Calculator: It’s Definition, Types, Advantages & Disadvantages

A calculator is a useful machine to solve arithmetical problems. In this article, you will get to know about its history, types, advantages & disadvantages.

What is Calculator?

It is an electronic device. It makes the difficult calculations so easy and on tips. The machine is fully equipped with the functionality of solving various problems. For example, Addition, subtraction, Multiplication and Division. Above all, it is no more related to these four functions only.

More functional and technical devices are available to give a great experience to the user. These require some sort of energy to operate. Therefore, most of simple calculators are designed with the battery.

In addition, the highly scientific machine uses electricity to run. If you are thinking, who use this kind of electrical device. So, to clarify this, you must have seen engineering students using scientific calculators for their calculations.

Now, just think about the wide operations performing by the scientists. Definitely, it needs a highly scientific and functional machine.

For instance, Abacus is still in use by the professionals. Moreover, school boards have designed a special module to teach this calculation tool to primary students. So, now you know the importance of this amazing device. Let’s be familiar with its pioneering.

History of Calculator

The importance of this helpful tool was known in the early times. At that time, early men use bones, pebbles and other objects to tally the calculations.

But, it was very limited in nature. So, when the first mainframe computers came into existence. It was using vacuum tubes and transistors. That leads to stepping stones to develop an electronic calculator.

Therefore, the first electronic calculator was launched by Casio computer company in 1957. followed by a series of models with compact technology. Some leading manufactures opted for this technology to cover this new market. Like Canon, Sony, Toshiba, Olivetti, etc.

In the mid-’60s to the ’70s, there was the time of programmable calculators. Those were heavy desktop machines with the large needs of AC power supply.

Then, there comes a time in the ’70s. The revolution in calculator manufacturing. Companies started manufacturing pocket calculators. Moreover, it has great size and less need of power to solve the problem. The cost of these calculators is also very less.

Afterward, the innovations and updates in this device industry are still continuing. Meanwhile, manufacturers are putting all their efforts and research and development techniques to improve the technology for multi-purposes.

Benefits of Calculator

For complex calculations, the use of computers may be quite beneficial.

Students may save a lot of time by using a calculator in class to perform simple arithmetical calculations.

By doing so, they are able to focus their attention more on critical math topics rather than on the more fundamental tasks.

Students are required to master the fundamentals of operational arithmetic by the time they reach middle or high school. Additionally, they must be capable of performing their own calculations. After all, they’d already mastered this skill in their earlier sessions, when they were taught the exact same thing.

In other words, allowing students to use calculators in middle and high school is a win-win situation. As a result, the usage of calculators in middle and high schools for calculations has a positive effect on students’ learning outcomes.

A student’s technical understanding can be improved by using a calculator.

If you look back, calculators may appear to be overly easy, but when you examine them closely, you’ll discover that they take some technical expertise to use effectively, especially when it comes to scientific calculators.

Therefore, middle school kids should be taught how to use a calculator in a variety of ways.

Calculators are more accurate than humans when it comes to doing computations.

Calculators may greatly enhance the precision of computations. Another consideration is the rate of change. The answer can be found in a split second with the help of a calculator.

Designing of the Calculator

The design of the calculator is very simple. It has various components to input the problem, display the output of the problem. However, Memory for recording the data contains cells as a power source. The key layout of the device is also very simple for providing ease to the user.

Types of Calculators

There are various kinds of calculators available in the market to solve various arithmetical problems. some of are as follows:

Math Calculator

It is a simple device available to solve simple problems. such as additions, subtraction, multiplication and division. This basic model is mainly in use by the students and shopkeepers.

Fitness Calculator

This is a famous tool in fitness freaks. It calculates various fitness parameters. such as BMI, calorie count, Body fat, BMR, ideal weight. Moreover, Army body fat, weight watcher, lean body weight and healthy weight.

Abacus Calculator

Abacus is very famous calculating device since ancient times. Now, it is mainly used to teach arithmetic calculations with its beads frame. Moreover, it is very beneficial for visually impaired people.

Finance Calculator

This type of device is used by the finance industry. To calculate various numbers and parameters. For example, Future value of the investment, Compound interest, time period of the loan, annuity period/ payment. Along-with, interest calculations.

Science / scientific Calculator

This machine is mainly designed for the use of scientists, engineers and technical persons. It uses JavaScript for solving the problem. You can input the most difficult data in this. Consequently, it will give the result in nanoseconds.

Advantages of Scientific Calculator

The use of CASIO scientific calculators enables students to receive an excellent math education. Higher-order thinking skills may be developed by teachers.

Students can learn new arithmetic concepts and develop their mathematical reasoning abilities. Math lessons have a higher turnout because of the increased interest of the students.

Loan Calculator

The loan calculating device helps in measuring the exact amount of loan. Like an amortized loan, deferred payment loan and Bond. It can provide the following features and operations. such as:

• Paying back of fixed amount.
• Repayment of lump-sum amount.
• Periodic repayments, etc.

Currency Calculator

The widely usable converter is a currency calculation device. As it converts the value of the currency of different countries. The manufacturers enter the market rates in this calculation function. Consequently, it converts the input of one country’s currency into the other.

Now, the next section is about Advantages of Electronic Calculator.

Advantages of Calculator

• You can solve very tedious and most difficult arithmetic problems.
• It is very portable and easy to use machine.
• Moreover, the biggest advantage is calculation is always correct.

These points are the calculator advantages.

Disadvantages of Calculator

• On the other hand, it is a machine. which can breakdown and make noise.
• You need to take basic training to operate this device.
• Some technical calculators are costly.

These points are the advantages and disadvantages of Calculator, or Pros and Cons of Calculator.

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