Using a Calculator Quiz

1. Which calculator entry correctly evaluates $\dfrac{3.2+5.7}{1.4}$?

• A. 3.2+5.7/1.4
• B. (3.2+5.7)/1.4
• C. 3.2/1.4+5.7
• D. 3.2+(5.7/1.4)

2. Which key would you use to enter $3.4 \times 10^{5}$ directly into a calculator?

• A. The fraction key
• B. The $x^{-1}$ key
• C. The $\times 10^{x}$ (EXP) key
• D. The $\sqrt{\phantom{x}}$ key

3. A student wants to calculate $\sqrt{3.6^{2}+4.8^{2}}$. Which calculator entry is correct?

• A. √3.6^2+4.8^2
• B. √(3.6^2+4.8^2)
• C. (√3.6)^2+4.8^2
• D. √3.6+√4.8^2

4. Why is it best to keep values in exact fraction form for as long as possible during a multi-step calculation?

• A. Fractions display faster on screen
• B. It avoids rounding errors building up across steps
• C. The exam board requires fractions in every answer
• D. Calculators cannot store decimal values

5. A calculation gives $\dfrac{1}{3} + \dfrac{1}{6}$, and the next step of the question requires multiplying this result by $9$. What is the safest calculator approach?

• A. Round $\dfrac{1}{3}+\dfrac{1}{6}$ to a decimal, write it down, then multiply by 9 in a new calculation
• B. Enter the whole calculation $\left(\dfrac{1}{3}+\dfrac{1}{6}\right) \times 9$ in one go using the fraction and bracket keys
• C. Estimate the answer mentally instead of using the calculator
• D. Multiply $\dfrac{1}{3}$ by 9 and $\dfrac{1}{6}$ by 9 separately, then round each result before adding