<p>I was just giving him simple equation as example… And theres not a thing wrong with me. There’s a different between getting by and making A and that graphing calculator may be the different . In my case I strive for A, for around its worth the 50$. If u want to sit there and graph by using critical value and solving for positive and negative numbers of 1st derivative or 2nd derivative to determine decreasing or increasing and inflection point or concavity then that’s good for you.</p>
<p>Good for some AP courses (stats, calc) but useless in college. I use a $10 scientific calculator.</p>
<p>I totally agree with Sobe. Whether I’m taking a class in the summer or checking my own answer key during the school year, I use ny graphing calculator to verify either graphically or numerically that the work I have done analytically is correct. It’s highly useful. If you know a little math and a little bit about the calculator, acing a math test up through single-variable calculus is like shooting fish in a barrel.</p>
<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC</p>
<p>and in most math classes you cant use a calculator on exams. You HAVE to do them by hand. I always have my computer on when I do homework and OS X has a built in grapher utility that I can just type in to see the graph. The answer isn’t the most important part, its how its derived. You can look at the graph and intuitively find the first derive easy. Problems in math books are designed to be done by hand. </p>
<p>5-10 years ago sure, they were useful. Now graphing calculators are redundant until you get to upper level classes. Instead of having to go to the engineering lab, I have everything I need on my personal computer. </p>
<p>Good in AP classes sure because there is a standard exam where they are allowed. That is a huge time saver. In college I guess it helps you with homework but in no way is it necessary. It also has the downside of automating tasks you should memorize. Don’t use the built in functions and symbols if you haven’t memorized them (Avogadro’s # and Plancks constant for example)</p>
<p>I used a Casio graphing calculator (one that could do matrix stuff such as rref) all through high school and the Calculus series, upgrading to a TI Nspire CAS after I finished the final Calc class. The physics/engineering/math classes I’m taking now allow me to use it without issue as long as I show every step of my work. The CAS in particular is nice as it can do a lot of tedious algebra steps that make the Calculus flow better, but as mentioned an advanced calculator like that is unwelcome in most classes early on. </p>
<p>I’d get a graphing calculator at least, one that can do matrices. I only upgraded to the Nspire because a friend was selling it for a very low price. </p>
<p>Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using CC</p>
<p>You can do 3x3 matrices on a TI-36x pro for less than 20 bucks. And integrate definite integrals. And simultaneous equations…</p>
<p>AND you can use it on any test since there is no graphing screen on it and you cant save programs. </p>
<p>Save your money. Buy a used TI graphing calc for less than 50 bucks if you can find one. Even then its not worth it because you wont be using the full power of the calculator until your junior year.</p>
<p><a href=“TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator | Texas Instruments”>TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator | Texas Instruments;
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Data list editor
Enter statistical data in up to three lists, with a maximum of 42 items per list. Any list formulas that are entered can accept all calculator functions. Readily perform one- and two-variable analysis, and display six different regression models.</p>
<p>Solvers
Choose from three solvers to use: numeric equation, polynomial and system of linear equations.</p>
<p>Function Table
Display a defined function in a tabular form.</p>
<p>Derivative & Integral
Determine the numeric derivative and integral for real functions.</p>
<p>Vectors & Matrices
Perform vectors and matrices using a vector and matrix entry window — a feature similar to the matrix functionality of TI-84 Plus graphing calculators.</p>
<p>Constants & Conversions
Choose from nine physical constants that can be pasted into various windows and an easy-to-use menu that includes 18 Metric/English conversions.
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