Students do
not need to have a graphing calculator for Geometry!
My
thoughts on Calculators
Calculators
can be a very useful tool in high school mathematics. In this class we will most likely never use a
graphing calculator, but we will need a basic (four function) calculator (Like
the TI-30). I have a class set of TI-86
calculators that we can be use, as needed, in class. However, students may not check them out to
use at home.
Students
do not need to have a graphing calculator.
However,
they can be useful in other (future) classes.
So,
which calculator should you get, if you are getting a new graphing calculator?
Consider
getting the TI-83 PLUS Silver Edition.
This is a very good graphing calculator, easy to use, and is an upgraded
model from the TI-83 +. It costs about
$100 for this calculator.
Consider
getting the TI-84 or the TI-84 Silver.
This is TI’s newest version of the very
popular 80 Series, and is a very good calculator. It is as easy to use at the TI-83 PLUS, and
is more powerful. It costs about $100
(to $140 for the Silver) for this calculator.
The
TI-86 is also a very useful calculator. More difficult to use than the 83 or 84, but also quite nice. (I think that the 86 may get updated soon).
If
you plan on taking Calculus at
Which Calculators should you
STAY AWAY FROM: Do not buy a NEW TI-81, TI-82, TI-83, TI-83 +, TI-85. If
you already have one, they are still usable, but do not buy a new one. Also, the TI-92 and Voyage 200 is banned on
all major tests (SAT, PSAT, AP-exams).
It looks impressive, but you will never get to use it.
If you
have a graphing calculator, be very careful with it. In the past few years, graphing calculators
have been a very high theft item.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
At
school (408) 847-2424 X8530
E-mail: [email protected]
I
hope this helps clarify any issues regarding calculators. Remember,
Students do not need to have a graphing calculator!
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