Buzz
For decades, students have been using computers (handheld/portable) to write text in math lessons. Thankfully, there are numerous key combinations available to type text on a computer. Older computers can help you achieve this more effectively, so ask your parents if they still have their old school computers stored somewhere. See how many words you can write with it!
Steps
Use Hexadecimal Mode
Switch the computer to hexadecimal mode. Not all handheld computers have a hexadecimal mode (Hexadecimal/Hex), but if your computer supports it, you’ll be able to write more letters to form more words. You can be sure that your computer has hexadecimal mode if you see the letters A-F on the keyboard.
- Some computers with hexadecimal mode include Casio and Texas Instruments.
Combine letters and numbers to form words. In hexadecimal mode, you will have several letters such as A, B, C, D, E, and F. You can also use the number 1 to write the letter I, 0 for O, and 5 for S.
- For example: You can press 5EE to write the word 'see'.
- Other words you can create include BASS (bass), DIE (die), BOSS (boss), DOE (doe), and SEA (sea).
Create more letters in different styles by flipping the computer upside down. When you flip the computer in hexadecimal mode, you can transform the letter b into q and d into p. Beyond q and p, you can use numbers to create other letters such as O, D, I, Z, E, h, A, S, g/q, L, B, and G. The possibilities are endless!
- b=q
- d=p
- 0=O/D
- 1=I
- 2=Z
- 3=E
- 4=h/A
- 5=S
- 6=g/q
- 7=L
- 8=B
- 9=G/b
- You can also use the number 2 as a substitute for 'to' or 'too'.
Flip the computer upside down
Use numbers to replace letters. When the computer is flipped upside down, each number looks like a letter. You can use these numbers to form many words. Here is a list of letters you can use:
- 0=O/D
- 1=I
- 2=Z
- 3=E
- 4=h/A
- 5=S
- 6=g/q
- 7=L/t
- 8=B
- 9=G/b
Write the word on a piece of paper. To check if you can form a word, see if all the letters have corresponding numbers in the list. If a desired letter isn’t on the list, you won't be able to form the word.
- "HELLO" is a common word written on computers. Notice that all the letters are on the list.
- On the computer, you can also write words like IGLOOS (igloos), GIGGLE (giggle), SHOES (shoes), and EGG (egg). Check the list of letters to see which words you can form.
Record the corresponding number for each letter. Write down the number corresponding to each letter in the list below. These are the numbers you will use to form words. Typically, each letter corresponds to one number.
- To write "HELLO", press the corresponding numbers 43770.
Press the recorded numbers in reverse order on the computer. Start with the last letter of the word. When you flip the computer, the order of the letters will be reversed — meaning the word will appear from the right side!
- For example: To write "HELLO", you will need to press the numbers in reverse order: 0.7734.
- If a word ends with the letter "o", start with the number 0, then add a decimal point (.) so that when you press "enter" or "=", the 0 remains.
Press enter and flip the computer. Some computers have an "enter" key, while others only have the = key. Press whichever button is available on your computer. Flip the computer so the top part faces you. Your word will appear on the screen!
Try writing a few words. To see if you can form a word, check a list of words that others have discovered. Try writing the following words:
- Press 376006 to write GOOGLE
- Press 707 to write LOL (laughing out loud)
- Press 0.08 to write BOO (expression of disapproval)
- Press 53177187714 to write HILLBILLIES
- Press 500761 to write IGLOOS
- Press 38 to write BE, 338 to write BEE (bee)
- Press 55378 to write BLESS
- Press 0.208 to write BOZO
- Press 663 to write EGG
- Press 336 to write GEE
- Press 376616 to write GIGGLE
- Press 378806 to write GOBBLE
- Press 637 to write LEG
- Press 607 to write LOG
- Press 53507 to write LOSES
- Press 3080 to write OBOE
- Press 53045 to write SHOES
- Press 8075 to write SLOB
- Press 8008 to write BOOB
Tips
- It’s best to use an old computer to create words that are easier to read.
- The Casio fx-83Gt Plus handheld calculator includes the letters y and m. To type the letters o, g, and r, press shift and ans.
