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Question: should I buy a graphing calculator for college?

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It depends on your major and courses, but a graphing calculator can be useful for advanced mathematics and sciences.

If you want a detailed response, continue reading

A graphing calculator can be a valuable tool for college students, but whether or not you need one depends on your major and the courses you are taking. According to CollegeVine, “Graphing calculators are most commonly required or recommended for courses in math, science, and engineering.”

If you are pursuing a major in one of these fields, investing in a good graphing calculator can save you time and energy. These calculators are designed to handle complex equations and graph functions, making them essential for courses such as calculus, physics, and statistics. In addition, some standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT allow the use of graphing calculators, so this investment may come in handy beyond the college years.

However, if your major and courses don’t require the use of a graphing calculator, it may not be worth the cost. These calculators can be expensive, with some models costing over $100. Also, some professors or courses may not allow the use of graphing calculators, so it’s important to check with your syllabus and professor before making the investment.

In the words of Steve Jobs, “It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.” Rather than solely focusing on the cost of a graphing calculator, consider how it can help you in your coursework and if it aligns with your larger academic and career goals.

Interesting facts about graphing calculators:

  • The first graphing calculator was the Casio fx-7000G, released in 1985.
  • The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus is one of the most popular graphing calculators used in high schools and colleges.
  • In addition to math and science courses, some business and finance courses may also require the use of a graphing calculator.
  • According to a survey by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 75% of high school students use a graphing calculator in math class.
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Here is a comparison table of popular graphing calculators:

Calculator Price Screen Size Memory Battery Life
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus $124.99 96×64 pixels 480 KB 30 hours
Casio fx-9750GIII $64.99 128×64 pixels 62.5 KB 200 hours
HP Prime $149.99 320×240 pixels 32 MB 12 hours
TI-Nspire CX II CAS $154.99 320×240 pixels 3.5 MB 4 hours

Ultimately, the decision to buy a graphing calculator for college will depend on your individual academic needs and goals. If you are taking math or science courses that require complex equations and graphing, a graphing calculator can be a valuable asset. However, if not, it may be best to spend your money elsewhere.

I discovered more data

Graphing calculators are an important part of high school (and eventually college). Not only do students need them for most math classes, like Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus, but they’re also an important part of standardized testing.

Graphing calculators have more advanced capabilities for higher-level math than scientific calculators typically do, with larger, more dynamic screens for graphing functions and plotting coordinates. Before you start shopping, it’s essential to consider the age of the individual you’re buying for and their grade in school, if applicable.

Students taking the SAT or the ACT to get into college will need a calculator while sitting for the exam, and while many schools have the option to borrow one to use in class, having your own at home to practice with can mean higher test scores.

The video provides a guide to choosing a graphing calculator for students, covering the TI-84 Plus CE, the TI Inspire CX2, the Casio Prism, and the HP Prime. While the calculators are similar in terms of form and features, they differ in capabilities and prices, with some, like the TI-84 Plus CE, more suitable for standardized tests and others, like the HP Prime, ideal for professionals. Users are advised to consider personal preference, requirements, and familiarity with the calculator when making a choice, with options such as the Casio fx-9750GIII recommended for basic algebra and geometry and the HP Prime for symbolic math capabilities.

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I am sure you will be interested in these topics

Is a TI-84 good for college?
As a response to this: As you’ll see in the discussion below, our top pick for most students is Texas Instruments’ TI-84 Plus CE. If you need a more powerful calculator for college or engineering, the HP Prime or the TI-Nspire CX II CAS are the best options. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Why do colleges not allow graphing calculators?
The answer is: One major concern is cheating. People can enter information into their calculators that may give them an unfair advantage on the exam, in essence using the calculator as a "cheat sheet". Having a professor verify that a couple hundred students don’t have any information stored in their calculators isn’t feasible.
Is it necessary to have a graphing calculator?
Beginning with first-year algebra, it’s appropriate to start using a graphing calculator, even though it is rarely required. Concepts such as basic function graphing, polynomials, quadratics, and inequalities are better visualized when students can both write out the equations and use an electronic input.
What calculator do most college students use?
The response is: Best Calculators for College Students

  1. Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CXII CAS Color Graphing Calculator.
  2. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator.
  3. Casio FX-991EX Engineering/Scientific Calculator.
  4. Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16 Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator.
  5. Texas Instrument TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator.

What is the best graphing calculator for college students?
In reply to that: The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced graphing calculators you’ll find, so if your student doesn’t have a need for advanced functions and geometric animations, go ahead and opt for something simpler. For college students who have those higher-level classes, though, this calculator can handle it all.
Who needs a graphing calculator?
Response to this: Our top picks for middle schoolers tackling pre-algebra, teenagers taking college entrance exams, and university-bound students. If you or your kids are about to start an advanced math or science course, you’re going to need a graphing calculator.
How do I choose a Graphic Calculator?
Response will be: The most important factor in choosing a graphic calculator is knowing what classes you’ll be using it for. High school students taking Algebra and Geometry may not need a calculator as advanced as a college student taking Calculus and Trigonometry. When in doubt, check with the teachers for their recommendations and then take a look at your budget.
How much does a graphing calculator weigh?
Response: This graphing calculator is ideal for college and high school students taking higher level math classes—and at a mere 5.3 ounces, it won’t weigh down a backpack. It features an impressive 2.7 MB flash memory, 3D graphing, a CAS, and a large display for split-screen views, plus optional apps to add from the Texas Instruments website.
What is the best graphing calculator for college students?
The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced graphing calculators you’ll find, so if your student doesn’t have a need for advanced functions and geometric animations, go ahead and opt for something simpler. For college students who have those higher-level classes, though, this calculator can handle it all.
Who needs a graphing calculator?
The answer is: Our top picks for middle schoolers tackling pre-algebra, teenagers taking college entrance exams, and university-bound students. If you or your kids are about to start an advanced math or science course, you’re going to need a graphing calculator.
How do I choose a Graphic Calculator?
Response will be: The most important factor in choosing a graphic calculator is knowing what classes you’ll be using it for. High school students taking Algebra and Geometry may not need a calculator as advanced as a college student taking Calculus and Trigonometry. When in doubt, check with the teachers for their recommendations and then take a look at your budget.
What is a good graphing calculator for AP Calculus?
Answer will be: “For higher level classes, like AP Calculus, it is often expected that students have a handheld graphing calculator, such as TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89.” These types of calculators are good for AP testing.

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