School supplies: calculators: the amazing Staples BD-6108 scientific calculator

Tutoring math, calculators are always interesting. The tutor mentions a great find at Staples.

On a clearance rack at Staples yesterday I found the BD-6108 scientific calculator for $3.97.

I can’t remember seeing the BD-6108 before, but I just opened it from the carton and it’s fantastic. It does everything my high school students typically need, except graphing. Since graphing calculators may not be allowed for some tests, students need a plain scientific one for everyday use. The Staples BD-6108 is even more powerful than needed.

I love the Staples BD-6108, but perhaps it’s not for everyone, since it’s reverse-entry, which means you enter the number, then the function. Most students seem to prefer forward entry, which essentially means you enter an operation the way you would write it.

To me, a surprising feature of the BD-6108 is its quadratic equation solver. I can’t remember seeing a simpler one, and here’s how to use it:

1. Let’s imagine you want to solve 3x^2 + 13x – 10 = 0.
2. First, press MODE 7.
3. You’ll see the prompt for a. Key 3, then DATA.
4. You’ll see the prompt for b. Key 13, then DATA.
5. You’ll see the prompt for c. Key -10, then DATA.
6. The first solution will appear: 2/3.
7. Press DATA to see the other solution: -5.

For everyday, nonspecific calculations, the BD-6108 must be in MODE 1: it’s important to remember to return to MODE 1 after doing something else, such as using the quadratic solver.

Inside its packaging the BD-6108 contains a folded-up manual. Read it, front and back; it won’t take long.

I hope to share other school supplies discoveries in future posts:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.