Calculators: Product Overview

The typical handheld calculator seems primitive compared to today’s technological standards. But don’t tell that to the millions of students, scientists, and engineers worldwide who rely on its functionality and usability for every day use.

Calculators can do more than just add, subtract, multiply, and divide. You can also program certain calculators to solve complex algebraic equations, display trigonometric graphs, and express figures in scientific notation. And when you can’t be near a computer to perform your arithmetic computations, a calculator comes through in the clutch.

Affordable and effective
One of the reasons calculators won’t disappear is because they are so affordable. You can get a razor thin, credit-card sized calculator for just a few dollars. You can also get a larger model for your desk that’s equipped with a small printer for performing accounting functions.

Calculators can also be used as a valuable marketing tool. You can purchase large volumes of calculators as promotional products, and emblazon your company logo and contact information on the surface to hand out to clients.

Types of calculators
You’re probably familiar with standard calculators that feature battery or solar power, LCD displays, and a limited number of keys for performing basic math functions.

The next step up is scientific calculators that include basic features along with several other applications for trigonometry equations and chemistry formulas.

Graphing calculators are the most versatile for statistical applications that require three-dimensional wire frame graphs. Engineers and students find this most useful for solving trigonometry or calculus equations. You can also use graphing calculators to express very large numbers using a superscript (example: "4.7 x 1049" instead of scientific notation, "4.7e+49".)

When shopping for the right calculator, consider what you will use it for and what applications you need. Graphic calculators may look real neat and provide charts for your equations, but that’s a wasted application if you just need it to balance your checkbook.

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