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Calculating Right with CASIO fx-991ES

Calculator is probably the most important thing you can have with you during the entrance examination.
Wise use of calculator enables you to solve most questions in least time. This blog is about how you can
use CASIO fx-991ES for your best benefit, but is may prove equally important for the users of other models
too. Almost all of the 25 Mathematics questions (40 marks) can be solved in very little time by using
calculator, and this time can be allocated to other questions.

Before everything, make sure you know the location of each keys. The following image of 991ES PLUS is used
in the entirety of this blog:

The processes of calculation are shown by the use of flowcharts in this blog. In the flowcharts, red
rectangles are for ‘input’ (which keys to press and in what order) and blue are for ‘output’ (what result you
should expect in the display). The order in which the keys should be pressed is indicated by green arrows.
For example, the following flowchart shows how you can add 4 and 6.

 
 

Setting Up the Calculator

 

Once the calculator is ON, you can go to SETUP menu by pressing SHIFT key and then MODE key. There are
different options for changing units of angle (discussed later), and format of number display. There is even
an option to adjust the contrast. These options should be changed whenever necessary. For example, if
you want the result to be in scientific notation, you should activate ‘SCI’, (option 7), and similarly, if you
want to see just 3 digits after decimal, activate ‘FIX’ and type ‘3’. You can change the result between
fraction and decimal by pressing the ‘S-D’ key. Pressing SHIFT and then ‘S-D’ key allows conversion to and
from mixed fractions. You may want to play with these simple operations before moving forward.

There are two different prints above almost all keys. The pink print represents what is typed when the key is
pressed after pressing the ALPHA key. Similarly, the brown print represents what is typed when the key is
pressed after pressing the SHIFT key. When SHIFT and ALPHA keys are pressed, a small indicator ‘S’ and ‘A’
are shown on the top left corner of screen respectively.

Calculator Compatible Chapters

 

This section deals with some specific chapters of Mathematics, whose questions are specifically solved by
calculator. An example is also provided for each chapter.

Sequence and Series:

 

Different sequences can be generated using the TABLE mode. This mode can be activated by pressing
following keys in the order indicated.

 
 

For this, we model the sequence as a function of x, and assume x to represent order of number in the
sequence. For example, an AP with common difference 2 starting with 3 will be modeled as:

f (x) = 3 + 2(x– 1)

which is just an alternative notation to tn = a + d(n − 1)

The following flowchart shows how to generate above sequence for 1st to 10th terms.

 
 

Now, using the navigation keys (the big circle) you can see all terms of the sequence.

Similarly, other sequences can be generated and studied.

Example: If second term of a GP is 4 times the third term and the first term is 2 more than second term, the
4th term of the sequence is:

(a) 1/4

(b) −1/4

(c) 1/4!

(d) none of these

Let the sequence be a, ar, ar2 , ar3

By given;

1
2
ar = 4ar ⇒ r =
4

8
Similarly, a = 2 + a/4 ⇒ a =
3

Now, using the TABLE mode, we generate this sequence, using function,
x−1
8 1
f (x) = ( )
3 4

 
 

The calculator shows fourth number to be 1/24 = 1/4!

A more useful feature is the SUMMATION, equivalent to any series. The sigma notation is displayed once the
corresponding key is pressed. The function to be summed is typed and then the limits are given.

Example: If sum of all terms of a sequence 3, 5, 9, 17, … is 1031, the number of terms in the sequence is:

(a) 7

(b) 8

(c) 9

(d) 10

Note that, the general term is tn n

= 2 + 1.

So, the value of A that satisfies:

X
∑(2 + 1) = 1031

x=1

is the answer.

The following flowchart shows how to check for option (a). Using CALC, we can check for other options too.

 
 

Trying this out for different values of A gives correct answer. (c)

You don’t need to repeat the whole process. Just press CALC again.

Polynomial Equations:
 

Quadratic equations can be solved very easily (even cubic equations) with 991ES. There is a separate
mode, EQUATIONS for this. Besides the polynomial equations, it also allows one to solve simultaneous linear
equations. This section deals with quadratic equations only.

The quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 is solved in EQN mode:

Example: If the roots of 2x2 + 3x − 8 = 0 and x2 + 3x − a are in the ratio 1:2, then a =

 
(a) 14

(b) 16

(c) -16

(d) -14

Using calculator we solve 2x2 + 3x − 8 = 0 ,

So, by question, the roots of unknown equations are:

−− −−
−3 + √73 −3 − √73
,
2 2

Solving the equations for different values of a, we get the correct answer, (b).

Trigonometric and Hyperbolic functions:

 

991ES supports operations on trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, hyperbolic and inverse hyperbolic
functions.

