The GNOME calculator. Little glamor, a lot of utility

GNOME calculator copright information

The GNOME calculator is one of the oldest applications in the desktop environment

The GNOME calculator is one of those programs to which I never paid much attention. It has been around since at least 2006 when I started using Linux (Copyright information gives 1986 as the start date). In my case, I will have opened it at most 5 times because for simple calculations I have the mobile calculator more at hand, and for complex ones I use the spreadsheet.

However, despite being a program that has not been updated since 2016, it is undoubtedly an app worth considering.

What is the GNOME calculator for?

I will not presume to decide what users use based on my personal preferences. I guess so it is still in GNOME and remains in the minimal Ubuntu installation, you must have your audience.

Depending on the use you want to give it, the calculator presents 5 different interfaces:

Basic mode: In this mode you can perform the 4 basic operations. You can also get powers and square roots.

Advanced mode: Ideal if you want to work with trigonometric equations, functions and operations.

Financial mode: It allows you to easily carry out financial operations. The Argentine peso is not on the list of mondedas, but considering that my compatriots prefer dollars, it is nothing that affects too much.

Programming mode: Here you can work with other number bases and perform some operations related to programming.

Keyboard mode: Allows you to make conversions between quantities using the keyboard.

Entering data into the calculator

From the keyboard you can enter all functionsit's math just typing in the name they appear on the keys.

The basic mathematical operators are

Amount +
Multiplication *
Resta -
Division /
Power **
Square root CTRL + R
PI number CTRL + P
Subscript CRTL + number
Subscript ALT + Number

When using the keyboard no need to swap user interface modes. If it is necessary to do so if we enter data with the mouse.

The entry of data using the mouse has no greater secret. Just swe choose the appropriate modeor, The mouse pointer acts in the same way andn who would the finger on a normal calculator.

Performing complex calculations

The way to perform the GNOME calculator operations follow math conventions. In other words, the multiplication and division operations will be performed first. For example:
4 + 5 * 3
It is considered as
4 + 15

We can solve this with the use of parentheses
(4 + 5) * 3
What is equal to
9 * 3

Using functions

The program allows us use both predefined and user-created functions. To establish our own function we use the format

nombre_de_función( argumento 1; argumento 2)= argumento 1 operación argumento 2

For example; Suppose we want to calculate the VAT of the price of a product and that this amount is automatically added to the base price. we define the function as

IVA(precio_base; impuesto)= precio_base*impuesto

In order for the percentage to be automatically added, we must divide it by 100 and add 1 to it, that is, if the percentage is 21 percent, in the argument we enter it as 1,21

If we want to know how much the price with VAT would be with a base price of 500 with 21% tax, we write.
IVA(500; 1,21)

I used two arguments to simplify the example. But it is possible use more arguments if necessary.

You can also program the functions you use regularly so you don't have to define them every time you use the calculator using the additional features wizard

You can do this as follows:
1) In Advanced mode, click on the f (x) key.
2) In the window write the name of the function.
3) Determine the number of arguments.
4) Now write the operation on the calculator screen.

Note that here the variables are assigned letters. so you must use those letters to define the operations.

There is not much more I can say on the subject of the calculator. The description of the different functions can be found in math books (or Google). But, you shouldn't stop playing with this app.


3 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Leonardo said

    And how is it installed? I have XFCE

    1.    Diego German Gonzalez said

      It depends on the operating system.
      It is in Flatpak format https://flathub.org/apps/details/org.gnome.Calculator
      And snap https://snapcraft.io/gnome-calculator

    2.    Vicente said

      Without detracting from Diego Germán González's answer, I also have XFCE and I have installed it with the command

      sudo apt update

      sudo apt install gnome-calculator