How to get reciprocal (1/x) in scientific mode in Windows 10 calculator

I'm sure there's an obvious answer to this...

In Windows 10 calculator, the standard mode has a reciprocal (1/x) button, but scientific mode does not. However, it's not possible to switch back to standard mode to perform a reciprocal operation because this clears the current value.

I realize I could use the memory, but surely there is an easier way?

Andy

Posted 2016-05-23T21:17:38.293

Reputation: 725

Strange, I can see 1/x button in both modes. – user364455 – 2016-05-23T21:39:36.650

@PetSerAl that's because your window is big. Try resizing the calculator to make it smaller and then it'll automatically rearrange the buttons – phuclv – 2019-03-24T09:58:19.970

Answers

The Windows 10 calculator changes slightly depending on the size of the window. You've probably got it a little bit on the small side, so, in order to access the reciprocal button, you need to use the shift button:

You'll notice when you click the shift button, you'll see a new set of functions. Alternatively, you can just make the window taller and they will all appear.

heavyd

Posted 2016-05-23T21:17:38.293

Reputation: 54 755

6Thanks I never noticed the shift button - on my PC it's the same color as all the others. I couldn't get all the buttons to show by making it taller (maybe my monitor isn't high enough) but I could by making it wider. I've no idea why they made the buttons so big though - the window has to nearly fill the screen before all the buttons appear. – Andy – 2016-05-24T20:05:13.303

@Andy yes I agree the behavior is pretty unintuitive, and my button is only colored differently because I took the screenshot with the button pressed, it is usually black as well making it very difficult to find. – heavyd – 2016-05-24T20:41:47.397

Wow, this is very poor UI design. Unbelievable, coming from Microsoft. I just went full screen with the calculator and saw tons of new buttons. – Christian Shay – 2017-03-11T23:06:44.053

@Andy I suspect the buttons are this big because all the new Windows 10 UI is intended to be touch-friendly (with no exceptions made for devices that don't even have a touchscreen). – peterflynn – 2017-07-17T21:10:26.100

The standard mode has a reciprocal (1/x) button, but scientific mode does not

The Windows 10 calculator has some shortcuts you can use.

One of them is:

R - Select 1/x (Reciprocal).

Source Useful Calculator keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10

DavidPostill

Posted 2016-05-23T21:17:38.293

Reputation: 118 938