Graphing calculators - gotta buy one

Jon_Are · 06-28-2003, 09:03 AM

This is for my daughter, who is starting high school in the fall.

I know nothing at all about these devices, I just need (I guess) a basic model. The Texas Instruments TI-83 seems to be the most popular.

Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks,

Jon

Andrew S · 06-28-2003, 11:36 AM

I've never heard of another model besides the TI-83 or TI-83 plus

At my school our math classes have about 20 for the students to use and part of my grade 9 math class was all about showing us how to use it - which seems complicated at first, but isn't that bad. I don't personally own one but if I were in the market for one I would choose the Texas Instrument, simply because it's easy to use once you get the hang of it and the school board seems to recommend it.
Just my opinion, which is a bit biased, since I've only used or even heard of the Texas Instrument.
Andrew

Shane Bos · 06-28-2003, 11:55 AM

Yeah the TI-83+ is the most popular model and the most common in schools. Actually here you have to have that calculator for high school. Personally I prefer the Casio's though.

Mike Lenthol · 06-28-2003, 12:25 PM

TI83 is the 'recommended' model, and that is what they teach on, but the TI86 is a better model. It is virtually the same as TI83 and following a class with TI83 instructions would be easy -but the TI86 solves any equation! It can take say x^2/5x-3=2x^3*4x and solve it in a few seconds. Can be more than one variable too. The feature doesn't replace learning how to solve equations, but it can be a GPA saver all through college, especially where solving equations is just the busy work of the problem.

(I still remember to this day, bought a Ti86 about 7 years ago for $89 at local now out of business ServiceMerchandise outlet. It's going for $110-120 now in most office supplies place, the same exact thing, inflation?)

Holadem · 06-28-2003, 07:11 PM

7 years ago the TI-82 was the most popular for engineering students. The 83 had I believe some extra finance features that we didn't need.

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NickSo · 06-28-2003, 08:35 PM

I have a TI-83+, and the textbook as well as the provincial government sets the TI-83 as the standard...

Damn, i wish i had that equation solver... that would've proved useful so i didnt have to use my brain unneccesarily.

Jeff Kleist · 06-28-2003, 09:24 PM

don't forget the most important feature. The link cable so you can get games for it

Brian Teal · 06-28-2003, 09:24 PM

If she is going to be getting into calculus anytime soon, I would vote for a TI-89. It even solves simple differential equations. The 86 might have calculus funtions as well, not sure. The 83 is no slacker for most non-calc stuff, though.

Bob Graz · 06-28-2003, 09:28 PM

Be careful with the TI 89, they are not allowed at many schools. I'd stick with the TI 83+. Most all schools use it and the price has dropped over the last year to the $79. area.

Joe D · 06-28-2003, 11:23 PM

I would recommend getting a calculator that allows you to edit previous calculations. For example, if you calculate:
3 * 4 =
And the next calculation you make is 4 * 4 =
Instead of typing in the entire equation, you just edit the previous equation.

While it sounds stupid for these basic equations for which you don't need a calculator, it helps a ton during more advanced and repititive calculations.

I have the 89 and I can do this, but I'm not sure the 83 can.