Thread: Graphical Calculator

Firstly, Yes I know there are subforums but this question is a general one hence I put it here. I want to buy a graphical calculator as I'm going to do a Maths degree soon. Which would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

I am going to start a math degree soon in the UK as well. I can't imagine a calculator will be that useful on a degree course reckon your better off getting a semi-decent laptop, if you really want something to do graphs.

But if you are going to get a calculator get a Ti-83, because unlike the newer models its does not do symbolic calculus so you may still use it in your A-Level Math exams.

Where are you going btw, just so i know if we may bump into each other.

Bobak

Originally Posted by bobak

But if you are going to get a calculator get a Ti-83...

I'm curious, are these TI-Instruments really that good?

They carry quite a price tag. Are there any alternatives to the TI models?

Originally Posted by janvdl

I'm curious, are these TI-Instruments really that good?

They carry quite a price tag. Are there any alternatives to the TI models?

No they are not that great, I got mine for free and gave it up. My graph drawing is pretty accurate without a calculator, as far as I know the TI- series cannot graph implicit equations. As far as examination go, they are difficult to use and you can easily waste a lot of time operating it (time away form doing your exam questions). and all serious math exam in the UK bar use of any calculators (BMO , AEA and STEP).

On the other hand there some models are allowed in the less important A-Level maths examinations in the UK. If you want to get a B grade in british A Level math without doing any work, just buy a TI-83, it will do all the stats for you, you can check your integrals and graphs and such.

I have never found calculator particularly useful at all for studying math, for graph drawing I always find that using my computer is a lot more convenient. I haven't started my math degree yet (will do in October either at Cambridge or Imperial) so I don't know how extensively calculators are use at university, but for the work I have done so far I wouldn't recommend spending more than £10 on a calculator.

Bobak

Originally Posted by bobak

No they are not that great, I got mine for free and gave it up. My graph drawing is pretty accurate without a calculator, as far as I know the TI- series cannot graph implicit equations. As far as examination go, they are difficult to use and you can easily waste a lot of time operating it (time away form doing your exam questions). and all serious math exam in the UK bar use of any calculators (BMO , AEA and STEP).

On the other hand there some models are allowed in the less important A-Level maths examinations in the UK. If you want to get a B grade in british A Level math without doing any work, just buy a TI-83, it will do all the stats for you, you can check your integrals and graphs and such.

I have never found calculator particularly useful at all for studying math, for graph drawing I always find that using my computer is a lot more convenient. I haven't started my math degree yet (will do in October either at Cambridge or Imperial) so I don't know how extensively calculators are use at university, but for the work I have done so far I wouldn't recommend spending more than £10 on a calculator.

Bobak

I thought a TI calculator would be pretty cool. But I'm not paying $150 for a cool calculator

I could rather invest in a financial calculator which I am really going to need next semester. We are not even allowed to use a calculator for anything in my maths course. Only in statistics.

Originally Posted by bobak

No they are not that great, I got mine for free and gave it up. My graph drawing is pretty accurate without a calculator, as far as I know the TI- series cannot graph implicit equations. As far as examination go, they are difficult to use and you can easily waste a lot of time operating it (time away form doing your exam questions). and all serious math exam in the UK bar use of any calculators (BMO , AEA and STEP).

On the other hand there some models are allowed in the less important A-Level maths examinations in the UK. If you want to get a B grade in british A Level math without doing any work, just buy a TI-83, it will do all the stats for you, you can check your integrals and graphs and such.

I have never found calculator particularly useful at all for studying math, for graph drawing I always find that using my computer is a lot more convenient. I haven't started my math degree yet (will do in October either at Cambridge or Imperial) so I don't know how extensively calculators are use at university, but for the work I have done so far I wouldn't recommend spending more than £10 on a calculator.

Bobak

For Math, perhaps not. But as a Physicist I love my TI-92. I got it about 10 years ago as a gift and it has never let me down. Being dropped, drenched, left out in the sun, etc. It has handled it all. And as far as the original programming for Calculus, graphing, and linear regressions and such I have never found a need to upgrade either the software or to something like the Voyager. (Though I'd like to take a good hard look at one.)

Admittedly it doesn't help much for something like Quantum Field Theory (though it does regular QM pretty well), but I get my main usage for it right now as an aid while tutoring. Yes, I can do all the problems, but it helps to be able to just punch in the problem and have a solution at my finger tips so I can focus on how best to help the student.

-Dan

Originally Posted by topsquark

For Math, perhaps not. But as a Physicist I love my TI-92. I got it about 10 years ago as a gift and it has never let me down. Being dropped, drenched, left out in the sun, etc. It has handled it all. And as far as the original programming for Calculus, graphing, and linear regressions and such I have never found a need to upgrade either the software or to something like the Voyager. (Though I'd like to take a good hard look at one.)

Admittedly it doesn't help much for something like Quantum Field Theory (though it does regular QM pretty well), but I get my main usage for it right now as an aid while tutoring. Yes, I can do all the problems, but it helps to be able to just punch in the problem and have a solution at my finger tips so I can focus on how best to help the student.

-Dan

Interestingly enough I gave up my Ti to a friend of mine who is going on to do a Physics degree, He uses a lot more than I ever did. They are brilliant calculators and i will never deny that.

Back onto the topic, Air what math course have you applied for exactly? straight mathematics ? or a joint honours ? I will be easier for people to give advice if we have more information.

Bobak

Hello,

It really depends on what you're going to study... With topology, i doubt you will find an use to calculators :P

Btw, my TI-89 has followed since 2001, i have never had to complain about. I admit i didn't have to sketch lots of graphs even if i study maths, but for calculus and small programming, it's very interesting !

Thanks for all your replies. Just as your wondering, I will be doing straight maths.

I feel I wont need a graphical calculator very much as I've read that most people don't use it but being a mathematician, I feel it's like a necessity.

Pardon my ignorance, but what are "straight maths" ?

Originally Posted by Air

Thanks for all your replies. Just as your wondering, I will be doing straight maths.

I feel I wont need a graphical calculator very much as I've read that most people don't use it but being a mathematician, I feel it's like a necessity.

Originally Posted by Moo

Pardon my ignorance, but what are "straight maths" ?

If you mean Calculus, first check if you're going to need a calculator. My university strictly forbids them in our Calculus course, and as far as I know, the same goes for Jhevon's university.

I'm doing analysis and i've done some arithmetic. In both of them (actually, in all my subjects), we weren't allowed to use calculators at exams. And the only subject we use it is astrophysics
So take care of the real need of possessing a calculator ^^

Originally Posted by Moo

Pardon my ignorance, but what are "straight maths" ?

Straight Maths is Maths degree on its own without any other subject (I assume just Pure Maths). We usually say Straight Maths as you can get degree with different subjects e.g.

Maths With Economics (75% Maths, 25% Economics)
or
Maths and Economics (50% Maths, 50% Economics).

If you don't want to spend that much for a graphical calculator, maybe you could look for the TI-82. I have one, not that new but can do well till university at least.