Calculators: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, fairly regularly, actually. I mostly use one to work out everyday expenses, like splitting a restaurant bill with friends or tracking my monthly budget. Just the other night, three of us went for dinner and I had to calculate everyone's share down to the penny.

I definitely lean towards the app on my mobile phone. It is just so much more convenient because I always have my phone on me. I haven't actually owned a dedicated pocket calculator since my university days, so reaching for my phone has simply become second nature.

Yes, we did, but only once we reached secondary school. Before that, our teachers were quite strict about mental arithmetic and banned them. But around the age of twelve, we were expected to buy a scientific calculator for our maths and physics lessons.

To be honest, I don't think they should, at least not in the early years. It is really vital for young children to master basic arithmetic and build number sense in their heads first. If they rely on gadgets too early, they might struggle with simple calculations later on.

I reckon so, though physical devices might become obsolete. People will always need to crunch numbers quickly, but the functions will probably just be integrated into wearable devices or voice-controlled tools rather than separate, handheld gadgets.