Calculators What kind of scientific calculator should I buy?

AI Thread Summary
When selecting a calculator for a physics major with an engineering option, a scientific calculator is generally sufficient, as it typically covers essential functions like trigonometry, roots, and natural logarithms. For more advanced needs, users suggest considering specific models such as the HP50 or Texas TI-89. The HP50 is noted for its efficiency in certain functions, while the TI-89 is recognized for its superior graphing capabilities. Ultimately, the choice may depend on personal preference, as both calculators can meet the requirements for courses in trigonometry, algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, physics, and engineering.
danielandpenn
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Hi. I was wondering if anyone would share with me some insight about what calculator I should purchase? I'm a returning student in the fall, majoring in physics with engineering option. It's been so long since I've been in school though that I may end up having to take a trig/algebra II class and pre-calculus before even getting to calculus. So, I may need something for trig/alg, pre-calc, calc, physics and engineering. Thanks for your advice.
 
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Three answers:
1, Any scientific calculator will do, you only need trig, roots and ln() even for grad school - anything else use a computer
2, Get an HP50 cos a Texas Ti89 is 0.1% less efficient at some function you have never heard of
3, Get an Texas Ti89 cos a HP50 is 0.1% slower at drawing graph function you will never use.
 
mgb_phys said:
Three answers:
1, Any scientific calculator will do, you only need trig, roots and ln() even for grad school - anything else use a computer
2, Get an HP50 cos a Texas Ti89 is 0.1% less efficient at some function you have never heard of
3, Get an Texas Ti89 cos a HP50 is 0.1% slower at drawing graph function you will never use.

Pretty much spot on.
 
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