Engineering at Dordt College

Do you think you have a better calculator than your friend? If so, why not challenge your friend to a round of “calculator war.” Here’s how you play the game:

You need two random numbers, call them A and B. Enter A into each calculator so that it shows in the display. Then, on a given signal, each person playing the game must push non-numeric buttons in order to get the number B to display. The first person to do so wins. Note that after A shows in the display, no other numbers may be entered via the keyboard.

Here’s an example: The two random numbers are
A = 5, B = 6

All those playing the game enter the 5 by pushing the “5″ button and maybe one other button like “=” or “Enter.”

Now, on a given signal everyone playing the game has to press non-numeric keys to get 6 to show. For example:

—you win if your calculator is the first to show “6″

Want a bigger challenge? Try A = 5, B = 621
(Hint: 5 squared is 25 and squared again gives 625.)

(photo of hp 35 calculator source and copyright information)