The TenKey Calculator
When in Learning Mode 7, Use Calculator, you can actually use the Calculator for everyday computations and record keeping. However, not all calculators and adding machines look and work the same, nor are all computer keyboards laid out the same. Following are a few nuggets of information that should be helpful in eliminating frustration and familiarizing you with the TenKey Calculator.
This tool works like a calculator, not an adding machine. On an adding machine, you always enter your number first, then the operator. For example, adding seven plus twenty-three plus eighty and subtracting 17 is done as follows:
7 + 23 + 80 + 17 - =
On a calculator, you enter data more in the same way that you would think the words. The above calculation would be entered:
7 + 23 + 80 - 17 =
During practice and drills, you enter data the way it is given to you, and none of the computational functions actually work. When you want real data in and real answers out, remember to enter data generally the way you think the words.
The [Enter] key on the computer keyboard works the same as the [=] or [T] (for Total) key on most calculators, with one minor exception. Most calculators also have a key for subtotaling. The TenKey Calculator uses the [Enter] key for both. When you press the [Enter] key, the total displays on the tape. If your next entry is an operator, such as + or /, the total registers as a subtotal and computations continue as if you had not totaled, except you can see the subtotal on the tape. If your next entry is a number, your total ends the computations for that prior series and begins a new series with the number you just entered.
The following keys are usually found near the numbers on the tenkey pad on better calculators, but are positioned differently on the TenKey Calculator. Also, these may (or may not) work differently than the calculator you have used.
SQRT Button - The square root button is located directly above the Paper Tape, at the far right. To find the square root of any number, enter the number, then click (with the mouse) on the SQRT button, or press the [S] key on the QWERTY keyboard.
Square a number - The simplest way find a square is to enter the number, then enter *, then press the [Enter] key. This will multiply the original number by itself.
Percent - Since the computer keyboard only has a percent key on the top row of the QWERTY keyboard, the only way to maintain speed while doing percentages is to use the left hand for this function. With the right hand still on the tenkey area, press and hold the left shift key with your left pinky, then press the [%] key (the [5] key) with your index finger. If you keep the left hand positioned on the home row while you do your data entry, you will soon become quite quick at entering this function. It also keeps your left hand in the correct position for using other Hot Keys (such as the [S] mentioned above).
Mark Up and Mark Down - These simple computations are done by entering the starting number, then adding (or subtracting) the percentage of mark up or mark down. For example, if you wish to budget 20% more for your power bill next year, and this year's bill was $1800, you would enter:
1800 + 20%
At this point, the calculator will display and print 2,160. There is no need to press the [Enter] key. If you think you can reduce you power consumption by 10% and wish to budget that amount, enter:
1800 - 10%
Memory Plus (M+) - To add totals into the memory for later use, simply press the M+ button, or press the [M] key, immediately after pressing [Enter]. Each time you enter a total into memory, it will be added to any amounts previously stored since the last time it was cleared, and the result will stay in memory until removed by you later.
Memory Recall (MR) - Whenever you want to see the accumulated total in the memory, hover your cursor over the MR button. A tool tip will display the current value. To enter that value into the data entry window, click on the MR button, or press the [R] key. This has the same effect as having keyed it in manually.
Memory Clear (MC) - Unless you have just opened the TenKey Calculator, you should always clear the memory before storing anything there. Do so by clicking on the MC button, or by pressing the [C] key. Amounts you store in memory will stay there throughout your session, but will be cleared if you close TenKey Tutor or another user logs in.
Clear Accumulator (CA) - Clear your most recent entry from the Accumulator (the data entry display window) by clicking the CA button or pressing the [A] key.
Delete - The [Delete] key should be used when you wish to clear both the memory and the Accumulator (data entry display window) at the same time.