A calculator is an instrument used to perform mathematical calculations. The functions they perform can range from very simple such as addition and subtraction to incredibly complex equations that would take a human days to complete. They can also be very specific to certain areas of math; ie. scientific calculators, graphing, trigonometric, statical, etc.
The abacus is the earliest calculator, comprised of a wooden frame, wires, and beads that could be moved back and forth to express simple calculations. Calculators became electronic and solar powered in the 20th century. Modern pocket-sized calculators became popular during the 1960’s.
The difference between calculators and computers is that computers can be programed to perform different functions and operations where as calculators are predesigned for specific computing of numbers. Computers can operate with numbers but also manipulate words, images and sounds, where as calculators are mainly limited to numbers and symbols. Computers are also much more complex devices which therefore allows the speed at which they run to fluctuate depending on the hardware and amount of computing the user asks the computer to do. Conversely, calculator speed is constrained by how fast the user presses the buttons.
Would you consider that some of the newer calculators are in fact computers? Where might one draw the line between a high tech (such as a graphing) calculator and a computer? I think that with some of the newer calculators that are out, such as the TI-83 plus, are in fact, computers.
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I would have to agree with Lauren on this subject. The newer graphing calculators are capable of so much it is astounding. They contain programs just like computers and even have some memory. I have no doubt you can consider some of these calculators computers.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. This is not all that new. One of my fraternity brothers had a programmable calculator, and this was circa 1975. There is a distinction between dedicated machines like calculators and videogame systems, and general purpose computers, sure, but the question of whether the former are computers is an interesting one.
ReplyDeleteThe fascinating thing is that we now take calculators as givens. Ipod, phone, computer, we assume all have calculators now, when before it was the invention of the calculator itself that was considered the breakthrough.
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