<p>I want a good graphing calculator with all the required (and useful!) functions for the Mathematics Level II Subject Test, preferably with a low cost.
I'd appreciate any suggestions.</p>
<p>My daughter uses this one for honors precalc
<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B0001EMM0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415287433&sr=1-1&keywords=graphing+calculator”>http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-84-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B0001EMM0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415287433&sr=1-1&keywords=graphing+calculator</a></p>
<p>You are taking math2 and don’t have a graphing calculator already? Does that mean the math courses you’ve taken so far have not required a graphing calculator? The thing is that if you are accustomed to using one, there are features you can use to estimate and quickly get to correct answer choice without actually solving problem analytically so it can be helpful. However, this needs to be well-practiced to benefit you in the test environment. Takes time to become habit. If you are used to using an ordinary scientific calculator, that is all you need for the test (unlike AP Calc test, which these days requires graphing calculator.) A new calculator with which you are not familiar will slow you down and may lead to errors. Are you taking the test soon?</p>
<p>@kandcsmom Thanks!</p>
<p>@celesteroberts
I’m an international student, and I’m taking CIE AS level Maths, so we use Scientific Calculators, not graphing ones. I’m not giving the test before May 2015, so I’ve got plenty of time. I’m a quick learner, so I won’t have trouble adjusting. I’d prefer having a graphing one for future purposes and for the test. Got any recommendations? </p>
<p>The TI-84 seems to be the most popular - if cost is a factor we have been able to get a couple of them on Craigslist for $10-15. </p>
<p>My kids’ TI-84s last forever, so I don’t know what’s new and improved out there. I think they are $100+ for new ones. Maybe you could pick up a used one cheap somewhere, like ebay, not sure about that.</p>
<p>If you get something other than a basic TI-83 or 84, then be sure to check the collegeboard site for approved and forbidden calculators before buying:
<a href=“SAT Calculator Policy – SAT Suite | College Board”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board;
<p>May is a long time away to practice. Good luck!</p>
<p>Does anybody know anything about the “NSPIRE” calculator? Its apparently the hot thing, although not the low cost that the OP asked about. They look to be about 125 on Amazon.</p>
<p>My daughter was trying to tell me about it, apparently you can “type in” calculus problems and it provides the answer. It sounded to me like it couldn’t possibly be legal, but apparently a few kids at her school are using them on calculus tests and the teacher didn’t have a problem.</p>
<p>She doesn’t seem to want one, but was excited by how cool her friend’s is. I was curious if it would be a good Xmas or graduation present as she heads off to do college math/physics etc. </p>
<p>Some of the Nspires, at least, are on CB approved list. We have one gathering dust somewhere. I thought it would be cool gift too. But my kids are not techie and can’t be bothered to take the time to learn a new calculator.</p>
<p>@celesteroberts Thanks!</p>
<p>So the popular choice seems to be the TI-84. Does anyone know about the TI 89? Which would be better on the Math 2 test, and beneficial in the long run? Again, I’m pretty adaptable, so I won’t have any trouble learning new functions (granted that I haven’t even used a graphing calculator before!).</p>
<p>Both my DS’s public school and my DD’s boarding school standardized around the TI-89 for it’s more advanced capability and (in BS) the ability to quickly project on the screen and answer questions from classmates real-time in terms of alternate approaches or trends as variable values are changed.</p>
<p>I believe all standardized tests only go through pre-calculus. The TI-84 would be a fine choice. For a few dollars more, the TI-89 is really much more fully-featured (and the flagship Nspire is almost a mini-computer that allows data collection with optional sensors, etc.) and more fun- but only if you will take the time to exploit the features.</p>
<p>I’ll probably upgrade to a Nspire calculator in college.
Right now, I’m concerned with the TI 84 and 89. I’ve heard the 84 graphs faster due to its lower resolution.
So I’m considering the TI-84 now, unless someone else provides a reason why the 89 would be better.</p>
fx-9860 gii casio graphing calculator…i used it for the sat maths level 2
its cheaper than ti.
As mentioned above, CollegeBoard has no problems with the TI-Nspire. I personally have the TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator. It’s definitely a big upgrade compared to TI-84, in terms of speed and performance. Downside is that it’s not cheap.
Thanks for the comments, but this was 2 months ago. I’ve already bought the Casio Prizm FX-CG10. Pretty good calculator, if I do say so myself.