Alright, it's about time for another nerd topic: I'm shopping around for a graphing calculator for my son going into 7th grade. Prices are eye opening to say the least. Any help is appreciated.

TI-84 CE PLUS

It's the typical one that teachers recommend and it's the on the list approved for use during the SAT's etc.

What class is he taking in 7th grade that he needs a graphing calculator?

My 12 year old is working on a pre algebra summer book (school likes to give the kids work books to keep them sharp on Summer Break). Then he's in a small group of 7th graders that will be starting Algebra 1 this Fall.

And thanks for the info!

They didn't tell you what to buy?! Or perhaps a better question - what math is he taking in 7th grade that requires a graphing calculator (Algebra 1 should not)? Will he be allowed to use it?

If it's required for the class, I thought they'd typically mandate a particular model (no doubt a Ti-whatever) so that when giving instructions on how to use it, the could give ONE set of instructions and the teacher wouldn't have to learn 32 different calculators during class.

-Rob

Typically the instructor recommends or requires a certain brand and model. I'd at least email his teacher and get a recommendation. Algebra doesn't typically require a full blown high end graphing calculator. You can probably get by with a $20 scientific calculator through Pre-calc/Calc 1.

quote:

Originally posted by Draal:
My 12 year old is working on a pre algebra summer book (school likes to give the kids work books to keep them sharp on Summer Break). Then he's in a small group of 7th graders that will be starting Algebra 1 this Fall.

And thanks for the info!

If he actually won't need it for a test then maybe look for an app that will do the trick for now.

I'm currently taking a college algebra course that is all about graphs and models and while the books talks about using a graphing calculator and we're allowed to use one for the quizzes, we will not be permitted to use one on the midterm or final, so I'm not going to use one for the course work either.

I'm using a TI-36X Pro ($19). You can run functions on it and get a table of points but it doesn't graph anything.

We used TI-83 from pre-algebra through Trig. After Trig we used TI-89

And despite how much technology has changed, those things have not gone down in price

I asked the same question on the forum a few months ago. Hands down the TI-84 Plus is what ALL high school students are using.

Had to get one for each of my kids, (8th grade). Expectation is that it they will follow them thru their senior year.

A slightly dissenting opinion

SAT and PSAT allow for many different calculators - but ACT has a different list.

I chose to get my kids the best possible - i.e. TI NSPIRE CAS.

This is allowed on SAT but not ACT.

This calculator has a CAS (Computer algebra System) that can solve Algebra problems symbolically. i.e. They could do the problems in the calculator and it gives correct answers.
In some ways this is cheating - BUT others could be using it , so why not give your kid all the advantages you can.

I would also get it early so they learn how to use it to fullest advantage.
Expensive compared to TI 84 - BUT it will last throughout high school.

I would see if you can talk to one of the math teachers and see what they recommend.

Back in my day we had the blue TI-81(at least I think that was the model. I do remember it was blue)

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
I would see if you can talk to one of the math teachers and see what they recommend.

Back in my day we had the blue TI-81(at least I think that was the model. I do remember it was blue)

Yep, I emailed his teacher and I'm just waiting for a reply. Being the first week of summer break, I'm betting he's on a little vacation.

TI 83 or 84. This comes from my wife a math teacher and former engineer.

I have a new TI-84 Plus that I would sell you for cheap. I bought it new and never used it. I threw away the package. It comes with the manual, USB cable and cover.

John
jdmb03@hotmail.com

I still have my TI83 from high school that I use in the lab to this day.......I am amazed at how expensive they still are....

I used a TI 85 and HP 48G in college. I also had a Casio something but it drained batteries and wasn't as good. Your son probably will not want to deal with Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) so go with the TI.

I was just cleaning my desk out today and found mine (a TI86) and the wife's (a TI82). I was going to offer you the 82 gratis, but opened up the battery compartment to find a severely leaking Duracell.

Don't want to offer you a non-working one, but I will be taking up a damage claim with Duracell to see if they will stand behind it.

Check for restrictions at his school. Anything at TI-89 or above was not allowed with me, so I got a TI-86.

I still have it and use it at work.

Check Craigslist during summer vacation. Always a bunch of TI-84's and such for cheap when schools out. Buying a used calc tends to be just fine. They're built like a tank and even beat to hell, they are so simple they still work. Buy several, choose the best one to keep and sell the others for much higher right before the school year starts again when all the parents start looking at the last moment!

I'd check eBay for a used TI-84 Plus.

I loved my HP48GX... So much so that I still use an emulated one on Android to this day. RPN is awesome once you get used to the stack.

Currently TI seems to be the standard though...