<p>Well..It helps out a whole lot with the time issue on System of equations...anyone else have any hints on how to use the calculator to help out on the math part?</p>
<p>You can't use a TI-89.</p>
<p>I suggest you use a TI-83 or a TI-84 and getting the SATOS program from <a href="http://www.ticalc.org%5B/url%5D">www.ticalc.org</a></p>
<p>you can use a ti-89 for the SATs but not the ACTs</p>
<p>Yeah, the regulations for the SAT say you can use any kind of graphing calculator you want. The ACT, however, is a little more stringent about that kind of stuff.</p>
<p>TI-89's are perfectly fine on the SAT and the PSAT.</p>
<p>what's so good about the TI-89 for the SAT?</p>
<p>when you know how to use it you can do a lot really quickly. I went down 10 points in math (with studying), by going from an 89 to an 83.</p>
<p>So lets get back on subject :)...Anyone have some hints on how to use it for certain types of problems?</p>
<p>the 89 helps more on math IIC than on the reasoning test, with standard deviation and functions and stuff, or so i've heard. you don't need the 89 to do well, and many times it can actually be a hinder.</p>
<p>Oh..sorry about that...I got confused between the SAT and the ACT..</p>
<p>I use the TI-89 Titanium and it is great for IIC. I also used on the SAT, but it really didn't help since the equations you had to solve could all be done in the head. Anyway, here is an SAT Program JUST for the SATs and I am sure it is legal to use...
<a href="http://www.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/364/36478.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/364/36478.html</a></p>
<p>I didn't even need to use my calculator for much beyond very simple arithmetic on the reasoning test.</p>
<p>Congratulations! I'm so happy your so much smarter than everyone else here!</p>
<p>The point is: the reasoning test is designed so that the questions don't require fancy calculator functions at all. </p>
<p>I do not think myself at all 'superior' simply because of the fact that I didn't use a calculator very much.</p>
<p>Lol, I got the same exact feeling, but someone beat me to the punch.</p>
<p>I got an 800 two times and a 770 once, I used my 89 a lot for them.</p>
<p>google ti-89 tips or ti-89 + whatever math function you're looking for.</p>
<p>I am soo mad about calculators.
I saved up in the beginning of last year to get a TI89. Lost it (on a plane)
I saved up again to get another one this year. It got stolen (in my dorm room)
I've been calculator-less for around 4 months now. Basically, I'm waiting for the N-Spire to come out (fall '07 baby).</p>
<p>Just to note, a good calculator DOES help for SAT II but not for the SAT. I took the PSAT w/o a calculator (battery ran out, erghhh) and got an 800 (don't try to use the 'new sat' arguement), but felt that i would have gotten 1 or 2 more wrong on the Math SAT II level 2 and perhaps wouldnt have gotten an 800.</p>
<p>You guys have to stop searching for shortcuts, and develop an aptitude for math, a thirst for knowledge, and then quench that thirst with studying and all the electrolytes it has to offer! Oh my, I can't believe I said that.</p>
<p>I hate CC, it destroyed yet another one of my messages.</p>
<p>Simple: use the Ti89's "solver" function to solve any univariate equation, such as a linear equation, quadratic, etc.</p>
<p>Honestly, I am going to do well on the test b/c I know the material, but if you dont effective use of the calc will get you a fair amount of points.</p>
<p>To those who say that shortcuts dont matter, you are partially right. The veracity of your statement depends on whether you know the material, as well as the amount of time available to complete the problem. </p>
<p>If you know the material well, then you dont need shortcuts, yeah you. </p>
<p>If you know the material, but are short on time-guess what works? shortcuts and eliminating choices that cant be the answer.</p>
<p>If you do NOT know the material, you have no other choice than shortuct methods.</p>
<p>So while shortcuts are not optimal (you should learn the material) they have a well-established utility in the proper context.</p>
<p>For example, I just took a multiple choice exam where they asked for the roots of a cubic equation. I could have done synthetic or long division, but instead I chose to plug in the answer choices and get the answer that way. I clearly know how to do "the math" but I chose not to, becuase the math way was sub-optimal for the test.</p>
<p>There is also an important lesson here: just because you dont know "the correct way" to arrive at the solution, you shouldn't give up. </p>
<p>There is always more than one way to get to where you want to be. Also, heed Frost's advice: sometimes taking the road less traveled really does make all the difference. </p>
<p>Ask Michael Dell, Bill Gates, etc. Didnt they do great on their SAT's, go to a great college, graduate, etc.-you know follow "the plan"?</p>
<p>I am working on renewable energy generation, but according to the newspeople I am crazy: it will never be possible or practical. Will it?</p>
<p>Imagination is a powerful thing, and you learn an incredible amount along the way. Be not afraid to tread loudly into the abyss called life, a small part of which is the SAT.</p>