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Using your calculator efficiently

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can fluently use certain calculator functions and use a calculator appropriately.

Key learning points

  1. Division can be inputted using different calculator buttons.
  2. A calculator can produce an error if not programmed correctly.
  3. A calculator reads the input in a specific way, brackets can help with this.

Keywords

  • Evaluate - Evaluate means to find the value of a numerical or an algebraic expression.

Common misconception

Students often forget to scroll out of an operation or function.

Emphasis the cursor buttons allow users to scroll around the apps, functions and calculations on the calculator.

Teacher tip

Using the Casio fx 991 Classwiz will have more consistency across the class. If this is not possible, ensure students are able to access the main functions required.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What does this calculator button represent?

An image in a quiz
Format button
Fraction button
Power button
Square button
Correct answer: Square root button

Q2.
What does this button represent?

An image in a quiz
Format button
Fraction button
Correct answer: Power button
Square button
Square root button

Q3.
What does this calculator button represent?

An image in a quiz
Format button
Fraction button
Power button
Correct answer: Square button
Square root button

Q4.
__________ means to find the value of a numerical or an algebraic expression.

Cube
Correct answer: Evaluate
Square
Think

Q5.
____________ are used to show negative numbers and group numbers together.

Correct answer: Brackets
Calculators
Power
Roots

Q6.
Work out the answer to $$5.67^3 + 10$$. Write all the digits on your calculator display.

Correct Answer: 192.284263

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of this calculator button?

An image in a quiz
It formats the screen brightness.
Correct answer: It represents the answer in another format.
It formats the equation.

Q2.
Sofia works out $$\sqrt{2.5}\times22$$ on her calculator. Which of these shows the calculator input Sofia should use?

Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q3.
Convert $$\frac{280}{250} +1.4^2$$ into decimal form.

Correct Answer: 3.08

Q4.
Ignoring the numbers, which buttons need to be pressed to get this calculation?

An image in a quiz
+ , $$\sqrt{}$$, -, + EXE
Correct answer: + , $$\sqrt{}$$, -, >, + EXE
+ , $$\sqrt{}$$, + EXE
$$\sqrt{}$$, -, + EXE

Q5.
Work out the answer to the calculation shown on the calculator display.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 26

Q6.
Work out the answer to the calculation shown on the calculator display. Write your answer as a decimal.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: 0.1575

To help you plan your 7 maths lesson on: Using your calculator efficiently, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...