Solverly

Basic Calculator

A realistic four-function calculator with percent, square-root, sign toggle, exponent, π, and full memory keys (MC/MR/M±). Results update instantly—no “Calculate” button.

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Results interpretation

The green banner shows the current evaluated result. If an expression is incomplete (for example, it ends with “+” or “×”), the banner reminds you to complete it. Division by zero or other invalid operations will show a helpful message rather than a number.

  • Percent (%) behaves like a handheld calculator: typing 200 + 10 % turns the 10 into 10% of 200, i.e., 20, so the result is 220.
  • √x applies the square root to the current entry.
  • +/− toggles the sign of the current entry.
  • xʸ raises the first number to the power of the second.

How the basic calculator works

Functions on the keypad

  • AC — clear all.
  • √x — square root of current entry.
  • % — percentage as on handhelds (context-aware).
  • ÷, ×, −, + — arithmetic operators.
  • +/− — toggle sign of current entry.
  • π — inserts 3.1415926535…
  • xʸ — exponent.
  • R2 / R0 — round current entry to 2 decimals / whole number.
  • MC, MR, M−, M+ — memory clear, recall, subtract, add.

How to use memory

Press M+ to add the current entry to memory; M− subtracts it. MR recalls the stored number into the display; MC clears memory. Memory persists while the page remains open.

Math details (order of operations)
The calculator evaluates expressions using standard precedence and associativity: exponents, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction. Exponentiation is right-associative (xʸᶻ = x^(y^z)). Percent turns the current term into a percentage of the base term in the context of a + b%, a − b%, a × b%, or a ÷ b%.

Use cases & examples

  1. Tip quickly: Type 48 × 15 % = → 7.2 (a 15% tip). Then press + and 48 to add it back if you want the total.
  2. Discount then tax: 129.99 − 20 % gives a 20% discount; then + 8.875 % to add sales tax on the discounted subtotal.
  3. Powers and roots: 2 xʸ 10 = returns 1024; √x on 144 returns 12.

A practical guide to using a basic calculator efficiently

A basic calculator is still the fastest way to perform day-to-day math. Whether you are splitting a check, checking invoice totals, or sanity-checking spreadsheet output, the handheld flow— type a number, choose an operator, enter the next number, press equals—remains the most efficient mental model for quick arithmetic. This tool reproduces that familiar layout and behavior, while adding a few quality-of-life features like percent that follows handheld conventions, memory keys, and an always-on result banner so you can double-check work before you finalize a calculation.

For speed, keep your hands on the number row: the keyboard supports digits, decimal point, operators + − × / and Enter for equals. If you need to reuse a number across multiple steps—say, a client rate or a travel per-diem—store it with M+ and retrieve it later with MR. Unlike mental math, memory does not drift; unlike copy-paste, it does not break your flow.

Percent keys often confuse users because they behave differently from strict algebra. On a handheld, 200 + 10 % means “add 10 percent of 200,” not “add 0.10.” In this calculator we honor that behavior so that discount, markup, tips, and tax are effortless. The green banner helps catch mistakes: if your expression is incomplete or invalid, you’ll see guidance rather than a misleading number.

Finally, rounding is built in. Use R2 for currency (two decimals) and R0for counts. Together with √x, π, and xʸ, these operations cover a surprising amount of everyday math without the overhead of a scientific calculator.

Basic Calculator FAQ

How does % work here?

Like a handheld: in a + b% it turns b into a × b/100. Alone, b% equals b/100.

What’s the difference between AC and C?

This calculator uses AC (all clear). It clears the entry, expression, and any pending operator.

Can I use the keyboard?

Yes: digits, ., + - *//, and Enter map to the keypad.

What if I divide by zero?

The banner warns “Cannot divide by zero” and the result is not applied.

Does the calculator follow order of operations?

Yes—exponent first, then ×/÷, then +/−. Exponentiation is right-associative.