Calculator usage: memory

Tutoring math, you see a lot of scientific calculators. The tutor mentions some general advice about using calculator memory.

As a kid in high school, I used a reverse entry scientific calculator. It had memory (which was very useful) but only one memory register.

Because it had only one memory register, using its memory was simple: once the number you wanted to store was on the screen, you’d press STO. Later, wanting it back, you’d press RCL.

Nowadays, scientific calculators often have numerous memory registers, so storing and retrieving might not be so simple as in my high school days. However, here are a couple of general hints on how you might use the memory on a scientific calculator:

(Beware: storing on top of a value will overwrite it!)

To store a number from the screen, typically it’s STO key followed by a key with a letter (A or X, for instance).

To retrieve, you may be able to press RCL, then the letter key you used to store. However, it might be something like ALPHA then the letter key then =. I’ve seen both ways.