Calc.exe doesn't know BEDMAS

  • Thread starter Thread starter Patrick
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Patrick

Try this in calc.exe in "standard" as opposed to "scientific" mode

20^2 + 4*3*287

Calculator gives the erroneous answer of 347844

After pressing the first times (after 4) you can see that it's doing

(20^2 + 4)*3*287

In "scientific" mode, however, it gives the correct answer.

Getting different answers just because calculator is in a different
"mode" is inconsistent.
 
Get the power toy PowerCalc from ms site, it is lot better.

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Click to expand...

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Replied To :
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: Try this in calc.exe in "standard" as opposed to "scientific" mode
:
: 20^2 + 4*3*287
:
: Calculator gives the erroneous answer of 347844
:
: After pressing the first times (after 4) you can see that it's doing
:
: (20^2 + 4)*3*287
:
: In "scientific" mode, however, it gives the correct answer.
:
: Getting different answers just because calculator is in a different
: "mode" is inconsistent.
:
 
Patrick said:
Try this in calc.exe in "standard" as opposed to "scientific" mode

20^2 + 4*3*287

Calculator gives the erroneous answer of 347844

After pressing the first times (after 4) you can see that it's doing

(20^2 + 4)*3*287

In "scientific" mode, however, it gives the correct answer.

Getting different answers just because calculator is in a different
"mode" is inconsistent.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but you're wrong.
In standard mode calc.exe is acting as a simple 4-function pocket calculator
(with memory) which performs the calculations in the order in which you
enter the numbers and operands. It is therefore giving the correct answer.
To achieve what you want in standard mode, you should have entered:
[MC] 20 * 20 = [M+] 4 * 3 * 287 + [MR] =

Try it with a real 4-function calculator and see for yourself.
 
Dear Mark,

Thanks for your answer. I found a 4 function calculator on the web and
I can confirm that I get the answer of 347844.

However, there is no mention of this change in behaviour from a 4
function to a "BEDMAS aware" calculator, when switching from Standard
to Scientific, in Help > Help Topics. I feel that some appropriate
documentation should be added.

Regards,

Patrick
 
Thanks for your answer. I found a 4 function calculator on the web and ITry using a physical four function calculator.

There is a reason why there are standard and scientific views. Also, in the
help it does mention to switch to the scientific view to perform scientific
calculations. I quote:

"To perform a scientific calculation:

1) On the View menu, click Scientific. <----This is what i am referring to.
2) Click a number system.
3) Click the display size you want to use, and then continue with your
calculation. "



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Anando
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Hi Anando,
"To perform a scientific calculation:

1) On the View menu, click Scientific. <----This is what i am referring to.
Click to expand...

This is much to subtle! The user has no reason to believe that BEDMAS
will be obeyed only for a "scientific" calculation from this
documentation. Anyway, since when was "20^2 + 4*3*287" a scientific
calculation ? All I see is basic mathematical operators.

Regards,

Patrick
 
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