Graphing calculators?

<p>do teachers usually allow graphing calculators for tests and stuff? would it be useful to have one? if yes, would the ti-83+/ti-84 be enough, or should i get a ti-89? this would be mainly for math 31b and 32a. oh, are they useful in chem classes too?</p>

<p>i've heard that calculators aren't allowed at all during the finals or in class. Of course you are free to use them during your hw assignments.</p>

<p>Reviews of my Pre-calc book say the book takes the existence of the graphing calculator for granted, and the book was written by the prof. So I sure hope I can use the graphing calculator I went out and bought becasue of that. Then again, it is pre-calc.</p>

<p>It depends on the course and professor. My professor for Math 31A forbade graphing calculators during tests because there would be a question where we had to graph a function by pencil and calculate the derivative at a given point. My professor for Math 31B actually didn't care because there were no graphs and we had to show full step-by-step solutions anyways.</p>

<p>i see. who was your 31b prof?</p>

<p>Professor Gleizer.</p>

<p>I've never had a math professor that allowed graphing calculators for any midterms or finals (<- the more common scenario). </p>

<p>Gleizer is an exception- he must have been some pushover or something or just didn't know the capabilities of modern technology (ti-89), because if he was teaching 31b and this is still ap calc material, then the 89 should guarantee an easy A since we all know getting the right answer is 90% of the work... you just need to make sure your work leads up to that answer (and you can rest much easier knowing you have the right answer).</p>