A calculator can save time and reduce errors, but only when students know how to use it properly. Many marks are lost because students type the right idea in the wrong way.
Know your calculator before the exam
Students should practise with the same model they plan to use in the exam. Mode settings, fraction displays and table functions can vary.
Use brackets carefully
Many calculator mistakes come from missing brackets in fractions, powers and trigonometry questions. If the input does not match the written method, the answer may be wrong.
Check reasonableness
A calculator answer still needs sense-checking. Students should ask whether the size, sign and units of an answer are reasonable.
Learn useful functions
Tables, equation solving, standard form, statistics and trigonometry functions can all help when used correctly.
