Calculator
Function Reference
Trigonometric
- sin - Sine of angle
- cos - Cosine of angle
- tan - Tangent of angle
- sin⁻¹ - Inverse sine (2nd)
- cos⁻¹ - Inverse cosine (2nd)
- tan⁻¹ - Inverse tangent (2nd)
Logarithmic
- log - Base 10 logarithm
- ln - Natural logarithm (2nd)
- 10ˣ - 10 to the power x
- eˣ - e to the power x (2nd)
Powers & Roots
- √ - Square root
- ³√ - Cube root (2nd)
- x² - Square
- x³ - Cube (2nd)
- xʸ - x to power y
Other
- n! - Factorial
- 1/x - Reciprocal
- |x| - Absolute value
- π - Pi (3.14159...)
- e - Euler's number (2.718...)
Mathematical Constants
π (Pi)
3.14159265358979...
Ratio of circumference to diameter
e (Euler's Number)
2.71828182845904...
Base of natural logarithms
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Scientific Calculator Practice
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?What is a Scientific Calculator?
A scientific calculator performs advanced mathematical functions beyond basic arithmetic, including trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log base 10, natural log), exponential functions, square and cube roots, factorials, and constants like pi and e. Switch between degree and radian modes for trigonometry. Essential for algebra, calculus, physics, and engineering calculations.
About Scientific Calculators
A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. It provides functions for trigonometry, logarithms, exponential calculations, roots, powers, and mathematical constants. Scientific calculators are essential tools for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone working with advanced mathematical concepts.
Key Facts About Scientific Calculators
- Trigonometric functions: sin, cos, tan calculate ratios of right triangle sides
- Log (log10) uses base 10; ln (natural log) uses base e (approximately 2.718)
- Factorial (n!) = n x (n-1) x ... x 1; for example, 5! = 120
- Degrees and radians: 360 degrees = 2*pi radians; 1 radian is approximately 57.3 degrees
- Pi (3.14159...) is the ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle
- e (2.71828...) is Euler's number, base of natural logarithms
- Inverse trig functions (arcsin, arccos, arctan) find angles from ratios
- Memory functions (M+, M-, MR, MC) store and recall values for complex calculations
Quick Answer
A scientific calculator performs advanced mathematical functions beyond basic arithmetic, including trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log base 10, natural log), exponential functions, square and cube roots, factorials, and constants like pi and e. Switch between degree and radian modes for trigonometry. Essential for algebra, calculus, physics, and engineering calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator performs mathematical functions beyond basic arithmetic, including trigonometry (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log, ln), exponents, roots, factorials, and more. It's essential for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone working with advanced math.
What is the difference between log and ln?
Log (log₁₀) is the logarithm base 10, commonly used in science and engineering. Ln is the natural logarithm (logₑ) base e (≈2.718), used in calculus and natural growth/decay problems. log₁₀(100) = 2, while ln(e) = 1.
What do sin, cos, and tan calculate?
These trigonometric functions relate angles to ratios of sides in right triangles. Sin = opposite/hypotenuse, Cos = adjacent/hypotenuse, Tan = opposite/adjacent. They're essential for physics, engineering, navigation, and computer graphics.
What is the difference between degrees and radians?
Degrees divide a circle into 360 parts, while radians use the relationship between arc length and radius (2π radians = 360°). One radian ≈ 57.3°. Radians are preferred in calculus and physics; degrees are common in everyday use.
What is factorial (n!)?
Factorial is the product of all positive integers up to n. For example, 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120. Used in permutations, combinations, probability, and series expansions. By definition, 0! = 1.
What is e (Euler's number)?
e ≈ 2.71828 is the base of natural logarithms. It appears naturally in compound interest, population growth, radioactive decay, and calculus. The function eˣ is unique in being its own derivative.
Last updated: 2026-01-15
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How this works
Evaluates mathematical expressions with standard operator precedence plus common functions (sin, cos, tan and inverses; log, ln, exp; sqrt, nth-root). Angles interpret in radians by default; switch to degrees in settings.
Sources
- [1]NIST Digital Library of Mathematical FunctionsAcademicdlmf.nist.govAccessed Apr 21, 2026
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