17
Using a Calculator for Math Problems
The purpose of this text is to teach you how to apply formulas as you learn fi nancial responsibility.
You will not be perfecting computational skills. Therefore, you are encouraged to use a calculator to
complete the problems in this text.
Shown below is the calculator that comes standard with the Windows 7 operating system. This
version is called the scientifi c calculator. To display this version, select the View pull-down menu and
click Scientifi c in the menu.
Skills Workshop 1
See It
You have a list of expenses for the month: $15.47, $10.50, $675, $35.51, $75.84,
$112.05. Calculate your total expenses for the month.
Step 1: Using the calculator keypad, enter 15.47 and press the addition (+) key.
Step 2: Enter 10.50 and press the addition key. Continuing in this manner, enter
675, 35.51, and 75.84, pressing the addition key after each number is entered.
Step 3: Enter 112.05 and press the equal (=) key. The total is displayed: 924.37
Step 4: Write down the total and add the dollar sign: $924.37. Note: some
calculators can be set to automatically display the dollar sign.
Check It
Use a calculator to perform the following operations.
1. 12 + 0.6 =
2. 5 – 0.2 =
3. 16 × 4.2 =
4. 8 ÷ 6.2 =
5. 12 – 0.6 =
6. 5 + 0.2 =
7. 16 ÷ 4.2 =
8. 8 – 6.2 =
9. 12 ÷ 0.6 =
10. 5 × 0.2 =
Click to
change the
type of
calculator
shown
Exponent
Number entry Decimal Addition (+)
Parentheses Display
Positive or
negative
Division (÷)
Multiplication (×)
Subtraction (–)
Equals