On a calculator, the abbreviation “CE” commonly stands for “Clear Entry.” This function removes the most recent number entered, allowing the user to correct input errors without deleting the entire calculation. For example, if a user intends to input “123 + 456” but accidentally enters “123 + 45,” pressing the “CE” key will erase the “45,” permitting the user to correctly enter “456.”
The “Clear Entry” function is beneficial for maintaining accuracy in calculations, preventing cascading errors that can arise from incorrect inputs. Its presence on calculators, from basic models to scientific instruments, underscores the importance of error correction in numerical computation. Functionality addressing immediate input errors has been a consistent element in calculator design, adapting from early mechanical models to modern electronic devices.