<p>Ok guys... This maybe has appeared on the board already, but I'd like to have your feedback anyways. What about you and using a calculator when doing the Math section? Some say one should eliminate using it as much as possible, some seem to vouch for the exact opposite. Also, what kind of calculator do you use (and think is good to use)? A scientific one, a graphic one...? </p>
<p>In order to be able to do IB Math, I will have to buy a graphic calculator which, as far as I know, supports some kind of "programming" - you simply load a bunch of modules that eneble you to simply enter the data of an equation, for example, and it solves it for you. The question is, however, whether you consider it to be more efficient to think about the tasks yourself, or to rely on the calculator more..? :)</p>
<p>Doing the problems yourself is usually easier.</p>
<p>You definitely want a calculator, I liked using graphing calculators because I was used to it. I would say, get used to one of the Texas instruments, and keep using the same one so that you are familiar with it on test day.</p>
<p>You can put in programs, but it really wont help on the SAT… The math is too basic to be plugged into complicated equations.</p>
<p>Just use the same SAT math tricks that everyone uses, and then you will have to build up your math skills from there (Algebra, Geometry, functions, and SAT “logic”)</p>
<p>The calculator will barely help you, besides for the occassional ‘add up really large sums’ problems. I usually don’t use it at all because unlike the SAT II, the answers are usually integers, graphing is rarely needed to clearly see an answer, and you just won’t need some of the more complex uses of the graphing calculator (sin, cosine, calculus, etc.)
This is coming from a sophomore with high 700s-800 on the 2400 SAT and a 800 in SAT Math Level 2.</p>