The inverse trigonometric functions are typed once the SHIFT key is pressed followed by the respective key
of trigonometric function.

While working with these functions, it is almost always necessary to keep angles in radian. The small ‘D’, ‘R’
or ‘G’ indicated whether the angles are measured in degrees, radians or grades.

To change the units, the following procedure is to be followed:

Example: tan−1 (tan(2π/3)) =

(a) 2π/3
(b) π/3

(c) −π/3
–
(d) √3

First make sure, the angles are in radian. (‘R’ on top of screen, not ‘D’, not ‘G’). Then, the answer is obtained
easily as:

In the upcoming flowcharts, the details to type a function or an expression is not given. It is expected for
you to learn how to type any expression by now.

Permutation and Combination: These are trivial calculations involving factorials. Just the keys are
indicated below:

 
 

The syntax for n Cr is nCr and for n Pr is nP r.

So, to find 1 0C3 the following flowchart is adopted:

Derivatives and Integration: Although 991ES allows evaluation of definite differentiation and integration, it
can be used to perform indefinite operations, when options are available. The flowcharts for evaluating
1
1
definite integrals and derivatives are given below. The integration, ∫ ( ) dx and derivative of
2
−1 x + 1

sin(cos x) at x = π/4 are evaluated in the flowcharts.

(a) derivative:

 
 

(b) integration:

 
 

The following two examples illustrate how we can use this approach to evaluate indefinite operations.

Example: ∫ ln(1 + x)dx =

(a) −x + ln(1 + x)– x ln(1 + x)

(b) −x − ln(1 + x)– x ln(1 + x)

(c) −x − ln(1 + x) + x ln(1 + x)

(d) −x + ln(1 + x) + x ln(1 + x)

 

To check which option is correct, we evaluate the integral with arbitrary limits (that are in the domain of
the function to be integrated), say ‘a’ to ‘b’. Then for each function in the options we evaluate F (b)– F (a) .
By fundamental theorem of calculus, the two answers should be equal.

For this question, a = 1, b = 2 is chosen.

d
Example: x
(e sin x) =
dx
 

(a) ex (cos x − sin x)

(b) ex (− cos x + sin x)

(c) ex (cos x + sin x)

(d) −ex (cos x + sin x)

To check which option is correct, we evaluate the derivative at any value of x (say a). Then for each option
we evaluate f (a) . The two answers should match.

For this question, x = 1 is chosen.

Since we are working with radian angles, make sure the calculator’s units are proper. (R indication on the
screen)

 
 

Modes
 

Next, we see some chapters with dedicated modes. They are vectors, complex numbers and matrix and
determinants. The number in parenthesis given in title of each mode represents their order in the MODE
menu. Once the MODE key is pressed, and then the indicated number key is pressed, the mode is activated.
When a mode is activated, an indication is displayed on the top of screen. The indications are tabulated
below:

 
 SN Mode Indication

1 COMP Math

2 COMPLX COMPLX

3 STAT STAT

4 BASE-N -

5 EQN -

6 MATRIX MAT

7 TABLE -

8 VECTOR VCT

The first mode is for general computations, and is not described.

COMPLX mode (2) :

This mode is for calculations involving complex numbers. The imaginary unit can be typed by pressing ENG
key. The option menu is displayed by pressing SHIFT followed by ‘2’. The required option is activated by
pressing the numeric keys shown.

Options:

1. arg: This is used to calculate argument (or amplitude ) of a complex number. For instance, the argument
of 2 + 3i can be found as follows:

 
 

2. Conjg: Conjugate of a complex number. The conjugate of a complex number a + ib is a– ib . The

conjugate of 2 + 3i can be found as follows:

3. r∠θ: To convert cartesian representation to polar representation. The polar representation of

r(cos θ + i sin θ) is given as r∠θ. The polar form of 2 + 3i is found as follows:

 
 

4. a + ib : To convert polar representation to cartesian representation. To type r∠θ, the angle is typed by
pressing SHIFT followed by the ‘(-)’ key. The polar form 2∠π/4 is converted to cartesian form as follows:

 
 

The modulus of a complex number, and vectors too can be found (similar to the real numbers) by using
the ‘Abs’ key. For instance, the modulus of 2 + 3i can be found as follows:

1 − i
Example: The modulus of is:
1 + i

(a) 1

(b) −1

(c) i
(d) none of these

From the entrance point of view, the STAT mode is not necessary, (Statistics is not in the syllabus).

BASE-N deals with conversion and computation in different number bases, and is described at the end.

