators.
- Pascaline: One of the earliest mechanical calculators was invented by Blaise Pascal in 1642; it was named the Pascaline, and it only performed addition and subtraction.
- Modern Calculators: The advent of electronics in the 20th century revolutionized the calculator from a non-portable to a battery and/or solar-powered portable device. In the 1970s, handheld calculators became widely used to make complex mathematical functions easy to use.
Today simple calculators have come in both physical and digital platforms: applications on the computer and other softwares plus web-based tools.
How Does a Simple Calculator Work?
A simple calculator is basically intended to process numerical input and apply basic arithmetic operations. The basic work flow of a simple calculator looks like this:
- Input: The user inputs numbers using the numeric keypad (0–9).
- Operation: The user selects an arithmetic operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division).
- Second Input: After the operator, the user inputs the second number.
- Calculation: If one clicks the equals button (=), the calculator performs the calculation as shown by the user inputs and shows the result.
- Clear (Optional): The user can click on the clear button C and set the screen for new calculation.
Basic Calculations using Simple Calculator
- Addition (+): Adds two numbers together. Example: 5 + 3 = 8
- Subtraction (−): Takes away one number from another. Example: 9 − 4 = 5.
- Multiply: To multiply two numbers. Example: 6 × 3 = 18.
- Divide: To divide one number by another. Example: 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
How to Use a Basic Calculator?
To use a basic calculator is easy, either it is a physical device or a digital tool:
- Enter the First Number: By making use of the numeric keypad, type in the first number.
- Operation: The button for the arithmetic operation you need: +, −, ×, ÷.
- Input the Second Number: Put in the second number for the calculation.
- Press the Equals Button (=): The calculator will compute and show you the result.
- Clear (Optional): Clearing the calculator will cancel everything so you can start a new computation. All you have to do is press the clear (C) button.