calculator
CRITICAL for ALL mathematical and numerical operations including arithmetic, percentages, averages, and DATE/CALENDAR calculations (day of week, date differences, time calculations). MANDATORY when user asks to calculate, compute, solve expressions, determine dates, or perform any numeric analysis.
When & Why to Use This Skill
This Claude skill provides a robust engine for all mathematical and numerical operations, ensuring high precision in arithmetic, percentage calculations, and complex algebraic expressions. It is specifically designed to handle date and calendar arithmetic, such as determining day-of-week or time differences, making it an essential tool for accurate data analysis and financial computations.
Use Cases
- Financial Math: Calculate discounts, tax rates, and total purchase costs for business transactions with high accuracy.
- Date & Calendar Management: Determine the number of days between specific dates or identify weekdays for project scheduling and deadline tracking.
- Complex Problem Solving: Execute multi-step mathematical expressions following PEMDAS/BODMAS rules with transparent, step-by-step logic for verification.
- Numerical Analysis: Perform averages, ratios, and statistical computations on provided datasets to support business reporting and decision-making.
| name | calculator |
|---|---|
| description | CRITICAL for ALL mathematical and numerical operations including arithmetic, percentages, averages, and DATE/CALENDAR calculations (day of week, date differences, time calculations). MANDATORY when user asks to calculate, compute, solve expressions, determine dates, or perform any numeric analysis. |
Calculator Skill
Instructions
- Parse the mathematical expression carefully
- Follow standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
- Show your work step-by-step for complex calculations
- Provide the final result with appropriate precision
- If the expression is ambiguous, clarify with the user before calculating
Examples
Example 1: Basic Calculation
User: "What's 15% of 250?" Action: Calculate: 250 × 0.15 = 37.5 Response: "15% of 250 is 37.5"
Example 2: Complex Expression
User: "Calculate (45 + 27) × 3 - 12 / 4" Action:
- First: (45 + 27) = 72
- Then: 12 / 4 = 3
- Then: 72 × 3 = 216
- Finally: 216 - 3 = 213 Response: "The result is 213"
Example 3: Multiple Operations
User: "If I buy 3 items at $24.99 each and 2 items at $12.50 each, what's the total?" Action:
- 3 × $24.99 = $74.97
- 2 × $12.50 = $25.00
- Total: $74.97 + $25.00 = $99.97 Response: "The total cost is $99.97"
Error Handling
- Division by zero: Inform user this is undefined
- Invalid expressions: Ask for clarification
- Very large numbers: Use scientific notation when appropriate