Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Analyze the Numeric Keypad

Introduction
Learn more about the numeric keypad on your keyboard.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Key your answers into the spaces provided. After you finish keying, check your work carefully and click Submit.

Explore the Numeric Keypad
Most modern keyboards include a numeric keypad—a separate set of keys which contain numbers, a decimal, mathematic symbols, and an Enter key— similar to a calculator. You can use it to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers. Numeric keypads make it more comfortable and efficient to enter large amounts of numeric data.

Different Modes The keys on the numeric keyboard can usually also serve as insertion point controls. For example to move the insertion point to the right, use the right arrow on the number 6 key. The key functions at any given time depend on what mode (status) the keypad is set to. You can toggle, or switch, easily between modes by pressing the toggle key on the keypad. On most keyboards, this key is labeled Num Lock (Number Lock). You will see the light indicating that Num Lock is on when the key pad is in number mode.

• In numeric mode, the keys represent numbers and mathematic symbols, such as +, -, *, and / to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
• In insertion point control mode, the keys function similar to arrow keys. If you look at the keypad on your computer, you may see that it has arrow keys, as well as keys that say Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End. Pressing these will move the insertion point to different parts of the document you are viewing.

1			What mathematical calculations can you perform with the numeric keypad?
2			In order to use the numeric keypad as a calculator, what mode must you be in?
3			Find the Num Lock key on your keyboard. Where is it located?
4			Explore your own numeric keypad in insertion point control mode. On which number keys are the arrow buttons located?
5			Which would you prefer to use to input large amounts of numeric information—the numeric keypad or the row of numbers over the letter keys on the regular keyboard? Why?