<p>So I'm sitting in class today, and I turn on the calculator. Alas, half the screen is dead--I had dropped it one too many times, and it had cracked in half. How annoying, and expensive.</p>
<p>I'm buying a new calculator now, both for in-class use and for use on the upcoming October SAT II. I've used a ti-83 all through high school, but I'm wondering if I should get a ti-89 now that I have to get a new calculator anyway.</p>
<p>Does a ti-89 offer any significant advantage on Math II that a ti-83 doesn't? Also, as a potential math major, will I probably need a ti-89 for college anyway?</p>
<p>For the purposes of the SAT II, especially if you're used to the Ti-83, I would suggest sticking with it. Ti-89 has a lot of improvements that could help for Calculus or higher math, but not for this test. I like the 83 because it works faster, and its easier to find things, which WILL help during a timed 1 hr test. Personally, the only thing I've managed to find that some people with Ti-89s get is some nerdish snobbery over people with Ti-83s. I've used the 83 throughout high school (on the same batteries), and I dare say that my APs/SATs using it are better than most of theirs as well. You don't use the tool to work better, it has to come from yourself.</p>
<p>It helps a WHOLE LOT in Calculus (Especially the AP exam). I would recommend buying one if you plan on taking those classes and it will probably be handy in college. But make sure you're used to it first. Because the Ti-89 has and Operating System and the entire interface is different.</p>
<p>It is possible to use the Ti-89 and get a perfect on the SAT I Math section, without knowing how to solve the problems, aside from knowing how to program it into the calculator.</p>
<p>I take SAT Subject Math 2 regularly, and TI-89 speeds solving up significantly in 3 to 5 questions every time. Solving triangles - one example.
I am a slow thinker though. :(<br>
You'll need to get a few programs into your TI-89 and get very comfortable with it.</p>
<p>A lot of people score 750-800 with TI-83 (or other similar TI's or Cassio's), or even with a basic scientific calculator.</p>
<p>TI-89 will be very helpful in college, but it's often banned on tests.</p>