Electronic calculators

• A calculator is allowed in every 4MA1 paper. It must have x², √x, x^y, 1/x, memory, brackets, Σx and Σfx, and sin, cos, tan and their inverses (Higher also needs standard form).
• Use brackets so the calculator follows the intended order of operations.
• Write down the full display before rounding, then round as the question asks.
• Check the angle mode is degrees, and enter standard form with the ×10^x key.
• Check every answer with an estimate.

Brackets around every top and bottom

The calculator follows the order of operations exactly as typed. A fraction line acts as a pair of brackets around the whole numerator and the whole denominator, so either use the fraction template or type the brackets yourself.

Memory, ANS, fractions and standard form

Degrees mode, every time

Angles in 4MA1 are in degrees. Check the display shows D (or DEG): sin 30 should give 0.5. The inverse functions sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹ and tan⁻¹ (SHIFT + sin, cos, tan) give an angle from a ratio.

Is the answer sensible?

Estimate first (round to 1 significant figure) and compare. A display such as 1.922E4 or 1.922^×104 means 1.922 × 10⁴; write it in proper standard form. In money questions, a display of 9.5 means $9.50.