<p>I just found out I need a graphing calculator for my pre-cal class next year, so I've been looking up different TI calculators and they all have these "applications" that you can get. What exactly are they???? Do they help you in class???</p>
<p>Some of them can help in class, like something where you plug an equation in and it'll solve it for you. Some are just games like Tetris and stuff like that. I never got any, because if you learn to rely on the equation-solver, you're totally screwed when it comes to no-calc tests/quizzes. Plus, in pre-cal, you don't really need it.</p>
<p>Applications are stuff that you download and put onto your graphing calculator. It's like installing a game or a program onto your computer. You can download games and programs onto your graphing calculator.</p>
<p>Interesting. Thank you, guys!!!</p>
<p>Applications are exorbitant (SAT words, yay) imo. They include games, libraries, and various programs that could make complex algebra go by quicker, but that's it. I had a 98 average in precalc without using them.</p>
<p>Most programs used in class are just equation solvers.</p>
<p>You don't even need a graphing calculator for precalc.</p>
<p>You definitely need a graphing calculator for precalc. Really.</p>
<p>At my school, it's required to have it. So I really don't have a choice. :)</p>
<p>My pre-calc class didn't require graphing calculators, but it was much easier to solve determinants on a calculator, rather than multiplying it all out on paper. I'd recommend staying away from applications for the most part. If you like, you can put in a few games for when you're bored, and maybe a few simple programs that will convert English --> metric for you or something, but don't rely on them.</p>
<p>... I've had a graphing calc since 7th grade.</p>
<p>It makes it a lot easier to see things like circles/ellipses graphed out.
And pre-calc is the same too with basic trig graphs.</p>
<p>Block dude.</p>
<p>if you've never played block dude then you're not living life the right way. I used to be able to beat the whole game in like 5 minutes.</p>
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Do they help you in class???
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<p>Don't install applications on your calculator unless the teacher allows them. There are teachers that will check and clear everyone's calculators and get pretty mad if they find something . . . my school does.</p>
<p>^lol! I guess if you can text really fast you could beat block dude in five minutes. But really five minutes? Genius!...</p>
<p>Applications are mostly for games, though there are some that converts units, or show "virtual" notecards (SAT words, AP prep etc.). </p>
<p>I find programs more useful than applications. Programs are for calculations, like solving quadratic equations after plugging in the a, b, and c.</p>
<p>I've found applications really useful. There will be a class period every week or so when you're just so bored and the teacher is rambling about something you already know that it's a pleasure to pull out Block Dude and play.</p>
<p>On a serious note, I used A+ Alg II in precal and I think it helped. I didn't use the program much, but w/e. In calculus I had A+ Calculus and that was IMMENSELY helpful for checking slope fields or confusing limits.</p>
<p>Ah block dude. It took me forever to beat the whole thing. I mean it took me almost a semester(pathetic) to beat it.</p>