Reccomend a good Graphing Calculator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for graphing calculators suitable for an Honors Precalculus course, with considerations for physics applications. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various models and their functionalities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a graphing calculator within a budget of $100-150, highlighting the importance of having physics and math constants.
  • Another participant argues that a scientific calculator may suffice for precalculus, suggesting that graphing calculators are not necessary until calculus.
  • A participant counters that many students at their school use graphing calculators, indicating a desire to be prepared for senior year.
  • Recommendations for specific models include the TI-89 (Titanium), HP 50G, TI Nspire, TI-84+, and Casio ClassPad 300, with some participants sharing personal experiences with these devices.
  • Some participants mention that graphing calculators can be useful for checking work, even if not strictly necessary for precalculus or college algebra.
  • There is a suggestion that the Casio ClassPad 300 is notable for its touchscreen feature, with a recommendation to opt for the "plus" version.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of graphing calculators for precalculus, with some asserting they are essential while others believe they are not required until calculus. Multiple competing recommendations for specific models are presented without consensus on a single best option.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the availability of programs on school computers, which may influence the necessity of a graphing calculator. There is also a lack of consensus on the importance of graphing calculators in earlier math courses.

um0123
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Well, i felt ambitious and signed up for Honors Precalculus. I think i will be fine considering i love math and physics, but i need a good graphing calculator. Around $100-150 if possible. And it would be nice if it had normal physics and math constants in it (since i am also taking physics next year).

Thanks in advance.
 
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You don't need a graphing calculator for anything you may be doing.

A scientific calculator is good enough(unless you want to play Mario kart on it. That is mainly what I use my graphing Calculator for).

Physics contents? You mean like scientific constants? Most scientific/graphing calculators have them.

If you mean programs, you need computer software(MATLAB, Mathematica,etc.) but they are much more expensive than what you could afford.
 
I wont? It seems like everyone in my school at the precalculus level has one...
Can you still recommend some? I want to be prepared and I am sure it would be good to have in my senior year.
I don't mean programs, because i would need to take this to school. Plus we have a lot of those programs on my school computers.
 
um0123 said:
I wont? It seems like everyone in my school at the precalculus level has one...
Can you still recommend some? I want to be prepared and I am sure it would be good to have in my senior year.
I don't mean programs, because i would need to take this to school. Plus we have a lot of those programs on my school computers.

You don't really need one until you reach Calculus. At that point needing to know how to graph e-t*sin3t by hand isn't that vital...knowing what to do with the function's graph is.

If you really are looking for a comprehensive calculator try the TI-89 (Titanium) or HP 50G. I have the TI, and I can vouch for it from personal experience, but I'm sure the HP is fine as well.
 
Wellesley, (e^-t)*sin 3t is fairly easy to graph by hand by letting e^-t be the "amplitude".
um0123 said:
I wont? It seems like everyone in my school at the precalculus level has one...
Can you still recommend some? I want to be prepared and I am sure it would be good to have in my senior year.
I don't mean programs, because i would need to take this to school. Plus we have a lot of those programs on my school computers.

TI Nspire, TI-84+(it's a bit cheaper), HP 50g, Voyage 200( which is like $200, but the best one on the list).

Also if you are REALLY interested in math/physics, then you could get Mathematica (It's like $300. But It's fun to play with.)
 
Last edited:
Pinu7 said:
Wellesley, (e^-t)*sin 3t is fairly easy to graph by hand by letting e^-t be the "amplitude".

I was just using it as an example. You can pick another function that is more difficult, ti doesn't really matter. That one came to mind from a Differential Equations test that I took recently.
 
TI-83+ or TI-84. Good deals always are offered during "Going Back To School" time.

You don't really need graphing calculators in Pre-Calculus or College Algebra, but they can be very nice for checking some of your work.
 
I forgot, the Casio ClassPad 300, is probably the coolest graphing calculator! It uses a touchscreen!
383px-CasioClassPad300.JPG


Edit: If you get it, make sure you get the "plus" version.
 

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