Start, Fix, and Finish
ON
Turn the calculator on.
CLEAR
Erase the entire current calculation.
DEL
Remove one incorrect character.
ENTER / =
Calculate and show the result.
Learning supports
Calculator Guide
Learn what the important buttons do and how to enter common Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 problems correctly.
Important:A calculator follows what you type. Always compare the calculator screen with the original problem before pressing ENTER.
Download Printable PDFWhy should I care?
A Calculator Is a Tool, Not a Mind Reader
It can calculate quickly, but it cannot decide what you meant. Correct buttons, signs, and parentheses help it solve the problem you actually intended.
Read→Enter→Check→Calculate
Start here
Meet the Main Buttons
Button names and locations may look different, but most scientific calculators have these functions.
Check your entry here(3 + 4) × 214
Before ENTER
Check the Screen
- Are all numbers correct?
- Did you use the correct operation signs?
- Are negative signs in the correct places?
- Are parentheses paired?
- Are exponents attached to the correct base?
Press in this order
How to Enter Common Problems
Follow the key sequence from left to right. Then compare the result.
−6 + 9
A Negative Number
Answer: 3(−)→6→+→9→ENTER
Watch for: Use the negative key before 6. Do not use the subtraction key.
3/4 + 1/2
A Fraction
Answer: 1.25 or 5/43→÷→4→+→1→÷→2→ENTER
Watch for: A fraction bar means divide. A fraction template key may also be used.
2⁵
An Exponent
Answer: 322→^→5→ENTER
Watch for: After typing the exponent, use the arrow key if your cursor remains raised.
√81
A Square Root
Answer: 9√→81→ENTER
Watch for: Some calculators require 81 first and then √. Read the screen before pressing ENTER.
(3 + 4) × 2
Parentheses
Answer: 14(→3→+→4→)→×→2→ENTER
Watch for: Make sure every opening parenthesis has a closing parenthesis.
5 + 2(6 − 1)
A Multi-Step Expression
Answer: 155→+→2→×→(→6→−→1→)→ENTER
Watch for: Type the complete expression before pressing ENTER.
Do not confuse these
Negative Sign or Subtraction Sign?
The symbols look similar, but their jobs are different.
Negative Sign
Describes a number below zero.
−6Press: (−) then 6versus
Subtraction Sign
Tells you to take one amount away from another.
9 − 6Press: 9 then − then 6Watch out
Common Mistakes
- Using subtraction instead of the negative-number key.
- Forgetting parentheses around a numerator or denominator with more than one term.
- Pressing ENTER before the entire expression is entered.
- Reading a rounded decimal as an exact answer.
When something goes wrong
Fix an Error Step by Step
- Compare the screen with the problem.
- Use DELETE to fix one character or CLEAR to restart.
- Check calculator mode only if the entry is correct.
- Estimate the answer to see whether the result is reasonable.
Your turn
10-Question Calculator Practice
Choose the correct button, entry, or result. Calculator button names may vary slightly.
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