You should first make sure you have the correct calculator for the math course you are taking. I suggest asking your professor if the calculator you purchases or plan to purchase contains all of the keys necessary to perform all required functions. Once you have an appropriate scientific calculator you are ready to start calculating.
Remember to remain calm and don’t panic. There are a lot of buttons and functions! If you take things one step at a time, you will be fine. First, you should read over the instruction booklet which comes with the calculator. Yes, I said it! Read the instructions. Do not throw them out! They will come in handy at some point when you are trying to work through a complicated problem.
Now that you have the correct calculator and have read the instructions you are ready to calculate. Here are a few basics to get you started!
• Be careful to enter numbers and functions correctly
• Using the 2nd button takes you to the functions above a button
• Make sure you use (parenthesis) when completing problems with multiple functions
• is the square root function
• ex is used for exponential function
• x2 is used to square numbers
Good luck!
Welcome to the Online Math tutoring blog. I will periodically add tips, anecdotes, and study points. I will be in contact with all professors to make sure I am up to date with material being covered. Please feel free to contact me via Blackboard or fill out a tutoring request for via the following link:
http://www.keystone.edu/student_life/support_services/onlinetutoring
Good luck and I look forward to working with you!
Suzanne Cercone