Casio FX-115MS Plus Scientific Calculator
by Casio

List Price: $26.95
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Large 2-line display
• Visually perfect algebraic method displays example as written
• Complex number calculation
• 279 built-in mathematic functions
• Fraction fun

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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Casio FX-115MS Plus Scientific Calculator

Customer Review: Cassio vs. Sharp
Summary: 5 Stars

On the other hand, if you enter 2(21) in both calculators and then press the equal key, both calculators will generate 42 in their respective display areas. It must be that each calculator's design is such that both do not recognize an "operator" (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) when a number enclosed in parentheses is immediately followed by another number.

If you enter (21)2, both calculators recognize it as an error in "syntax" or rules by which either unit can calculate or perform an "operation." You did not enter an operator so the calculator cannot perform any calculation. In the first case, (21)2, no operation (multiplication) is recognized by either calculator and as a result, both units generate the "error" message. In the second case, 2(21), both calculators recognize the "operator" (multiplication) and performs the operation to arrive at the correct answer, 42.

Nevertheless, both the Sharp and the Casio recognizes the "order of operation." For example, if you enter the expression (2 +3)2 and then press the equal key, you will again see the "error" message displayed by both calculators. However, if you enter (2 + 3) x 2, you will see the correct answer displayed by both calculators, that is, 10. It is evident that any number or expression enclosed in parentheses as the first entry which is then followed by a number will generate the "error" message.

I just tried entering (2 + 3)2 on the scientific calculator that comes with Windows XP Home edition. When I pressed the enter key, the display remained at "2." This means that the computer did not recognize any "operator" after (2 + 3). If you enter "(" then "2" then "+" then "3" then ")", you see immediately that the result of the operation is 5. Go on and enter "2" and press the equal key, and you see that nothing happens because you did not enter any operator (multiplication) after 5. You are stuck at 2. While the calculator in Windows will not generate an "error" message on the one hand, both the Sharp and Casio will to let you know that you have violated the "syntax" or rules used by either calculator. Remember, a calculator is just a dumb paper weight and it won't do anything for you until you tell it exactly what to do. However, both the Sharp and Casio will perform various calculations for you but will only follow the "syntax" or rules incorporated in their respective designs.

One feature on the Sharp that I really like is the fact that each numeral or expression you enter is displayed in the lower line of the two line display before you enter an operator. This allows you to see and make sure you are entering the correct data. Once you enter the correct data and follow it with some type of operator, the data you entered appears on the upper line of the display area. This allows you to "double check" all entries before you press an operator or equal key. The Casio fx-115MS on the other hand shows all data entered on the upper line first just as you enter it in the calculator.

I like both calculators equally well, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. But the advantages and disadvantages spring mostly from user preference. For me though, the Sharp EL-506VB has the edge because it comes with more thorough and user friendly documentation explaining each function more thoroughly than the Casio fx-115MS. So for five dollars more the Sharp is worth it.

The ... Casio graphing calculator also looks like a good investment and seems to come with a very adequate booklet of about 150 to 200 pages. That will most likely be my next calculator.

Description of Casio FX-115MS Plus Scientific Calculator

The clear, readable, two-line display exhibits 10 digits in large numerals, showing the problem and answer together and permitting better tracking of your equation-solving process. You can also call upon 279 built-in mathematical functions, many complete with engineering symbols, for a variety of tasks, including calculations in base conversions, logical operations, and standard deviation and regression analysis. Plus, you can key in and program formulas to save for future use.

The FX-115W Plus provides one independent and six constant memory keys. It has a pragmatic key layout, making this an easy-to-use basic scientific calculator offering the functions you'll need in a solidly constructed unit. --Barbara Price