EQN mode (5): This is perhaps the most important mode, as simultaneous linear equations and
polynomial equations occur unexpectedly in various problems. Solving polynomials is already discussed,
and now we focus on simultaneous equations.

The options of equation mode are displayed once the mode is activated. As per the form of equations, the
correct option is chosen.

SN Option Purpose

1 anX + bnY = cn Linear equations in 2 variables

2 anX + bnY + cnZ = dn Linear equations in 3 variables

3 aX2 + bX + c = 0 Quadratic equation

4 aX3 + bX2 + cX + d=0 Cubic equation

The following flowchart depict procedure for solving two simultaneous equations:

2x + 4y = 10

4x– 3y = 5

 
 

The following flowchart depict procedure for solving three simultaneous equations:

2x + 3y– 5z = 10

3x– 4y + 2z = 8

2x– 4y + 7z = −3
 

 
MATRIX mode (6): The matrix mode is dedicated to solve problems related to matrix and determinants.
991ES supports matrices with at most 3 rows and columns. The option menu is displayed by pressing SHIFT
key followed by numeric 4 key. Before performing any calculations, it is necessary to input data for different
matrices, at most 3. These matrices are named A, B and C. Once the matrices are well-defined they can be
accessed and edited from the option menu. The following flowchart shows how to define the given matrix
and access it:

1 3 2
⎡ ⎤

⎢ −3 4 2⎥
⎣ ⎦
1 8 7

 
The matrices can also be defined later from option menu. The various options are described below. First
make sure that your calculator in in MATRIX mode.

It is not compulsory to define a matrix once MATRIX mode is active. You can skip it by pressing ‘AC’ key.
 

Options:

1. Dim: It is used to define a matrix. The following flowchart shows how to define a new matrix (or redefine
existing one) using this option:

 
 
2. Data: It is also like ‘Dim’ but the order (or dimensions) of the matrices can’t be changed if they are
already defined. So, this option is suitable for editing elements of a pre-defined matrix. The following
flowchart shows how to edit elements of a pre-defined matrix using this option:

3,4,5,6: These options are to access the matrices and perform other calculations. Ordinary ‘+’, ‘-’, ‘x’ keys
work for matrix operations too. The option ‘MatAns’ is for accessing the last matrix given by the calculator.
For instance, if you perform A + B and then want to find 3(A + B) , you can simply do 3(MatAns). The
following flowchart shows how to perform (A– 2B) × C for three square matrices of order 3.

 
7. det: This option is to find determinant of the matrices. The following flowchart shows how to find
determinant of the last matrix answer.

 
8. Trn: This option is to find transpose of the matrices. The following flowchart shows how to find transpose
of the last matrix answer.

 
 0 0 0
⎡ ⎤

Example: If A = ⎢0 0 0⎥ then:
⎣ ⎦
1 0 0

(a) A2 = A

(b) A3 = A

(c) A2 = −A

(d) none of these

First we define the matrix A, and find its powers. Then we can easily see which option is correct.
Since the square of A is null matrix, all its higher powers will also be null. So, (d) is correct.

Although the square key (and the cube) works good with matrices, you can’t use the power key. Instead,
you will have to continue the product.

∣x − a 1 2∣
∣ ∣
Example: If x = 2 is a root of 0
2
x 1 = 0, then a =
∣ ∣
∣ 1 2 3∣

(a) 11/10

(b) 12/10

(c) 13/10

(d) none of these

If x = 2 is root of the given equation,

∣2 − a 1 2∣
∣ ∣
0 4 1 = 0
∣ ∣
∣ 1 2 3∣

 
We define the matrix for different values of ‘a’, from options, and that value which gives 0 is correct. It is a
good exercise to do it on your own.

The inverse of matrix can be found by using the inverse key. The flowchart to find inverse of matrix A is:

The TABLE mode is already introduced under ‘sequence and series’. It will be further discussed later.

VECTOR mode (8): The vector mode is dedicated to vectors as the name suggests. The options ‘Dim’ and
‘Data’ are similar to the matrix mode. There is option for dot product, and the ordinary ‘x’ sign represents
cross product.

Example: For a unit vector a⃗ , the expression |a⃗ × ^ evaluates to:
2 2
^ 2
i| + |a⃗ × ^
j| + |a⃗ × k|

(a) 0

(b) 1

(c) 2

(d) 3

We can assume a⃗  to be any unit vector. For instance let i.

a⃗  = ^ Then we just need to replace a⃗  with ^
i and
see the result.
What more?
 
The previous sections were focused on straightforward calculations and were like guidelines for using the
calculator. On the basis of the discussion so far, now we proceed towards less-obvious computations. For
this purpose, we use the memory of calculator in form of ‘variables’. We will also use TABLE mode to
perform some operations like finding domain and range, evaluating limits and solving trigonometric
equations.

