<p>I have a Ti-84 +, but is it worth it to buy a Ti 89? How much will it help me in AP Calc/Math IIC, and the SATs? Is it hard to learn how to use?</p>
<p>the ti-89 works wonders in ap calc (come on...who would say no to a calculator that finds derivatives and factors of functions (among a bajillion other things for you))....not sure how much it'd help for math IIc.....i think ti-84+ is more so for ppl in ap stats...</p>
<p>Thanks. Any other opinons? Does it find factors of equations? Cant you just do this on the ti 84 by looking at the zeros on the graph?</p>
<p>You'd be better off relying without the TI89, because Calc/Math II is easy and on the AP Calc test, you won't be allowed to use your calculator for half the test--which means you're screwed if you don't understand the stuff and rely on that calc. Personally, I thought Calc was a joke and hardly even used my TI83 on the AP itself!</p>
<p>I went from a TI83 to a TI89 when I started college. I couldn't have the 89 in high school because my professors wouldn't allow them on tests since they basically did the work for you. In college, some of my math professors wouldn't allow ANY calculators, but the ones that did allowed 89's... and I have to tell you the 89 is a godsend! Seriously! I was able to check my answers before turning in the test and correct my wrong answers. It also come in handy in physics classes with derivatives and integrals. So, you might not need an 89 now, but I highly recommend them for future use.</p>
<p>The 89 does integrals, derivatives, solves equations, solves multiple equations at once (like 2 eq. 2 unknowns), factors equations, can work with constants like "a" in your equations, you can scroll up to see up to the past 30 things you've entered, can select those things to save time when entering things, and it gives answers in fraction or decimal form.</p>
<p>i've had a TI 89 since 6th grade (i used to take MATHCOUNTS back in the day)- and for years i've had ignorant teachers who either don't know the wonderful capabilities of the ti89 or don't bother to check calcs. I owe most of my good math grades to the 89, with which i've been able to check just about every single question on every single test. Even now into calculus i am realized new things the thing can do every day. </p>
<p>However, i would still recommend AT LEAST doing the problems on your own and then checking them w/ the calc- the AP expects you to know how to work w/ problems by hand (shouldn't be too hard, calculus is straighforward and ironically simple if you are brushed up in your algebra and trig)</p>