What calculator should i get/use?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate calculator for GCSE Maths Higher. Participants explore various models, their features, and suitability for the exam context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists four calculators: Casio FX-85GT, HP 20S, HP 48G, and HP 50g, questioning whether to purchase a new model or use an existing one.
  • Another participant mentions using an HP 42 calculator on a smartphone, raising concerns about its acceptability in exams.
  • A different participant notes that mobile phones are not allowed at school or in exams, emphasizing the need for a standalone calculator.
  • One participant expresses a preference for the HP 20S, describing it as reliable and easy to use, while suggesting that newer calculators may offer different functionalities.
  • Another participant confirms familiarity with the HP 48G and HP 50g, indicating they have instruction manuals for both.
  • A participant clarifies that only the HP 50g uses RPN, while the HP 48g has multiple modes and can be emulated on a smartphone using an app.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best calculator choice, with no consensus reached on which model is superior or most suitable for the GCSE Maths Higher exam.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various calculator types (AOS, EOS, RPN) and their implications for usability, but do not resolve the differences in preferences or the specific requirements for the exam.

i-like-maths
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I want to do GCSE Maths Higher this year and i have a selection of four calculators:
Casio FX-85GT
HP 20S
HP 48G
HP 50g (my dad is a fan of HP)
I was wondering whether I needed to get another, slightly more up-to-date one of just use one of the ones i have already got.
Could anybody help?
 
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i-like-maths said:
I want to do GCSE Maths Higher this year and i have a selection of four calculators:
Casio FX-85GT
HP 20S
HP 48G
HP 50g (my dad is a fan of HP)
I was wondering whether I needed to get another, slightly more up-to-date one of just use one of the ones i have already got.
Could anybody help?
I'm loving my HP 42 on my Droid smartphone...

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/hp42-calculator-on-your-smartphone.871642/ :smile:

Would you be allowed to use it in exams, though, I wonder...
 
I don't have a phone and probably won't get one for the next five years.
Anyway, no mobile phones are allowed at school and aren't allowed in the exams.
 
Last edited:
While your Dad seems partial to Hp, have YOU actually used the Hp 48G or Hp 50G?
.
If you don't need to use a graphing calculator yet, I like the Hp 20s. I actually really like the Hp 20s. It is a solid, reliable, easy to use calculator with Hp quality. As far current pocket scientific calculators on the market today, you won't find better. It is an AOS calculator, you may want an EOS or DAL type calculator. I suspect your Casio is also AOS. You may want to buy a cheap Ti-30 multi-view or new Casio or Sharp as nearly all newer calculators offer EOS (Type in equation as it is shown in textbook).
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As you get into higher math or you need some excuse to have better, the two graphing calculators your Dad has are two of the best (although the higher end Hp's are usually RPN). However, you may discover that you want the same calculator as your teachers and classmates ie a Ti something or other.
 
I have used both of those calculators and know the basics for them, and I have got instruction manuals too
 
only the 50g is RPN, and you can change it to scientific, the same format as the 48g. the 48g has 4 different modes with the same format.
if you want to use a 48g without buying one, get Droid48 off google play. same format and works much faster
 

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