How often do you need to use a calculator? Can you do math without a calculator?
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I can do math in my head fairly well. I use it mostly for estimating prices.
One day I went to the library and purchased some books. Hardcover cost a dollar, paperback fifty cents. I bought 2 paperbacks and one hardcover. I gave the girl a five. She started doing her gozintoos. She messed around for about two minutes. Then she got out her calculator. After about 5 minutes she got it right.
Whew! some people have big trouble with numbers.
Will you believe me if I tell you that I grew up without portable calculators? My dad taught me a lot about arithmetic that was not included in school. I still do fine with a pencil and paper if no other gadget is at hand.
Best time I did it: I saw a tablecloth on display, with measurements in centimeters. I was doing the math when the clerk saw my empty stare and asked if she could help. “That tablecloth,” I said, “I was figuring it in inches. It’s 52 x 52.” She pointed to a sign that was not near the object in question, which said 52 x 52.
“That’s okay,” I told her, “I did it in my head.” I left her with her mouth still hanging open.
I only use a calculator when I get the bank account reconciled once a month. Otherwise I do the math in my head or with paper and pencil. Like Harriet, it comes easy to me, and I learned it a LONG time ago.
I’m so bad at math that I’ll use a calculator to add 2 and 2 just t make sure I have the answer right.
I use one at work all the time. I use one whenever I want to make sure my numbers are right.