Stepping down from an advanced calculator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of using a simpler calculator for mathematical operations, specifically in the context of inputting a complex equation without the use of parentheses. Participants explore strategies for entering calculations correctly while considering the order of operations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in transitioning from a graphing calculator to a simpler model (CASIO fx-260) for solving equations.
  • Another participant suggests a method for entering the equation step-by-step, emphasizing the importance of order of operations and the potential pitfalls of certain calculators that may not follow PEMDAS rules.
  • A third participant confirms that following the suggested order of operations led to a correct answer, indicating a successful application of the proposed method.
  • One participant humorously notes the irony of discussing the use of parentheses after initially suggesting a method without them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of understanding order of operations when using calculators, but there is no consensus on the best approach to inputting the equation without parentheses.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the limitations of their calculators regarding order of operations, which may affect how calculations are performed. There is also an acknowledgment of the potential for confusion when entering calculations in different sequences.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals transitioning from advanced calculators to simpler models, particularly in understanding how to manage order of operations without the aid of parentheses.

mindheavy
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This is kind of sad, but I'm beginning to realize how much I rely on my graphing calculator any more for solving equations and whatnot. I am trying to incorporate a much simpler calculator from time to time (CASIO fx-260) and am struggling with some very basic operations.

Say I have the equation \tau_A=\frac{5kN\cdot.040}{\frac{\pi}{2}\cdot(.04^4)} and I want to input this without using parenthesis. What is the order to type this in the calculator with?
 
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If you have a calculator that won't track order of operations for you, and I have one that let's you type it out on the screen to confirm it's correct, I would just go with the latter and restrict myself to only using it for basic calculations.

As for your guy, I would start with .04, raise it to the power of 4, multiply by pi, divide by 2, hit the "1/x" key, then multiply by all the stuff in the numerator consecutively. The thing I would be worried about when entering this expression into the calculator is if I try to do divide by, then enter .04, then raise to the 4th power, that it would divide by .04 before raising everything I have so far to the 4th power (some calculators will recognize a Pemdas violation I believe, but some won't).
 
Thanks, following the order you laid out got the correct answer. I hadn't thought of doing the denominator then reciprocating it to multiply by the numerator, but I see it now!
 
Use those bracket buttons, for example, numerator / ( ... ) =

Oh sorry, you said without using parentheses. Odd :).
 

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