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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...