Is super-accuracy matters?

[johnb]

(10-13-2023 03:21 PM)KeithB Wrote:  I think the super-accuracy in scientific calculators came about because it was the one real advantage they had over slide rules - other than addition of course 8^).

Not the only big advantage. Don't forget programmability!

When doing the same set of calculations over and over again (chemistry or astronomy class, anyone?), programmability was invaluable simply because it avoided mistakes such as step omissions. Not to mention how much it speeded up the tedium in the first place.

Having said that, prior to programmable calculators, accuracy (and just plain nerdy niftiness!) was a big point! I remember as a kid, just being amazed that I could multiply 1234 x 5678 and instead of getting ~ 7x10¹², it would (more or less promptly) flash "7,006,652."

"Wow, I've finally gotten good enough at eyeballing this cursor to get 2-3 significant digits, and this new clicky LED machine gives me EIGHT?"