How to use a calculator ruler
The slide rule is a mechanical calculating tool that had great diffusion in the past, especially among engineers and technicians. Despite the advent of computers and electronic calculators, the slide rule remains a fascinating and useful object for those who love mathematics and physics.
The operation of the slide rule is based on the properties of logarithms. In practice, the slide rule consists of two parallel lines, one fixed and one movable, on which are reported the values of the logarithms of numbers between 1 and 10. By moving the movable line with respect to the fixed line, it is possible to perform multiplication, division, square root and other operations.
How to use the slide rule
To use the slide rule, you need to follow some simple steps:
- Place the cursor on scale C (number scale) so that zero on scale A (unit scale) coincides with the number on the cursor
- Find on scale C the first factor to multiply or divide
- Move scale B (logarithmic scale) until value of first factor coincides with that of scale A
- Find on scale C the second factor to multiply or divide
- Read product or quotient from scale A
For example, to multiply numbers 3 and 4 with a slide rule:
- Place the cursor on scale C so that zero on scale A coincides with number on cursor (e.g., number 1)
- Find on scale C the first factor (3)
- Move scale B until value of 3 coincides with that of scale A
- Find on scale C the second factor (4)
- Read product from scale A: result is 12
As you can see, using the slide rule requires some practice and manual skill. However, once mastery of the tool is acquired, complex calculations can be performed quickly and efficiently.
How the slide rule works
The slide rule is a very useful tool for performing mathematical calculations and precision measurements. It consists of two parts that slide against each other, allowing different operations to be performed.
Parts of the slide rule
The upper part of the slide rule is divided into scales, usually in centimeters or inches, while the lower part has a logarithmic scale. The logarithmic scale is used to perform multiplication and division, while the upper scales are used to perform addition and subtraction.
For example:
- If we want to multiply 5 by 6, we should place the cursor on number 5 on the logarithmic scale and then move it until it aligns with number 6 on the same scale. The result will be read on the upper scale corresponding to value 30.
- Instead, if we want to divide 10 by 2, we should place the cursor on number 10 and find corresponding value on lower scale. Then move cursor until it aligns with value "2" on the same scale. The result will be read on the upper scale corresponding to value "5".
It is important to note that:
- The logarithmic scale works similarly to the power scale, so it is also possible to perform operations such as square and cubic roots.
- The slide rule can be used for unit conversions as well, for example from inches to centimeters or from miles to kilometers.
In summary, the slide rule is a versatile and useful tool for performing a wide range of mathematical operations. With a little practice, you will become proficient in its use and be able to quickly solve complex problems.
Using the Slide Rule for Basic Mathematical Operations
The slide rule is a very useful device for quickly performing basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Here's how to use it for each of these operations.
Addition
To perform an addition operation with the slide rule, follow these steps:
- Place the cursor on the number you want to add.
- Hold down the cursor and move it to the right until you reach the number you want to add.
- Reading the result: read the value on the cursor where the movement ends.
For example, if you want to add 5 and 3, place the cursor on 5 and move it to the right until you reach 3. The value on the cursor where the movement ends will be 8, which is the correct answer.
Subtraction
To perform a subtraction operation with the slide rule, follow these steps:
- Place the cursor on the number you want to subtract from.
- Hold down the cursor and move it to the left until you reach the number you want to subtract.
- Reading the result: read the value on the cursor where the movement ends.
For example, if you want to subtract 3 from 5, place the cursor on 5 and move it to the left until you reach 3. The value on the cursor where the movement ends will be 2, which is the correct answer.
Multiplication
To perform a multiplication operation with the slide rule, follow these steps:
- Place the first factor (the number to be multiplied) on scale A.
- Align the second factor (the number to multiply by) with the first factor on scale B.
- Reading the result: read the value on scale C directly above the second factor.
For example, if you want to multiply 5 by 3, put 5 on scale A and align 3 on scale B. The value on scale C directly above 3 will be 15, which is the correct answer.
Division
To perform a division operation with the slide rule, follow these steps:
- Place the dividend (the number to be divided) on scale A.
- Align the divisor (the number to divide by) with the dividend on scale C.
- Reading the result: read the value on scale B directly above the divisor.
For example, if you want to divide 5 by 3, put 5 on scale A and align 3 with it on scale C. The value on scale B directly above 3 will be approximately 1.67, which is the correct answer.
For example, if you want to divide 10 by 2, place 10 on scale A and align 2 on scale C. The value on scale B directly above 2 will be 5, which is the correct answer.
Using the slide rule for advanced math operations
In addition to basic operations, a slide rule can also be used to perform more complex calculations such as square roots, logarithms, and trigonometry.
Square Roots
To calculate the square root of a number with a slide rule, first find the value of the number on scale A. Then, move the cursor until it aligns with the value of 1 on scale C. The value on the cursor that is located on scale B corresponds to the square root of the original number.
Logarithms
To calculate the logarithm of a number with a slide rule, first find the value of the number on scale A. Then, move the cursor until it aligns with the desired value on scale C (e.g. 10). The value on the cursor that is located on scale B corresponds to the logarithm of the original number in base 10.
Trigonometry
The slide rule can also be used to solve trigonometry problems such as determining sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle. To do this, you must first find the angle on scale D. Then, move along the left-hand scale (scale K) until you reach the desired value (sine, cosine, or tangent). Finally, move the cursor until it aligns with the value on scale B. The value on the cursor that is located on scale A corresponds to the sine, cosine, or tangent of the original angle.
- For example, to calculate the sine of a 30-degree angle:
- Find the 30-degree angle on scale D
- Move along the left-hand scale (scale K) until you reach the "sin" value
- Move the cursor until it aligns with the value of 0.5 on scale B
- The value on the cursor that is located on scale A corresponds to the sine of 30 degrees, which is 0.5
Conclusions and tips for using a slide rule
Using a slide rule may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice it will become a useful and fast resource for solving mathematical problems. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your slide rule:
Choose the right type of slide rule
There are different types of slide rules available on the market, each designed for specific functions. Make sure to choose one that best suits your needs.
Familiarize yourself with the scales
It's important to understand how to read the different scales on your slide rule. Practice reading the scales until you feel confident using your tool.
Keep your slide rule clean and in good condition
A dirty or damaged slide rule calculator could compromise its accuracy. Make sure to keep your tool clean and protected from any damage.
Practice, practice, practice
As with any other skill, using a slide rule calculator requires practice. Don't give up if you have difficulty at first; keep practicing until you can solve mathematical problems with ease.
- Make sure you have good lighting and a clean and tidy workspace to work with your slide rule calculator.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have difficulty using your tool. There are many online resources, video tutorials, and manuals available to help you improve your skills.
With a little practice and perseverance, using the slide rule calculator will become second nature to you. Don't forget that this tool was designed to simplify your life, so have fun using it!
Conclusion
As you have seen, using a slide rule calculator can be very helpful in solving complex mathematical problems. With a little practice and following the tips listed above, you can become an expert in using this tool. Always remember to choose the right type of slide rule calculator for your needs and keep it clean and in good condition. Don't give up if you have difficulty at first, but keep practicing until you feel confident using your tool. Good luck!

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





