Ok so, I know this question sounds stupid but I've always wondered how the calculator thinks so fast? is it programmed to fit ALL those numbers in there or what? Answers would be appreciated =].
2007-02-28 13:40:03 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
It is like a computer, but only running a very small program (compared to Windows XP). The program is optimized for the processor, whatever kind they are using, so it can be relatively fast. There are special algorithms that computers use to perform mathematics rapidly; those same algorithms are difficult for humans to perform rapidly at all.
In short, it's a well designed tool for use in solving mathematic equations. They've had a lot of practice since the HP-35 (first hand-held scientific calculator -- it had an LED display) from over 30 years ago.
2007-02-28 17:58:39 · answer #1 · answered by sd_ducksoup 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I can't answer your question directly, but it doesn't always go THAT fast. I have a TI-83 and when I put a large sequence into it, it takes a few moments to configure the sum. So calculators do take time to calculate.
2007-02-28 21:48:17 · answer #2 · answered by singinandsmilin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