If you are going to study math, science, or engineering in college, a graphing calculator can be a useful tool to help you solve complex equations and visualize data.
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“If you are going to study math, science, or engineering in college, a graphing calculator can be a useful tool to help you solve complex equations and visualize data.” In addition to its functionality in math and science courses, graphing calculators can also be essential for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. A graphing calculator allows you to easily generate graphs and tables, view multiple representations of a function, and perform advanced calculations. Furthermore, graphing calculators are portable and allow for easy on-the-go calculations.
According to the College Board, the company that administers the SAT, “You’re allowed to use a calculator for Part 1 and Part 2 of the math sections. Approved calculators are allowed for the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests—find out which ones are acceptable.” Some popular graphing calculators that are approved for use on standardized tests include the TI-84 Plus CE, the Casio fx-CG20, and the HP Prime Graphing Calculator.
In addition, many colleges recommend or require students to have a graphing calculator for certain courses or programs. For example, the University of Florida’s Department of Mathematics states, “Because of the emphasis on graphing calculators in many high school math programs and because of the importance of graphing calculators in the majority of computer-intensive math courses at the college level, we suggest all students considering majors in the mathematical sciences purchase a graphing calculator.”
Overall, while a graphing calculator is not essential for all college students, it can be extremely helpful in certain courses and standardized tests. As Dr. Robert E. Myers, a math professor at the University of Rochester, has stated, “I believe a graphing calculator is pretty essential equipment for anyone serious about studying college-level mathematics, physics or engineering.” Below is a table comparing some popular graphing calculators:
Calculator | Price | Screen Size | RAM | Battery Life |
---|---|---|---|---|
TI-84 Plus CE | $129 | 320×240 | 154KB | 30 Hours |
Casio fx-CG20 | $90 | 216×384 | 62KB | 140 Hours |
HP Prime | $129 | 320×480 | 32MB | 18 Hours |
Video related “Should I buy a graphing calculator for college?”
The video provides a guide to choosing a graphing calculator for students, covering the TI-84 Plus CE, the TI Inspire CX2, the Casio Prism, and the HP Prime. While the calculators are similar in terms of form and features, they differ in capabilities and prices, with some, like the TI-84 Plus CE, more suitable for standardized tests and others, like the HP Prime, ideal for professionals. Users are advised to consider personal preference, requirements, and familiarity with the calculator when making a choice, with options such as the Casio fx-9750GIII recommended for basic algebra and geometry and the HP Prime for symbolic math capabilities.
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Simply put, the value of a TI graphing calculator is in the fact it’s a worthwhile, one-time purchase for parents and their child. It’s a tool used for learning math, science and coding that’s durable enough to follow students from middle school to high school, and all the way through college.
Students taking the SAT or the ACT to get into college will need a calculator while sitting for the exam, and while many schools have the option to borrow one to use in class, having your own at home to practice with can mean higher test scores.
These topics will undoubtedly pique your attention
- Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CXII CAS Color Graphing Calculator.
- Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator.
- Casio FX-991EX Engineering/Scientific Calculator.
- Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16 Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator.
- Texas Instrument TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator.