Graphing Calculator

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Hi, I'm a student from Canada. I'll be attending Columbia in the fall.</p>

<p>Here barely anyone uses a graphing calculator (we are that poor and underdeveloped :p). As my scientific calculator is nearing the end of its life, I'm considering buying a TI graphing for math and science courses that I'll take at Columbia College.</p>

<p>I'm possibly going into the premed stream, and will probably major in something like Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry. So my question is, do you think it is wise that I buy a graphing calculator? If so, what kind should suffice: the TI-83, 84, or 89?</p>

<p>Any help/advice is appreciated!</p>

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<p>PS I realize the Graphing is much more powerful and helpful than a scientific (I used one for the SAT Math II). But are they allowed on tests and exams?</p>

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<p>basic science courses at most require a scientific calculator and in calc classes you aren’t allowed to use one at all as far as i remember…your scientific calculator will do just fine, no need to buy anything else</p>

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<p>So, in what kinds of classes are graphing calculators really essential?</p>

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<p>essential? probably none</p>

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<p>for the love of god kid, do yourself a favor and get a ti89. i cant even begin to tell you how magical that thing is. it has fairly advanced algorithms that will let you quickly solve any polynomial equation, and most exponential and trig problems as well. this will come extremely handy in a class like chem when using equilibrium constants to determine the extent of ionization. also, if youre taking any kind of stats class, the integral function allows you to do wonders with the normal curve, not to mention the sum function makes binomial a breeze. i could go on forever here so pm me if you want more evidence.</p>

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<p>Yea, you won’t need a graphing calc for any class I can think of outside of engineering. </p>

<p>If you really want one tho then I suggest the TI-89 as mentioned by r3v.</p>

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<p>I’ll probably be only taking Calc I - IV, and then some biology, chemistry, and physics courses.</p>

<p>I know that a graphing calculator is not absolutely vital, but is it really helpful? i.e. would my life be much easier if I use a graphing calculator in homework, assignments, and tests?</p>

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<p>Nothing better than a TI 89.</p>

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<p>But will I be able to use the 89 on midterms and finals? If I can’t, then I really don’t see the point of being addicted to firelighters but forced to rub sticks together.</p>

<p>If allowing graphing calculators goes by the discretion of the professor, approximately what percentage of profs allow them?</p>

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<p>If anybody has a spare TI-89 I have two TI-84s to trade for one (I lost my first one, stupidly bought another identical one, and found my first one).</p>

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<p>How are you going to facilitate that transaction in an anon. internet forum?</p>

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<p>I dunno, I’ll be on campus in august/september and if another columbia student has one, it wouldn’t be too difficult to meet up.</p>

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<p>anyone has answers to my questions?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

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<p>

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<p>It depends more on the class than the professor…most departments decide those kinds of things so that each class is consistent.</p>

<p>Bottom line: if you’re going to be an engineering major then get a TI-89. If not, a 4 func or a TI-83 would be peachy.</p>

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<p>Really, a 4-function calculator is enough? I find that kind of hard to believe.</p>

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<p>If you decide to go with a TI-83/4, buy an 89 and I’ll trade you my 84 plus cash.</p>

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<p>I probably should have said scientific as opposed to 4-func. Honestly though, you don’t need anything more in g-chem/orgo or 1200/1400 physics. As mentioned you can’t use calcs in calc classes and in econ a TI-83 would make your life easier but it would hardly be essential.</p>

<p>Again…Ti-83/4 if you’re not an eng major is fine.</p>

19

<p>Thanks for all your help, Skraylor and everybody who answered. I think I’ll first take the classes, then see if i’ll need one.</p>

<p>Skraylor, just wondering, are you an alum or a student at Columbia?</p>

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<p>class of 2010</p>