What calculator for calc bc and multivar?
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Anonymous
| For TJ: Know TI-84 recommended for algebra 2, but what recommended for calc bc and multivar? Would love to only get one. For those had kids already go through this, Ti-84 still work for all classes? Any real benefit to get ti-84 plus or ti-84 plus ce python? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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TI-Nspire CX II CAS.
It’s the TI flagship, far more capable than TI 84, which will probably work just fine, but why not get an extra advantage if it’s allowed. There’s a learning curve to Tinspire, but there are many resources out there, and it will save a lot of time. Virtually any calculator question on AP can be done with one input if set up correctly with zero chance of making careless mistakes. Only caveat is that it’s not allowed on ACT, but the model without CAS (computer algebra system) is. CAS solves symbol equations, nice to have in some instances. HP Prime for an alternative with a nicer input interface and screen, but fewer learning resources. |
Anonymous
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Honestly, do they need a calculator? I'd ask the prof. I didn't use one for those classes.
Because of cheating risks, all my calc professors prohibited the use of calculators. |
Anonymous
| You're beyond calculators at this point. |
Anonymous
Are you serious? A graphing calculator is required for AP Calculus BC. |
Anonymous
Depends. College board has gone to 100% desmos on the exam. If the teacher is utilizing that in class, a graphing calculator isn't really needed. |
Anonymous
| My son used TI-84 plus and desmos for BC Cal. Cannot speak to multivariate since it is not offered at his school. |
Anonymous
Nor really. Calculators are still allowed. Why take the risk when it’s allowed and can help with the exam? This is ridiculously bad advice. https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines/calculator-policies |
Anonymous
Back in the day it was either Pre-Calc or AP Calc where you jumped from the TI-83 to the TI-89. Now that the lower classes use the 84+ is there not an 89 equivalent the kids use? |
Anonymous
You can buy what’s a used in class, which usually is the cheaper, less capable model. Or the fancier model that does more things, but you have to learn it on your own. Either is fine, but I’d go with the more capable model. For example in statistics, you have to find probabilities, so you need to calculate the z scores separately, plug them in the normal standard distribution. For the top of the line calculators you just plug in the data from the question and get the answer. Small things like these add up, but of course it’s not a substitute for knowing the material. |
Anonymous
| I read on another thread some time ago that Desmos was better during the exam, but cannot recall exactly why. Maybe someone can weigh in? |
Anonymous
The ti-83/84 does what you suggest. 2nd-->vars-->normalcdf. No separate calculations required. OP, I would get the 84. That's what high school teachers will be teaching with, alongside desmos. |
Anonymous
I'm an AP calc teacher. The kids can use their calculators for basic computations if they want, but all the visual stuff is in desmos now. I'm not wasting time with complex button sequences on a 1992 operating system and graphical display that somehow still costs over $100. So to that end, I don't care what calculator they bring in. I can't speak to multivar, my school doesn't have that. |
Anonymous
No benefit. They are all junk compared to a smartphone, and the functionality needed for exams is almost nothing. |
Anonymous
| DC used TI-30XIIS for Geometry. At the information session of Algebra 1, teacher gave kids used TI-84 Plus for free, but DC is not using it. I am wondering if the graphing function of TI-84 Plus helps in Algebra 2. DC can just use graphing papers, or math class page has the graphing tool. |