TI-83 vs TI-84

[Anonymous]

DD is going into Algebra 1 at TPMS and the math teacher recommends getting a TI-83 for use at home. We went to staples recently and they had a sale on TI-84s. The sale price was $10 below the original price for TI-83s, which were not on sale. DD wanted a TI-84 since the price was such a steal, so I got it for her. She insisted that it was a better model with all the same things, but everyone is telling me that they're completely different and have different buttons. Is that true? What is the difference between the two? I'm really concerned that she won't be able to operate the calculator an will have a hard time in math because of that. Any advice? thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: the math teacher recommends getting a TI-83

Then that's what you should get.

[Anonymous]

The 84 is identical to the 83, but with a few nice features (radicals and exponents look "prettier", fractions show as a horizontal bar vs. a slash, etc) If you got the color edition, then lines graph in different colors to better differentiate. The functionality on each is the same.

My guess is the teacher didn't update the syllabus. We've been requesting 84's for 5 years now at the school where I teach (though stated that if you have access to an 83, that's fine!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The 84 is identical to the 83, but with a few nice features (radicals and exponents look "prettier", fractions show as a horizontal bar vs. a slash, etc) If you got the color edition, then lines graph in different colors to better differentiate. The functionality on each is the same.

My guess is the teacher didn't update the syllabus. We've been requesting 84's for 5 years now at the school where I teach (though stated that if you have access to an 83, that's fine!)

My bet is the teacher has not learned the keystrokes for,the 84, which are not always the same.

[Anonymous]

My son has an 84. More feature for only a few bucks more. My son is also pretty technology savvy. I have no doubt he will be able to work thr calculator better than most adults.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The 84 is identical to the 83, but with a few nice features (radicals and exponents look "prettier", fractions show as a horizontal bar vs. a slash, etc) If you got the color edition, then lines graph in different colors to better differentiate. The functionality on each is the same.

My guess is the teacher didn't update the syllabus. We've been requesting 84's for 5 years now at the school where I teach (though stated that if you have access to an 83, that's fine!)

My bet is the teacher has not learned the keystrokes for,the 84, which are not always the same.

I am sure Ms. Saftner knows her way around a TI 84. I have a rising 9th and 7th graders, both were/are in TPMS magnet. TI-83 or 84 are both fine. TI-83 is earlier model. An 84 on sale might be cheaper. I just got the new color 84 on sale for $100 for 9th grader going into Functions and gave the old 83 (bought used off of craigslist) to rising 7th grader. Either is fine. School also has TI 83s in classroom if you want to wait on it. It's not crucial to have on day 1.

[Anonymous]

The 84 is an upgrade from the 83, but they both work pretty much the same way. Your kid can use either model and be at no disadvantage.