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Hello!

I am a rising junior (grade 11) and I had a few questions from people about Graphing calculators. I thought this might be the appropriate place to post them.

1. First of all- are they absolutely necessary for higher-level math courses in high school? (Such as pre-cal and cal) What about other courses (physics...)

2. Secondly, are they recommended for use in the SAT's, are they preferred to normal calculators, do they have any advantages in tests like SAT when you are tight for time? (Referring to the new SAT)

3. Thirdly, which calculator do you recommend? A lot of people have recommended TI-83(+) to me, it is what we would normally use in school as well. But, there are several new 'versions' out… Right now I can get TI-83+ for a hundred dollars, but the more recent the version, the higher the tag price, and I am curious as to whether they’re really worth it. (Function wise)

That's all for now. Thanks in advance.

By Qwert271 (Qwert271) on Saturday, August 21, 2004 - 10:45 pm: Edit

1. they aren't absolutely necessary for the Calc sequence but they certainly do help a lot. In my school, since they're pretty well funded, they recommend the 83+ but if someone doesn't want to buy one they lend the kid one for the year. Some problems on the AB/BC exams are specifically graphing calc ones, you wouldn't be able to get far on them without a graphing calc.
2. for the new SAT, i would imagine they are even more useful than for the present one. i took the old SAT this year, and, though it didn't really help me that much, it is clearer to do arithmetic on because it has a big screen that shows you the entire problem. so for the newer, harder SAT, yes, i think it would be a big plus if you know how to use it by then.
3. 83+ is perfectly fine for high school math. at my nearby staples i saw it for 70 bucks. for about 140 now you can buy an 89 which can do multivariable i think and solve higher level equations. i think you will eventually need more than an 83+ in college if you take harder math, but for now the 83+ is perfect. besides, if you buy one for college now you'll be paying much more than you will in a few years.

By Marite (Marite) on Saturday, August 21, 2004 - 10:47 pm: Edit

The calculator is very handy for avoiding tedious computations. When you take the AP Calc exam, there is a section that makes use of the calculator. My S found this section the most challenging part of the exam. Others have said the same. The College Board should have a list of permitted calculators on its website. My S has a TI-83 that worked very well for AP Calc. When he got to Multivariable Calculus, we bought him a TI-89, but he was so used to the TI-83 that he has not used the TI-89 much at all.

By Im_Blue (Im_Blue) on Saturday, August 21, 2004 - 10:57 pm: Edit

1. They're required for AP Calculus, and also very helpful for Precalculus.

2. Yes, especially the TI-89, which can do symbolic manipulation. It can factor polynomials, simplify algebraic expressions, solve equations, and many other useful things for the SAT.

3.I recommend either the TI-83+ or the TI-89. Most people get the TI-83+, so you may be most comfortable with it in the classroom. But the TI-89 has many features that no other calculator has, which gives you a huge advantage for the SAT and AP Calculus. It's also great for checking homework answers quickly.

By Candi1657 (Candi1657) on Saturday, August 21, 2004 - 11:40 pm: Edit

However, you have to find out whether your model of calculator is allowed. In my AP Calculus class, I was not allowed to use my Ti-89 for exams, since it calculates indefinite integrals.

By Fendergirl (Fendergirl) on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 12:11 am: Edit

i have a ti-86 and it was great for calculus.

By Patr1ck (Patr1ck) on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 08:58 am: Edit

The TI-83 PLUS is the basic format of all calc. It can work with anything and it is reliable. It is reasonabily priced.. (130CDN)

By Elizabeth22 (Elizabeth22) on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 12:24 pm: Edit

I love my TI-83+. I also have a TI-89, but I haven't gotten the hang on using it yet, and I'm just not attached to it like I am to my 83. Precalculus is a breeze with an 83- my school requires each of us to have one before we enroll in Algebra II. For AP Calculus, we're required to have 89s. I found my 83 very helpful on SATs, but I think it's always advisable to use the calculator you're most comfortable with.

By Tabby (Tabby) on Sunday, August 22, 2004 - 10:58 pm: Edit

S has a TI-86 and is in Calc II and III this yr; thought it was great in PreCal and Cal I junior year. A student he knows at Rice in EE recommended that he get the TI-86. Got it on ebay, brand new and still in wrapper. You can save about $20 doing ebay. It runs $100 in stores but was about $80 on ebay, even w postage.