Have you been looking for a brand new Texas Instruments graphing calculator? It doesn’t matter if you are in high school or taking an advanced college level mathematics class; graphing calculators are usually a prerequisite for taking these courses.
These calculators are not only more complicated than your typical calculator but can cost nearly as much as a college textbook, making them a long term investment for most students. Before getting intimidated by these calculators, however, realize that they aren’t meant to make math more complicated; they are a tool used to make math easier to understand – for students of all ages!
Choosing a TI Graphing Calculator…
When many of us think of calculators, we think of the very basic calculator that is on our phone or in our junk drawer. These calculators do only basic math – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Most of the time, this easy-to-use calculator is all we need to take care of the math we need in our everyday lives. But for those who are taking an advanced math class for the first time, be it Algebra 2 or Calculus, a graphing calculator can seem not just complicated, but rather intimidating.
What Are Graphing Calculators?
In general, a graphing calculator is a calculator that is capable of plotting points on a graph and solving complex mathematical functions. Since a graphing calculator is a much more complex computer than your everyday calculator, it can be programmed to do complex equations with just a few commands, making learning math easier for students or engineers.
With the calculator’s large screen, it can also hold quite a bit of information, allowing it to display large amounts of text or numbers. For this reason, it has also become a popular tool for other classes since it can be programmed to do a variety of tasks.
Typically, graphing calculators fall into one of two categories – numerical calculators (just for graphing) and CAS (computer algebra system) calculators. In an educational environment you are more likely to see CAS calculators, especially ones made by Texas Instruments. These calculators are considered the preferred calculators for advanced math classes since they are very easy to use and can be programmed even by those with little computer experience.
With a variety of these calculators on the market, you can find a TI calculator to do exactly what you need, making them the perfect tool for high school students or engineers, depending on your own individual needs.
Texas Instrument Graphing Calculator Reviews: What to Purchase
Are you in the market for a brand new TI graphing calculator? In the past there were only a handful of graphing calculators on the market, but today, there are a number of different models of Texas Instrument graphing calculators – the one you choose depends on your own individual needs.
The TI-Nspire CX
The TI-Nspire CX Handheld is one of the most visually appealing calculators that is useful not only in school, but outside as well! This calculator can easily be connected to a computer for transferring homework assignments, making it very versatile and mobile for the modern day student. It is one of the thinnest Texas Instrument graphing calculators, making it very light and easy to use. The rechargeable battery system can run up to 2 weeks on a single charge. Best of all, it is one of the few color 3-D graphing calculators on the market, making it perfect for just about any subject or for looking at digital images! This calculator is currently permitted for taking the SAT, ACT, and some AP course tests.
TI-Nspire with Touchpad
Like some other Texas Instrument graphing calculators, the TI-Nspire is meant for busy students who are constantly on the go. Unlike the graphing calculators of the past, it can easily transfer assignments from a computer to your calculators, allowing you to do math or science homework on the school bus or at your favorite restaurant. Along with 3-D graphing, this calculator can also be used for storing black and white images, making it great for storing pictures of friends or doing homework assignments! Students can also save money with this calculator since it is rechargeable-ready. This calculator is approved for the SAT, ACT, and some select AP tests.
TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition
The TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition is the latest graphing calculator to hit the market. This calculator is expected to be on sale in Spring 2013 and to be one of the most advanced full color graphing calculators on the market. Like most of the high end calculators put out by Texas Instruments, this calculator has all the familiar TI-84 functions, is completely rechargeable, and can import and use images. What makes it unique is the high-resolution, full color, backlit display to make doing math even more easy to visualize – not to mention fun! Currently this calculator is approved for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, some AP tests, and the Praxis.
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
For most students, this Texas Instrument graphing calculator is all you need for most classes. This calculator is USB capable, with plenty of storage, and quite a few pre-loaded software applications to make high school even easier. For students who are just hoping to have some extra help with calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics, this is the calculator for you! It is currently approved the SAT, ACT, and some AP tests.
TI-84 Plus
If you are looking for an awesome graphic calculator that can do everything you need for any math class, the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is likely the best choice for you. This calculator has more memory, twice the speed, and a higher contrast screen than the TI-83 Plus model. This calculator can be used for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and other college entrance exams.
TI-83 Plus
If you are looking for a very easy to use graphing calculator, you will love the TI-83 Plus. Specially designing for math and science, this calculator has build in functions for performing data plotting and analysis. It also comes with special FLASH ROM memory to allow students to quickly update and add software to the calculator. This calculator is approved for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, most college entrance exams, and most AP tests.
TI-89 Titanium
Looking for a powerful calculator that is capable of doing all of your mathematical needs? If so, you will love the TI-89 Titanium. It is currently the most powerful Texas Instruments graphing calculator, with a variety of new features, preloaded software, and more versatility than any other calculator on the market. With its advanced functions and 3-D graphing capabilities, it is perfect for any math or science class. This calculator can be used for most AP tests and the SAT. It is not permitted, however, for the ACT.
