<p>I'm going to be a freshman this fall and i wanted to know if i needed a graphing calculator. I am in WCAS and I don't know what classes I'm taking yet but I know I will take at least one math/economics/science course this year requiring calculations. SO will I need a graphing calculator for that?????</p>
<p>And if I do need a graphing calculator, which is the standard model that most students use?? (Ti-82??) Where is the cheapest place to get one? Should I wait until I get there and buy one from a store on school(is that cheaper?)? Can I get a used one from school for cheaper? Or are they not sold at school and do I need to buy one frmo home????</p>
<p>Please help! Thanks to anyone who can answer any of my questions</p>
<p>Just buy a TI 83 plus from your local office supply store. The new TI 84 plus model came in but you are better off saving $30-40 buying the TI 83 plus because the TI 83 plus is practically the same calculator as the 84, but just a little bit slower in some of the higher level graphing calculations. The TI 83 plus should also be on clearance in some of the store because they want to make room for the new models. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>do you know if any classes/schools have any restrictions against using a ti-89 because of its extensive capabilities? i have a ti-83 as well but i've always used the 89. i was planning on letting my sister keep the 83 but do you think it would be safer to take both?</p>
<p>Yea, all i have actually is an ti-89 from back when I took calc in high school, but I think I'm going to retake calc I and calc II, rather than take a year of advanced calc since I took calc like 3-4 years ago. Is there anything against an 89 in first year calc?</p>
<p>In general, the profs don't care what calculator you use. However, lots of the calc classes don't let you use calculators for tests or quizzes, because they have the capability of doing some of the problems for you. As for the TI-89, it has advantages (its great for checking work), but its not necessary. It comes in handy when doing problem sets or homework. I have a TI 83+, and its done just fine. </p>
<p>Basically, if you're thinking of an 89 (or any other calculator), evaluate your major. If you are engineering, physics, or some other science, then sure, it might help you. If you are some other CAS major, then it probably isn't necessary.</p>
<p>yes, whenever a TI-83 is allowed, a TI-89 will be allowed. I beleive they sell them at the bookstore, but it is probably not on sale whatsoever. So, if you can find it cheap somewhere at home, buy there.</p>
<p>As for having a graphing calculator at all... that really goes back to what your major is, and how well you know how to use one (or can figure them out). If you are just taking a few of the science classes for distros, then you probably can save yourself some money and go with a scientific calculator. I can't think of any specific instances where a graphing calculator was required in any of my freshman year classes. I mostly used mine for calculations, and also used the "solver" function. (if given an equation like 5x^2+4x+1=0, it finds the values of x that fit the equation)</p>
<p>If anything it would cost more at NU. Stores around college campuses always charge a premium because they know students will buy their products regardless because they need them for school.</p>