function calculateScientific() {
var mainNum = parseFloat(document.getElementById("mainNumber").value);
var secondaryNum = parseFloat(document.getElementById("secondaryNumber").value);
var operation = document.getElementById("operationSelect").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("scientificResult");
var result = "";
if (isNaN(mainNum)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number for Main Value (x).";
return;
}
switch (operation) {
case "power":
if (isNaN(secondaryNum)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number for Secondary Value (y).";
return;
}
result = "x^y = " + Math.pow(mainNum, secondaryNum);
break;
case "sqrt":
if (mainNum < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Cannot calculate square root of a negative number.";
return;
}
result = "√" + mainNum + " = " + Math.sqrt(mainNum);
break;
case "log10":
if (mainNum <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Logarithm base 10 is undefined for non-positive numbers.";
return;
}
result = "log10(" + mainNum + ") = " + Math.log10(mainNum);
break;
case "ln":
if (mainNum <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Natural logarithm is undefined for non-positive numbers.";
return;
}
result = "ln(" + mainNum + ") = " + Math.log(mainNum); // Math.log is natural log
break;
case "sin":
// Convert degrees to radians for Math.sin
var radians = mainNum * (Math.PI / 180);
result = "sin(" + mainNum + "°) = " + Math.sin(radians);
break;
case "factorial":
if (mainNum < 0 || !Number.isInteger(mainNum)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Factorial is only defined for non-negative integers.";
return;
}
if (mainNum === 0) {
result = mainNum + "! = 1";
break;
}
var factorialResult = 1;
for (var i = 1; i <= mainNum; i++) {
factorialResult *= i;
}
result = mainNum + "! = " + factorialResult;
break;
default:
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please select a valid operation.";
return;
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: " + result;
}
Understanding Scientific Calculators
A scientific calculator is an electronic calculator, usually handheld, that is designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. It has far more functions than a standard four-function calculator, including trigonometric functions, logarithms, powers, roots, and more complex statistical functions.
While basic arithmetic calculators are sufficient for everyday calculations, scientific calculators become indispensable for academic studies, professional engineering, and scientific research. They simplify complex computations that would otherwise be time-consuming or impossible to perform manually.
Functions in This Calculator
Power (x^y): Calculates 'x' raised to the power of 'y'. For example, 2^3 = 8.
Square Root (√x): Finds the number that, when multiplied by itself, equals 'x'. For example, √25 = 5.
Logarithm Base 10 (log10(x)): Determines the power to which 10 must be raised to get 'x'. For example, log10(100) = 2 because 10^2 = 100.
Natural Logarithm (ln(x)): Similar to log10, but uses Euler's number 'e' (approximately 2.71828) as its base. For example, ln(e) = 1.
Sine (sin(x) – Degrees): A fundamental trigonometric function that relates the angle of a right-angled triangle to the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the length of the hypotenuse. This calculator expects the angle in degrees.
Factorial (x!): The product of all positive integers less than or equal to 'x'. For example, 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120. Factorial is only defined for non-negative integers.
How to Use the Calculator
Enter Main Value (x): Input the primary number for your calculation.
Enter Secondary Value (y) / Base (optional): If you select an operation like 'Power (x^y)', you'll need to enter a secondary value. For other operations, this field might not be used.
Select Operation: Choose the mathematical function you wish to perform from the dropdown menu.
Click 'Calculate': The result will appear below the button.
Examples of Use
Let's walk through a few examples using realistic numbers:
Example 1: Calculating a Power
Suppose you want to calculate 5 raised to the power of 3 (5^3).