This calculator performs the four fundamental arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations are the building blocks of mathematics and are used in countless real-world scenarios, from simple daily tasks to complex scientific calculations.
Addition (+)
Addition is the process of combining two or more quantities. It's represented by the '+' symbol. When you add numbers, you are finding their total sum. For example, if you have 5 apples and someone gives you 3 more, you have a total of 8 apples.
Formula: a + b = sum
Subtraction (-)
Subtraction is the process of taking away one quantity from another. It's the inverse of addition and is represented by the '-' symbol. When you subtract numbers, you are finding the difference between them. For example, if you have 10 cookies and eat 4, you have 6 cookies left.
Formula: a – b = difference
Multiplication (*)
Multiplication is a faster way of performing repeated addition. It's represented by the '*' symbol (or 'x'). When you multiply numbers, you are essentially adding one number to itself a specified number of times. For example, 3 * 4 means adding 3 four times (3 + 3 + 3 + 3), which equals 12.
Formula: a * b = product
Division (/)
Division is the process of splitting a quantity into equal parts. It's the inverse of multiplication and is represented by the '/' symbol. When you divide numbers, you are finding how many times one number goes into another, or how large each part will be when a whole is divided. For example, if you have 12 candies to share equally among 3 friends, each friend gets 4 candies (12 / 3 = 4).
Special Case: Division by Zero – Division by zero is undefined in mathematics. This calculator will display an error if you attempt to divide by zero.
Formula: a / b = quotient (where b ≠ 0)
How to Use This Calculator
1. Enter the First Number in the designated field.
2. Select the desired Operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide) from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter the Second Number in its field.
4. Click the "Calculate" button.
5. The result will be displayed below the button.
Use Cases
Quickly performing everyday calculations.
Checking homework or practice problems.
Assisting with simple budgeting or shopping calculations.
Learning and understanding basic math principles.
Simplifying intermediate steps in more complex problem-solving.
function calculate() {
var firstNumberInput = document.getElementById("firstNumber");
var secondNumberInput = document.getElementById("secondNumber");
var operationSelect = document.getElementById("operation");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var num1 = parseFloat(firstNumberInput.value);
var num2 = parseFloat(secondNumberInput.value);
var operation = operationSelect.value;
var result = ";
if (isNaN(num1) || isNaN(num2)) {
result = "Please enter valid numbers for both fields.";
} else {
switch (operation) {
case "add":
result = num1 + num2;
break;
case "subtract":
result = num1 – num2;
break;
case "multiply":
result = num1 * num2;
break;
case "divide":
if (num2 === 0) {
result = "Error: Cannot divide by zero.";
} else {
result = num1 / num2;
}
break;
default:
result = "Invalid operation selected.";
}
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: " + result;
}