The graphing calculator supports many features, making them multi-purpose and extremely useful to perform even very complex operations.
One of the main functions, for example: is to solve equations of any kind, derivatives, complex functions, statistical calculations and ability to manage tables, Cartesian coordinate systems, and much more.
Also, by connecting it via a USB cable, you can connect the graphing calculator with a PC so that you can share files, applications, and calculations.
They can be carried out with beneficial support thanks to a graphing calculator, state exam, matriculation exam, and university exams. Still, in these cases, a non-programmable graphing calculator is necessary. As the others do not, they are allowed.
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How to choose a graphing calculator: Types and Characteristics
Given the numerous functions that a graphing calculator can perform, those looking for a good model must focus on the use they will have to make during their work and consequently base the choice of a device on these parameters.
Let’s see together how to choose correctly to make sure you make a correct purchase.
Functions
The number of functions that a graphing calculator can perform is extremely high, and in some models, it can reach up to 600. This particularity makes it versatile and useful for executing and solving complex operations, such as equations of any kind, derivatives, complex functions, calculation statistics. Some offer options to manage tables, bi, and three-dimensional maps, or Cartesian coordinate systems.
Thus, it is good to examine how many and which features the calculator we choose because, depending on its characteristics, we can understand if it fits best with our work.
Comfort
It is quite easy to imagine taking it often with you at university or work being a portable device. Therefore, it is important to evaluate a model that combines various functions, the display’s width, and the whole’s compactness. In this way, you will have a high-performance device that will occupy a small space to be easily transportable in your pocket or backpack.
Screen
In graphing calculators, screen size is one of the fundamental factors in choosing the device. The screen must be large enough to facilitate the reading of complex calculations and graphs as much as possible.
In addition, a large display, perhaps even supporting a large number of colors, is almost essential to ensure quality and comfort during work, especially when you will see, for example, histograms, pie charts, or representations of planes in space.
The most advanced models are equipped with high-resolution LCD screens, touch-screen, or split-screen viewers to simultaneously see more graphs or equations. If you want to move towards a cheaper product, we will easily find graphing calculators with black-and-white displays.
Memory
Memory and processing speed are important because the more these functions are developed, the more calculators can quickly perform and save equations. The most advanced calculators typically have faster processors.
Supply
The computing power these calculators need comes from the integrated processor, which obviously has to be powered by an energy source. The type of power generally used with these devices is simply the battery type, commonly of stylus type.
To avoid replacing batteries too frequently, you can choose a graphing calculator with rechargeable batteries. In this case, they are often supplied with a USB cable, so you can connect the device to another that recharges the battery.
Connectivity
The advanced features of these devices can easily make graphing calculators compared to real miniature computers. Inside, they are equipped with a special chip specifically designed for carrying out complex calculations.
For this, one of their functions is connected to your PC, and in some cases, also to a Mac computer, via USB cable: in this way, you can download calculations, functions, statistics, and any other operation we want to store.
The best graphing calculator for professionals and students
Now let’s move on to the selection and see what really is the best graphing calculator currently on the market. The price range is around $40 to $200.
The Texas Instruments graphing calculator is one of the best-selling brands, together with the Casio graphing calculator, offers easily accessible economic models.
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display.Horizontal and vertical split-screen...
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images.Fourteen interactive zoom features
- High-resolution, full-color Backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Sleek design
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images
- Real and complex numbers calculated to 14-digit accuracy and displayed with 10 digits plus...
- Sequence graphing mode shows time series plot, cobweb/stair-step plot, and phase plots....
- Interactive analysis of function values, roots, maximums, minimums, integrals, and...
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images
- High-resolution LCD display; Rechargeable Battery available
- 3MB Flash Memory
- Natural Textbook Display shows fractions
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display. The screen size is 320 x 240 pixels (3.5...
- Rechargeable battery included. Can last up to two weeks on a single charge
- Handheld-Software Bundle. Includes the TI-Inspire CX Student Software delivering enhanced...
- Permitted for use on SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, AP, IB and Praxis exams
- Offers large 64 x 96 pixel, 8 x 16 display; 24KB of RAM; and 160KB Flash ROM memory
- Also graphs 3 recursively-defined sequences; TVM, cash flows, amortization, and complex...
- Color Screen. The screen size is 320 x 240 pixels (3.5 inches diagonal) and the screen...
- Rechargeable battery included. Can last up to two weeks on a single charge
- Handheld-Software Bundle. Includes the TI-Inspire CX Student Software delivering enhanced...
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