Graphing Calculator

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi. What would you say is the best graphing calculator for Math B? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Math B? Could you clarify what that class is?</p>

3

<p>I personally like the TI-89 Titanium. It is a mega-machine and can do anything! However, I don’t know anything about the class to which you are referring. The TI-89 may well be overkill, but it is only a bit more expensive than lesser models and should carry you through college math easily. If you are looking to buy a new calculator, I would go for it. If you would be replacing another graphing calculator, it may or may not be worth upgrading.</p>

4

<p>I believe it's the course right before precalculus with things such as trigonometric functions.</p>

5

<p>Then the TI-89 would definitely be overkill for that class. However, I still think it would be a wise investment that would serve you well throughout a great many courses.</p>

6

<p>My school only allows to use the TI-83+ for both Math A and Math B.</p>

7

<p>Ah, so if I can't use the TI-89, what is best? TI-73, TI-83+, or TI-84+?</p>

8

<p>You don't need anything more powerful than Ti-83+, personally it is a perfect balance of functionality and learning curve.</p>

9

<p>Alright, thanks.</p>

10

<p>It makes sense to go to a book store and compare two books: "ti83 ..." and "ti84 for dummies".
You'll see what ti84 has that ti83 does not, and then you can decide/ask advice whether you need those extra features.
Also, look up this:
<a href="http://education.ti.com/downloads/pdf/us/graphing.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://education.ti.com/downloads/pdf/us/graphing.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

11

<p>
[quote]
You don't need anything more powerful than Ti-83+, personally it is a perfect balance of functionality and learning curve.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Lies. The answer to any question invovling "Which calculator should I buy" is, 99% of the time, the ti-89 (and when it's not...it's usually an HP).</p>

12

<p>For the Math in Math B, it is totally unecessary to buy the Ti-89.</p>

13

<p>But why not have an 89 anyways? It's just easier.</p>

14

<p>IMO, if you plan on taking calculus in the future and can afford it, go with the 89. But if everyone else at your school uses the 83+, you may have to figure out a few things on your own (just something to consider).</p>

15

<p>I agree.
I love my ti89 (I also have ti83+ and ti84+ silver, and a couple of plain scientific casios and sharps for simpler things), but it's a total overkill for the math below calculus.</p>

<p>It's like, if you need a bike to ride two blocks to school, you can buy a mountain beast with shocks and all the whistles, but why?</p>

<p>On a side note: when you don't agree with somebody's opinion, there is no need to bash it as lies.</p>

16

<p>if it's right before precalc i don't think a graphing calc is even necessary but if you MUST have one, go with one of the 84s if you want to play a lot of games. 89 is WAY OVERKILL... unless you want to become an engineer later on...</p>

17

<p>What if he wants to take Calculus later on? People say the 89 really helps then with that. Now he's spent money on two graphing calculators which aren't really cheap. Not everyone can afford that.</p>

18

<p>TI 83 is fine</p>

19

<p>What about for AP Statistics? Or for the SAT and PSAT</p>

20

<p>TI83 is enough for stats.
No need for graphing on the SAT or PSAT.</p>