One of the easiest ways to evaluate an arithmetic expression of almost any kind is to type it into an on-line calculator. Many times, typing it into a search box is equivalent.

<h3>Application</h3>

See the attachment for the search box input (at top) and the result. This calculator has the benefit that it <em>always follows the Order of Operations</em> when evaluating an expression. (Not all calculators do.)

ln(7) ≈ 1.95

<em>Additional comment</em>

If your math course is asking you to evaluate such expressions, you have probably been provided a calculator to use, or given the requirements for a calculator suitable for use in the course.

There are some very nice calculator apps for phone and tablet. Many phones and tablets already come with built-in calculator apps. For the purpose here, you need a "scientific" or "graphing" calculator. A 4-function calculator will not do.

As with any tool, it is always a good idea to read the manual for your calculator and work through any example problems.

Years ago, handheld calculators were not available, and most desktop calculators were only capable of the basic four arithmetic functions. Finding a logarithm required use of a table of logarithms. Such tables were published in mathematical handbooks, and extracts of those often appeared as appendices in math textbooks used in school.

3 0

2 years ago