A graphing calculator is a blessing in disguise for students dealing with calculations and plotting graphs. Apart from making life easier, the graphic calculator makes algebra a little less daunting. Here’s your guide to selecting the best graphic calculator for all that graphing and plotting.
Graphic calculators are instruments that come in handy when the task involves plotting graphs and solving equations as well as working with numerous variables. It is used exclusively by engineers and scientists. The use of the graphic calculators has been encouraged at the high school level, especially for the calculus courses.
There are basically two types of graphing calculators; namely numerical calculators (non-CAS calculators that generate numerical results) and CAS or symbolic calculators that produce symbolic results. The CAS calculators make learning math literally a cakewalk. Let’s take a look at the best available graphic calculators.
Leading among the best calculators is the Texas Instruments’ TI-84 Plus, which sets the benchmark for other graphic calculators. Its compatibility with most of the tests has made it the most popular choice for students the world over. Known for its user-friendly setup, this calculator is the most durable calculator you can find. It is a good buy for engineers and students alike.
Features
Processing Power: 480 KB of ROM and 24 KB of RAM
Display: 160X120 Pixels; monochrome display
Comparatively the most powerful calculator, the Hewlett-Packard calculator allows multiple input method, making it a versatile gadget. It comes loaded with more than 2300 inbuilt features that are hard to miss, especially when you are going from algebra to advanced physics. It’s a good bet for college and high school students, who’re passionate about calculus.
Features
Processing Power: 2MB of ROM and 512 KB of RAM
Display: 131X80 Pixels; monochrome display
Additional feature: Expandable memory slot which permits use of SD cards
Its built-in CAS simplifies mathematical expressions and is good for intermediate calculus. The calculator comes with a good storage space and had been the pinnacle of the graphic calculators. Navigation is easier, thanks to its graphical interface that uses icons instead of menus. It is good for subjects like Linear Algebra, Calculus and Statistics along with the other subjects.
Features
Processing Power: 2.5MB of ROM and 190 KB of RAM
Display: 100X160 Pixels; color display
Loaded with features like a touchpad and high-resolution screen, it becomes an object of desire. It comes with an interchangeable keypad, dividable screen for multiple calculations and a download option that allows you to download questions for exam preparations. It enables you to store and export files and graphs from the calculator to the computer.
Features
Processing Power: 20MB of ROM and 16 MB of RAM
Display: 320X240 Pixels; High resolution touchpad with stylus
Highly recommended for students, the TI-83 Plus has been around for quite some time now. It is used as a base for instruction as it supports the algebraic input method. Compatible for use in subjects like precalculus, algebra and trigonometry, statistics and finance, it makes for a good school companion.
Features
Processing Power: 160 KB of ROM and 124 KB of RAM
Display: 160X120 Pixels; monochrome LCD screen
Well, all in all, electronic gadgets help make things easy; the condition: you must know how to use the gadget. After all, S. Gudder correctly opines, “The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.”