Basic Calculator
Perform simple arithmetic operations with our free online calculator for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Basic Calculator
Understanding Basic Arithmetic Operations
Basic arithmetic forms the foundation of mathematics and includes four fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These operations are essential for everyday calculations, from shopping to budgeting.
The Four Basic Operations
Here's how each of the four basic arithmetic operations works:
- Addition (+): Combines two or more numbers to find their sum. Example: 5 + 3 = 8
- Subtraction (−): Finds the difference between two numbers. Example: 9 − 4 = 5
- Multiplication (×): Repeated addition of the same number. Example: 6 × 3 = 18
- Division (÷): Distributes a number into equal parts. Example: 15 ÷ 3 = 5
Order of Operations
When evaluating expressions with multiple operations, the order of operations (PEMDAS) determines the sequence:
- Parentheses: Calculate expressions inside parentheses first
- Exponents: Calculate powers and roots
- Multiplication and Division: Perform from left to right
- Addition and Subtraction: Perform from left to right
For example, in the expression 2 + 3 × 4, multiplication is performed before addition, resulting in 2 + 12 = 14.
Practical Applications
Basic arithmetic is used in countless everyday situations:
- Shopping: Calculating prices, discounts, and change
- Cooking: Adjusting recipe quantities
- Time Management: Determining durations and schedules
- Budgeting: Managing income, expenses, and savings
Quick Tip
To check your calculation, try working backward from the answer. For example, if 15 ÷ 3 = 5, verify by multiplying 5 × 3 to get back to 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the basic calculator?
Using our basic calculator is simple. Click on the number buttons to input values, then use the operation buttons (+, −, ×, ÷) to perform calculations. Press the equals (=) button to see your result. You can also use your keyboard for input — the number keys, arithmetic operator keys, Enter for equals, and Escape for clear.
How does the percentage button work?
The percentage (%) button converts a number to its percentage equivalent. For example, if you input 50 and press %, it becomes 0.5 (50%). This is useful for calculating percentages of numbers. If you enter 200 × 25%, the result will be 50, which is 25% of 200. In addition operations, it calculates the percentage of the first number, so 100 + 10% equals 110.
Can I use this calculator for decimal numbers?
Yes, our calculator fully supports decimal numbers. Simply use the decimal point (.) button when entering your values. For example, you can calculate 3.14 × 2 or 9.99 + 0.01. The calculator displays results with appropriate decimal precision based on your input.
What is the ± (plus/minus) button for?
The plus/minus (±) button toggles the sign of the current number between positive and negative. If you've entered 5, pressing ± will change it to -5, and pressing it again will change it back to 5. This is useful when you need to work with negative numbers or correct the sign of an input.
Is there a limit to how many operations I can perform?
While our calculator can handle multiple operations in sequence, we recommend breaking very complex calculations into smaller parts for clarity. The calculator follows standard order of operations (PEMDAS) for calculating results. For advanced mathematical functions like trigonometry or logarithms, try our Scientific Calculator.
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