SOLVE:

When we have a complex equation with a single variable, 991ES can solve the equation provided that we
provide the initial guess wisely. We solve the equation with ‘SOLVE’ activated by pressing CALC key after
pressing SHIFT key.

The following flowchart shows how to solve ex = 3 sin x with this function.

Example: The point of intersection of y 2

= x and y = 2x − 1 is:

(a) (1, 1)

(b) (−1, 1)
(c) (−1, −1)

(d) none of these

If x = a is intersection, then 2
a = 2a − 1 . Solving x2 = 2x − 1 , we get from calculator x = 1, and y = x
2

gives y = 1. So, (1, 1) is the point of intersection.

What would be two points of intersections if the line was y = 2x + 1 ?

The TABLE mode:

I hope you remember how to generate a sequence using the TABLE mode. Using that knowledge, we are
going to find domain and range of functions, and also solve trigonometric equations.

 
−−−−−−−−−
Example: The range of the function f (x) = √x − 2x + 5 is:
2

(a) [−2, ∞)

(b) [2, ∞)

(c) (−∞, 2]

(d) none of these

Using the TABLE mode, we can generate the sequence for f (x) with convenient limits and steps. (Note that
the memory is limited!).

For this question, we can choose the limit from -10 to 10 with step 1.

Observing the values, the range can be found as [2, ∞) .

The minimum value is obtained at point of symmetry (vertex), which is at x = 1 since the value of f (x)

goes on increasing equally when ‘x’ increases or decreases from this point.

Example: The domain of f (x) 2

= ln(1 − x ) is:

(a) (−∞, 0]

(b) [0, ∞)

(c) [−1, 1]

(d) (−1, 1)

To find domain of the given function, generate the function’s sequence in the interval defined in the
options, with suitable intervals.
 

For this question, for option (a), start from -10, end to 0, with step 1. The function will be defined only at
x = 0 . So, this is discarded. For, option (b), start from 0, end to 10, with step 1. Once again, the function is

only defined at 0. So, this is also discarded. For option (c) start from -1, end to 1, with step 0.1. This clearly
shows that option (d) is correct.

Example: The most general value of θ satisfying sin θ + cos θ = 1 is:

π
(a) 2nπ ±
4

π π
(b) nπ + (−1)n −
4 4

(c) 2nπ

π
(d) (4n + 1)
4

Next, generate the sequence for θ using the function given in options. The option giving most general
values is correct.

For this question, option (a) should be resolved into two parts, one for positive and other for negative sign.
The interval’s limits can be [0, 2π] with step π/4. Further, it is suggested to factor out π and then generate
the sequence.

The following flowchart shows the sequence generated for option (a), keeping the minus sign.

 
Similarly, considering + sign too, the sequence can be written as: −1/4, 1/4, 7/4, 9/4, . . . Note that, the
values given by this sequence doesn't satisfy our equation. So, it is discarded.

The most general sequence giving valid angles only, is 0, 1/2, 2, . . . , generated from option (b). So, this is
correct answer.

BASE-N mode:

This mode allows conversion and calculations in different number bases. After it is active (MODE no 4), the
base is indicated just above the output answer. The keys for changing the bases are serially arranged in
the second row of the black keys’ pad.

 
 

When a number is typed in one base, and key of any other base is pressed, the conversion is automatically
done. The calculations can be done similar to normal calculations, without changing the base.

Conversion and Constants:

These features are important in solving some problems of physics, and even chemistry. After pressing the
SHIFT key, and then numeric 7, the option to enter a ‘constant number’ appears. There are 40 different
constants for forty different numbers. (Printed on the inside of back cover) These can be accessed and
manipulated as necessary.

Similarly, on pressing the SHIFT key and then numeric 8, conversion menu is displayed. To use the
conversion ‘a>b’, the units of ‘a’ should be typed first, and then the proper conversion should be selected
form the menu, and then ‘=’ should be pressed. For, instance, the following flowchart shows how to convert
the acceleration due to gravity (in m/s2 ) to f t/s2 :
And at last…
 

Should you always use the calculator? Actually, no. Since using calculator can save you time (and space),
you should consider learning the basics. However, sometimes using calculator can cost you even more
time. Further, using calculator DOESN’T mean, you have to study less. To know how the methods work, and
use them by really understanding when to use, requires even deeper study. Also, combining the basics of
what you have learned so far, I suggest you to develop whatever short-cuts you desire. And the most
important of all, NEVER rely on a method you don’t understand. Better slow and safe than fast and dead!

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