This scientific calculator evaluates operations on values A and B. The default path uses A = 16, B = 2, and operation pow, which means A^B. That product is 16^2 = 256.
Trigonometric modes treat A as degrees. For simple percent checks beside a scientific result, use the percentage calculator.
How the formula works
Binary ops combine A and B (add, sub, mul, div, pow). Unary ops use A alone (sqrt, sin, cos, tan, ln, log10). For sin, cos, and tan, A is multiplied by π/180 before the standard radian function runs.
Worked example
Set A to 16, B to 2, and op to pow. Compute 16^2 = 256. Confirm with multiplication: 16 × 16 = 256. The calculator should report 256.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Value A | 16 |
| Value B | 2 |
| Operation | pow (A^B) |
| Result | 256 |
How to use the fields
- Value A is the primary operand and the only input for unary functions.
- Value B is the second operand for binary operations such as pow.
- Operation selects add, sub, mul, div, pow, sqrt, sin, cos, tan, ln, or log10.
Degrees for trigonometry
Many scientific handhelds default to degrees in classroom settings. This page matches that habit. If a textbook problem is written in radians, convert first or you will misread sin and cos.
Try sin(90). In degree mode the result is 1. That single check catches radian mixups quickly.
Common mistakes
- Assuming trig uses radians
- Expecting B to affect sqrt or ln
- Entering negative A into ln or log10
- Calling pow with B = 0 without recalling that A^0 is 1 for nonzero A
Power checks before exotic ops
Powers are easy to audit. Build confidence with 2^8, 10^3, and 16^2 before moving to logs. When pow matches hand multiplication, you trust the tool enough to inspect harder outputs.
For fractional exponents, compare against roots when the problem allows a clean rewrite.
Logs and domain
ln and log10 need positive A. Zero and negatives are invalid here. State the domain on homework so a rejected input is understood as mathematics, not a UI glitch.
log10(100) should be 2. ln(1) should be 0. Keep those landmarks nearby.
Division and zero
Division refuses B = 0. Rewrite the problem or change B before retrying. Infinite results are not returned as a numeric display on this path.
Classroom sequence
Compute 16^2, then √256 with sqrt on A = 256, and confirm you recover 16. That round trip shows pow and sqrt as inverses for this clean case.
Next compute sin(30) and cos(60). Both equal 0.5 in degree mode, which reinforces cofunction relationships.
Precision notes
Displayed digits may show more places than a pencil answer. For grading, follow the worksheet rounding rule. Compare exact landmark values (like 256) without worrying about trailing zeros.
Floating point can wobble on ugly angles. Prefer textbook angles with known exact values when you are demonstrating.
Choosing ops for homework sets
Lead with pow and the default 16 and 2 so everyone sees 256. Add mul and div next so students compare A^B with A×B and A÷B on the same pair. Only then introduce sin and cos, reminding the room that A is degrees.
Give one negative A for ln on purpose so the invalid path is familiar. Learners should recognize a domain error instead of inventing a fake real answer.
When two ops could solve a problem, require students to name the op they used. That habit maps cleanly onto the calculator select field and reduces ambiguous writeups.
Finish a session by computing log10(1000) and ln(e) style landmarks if your course allows e as input via a decimal approximation. Landmark checks keep scientific mode grounded after the pow demo of 256.
Limitations
No full expression parser, no complex numbers, and no radian toggle on this page. It applies one selected op to A and B with degree based trig.