Why get a graphing calculator
As the name implies a graphing calculator can graph functions ranging from linear to polynomial. In addition to graphing functions, a graphing calculator can perform many other tasks which includes:
- Solving different types of equations
- Help you to study rates of change
- Help you to do integration
- Work with Matrices
- Help you to do analysis of many mathematical problems
- Doing regression analysis, other statistical calculations and much more
Benefits of having a graphing calculator
Graphing calculators provide a fast and easy way to plot graphs, show tables, trace the path of a curve and much more. Further, a graphing calculator is a valuable upgrade from a scientific calculator that opens the door to endless calculations, analysis and visual representation of mathematical problems.
Sometimes graphing calculator are permitted on test and exams. If graphing calculators are permitted, you should take advantage of this opportunity and use it.
Disadvantage of using a graphing calculator
Note that with any new tool you will have to spend the time to learn how to use your graphing calculator. If you get your graphing calculator at the beginning of your math studies, your learning curve of using your new tool will be gradual and will not overwhelm you.
Some assessments may not allow graphing calculators. So whatever the math you are doing, you will need to develop the skills to solve the problems without a graphing calculator and also without calculators period. In addition, calculators are not allowed in some math courses. These courses are also focused on student’s proficiency without a calculator.
Math CM Recommended Graphing Calculators
Texas Instruments makes some very good graphing calculators. Click on this link to see which TI graphing calculator is good for you. Below are our pick of graphing calculators:
