This scientific calculator is designed to perform a wide range of mathematical operations, from basic arithmetic to more complex logarithmic and exponential functions. Unlike financial calculators that deal with currency and time value of money, this tool focuses on numerical computation for science, engineering, and advanced mathematics.
Mathematical Operations Explained:
Addition (+): Combines two numbers. Formula: a + b
Subtraction (-): Finds the difference between two numbers. Formula: a - b
Multiplication (*): Calculates the product of two numbers. Formula: a * b
Division (/): Splits one number by another. Formula: a / b. Handles division by zero.
Power (^): Raises a base number to an exponent. Formula: baseexponent. For example, 2^3 = 8.
Square Root (sqrt): Finds the number that, when multiplied by itself, equals the given number. Formula: √a. Requires a non-negative input.
Logarithm Base 10 (log): The power to which 10 must be raised to equal the given number. Formula: log10(a). Requires a positive input.
Natural Logarithm (ln): The power to which the mathematical constant e (approximately 2.71828) must be raised to equal the given number. Formula: ln(a). Requires a positive input.
How It Works:
The calculator takes one or two numerical inputs (operands) and an operator. Based on the selected operator, it applies the corresponding mathematical function. For operations like Square Root, Logarithm, and Natural Logarithm, only the first operand is used, and the second operand input is typically ignored or hidden.
Use Cases:
Solving algebraic equations.
Performing calculations in physics and chemistry experiments.
Analyzing data in statistics.
Complex engineering computations.
Educational purposes for learning mathematical concepts.
Ensure you enter valid numbers for each operation. For instance, the square root and logarithm functions are only defined for positive real numbers.
function getInputValue(id) {
var value = parseFloat(document.getElementById(id).value);
return isNaN(value) ? null : value;
}
function isInputValid(value) {
return value !== null && typeof value === 'number';
}
function updateOperand2Visibility() {
var operator = document.getElementById("operator").value;
var operand2Group = document.getElementById("operand2-group");
if (operator === "sqrt" || operator === "log" || operator === "ln") {
operand2Group.style.display = "none";
} else {
operand2Group.style.display = "flex";
}
}
function calculate() {
var operand1 = getInputValue("operand1");
var operator = document.getElementById("operator").value;
var operand2 = null;
var result = "";
var valid = true;
if (operator !== "sqrt" && operator !== "log" && operator !== "ln") {
operand2 = getInputValue("operand2");
if (!isInputValid(operand1) || !isInputValid(operand2)) {
valid = false;
result = "Error: Please enter valid numbers for both operands.";
}
} else {
if (!isInputValid(operand1)) {
valid = false;
result = "Error: Please enter a valid number for the operand.";
}
}
if (valid) {
switch (operator) {
case "add":
result = operand1 + operand2;
break;
case "subtract":
result = operand1 – operand2;
break;
case "multiply":
result = operand1 * operand2;
break;
case "divide":
if (operand2 === 0) {
result = "Error: Division by zero is not allowed.";
valid = false;
} else {
result = operand1 / operand2;
}
break;
case "power":
result = Math.pow(operand1, operand2);
break;
case "sqrt":
if (operand1 < 0) {
result = "Error: Cannot take the square root of a negative number.";
valid = false;
} else {
result = Math.sqrt(operand1);
}
break;
case "log":
if (operand1 <= 0) {
result = "Error: Logarithm is only defined for positive numbers.";
valid = false;
} else {
result = Math.log10(operand1);
}
break;
case "ln":
if (operand1 <= 0) {
result = "Error: Natural logarithm is only defined for positive numbers.";
valid = false;
} else {
result = Math.log(operand1);
}
break;
default:
result = "Error: Unknown operator.";
valid = false;
}
}
var resultElement = document.getElementById("result");
resultElement.innerText = valid ? "Result: " + result : result;
if (!valid) {
resultElement.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; /* Red for errors */
} else {
resultElement.style.backgroundColor = "#28a745"; /* Green for success */
}
}
function clearFields() {
document.getElementById("operand1").value = "";
document.getElementById("operand2").value = "";
document.getElementById("result").innerText = "Result will appear here";
document.getElementById("result").style.backgroundColor = "#28a745";
updateOperand2Visibility(); // Reset visibility on clear
}
// Initial setup for operator visibility
document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() {
updateOperand2Visibility();
document.getElementById("operator").addEventListener("change", updateOperand2Visibility);
});