For physics or chemistry calculations, scientific notation is handy. \u00a0Let’s imagine you want to know what 0.8c is, in metres per second. \u00a0Of course, c is the speed of light:<\/p>\n
c=3.00×108<\/sup>m\/s<\/p>\n Then, 0.8c, in metres per second, is 0.8(3.00×108<\/sup>)=2.4×108<\/sup>m\/s.<\/p>\n Often, a calculator not in scientific mode will give the answer as 240000000. While correct, this answer is difficult to read and probably will not resemble the answer offered in a multiple choice question. A multiple choice question will likely offer the number in scientific notation: 2.4×108<\/sup>.<\/p>\n Most scientific calculators have a SCI<\/span> mode you can enter so that the calculator will give every answer in scientific notation. Some do it in a SETUP menu, some with a MODE button. I’m sure there are yet other ways on other models.<\/p>\n The Casio fx-260solar<\/span> has a MODE button. It lists above the keyboard the various modes to choose from, with a number assigned to each. For instance: to go into RAD mode, you key in MODE 5<\/span>. To return to DEG mode, you key in MODE 4<\/span>.<\/p>\n The MODE list indicates that, for SCI mode, it’s MODE 8<\/span>. Yet, on my Casio fx-260solar<\/span> calculators, MODE 8<\/span> doesn’t put you into SCI mode. Yesterday, I had a couple of disconcerting moments dealing with this situation. What I soon discovered was, you need to press 8 twice: MODE 8 8<\/span> will get you into SCI mode. On the three Casio fx-260solar<\/span> calculators I’ve tried, this is how to get into SCI mode.<\/p>\n Most of the modes in the list seem to require you to press the number only once – with the exception of 8 (for SCI, as just described), and 7 (for FIX, which I’ll probably cover in a coming post).<\/p>\n To get out of SCI, into NORM (normal) mode, I just press MODE 9<\/span>.<\/p>\n I’ll be talking more about the Casio fx-260solar<\/span> in future posts:)<\/p>\n