Both Foundation papers (4MA1/1F and 4MA1/2F) permit a calculator, so owning one that complies with JCQ rules matters. Banned features are: data banks, stored text or formulae, a QWERTY keyboard, and built-in symbolic algebra (anything that simplifies $x^2 \times x^3$ to $x^5$ automatically). A numerical equation solver is allowed — but using it without showing algebraic working earns no method marks. A standard model such as the Casio fx-83/85GT CW covers everything the Foundation Tier needs; all calculator memories must be cleared before the exam starts.

The calculator follows BIDMAS automatically, but brackets are essential whenever you need to override the default order.

Example: to calculate $(15 + 3.5^2) \div (7.6 - 1.6)$, you must enter the brackets exactly as shown — without them, the calculator would only divide $3.5^2$ by $7.6$.

Powers use $x^2$, $x^3$ or $x^\square$ for any other power; roots use $\sqrt{\ }$ (often SHIFT + $x^2$) for square roots and $\sqrt[3]{\ }$ or $\sqrt[n]{\ }$ for others.

The fraction key creates a $\dfrac{\square}{\square}$ template; SHIFT + fraction gives a mixed-number template for inputs like $3\tfrac{1}{2}$. The S⇔D button toggles your answer between its exact (fraction/surd) form and its decimal form.

Use ANS to recall your last answer rather than re-typing a long decimal — this avoids both transcription slips and premature rounding. For problems needing several separate values kept at once, STO saves a number into memory A–Z, and ALPHA + letter recalls it later.

Find the value of $3.5 + 2.1 \times 1.8^2$, writing down every stage of your working.

1. Index first: $1.8^2 = 3.24$.
2. Multiplication next: $2.1 \times 3.24 = 6.804$.
3. Addition last: $3.5 + 6.804 = 10.304$.

Answer: $10.304$. Each line above corresponds to a method mark — a student who miscalculates the final addition but shows the first two steps correctly still secures those marks.

JCQ regulations require every calculator memory to be wiped before entering the exam hall, to guarantee no formulae or notes have been stored. On a Casio ClassWiz, the sequence is: SHIFT → 9 (RESET) → 3 (Initialize All) → = → AC. Practise this until it's automatic, since an invigilator may ask you to demonstrate it.