1. Investigate this on your calculator.
Using a calculator
N2.2 Core Starter
Investigate this on your calculator.
Enter the day of the month you were born. (For November 23, enter 23.)
Multiply this by 20, add 3 and multiply by 5.
Add on the number of the month you were born. (For November 23, enter 11.)
Add on the last two digits of the year in which you were born.
Subtract 1515 from the display. What do you notice about the display?
Preamble This activity gives practice in using a calculator and is in some respects self-correcting, as any mistakes mean the rather surprising final result will not be produced. The reasons why some pupils don’t get the correct result can start a useful discussion.
Possible content Use of calculator, informal order of operation.
Resources Calculators.
Solutions/Notes The display shows the birth date of the person (i.e. day – month – year).