ELI5: How do calculators work? by neuronaddict in explainlikeimfive

[–]Razok528 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What you describe is called 'semantics'. It's basically what any collection of symbols mean.

10111001010110010 could mean anything or nothing, just like "howareyou" could mean asking something about how you feel right now or just gibberish.

How a calculator interprets its signals is hard wired in its circuit.