<p>Hi all,
I'm kind of new to graphing calculators, and while I should've gotten one a while ago, I've pushed through with a scientific calculator. Now I am looking at different graphing calculators, and my top choice is the TI-89. (I also considered waiting for the new TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition to come out, but through research, the TI-89 seems to be very powerful.) </p>
<p>What I need help with is understanding exactly how one uses a graphing calculator to its greatest advantage, otherwise I'd have this fancy calculator but use it just the same as my old one. I understand that there are Apps, but how exactly do they help me? From what I've read, it looks like there are different programs that can solve things for me (things that I'm used to doing by hand), but I just don't quite understand, and is this considered cheating? </p>
<p>I'm not explaining my question very well, but basically, I want to know all the advantages that a graphing calculator (specifically the TI-89) can do over a scientific calculator. Please include Apps and programs in your response.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I mainly use my TI-89 for calculus, but the 89 makes algebra super easy. Just press the solve function and BAM! there’s your answer: x=4.7185 x 10^-4. </p>
<p>What class do you plan on using the calculator in? It may vary across different levels of subjects. I’ve found that setting up your equations, simplifying them by hand, and then saving for x removes any thoughts of cheating.</p>
<p>So I have two graphing calculators, the TI-83 Plus and the TI-89 Titanium, I personally prefer the TI-83 to the TI-89. How helpful they are and when you use them varies based on what math class you are in and a bit of what your teachers rules are (I know some teachers don’t always allow graphing calculators on tests).
In Algebra 1 and Geometry there is basically no benefit to using a graphing calculator, all though you could do some graphing stuff for Algebra 1 it is pointless. Once you are in Algebra 2 or any math beyond that it becomes helpful. It is extremely useful things like linear regressions and matricies, both of which are a pain to do without a graphing calculator. It is also useful for creating graphs, finding points of intersection, finding the x and y intercepts, finding specific points and analyzing sets of data. I have heard it is also essential for statistics, though I have never taken the class.
I do not use apps, I don’t know anybody at my school who does. They are basically useless in my opinion. Also know that if you get a TI-89 you will not be able to use it when you take the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT.</p>
<p>@Niquii77, I plan to use the calculator for AP Physics B and AP Calculus AB when I take the exams this May. I also want to use it for the Physics SAT II and the Math 2 SAT II. I have heard that the use of different programs can make these exams much easier, allowing one to solve many things more quickly, resulting in more time and a better score. Do you use Apps?</p>
<p>@ArtsyGirl13, really? I’ve looked online and it says that I can use the TI-89 on the SAT, but not the ACT. I hear a lot of people at my school who say they use Apps and how it makes tests sooooooooooooooooo much easier. Does anyone else have anything to say about apps?</p>
<p>Ah, the TI-89 would be perfect then. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten it sooner! The calculator portion on the exam is super easy once you know what buttons to press. You can use the TI-89 on the SAT, just not the ACT.</p>
<p>I just looked up the Ti 84 Plus C and I think I’m melting…
but for now I would also recommend the TI-89. A friend of mine has one and he can do complex calculations in half the time of a TI 84 Silver.</p>
<p>I may actually get the 84, because from what I’ve read, it looks like the 89 does not have MathPrint, which I think would help me greatly. Is this true?</p>
<p>I mean…if you get confused with what you typed in the calculator…I guess that’s a reason to get the 84.</p>
<p>Hmm. Ok. Thanks!
Can anyone tell me why the TI-89 is not suited for AP Biology, but the TI-84 is?
[Which</a> Calculator Is Right for Me? by Texas Instruments - US and Canada](<a href=“http://education.ti.com/en/us/product-resources/graphing_course_comparision]Which”>Graphing Calculator Comparison Chart | Texas Instruments)</p>
<p>I love my TI nspire CX CAS. It’s great for calculus and physics. It has a really great menu system- similar to a computer, and an ABCD keyboard and a system to create documents for note taking. It’s allowed on AP, SAT, and SAT subject tests but not the IB or ACT.</p>