The Evolution and Impact of the Calculator: From Enormous Machines to Portable Devices

The video discusses the evolution of calculators, starting with Texas Instruments' groundbreaking product in 1967. Initially, calculators were large and costly, but the first portable version revolutionized numerical work. Despite development challenges, including creating a compact power source, the project succeeded after 18 months. Today, calculators are ubiquitous in education, and their development paved the way for other portable technologies like computers. Modern calculators use long-life batteries or solar cells for power.

Which company introduced the first portable calculator that changed the way we work with numbers?

• Sharp

• Hewlett-Packard

• Texas Instruments

• Casio

What was a significant challenge in the development of the first portable calculator?

• Ensuring high-speed calculations

• Creating a user-friendly interface

• Reducing the cost of production

• Developing a small yet powerful battery

What was a unique feature of the first calculator in terms of displaying results?

• Results were stored in a memory chip

• Results were displayed on a digital screen

• Results were printed on a roll of paper

• Results were shown using LED lights

How did the development of the portable calculator influence other technologies?

• It led to the creation of smartphones

• It contributed to the development of portable computers

• It resulted in the design of smart home devices

• It inspired the invention of digital watches

What are the common power sources for modern calculators?

• Wind energy and hydroelectric power

• Nuclear power and fossil fuels

• Long-life batteries and solar cells

• Geothermal energy and tidal power