So, You’ve Got a NumWorks Calculator… Now What?
If you’ve just picked up a NumWorks calculator, you might be wondering where to start. It looks clean and modern, way less cluttered than a Casio, but how do you actually use it for A-level Maths?
This post will walk you through the basics, from setting it up to the key features you’ll want to use right away.
1. First Things First – Setting Up Your NumWorks
When you turn on NumWorks for the first time, it’ll ask if you want to update. Always update! NumWorks gets regular firmware updates, so you might get new features or bug fixes straight away.
🔹 To update: Connect your calculator to a computer, go to NumWorks Update, and follow the steps.
🔹 Check Exam Mode: If you’re using it for exams, go to Settings > Exam Mode to see how it works. (Tip: for settings press Home-0-0
2. The NumWorks Interface – What’s Different?
Unlike Casio, where functions are buried in menus, NumWorks has a simple app-based system.
🟡 Calculation – Your standard calculator mode (like Casio’s “COMP” mode).
🟢 Grapher – For sketching functions, transformations, and solving equations visually.
🟠 Statistics – Handy for data and trend analysis.
🟣 Sequences – Useful for recursion and series problems in Further Maths.
🔵 Distributions – Includes normal distribution and many others for calculations for Statistics.
🟡 Equations – Lets you enter and solve systems of equations
🟠 Regression – Handy for data handling and trend analysis.
🟣 Inference – Used to preform a wide range of hypothesis tests.
🟡 Python – Lets you run scripts and automate calculations.
🟢 Finance – Financial calculations – less useful for A-level maths.
🟠 Elements – The periodic table and details of every element. Useless for A-level maths, but interesting!
3. The Key Features You’ll Use Most
Here’s what you’ll actually need for A-level Maths:
✅ Graphing Functions Quickly
- Go to the Grapher app, enter a function like y = x² – 4x + 3, and press OK.
- Use the arrow keys to explore roots, intersections, and gradients.
✅ Differentiation & Integration
- In the Calculation app, select “Calculus” from the Catalog to calculate the values for derivatives, integrals, series and products
✅ Matrices & Vectors (For Further Maths)
- Open the Calculation app, select “Matrices and Vectors” from the Catalog to perform a wide range of matrix operations.
✅ Normal Distribution & Probability
- In the Distributions app, select Normal Distribution.
- Enter mean, standard deviation, and x-values to find probabilities fast.
4. Customising NumWorks for A-Level Maths
To make your life easier, tweak these settings (Home 0 0)
🔧 Angle Measure – Set to Degrees for trig problems (Settings > Angle).
🔧 Result and Writing format – Edit these to your personal preferences (I like “decimal” and “natural”.
🔧 Language and Country – ensure for use in the UK you set it appropiately.
Final Thoughts: Why NumWorks Feels Easier to Use
Unlike Casio’s button-heavy approach, NumWorks feels more natural to navigate. The app-based system means you find things faster, and graphing functions are smoother and clearer.
If you’re switching from Casio, it might take a few days to adjust, but once you do, you won’t want to go back.
Next Up…
Now that you know the basics, next time we’ll explore matrices, transformations, and why NumWorks is a great tool for Further Maths students.