282 Essential Skills for Health Careers Success
may have to solve a problem by knowing how to manipulate the numbers
involved if a calculator is not available to you.
You are likely familiar with the calculator’s functions, but a brief review
of how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using a calculator follows.
Many calculators perform much more complex functions such as graph-
ing, calculus, trigonometric operations.
However, when used correctly, a calculator saves valuable time and
ensures accuracy, especially in the case of complex problems. Double-check
your answers by performing the calculation at least twice—wrong entries
will result in wrong answers.
Entries are made by pressing certain numbers and
symbols on the keyboard of the calculator (Figure 10.7).
The information entered appears in the display area above
the keyboard. It is always helpful to check the display area
after entering a number to make sure you’ve entered the
number correctly. Figure 10.8 explains some of the com-
mon buttons on a calculator and their uses.
• Addition. Enter the fi rst addend of your problem and
then press the (+) key. Enter the second addend. Press
the (=) key and the sum will appear on the display.
• Subtraction. Enter a number and press the (–) key.
Next, enter the number to be subtracted from the fi rst
number. Then press the (=) key to fi nd the difference.
• Multiplication. Enter the multiplicand and press the
(×) key. Next, enter the multiplier and press the (=)
key. The product will appear on the display.
AVAVA/Shutterstock.com
Figure 10.7 Using a calculator will make it eas-
ier to complete math problems while on the job.
Common Symbols on a Calculator
Key Function
C clears all entries
CE clears last entry
. enters a decimal point
+ adds
– subtracts
× multiplies
÷ divides
% calculates percentage
= calculates the fi nal answer
Figure 10.8 Common symbols on a calculator