Question

I'm brushing up on my math skills by taking an online course. The course is self-taught (it takes abt. 2 weeks to get responses to questions posed); as such, I could really use your help.
I'm being asked the following: "Key these problems using the constant function on your calculator"...Multiply .31 by each number below...then (a) is 94; (b) 106 and (c) 75. I know to multiply .31 x 94; .31 x 106...but, what is the "constant function" key on a calculator and how do I use it for questions like these? Thanks - your help is invaluable as I've "Googled" "constant function to no avail

Answer 1

i think they mean (a), (b)... are the constant functions
(a)=94 which is constant

Answer 2

.31 is the constant. You should be able to enter it then enter 94=, 106=, 75= and get the result of multiplying each of those numbers by .31.

Answer 3

they might want you to store (a)=94 in your calculator and save it , so it can be used by pressing a single key on your calculator

Answer 4

And you should google the model number of your calculator, find the owners manual, and look up how to use the constant function.

Answer 5

If you post the model number, we might be able to help you.

Answer 6

I am able to check my answers with the answer sheet as these are the "practice" questions before I do the online work...It is actually written as follows:

1. Multiply .31 by each number below.
a. 94 _____
b. 106 _____
c. 75_____

I answered 29.14; 32.86 and 23.25 as I did each individually, and they're correct, but I'd like to know how to do them using what is termed the "constant function" on your calculator but Google shows only examples like 2x4= 8 and then hit = again to get 16 = 32 etc. NO examples like what I've got and the course does not provide any guidance at all.

Answer 7

Sharp Scientific Calculator EL-531A - it's ancient from when I went back to school as an adult in 1988 (yep! I'm an oldie) - thanks so much for assisting me with this issue. You cannot imagine how much help it is to someone my age trying to refresh skills lost/forgotten.

Answer 8

Thank you so very much for your help - you are truly awesome!!! Mertsj you got it right! Whew! I keyed in .31 and then x 94 = and got the 29.14, then I just keyed in 106 = and got the 32.86 and then the same for the 75 and got the 23.25 - it worked! You don't know how much you've helped me - I had visions of having to wait another two weeks to get a response (it happened a couple of weeks ago and you guys/gals bailed me out). My deepest gratitude to you. *smile*

Answer 9

In constant calculations, the addend becomes a constant. Subtraction
and division are performed in the same manner. For
multiplication, the multiplicand becomes a constant.
• When performing calculations using constants, constants will
be displayed as K.

Answer 10

That is from the users manual. If you can get the K to show up, you will know that number is a constant.

Answer 11

I don't know how to get the "k" to show up.

Answer 12

Ok. Try this. .31 x 94=
Then 106=
Then 75=

Answer 13

Does that work?

Answer 14

http://www.sharpusa.com/downloads/archives/product_manuals/cal_man_EL531_509.pdf

Answer 15

That is the link to your user manual

Answer 16

Did that work or not?

Answer 17

Example 3 in the calculations part.

Answer 18

Yes it works great - thanks...I'll go check the link to my calculator...you've been incredibly helpful...

Answer 19

yw

Answer 20

takes about 2 weeks on here too :)