Which Graphing Calculator is Best for Calculus, Trig, Physics, and SAT/ACT?

[rock4christ]

Help me decide. I want something that can help w/ calculus,trig,physics,statistics(not an absolutely necessary feature) and chem(not sure what features would be added to help this, but if you know then do tell) and allowed on SAT/ACT.

any ideas

 

[ranger]

The TI89 would be an excellent choice (although a little pricey). And its also allowed on the SAT, But according to CAAP'a website, ACT does not allow TI89.

Prohibited calculators include all calculators in all of the following series:

* Casio CFX-9970G (including, for example, CFX-9970GE)
* Casio Algebra fx 2.0
* Hewlett-Packard HP-40G
* Hewlett-Packard HP-49G
* Texas Instruments TI-89
* Texas Instruments TI-92 (including, for example, TI-92 Plus)

http://www.act.org/caap/sample/calc.html

 

[rock4christ]

Would a TI-84 Plus do what I need

 

[ranger]

Well, as per your requirements, you need it to help you with calculus. Only a calculator with CAS (computer algebra system) will do the job. The TI84+ lacks this. There are probably unconventional methods or 3rd party programs which enable you to so this, but I don't know of any, nor do its possible because it lacks a CAS.

On a second note, I remember using my old ti83+ to help me with integrals. The most I could do was plot the equation then attempt to find the area under it. It only gives numerical answers, which is useless when you are asked to do otherwise.

EDIT: I found this link. Which tells you how do some calculus functions. But as you can see it is severely limited as it can only do definite integrals and some other minor functions.

 

[rock4christ]

any CAS calculators that are allowed an both SAT and ACT, and are 8xp files compatible on said calculator

 

[z-component]

Keep in mind though, that a calculator is only as smart as the person operating it. You should learn the calculus and understand it before you start using your calculator to "help."

 

[rock4christ]

Keep in mind though, that a calculator is only as smart as the person operating it. You should learn the calculus and understand it before you start using your calculator to "help."

I agree 100%, I refuse to use a calc as a stupidity crutch, but it speeds things up a lot

 

[ranger]

any CAS calculators that are allowed an both SAT and ACT, and are 8xp files compatible on said calculator

It looks like ACT doesn't allow any calculator with a built in CAS.

 

[techninja]

If you're willing to wait a bit and plonk down a bit more cash for an on-the-edge calculator, may I suggest the TI-Nspire CAS? Seems like it comes out Q2 this year or so, but the screenshots and press coverage looks pretty decent.

 

[rock4christ]

Ive decided on the TI-84 Plus, anything i need to know for linking(says it comes w/ a cable on amazon, is that all i need? and is there a specific folder structure or anything like that?)

 

[ranger]

All you need is the linking cable and the TI connect software. This software sets up everything for you. It also allows you to drag and drop files from your computer to the calculator.

 

[rock4christ]

All you need is the linking cable and the TI connect software. This software sets up everything for you. It also allows you to drag and drop files from your computer to the calculator.

will the software come with the 84?

 

[ranger]

If its not shipped with it, just download TI Connect from the manufactures website:
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_ti_connect.html

 

[rock4christ]

getting an 84 silver

I'm getting a ti 84+ Silver edition.

any suggestions of TI84SE apps that can help w/ calculus,trig,physics, and chem?

 

[ranger]

You can go here and look for apps.

 

[rock4christ]

ive got some stuff from there, I am looking for specific suggestions