Introduction

A calculator is an essential tool for many students, professionals, and individuals throughout the world. It performs mathematical calculations with ease and provides quick solutions to complex problems. But have you ever wondered how this compact device can effortlessly provide answers in seconds? In this article, we will explore the inner workings of a calculator.

1. The Main Components of a Calculator

There are four main components in a typical calculator:

a) Input Device (Keypad): A calculator’s keypad consists of numbers (0-9), operations (+, -, *, /), and other essential function buttons like percentages, square root, etc. These buttons allow users to enter data and mathematical expressions into the device.

b) Processor: The processor is the brain of the calculator. It receives input from the keypad, interprets it, and performs calculations based on the entered data.

c) Memory: A calculator has built-in memory to store intermediate results or user-entered data temporarily. Some calculators also come with permanent memory storage, which allows users to save their previous calculations.

d) Output Device (Display): The display is where the results of calculations are shown. Most calculators use liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which have low power consumption and are easily readable in various lighting conditions.

2. How Calculators Perform Calculations

The process behind a calculator carrying out computations is as follows:

a) Data Input: When you press buttons on the keypad, corresponding signals are sent to the processor.

b) Parsing and Tokenization: The processor parses your input into tokens or individual elements such as numbers and operators.

c) Building an Expression Tree: The processor then uses these tokens to create an expression
tree – a hierarchical structure representing mathematical expressions.

d) Evaluation and Solving: The processor evaluates the expression tree using algorithms based on arithmetic rules like the order of operations, e.g., BIDMAS/PEMDAS. It then solves the mathematical problem and returns the result.

e) Output: The result is displayed on the LCD screen for you to see.

3. Types of Calculators

Calculators come in various types, each designed to fulfill different needs:

a) Basic Calculators: These perform simple arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

b) Scientific Calculators: These have additional features like trigonometric and logarithmic functions, extra memory storage, statistical computations, and more complex problem-solving capabilities.

c) Graphing Calculators: These possess advanced functionality that allows users to plot graphs, solve equations and perform matrix calculations. These are ideal for students studying mathematics or engineering at higher levels.

d) Financial Calculators: Financial calculators are designed to help with essential financial functions such as loan calculations, interest rates, cash flow analysis, and more.

Conclusion

Calculators play an indispensable role in our daily lives by simplifying complex mathematical problems. Modern calculators are compact and efficient – capable of providing instant results at the press of a button. By understanding the inner workings of a calculator, we can appreciate the intricate process behind its seemingly simple exterior.