vmbo havo vwo

Scientific calculator

Quick answer

Angles are degrees by default. sin(30) = 0.5. Turn Radians on when you work in radians.

log is base-10 log; ln is the natural logarithm. √ of a negative number is a domain error.

Calculator

Choose Degrees or Radians, tap a function and calculate. Under the answer you see the intermediate steps.

What is a scientific calculator?

Besides + − × ÷, parentheses and powers, this page adds trigonometry, roots and logarithms — what Dutch secondary tracks use in class: vmbo (more practical), havo (middle) and vwo (university-preparatory). You enter one expression and get one number with steps, not a graph.

Functions on this page
Group Symbols Watch for
Trigonometry sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan Degrees by default; asin(0.5) → 30°
Root / abs √, abs √ returns the non-negative root
Logarithms log, ln log = base 10; ln = base e
Constants π, e 2π means 2 × π

Only the four arithmetic operations: online calculator. Graph of f(x): graphing calculator. Right triangle next to sin/cos: Pythagorean theorem calculator.

Casio and school models

This is not a Casio clone and not a copied brand layout. We do not imitate button colors, menus or model numbers. The functions overlap with a normal school scientific calculator: sin, cos, tan, log, ln, π.

Which physical model your school requires is in the school guide or in the aids rules on Examenblad.nl. What may go into the Dutch central exam is in which calculator may go to the exam — that guide is about allowed devices, not this online tool.

Examples by level

The tabs reuse the Dutch track names above. The same functions; denser expressions as the level rises.

sin(30°) in degree mode.

  1. ModeDegrees (default on this page)
  2. sin(30)0.5
  3. CheckHalf of an equilateral triangle: opposite / hypotenuse = 1/2

cos(60°) is also 0.5. In radians, sin(30) would be something else entirely.

Common mistakes

Wrong

Expecting sin(30) in radians to be 0.5

Right

In radians, 30 is a large angle. For 0.5: sin(π/6) or 30° in degree mode.

Wrong

Mixing up log and ln

Right

Here log is base 10. ln is ln. log(0) and ln of a negative number are not defined in the reals.

Wrong

Treating this page as “Casio online” or as an exam aid

Right

Practice tool without a brand layout. Exam rules: calculator on the exam.

Wrong

Expecting √(−1) or asin(2) as an ordinary number

Right

Domain error: this tool stays with real numbers and valid asin domains.

Practice

vmbo What is cos(60) in degrees?

havo Calculate 2π on this calculator.

havo What is log(1000)?

vwo What does sqrt(−1) do?

In class

Trigonometry and logarithms appear in the exam programs on Examenblad.nl. This page practices the functions; whether a given physical model is allowed in the exam is a separate rule. See which calculator may go to the exam.

Learning path

Frequently asked questions

Does this calculator use degrees or radians?

Degrees by default. sin(30) is 0.5. Switch to radians when your angles are in radians — then sin(π/6) = 0.5, not sin(30).

Which functions are available?

sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, √, log (base 10), ln, abs, π and e. Plus + − × ÷, parentheses and powers.

Is this a Casio calculator?

No. No brand layout and no copied buttons. The functions overlap with a school scientific calculator.

May I use this in the exam?

This page is an online practice tool, not an allowed paper aid. What may go into the Dutch central exam is in the guide which calculator may go to the exam and on Examenblad.nl.

Where do I plot a function?

On the graphing calculator. Here you evaluate one expression, not a graph of f(x).

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