<p>I'm a Freshman going into pre-calc next year.
My parents are letting me get a graphing calculator. I need one that will function effectively for next year when I take Math II and when I get into Calculus. I hope to use it for the years ahead, too. Money is not too much of a problem (as long as its under $160); I had a summer job. What calculator should consider purchasing for the purposes stated above?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Most will use a Ti-89 Titanium for calculus and on. HOWEVER, ask your school’s math department as some schools use different calculators.</p>
<p>As someone who’s trying to learn the Ti-89, it has a very steep learning curve. But once you become fluent with it, it’s great for calc. If you just want a graphing calculator that will work properly for advanced math classes and you don’t need anything beyond that, try the Ti-84. I don’t know much about Casio calculators but a lot of people like those as well.</p>
<p>I have already taken Math II and Calculus BC, and the TI-84 Plus SI works just fine. Only one kid in the entire Calc class had a TI-89 and he had so much trouble figuring out how to use it that he used his old TI-84 for the AP test because he was faster at it.</p>
<p>That being said, the TI-89 does have a lot of obvious benefits. It does makes calculations a lot easier and faster once you figure it out, so it’s really just up to you.</p>
<p>Before buying I would also take into account that if you live in the Midwest and are taking the ACT, the TI-89 is a prohibited calculator. If you don’t live in the Midwest, however, and are not taking the ACT but the SAT instead, then you don’t have to worry about that part.</p>