Discia GCSE Maths › Number › Using a Calculator

Using a Calculator worksheet

10 GCSE practice questions with answers, free to print. Every sheet is generated, so you can make a fresh one whenever you need it.

10 questions 29 marks Sheet 1
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  1. 2 marks

    Ben uses a calculator to work out \(36 + 17 \times 3\)

    He types \(36 + 17\), presses equals, then types \(\times 3\) and presses equals again.

    The display shows \(159\), which is not the right answer.

    (a)

    Calculate the correct value of \(36 + 17 \times 3\)

    (b)

    Explain what Ben did wrong.

  2. 3 marks

    Leila wants to use a calculator to work out

    \(\frac{ 77.7 + 54.8 }{ 61 - 8 }\)

    (a)

    State the calculation Leila should type into the calculator.

    Use brackets in your answer.

    (b)

    Calculate the value of the calculation.

  3. 4 marks

    A group of nine friends share the cost of a meal equally.

    The total cost is £48.41.

    (a)

    Use a calculator to work out how much each friend pays.

    Give your answer to the nearest penny.

    (b)

    Each friend pays the amount from part (a).

    Calculate how much the 9 friends pay altogether.

  4. 3 marks

    A rectangular plot is being priced by area.

    \(x = \frac{ 63 \times 45 }{ 4 }\)

    (a)

    Use a calculator to work out \(x\).

    Write down all the figures on your calculator display.

    (b)

    State your answer to part (a) correct to 2 significant figures.

  5. 2 marks

    Use your calculator to work out

    \(\frac{ 5.21 + 7.11 }{ 4 }\)

  6. 3 marks
    (a)

    Write down the value a calculator gives for \((-44)^2\).

    (b)

    Write down the value a calculator gives for \(-44^2\).

    (c)

    Explain why the two answers are different.

  7. 3 marks

    Here are two calculations.

    \(2^14\) and \(14^2\)

    They use the same two numbers, swapped round.

    (a)

    Use a calculator to work out both.

    (b)

    Write down which of the two is larger.

  8. 2 marks

    Joel uses a calculator to work out \(48 + 17 \times 5\)

    He types \(48 + 17\), presses equals, then types \(\times 5\) and presses equals again.

    The display shows \(325\), which is not the right answer.

    (a)

    Calculate the correct value of \(48 + 17 \times 5\)

    (b)

    Explain what Joel did wrong.

  9. 3 marks

    Yusuf wants to use a calculator to work out

    \(\frac{ 28.4 + 13.2 }{ 28 - 12 }\)

    (a)

    Write down the calculation Yusuf should type into the calculator.

    Use brackets in your answer.

    (b)

    Find the value of the calculation.

  10. 4 marks

    A group of six walkers share the cost of a minibus equally.

    The total cost is £68.68.

    (a)

    Use a calculator to work out how much each walker pays.

    Give your answer correct to the nearest penny.

    (b)

    Each walker pays the amount from part (a).

    Calculate how much the 6 walkers pay altogether.

Answers

  1. (a) \(87\)
    (b) He pressed equals after 36 + 17, so the calculator added first and then multiplied the whole of 53 by 3. The calculation should be typed in one go, without pressing equals in the middle.
  2. (a) \((77.7 + 54.8) \div (61 - 8)\)
    (b) \(2.5\)
  3. (a) \(\text{£}5.38\)
    (b) \(\text{£}48.42\)
  4. (a) \(708.75\)
    (b) \(710\)
  5. \(3.08\)
  6. (a) \(1936\)
    (b) \(-1936\)
    (c) The brackets decide what is squared: in \((-44)^2\) the minus sign is inside, and in \(-44^2\) it is outside, so it is applied after the squaring.
  7. (a) \(2^14 = 16384\) and \(14^2 = 196\)
    (b) \(2^14\)
  8. (a) \(133\)
    (b) He pressed equals after 48 + 17, so the calculator added first and then multiplied the whole of 65 by 5. The calculation should be typed in one go, without pressing equals in the middle.
  9. (a) \((28.4 + 13.2) \div (28 - 12)\)
    (b) \(2.6\)
  10. (a) \(\text{£}11.45\)
    (b) \(\text{£}68.70\)

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