Would it be stupid to take the SAT II Math IIC without a graphing calculator?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>I was just wondering...</p>

<p>Because I'm in Precalc right now, and we do not need one to take the class, and I understand you're supposed to take the IIC at the end of Precalc. So would it be unwise to attempt the test with just a scientific calculator?</p>

2

<p>No... you have some time. Go check one out from your math teacher and find some tips in the prep books. Cmon now. :D </p>

<p>I didn't use one however and did well. Give yourself the advantage if you have the chance...</p>

3

<p>I don't think so. I used only scientific calculator in Hong Kong even when I was already studying Calculus. It doesn't really matter if you know the concept throuoghly.</p>

4

<p>graphing calc saves a lot of time..</p>

5

<p>Oh ok, thanks. I'm going to need one next year when I take calc, but do you think I should just get it now so I can be comfortable with it when I take the IIC at the end of the year?</p>

6

<p>I am going with only a scientific too. I have never used a graphing one. I took Math IC three years ago with NO calculator and got 720. No mistakes - just couldn't finish the last 8 questions on time, becauuse I had to estimate square roots and trig function values in my head.
I believe that if you know your **** it should be easy... Unless some polynomial of higher degree solutions are wanted... But I am not sure if you can do that with a graphing calculator - as I said, I have never used one.</p>

7

<p>The College Board designs the questions with the assumption that the students are using graphing calculators. Using one is highly recommended.</p>

8

<p>Do you think that I can learn how to use it in 10 days??</p>

9

<p>OK... I think I'll probably get one. What kind is recommended?</p>

10

<p>ti 89
or any texas instruments calculator</p>

11

<p>^ Amazon had a couple different kinds... you mean this one? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001EMLZ2/sr=1-1/qid=1137383223/ref=sr_1_1/104-9978204-4998334?%5Fencoding=UTF8%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001EMLZ2/sr=1-1/qid=1137383223/ref=sr_1_1/104-9978204-4998334?%5Fencoding=UTF8&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

12

<p>im not too crazy about math so i dont know whats the most recent one
but yes a TI is the best</p>

13

<p>made it a good deal easier in terms of time.</p>

14

<p>the ti-89 titanium is nice---my friend has it---but the ti-83, ti-83 plus, and each ti-84 version is also very good, and it costs a lot less</p>

15

<p>I think you're lucky in that you've never had to use a calculator for class - it seems like that would promote a much more thorough understanding of the concepts. They were listed as required material for Algebra II here, though, so most of us are hooked. For the Math IIC I'd reccommend a TI-83+.</p>

16

<p>"I think you're lucky in that you've never had to use a calculator for class - it seems like that would promote a much more thorough understanding of the concepts."</p>

<p>Yeah-- it's pretty cool-- we know how to graph complicated polynomial functions and rational functions and stuff sans calculator.</p>

<p>"For the Math IIC I'd reccommend a TI-83+."</p>

<p>Will that be enough for Calc next year, too?</p>

17

<p>I'm in AP Stats this year and rather wish I had chosen something better than my TI 83+. The slightly more expensive calculators have much more processng power and memory. I've literally had to delete practically everything on my calculator that is non-essential so that it will have enough memory to do rather basic Statistic Calculations.</p>

<p>If you have the money, I would suggest at least a TI 84, but probably a TI 89.</p>

18

<p>Well here's what Amazon says...</p>

<p>TI-83 plus: $96.99
TI-84 Plus silver: $123.99
TI-89: $142.49</p>

<p>Now I have no idea what to get!</p>

19

<p>get the TI-89, or preferably the ti-89 titanium. I didn't really use mine on the Math II, but there were alot of questions where I could have if i didnt know how to do it faster by hand.
The ti-89 allows you to:
Solve equations and systems of equations
Factor polynomials and expand factored polynomials</p>

<p>When you take calculus, it can be used to check your work as it can calculate derivatives and integrals (definite annd indefinite) for you.</p>

20

<p>I would definatley get a TI-89 Titanium. It will be worth the money in upper-level math courses. However, one is not needed for Math IIC. In fact, I used a scientific calculator and I got a perfect. So much for designing questions with graphing calculators in mind.</p>