Mastering Scientific Calculators: Tips and Tricks for Accurate Data Entry

[frosty7]

Homework Statement

None of the forums seemed to fit this but this seemed like the best one. I've been having a bit of an unconventional problem in my AP physics class. When I'm taking a test I am able to find the answer analytically but I run into trouble when i try to solve the answer numerically. Frequently I mess up when I'm putting numbers in on my calculator. Does anyone have some sort of method that would help me out? Should I just stop solving problems analytically unless the problem specifically asks me too??

 

[Delphi51]

Take time to get to know your calculator. What does it come up with when you enter
2+3x10? "Sin 30" or "30 sin" should come out to 0.5. Brackets may be necessary to make the entry unambiguous. How do you enter 3 x 10⁶ x 2? (could be 3E6 x 2 or 3x10^6 x 2). You and it must agree on how things are done. If you can't, toss it and get another one. Lots of students carry two, one for ordinary calcs and one for graphing and other fancy stuff. A really nice solar scientific calculator that defaults to degrees can be had for $10.