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• Calculators are electronic devices used to perform mathematical equations. Typically, calculators are used solely for this purpose and are built in to devices like computers and cell phones.

• Fast Facts

  1. Four main functions: Addition (+), Subraction (-), Multiplication (X), Division (/)
  2. LED or LCD display of 8-10 digits
  3. Battery or solar power
  4. On and Off buttons
  5. Can be found in cell phones and wrist watches

• A Brief History of Calculators

  The original calculator was a wooden frame with sliding beads called an abacus. In 1822, Charles Babbage created a mechanical calculator which he called a "difference engine." The idea went though various designs and formats over the next several decades. During the late 1940s, the first main-frame computers were developed. This technology would lead to developing hand-held electronic calculators.

  In 1957, IBM released the first commercial all-transistor calculator. The IBM 608 was housed in large cabinets and was priced at around $80,000. Casio would release the "compact" calculator in 1957.

  Until 1970, calculators were the size of desktops. By this time, pocket calculators had been created, but were still very expenisive luxury items. Calculators were made affordable in the 1980s and the technology continued to improve.

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