<p>If you really know how to use a graphing calculator, then you can really take down SAT problems, especially graphs. A lot of people here will say that you shouldn't use your calculator so much, but I feel that using it and knowing it inside and out can help you quickly. Not only graphs, but it can convert decimals and fractions in just two clicks, graph absolute values if you want, and find limits. I already used it to its advantage a lot, but Barron's 2400 really stressed that using a graphing calculator can help you take down tough graphing problems. They always had pictures from graphing calculators showing how you could have taken down problems. </p>
<p>Like in this one problem, you have the graph of x^2 and ax^2, and the distance from the two points of where they intersect was 6, so they asked you for the value of a. I just plugged in all the choices and got it because the calculator instantly shows the distance when you graph all the choices.</p>
<p>Usually, graph problems on the SAT are made to be solved by hand faster than by using a graphing calculator. It's usually basic math without any tedious computations. It's better to know the shortcuts and do it by hand (and yes, there are shortcuts), because you would often end up saving time.</p>
<p>" I just plugged in all the choices " It works if you are a fast typer, but remember, the more calculator punches, the easier to get wrong.</p>
<p>I graph a lot of my answers, and I use a lot of my apps. I am extremely creative with my calculator (TI-84 Plus silver edition.)</p>
<p>I've also written and downloaded programs that will help me solve quadratic formulas, factoring, and all that good stuff that I can save time on.</p>
<p>I have to work hard for the 800, you know. First SAT this Saturday.</p>
<p>Can some of you guys send me programs(through email)? Already I have programs for solving systems of equations(up to 4 variables too! But I'm confident that I'll only be using up to 3), quadratic equations, some geometry formulas, etc. Some of them were given to me by my math teacher, she gave us all these programs for class purposes, but I'll use them for SAT purposes if they're there! What else did you guys use as programs?</p>
<p>It can solve a system of equations with multiple variables, it can factor, expand, help me test out assumptions, and also, with the pipe function, I can easily plug in all answer choices.</p>
<p>I really recommend NOT using graphing calcs for most problems. I've been doing practice tests, and calcs are only good if you want to make 100% sure of an answer, and when you have to do some tough arithmetic</p>
<p>For what it's worth, I walked into the SAT with a basic scientific calculator (no graphing functions...just your standard calculations) and got 770 on Math II. I felt there was maybe 1 or 2 problems that would have been a lot easier with a graphing calculator. Most were easily solveable by hand.</p>
<p>That said, I'm pretty inept with my Ti-83, and hence rarely ever use it :P</p>
<p>The graph problems on the SAT are few and far between. The ones that do show up are easy to solve (some of the easiest questions on the test, IMO) I really cannot see why everyone uses a graphing calculator. I think the last time I took the SAT I was the only person in the testing room without one.</p>
<p>What programs do you guys use for the SAT? And can you send me them? People always say they use their TI's to store definitions, but wouldn't the teacher see? I could understand with math, but with writing? Anyway anything you guys have I'm willing to try out. Thanks.</p>
<p>and go to search and type in "SAT math" (if you put in plain sat, it will tell you query is too short).
It will give you a few results. My opinion:</p>
<p>SAT II Math Dojo is the best one for SAT II Math II
SAT OS is best for the reasoning test math</p>
<p>I'm sure you will agree.</p>
<p>The programs really do help if you ever happen to forget a formula or w/e.</p>
<p>When I took IIC, I barely touched my 89, using it only for checking my answers (x3) and saving my sanity by playing games (I had about 20 minutes left after the 3rd check). No extra programs are needed, just knowledge of how to use it (at the very least learn solve()) and the ability to quickly apply what you know to problems.</p>
<p>I don't have one and we're not allowed to use them here in school...but my friend's sister studies in Australia and we were just playing with her graphing calculator the other day and we found it easier just to use a normal scientific calculator.</p>
<p>I have the TI-84 PLUS Silver Edition and the small usb to big usb cable to connect it to my computer. I don't have the CD, so is there any other way that I can connect my calculator to my computer, as in get my computer to recognize the calculator? I got this program called TI Connect, but it can't find it. Anything else I can do?</p>
<p>Any vocab I don't know, I'll just borrow time from the math section to find the vocab. It will probably take 2 minutes a word but it's well worth it. I might even do that junk in the breaks.</p>