Step 7 Objective

Use a calculator efficiently and appropriately to perform complex calculations with numbers of any size, knowing not to round during intermediate steps of a calculation.

Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do

Pupils need to able to use the constant and sign change keys, function keys for powers, roots and fractions.

Probing questions

Show me some calculations that are made easier with the sign-change key.

How might you do the same calculations differently on the calculator?

Choose a calculation that you find difficult on a calculator. What makes it difficult?

How could I use a calculator to convert 1000 minutes into hours and minutes?

To work out 11 hours 25 minutes + 2 hours 57 minutes, using a calculator, what is wrong with typing in 11.25 + 2.57?

If I want to carry out a calculation that has a number of steps, using a calculator, why can't I round in the middle to make it simpler?

What if pupils find this a barrier?