Why should I learn to use a scientific calculator?
To some people using a calculator is a skill that they think they should just have, and they assume the calculator will always give them the right answer. But it doesn’t always! Given how much focus is on calculator usage in today’s exams, at Skills4Parents we believe that young people should be confident with all the equipment that they need for the GCSE maths. So here are my top reasons why you should spend time learning to use a scientific calculator.
1. Two-thirds of the GCSE exam are calculator papers.
There’s a lot of topics for the GCSE calculator foundation and higher exams. This is significantly more than it used to be. It is worth getting to know your way around a scientific calculator so that you have the right calculator for GCSE maths.
2. Using a scientific calculator is like using a sat nav
You’ve got to programme it correctly or you end up at the wrong place! It’s the same with your calculator – if your scientific calculator is set up incorrectly it will give you the wrong answer – and it can be so easy to set it up wrong!
3. Your calculator will do more than you think!
There are so many areas of maths that you can use it to help you. And not just all those complicated buttons either! Do you know how to do fractions on a calculator? What about how to use the percentage button on a calculator correctly?
Read more on some of the essentials to learn about a calculator and using it correctly. Once you have mastered this tool, you’ll never need help with GCSE maths calculator papers again!