MC clears stored memory, MR recalls its value, and MS stores the number currently displayed. M+ adds the displayed number to memory, while M− subtracts it. These labels are common, but calculator memory controls differ by model, so check your calculator’s manual for its exact behavior.
What MC, MR and MS mean
- MC — Memory Clear: clears the stored memory value. It is different from a display-clearing key such as C or AC, though the exact behavior of those keys varies by calculator.
- MR — Memory Recall: puts the stored value on the display. On the Open University example calculator, recalling a value leaves it in memory, so you can recall it again.
- MS — Memory Store: saves the number currently displayed in memory, replacing the value already stored.
- M+ — Memory Plus: adds the displayed value to the value in memory.
- M− — Memory Minus: subtracts the displayed value from the value in memory.
These definitions describe common labels, not a universal layout. Some calculators use a single independent memory register and different key sequences instead of separate MS, MR and MC buttons.
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How to store and recall a number
The Open University demonstrates a memory-button workflow in its guide to using calculator memory buttons:
- Enter
8 + 15 =. The display shows23. - Press MS to store 23.
- Press C to clear the display while leaving the stored value available.
- Enter
46 ÷, press MR to put 23 into the calculation, then press=. The result is2.
This example distinguishes clearing the display from clearing memory. On this layout, C clears the display and MC clears memory; do not assume every calculator assigns C or AC the same role.
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How to add several subtotals to memory
Use M+ when you want to accumulate separate results without writing each one down and adding them later. The Open University’s calculator-memory lesson demonstrates this with two calculations:
- Calculate
7 × 4to get 28, then press M+. - Calculate
3 × 8to get 24, then press M+ again. - Press MR to recall the accumulated total, 52.
Each press of M+ adds the displayed result to the existing memory value. M− works in the opposite direction, subtracting the displayed result from memory.
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Why clearing the display may not clear memory
Display-clearing and memory-clearing operations are separate on many calculators. For example, Casio’s user guide for the fx-100MS, fx-570MS and fx-991MS states: “Independent memory and variable contents are retained even if you press [AC], or turn off the calculator.” That retention statement applies to the models covered by that Casio guide; it should not be generalized to every calculator.
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To clear a stored value, use the memory-clear operation specified for your model. Some calculators have a dedicated MC key. The cited Casio MS-series guide describes an independent-memory workflow that clears M by storing zero, rather than using an MS/MR/MC row. Casio’s fx-95MS/fx-500MS instructions for clearing all memories give a separate, model-specific procedure. Do not rely on C, AC or MC to clear every stored variable unless your manual says it does.
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What to check in your calculator’s manual
Memory controls can differ even when calculators use similar labels. The Open University also cautions that a calculator may work differently from its example. Look up your model’s instructions for:
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- Which key stores a displayed result, recalls memory, and clears memory.
- Whether M+ and M− update a single register or work with another memory system.
- Whether C or AC clears only the display or also affects stored values.
- How to clear independent memory, variables, or all memories.
- Whether stored values remain after turning the calculator off.
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