Buying guide for best graphing calculators
As a student advances through math classes in high school and college, the right calculator becomes an increasingly important tool to have at hand. Different calculators will give you different functionality, ultimately resulting in better success in class.
At some point, a math student will be required to know how to use a graphing calculator. This powerful handheld device can be expensive, but it can do things that lesser calculators cannot. If you or your child needs a graphing calculator for math class, you could be overwhelmed by all the choices.
What is a graphing calculator?
If your only experience with a handheld calculator is solving simple addition and multiplication problems, you’re in for a shock. A graphing calculator can do all of those simple calculations, but that’s about where the resemblance ends.
A graphing calculator can solve simultaneous equations and plot the results on a graph that it displays on the screen. Dozens of buttons offer a multitude of functions, and you can run programs or apps that enable you to perform certain types of advanced calculations. It is basically a little computer that you can hold in the palm of your hand.
Ultimately, a graphing calculator helps students visualize mathematical concepts and better understand advanced concepts. And students can use this tool to check any work they’ve done by hand, ensuring accuracy.
Graphing calculator features
When comparing graphing calculators, you’ll want to pay close attention to certain features and understand which ones are most important for the math classes you take.
Battery
A graphing calculator can run on alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Alkaline batteries can be more convenient, but if you use the calculator a lot, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run.
Display
When picking out a graphing calculator, the display screen plays a big role in the usefulness of the unit. Some screens are larger than others, which could make a difference depending on how you’ll be using the device. Some screens are full color, while others are monochrome.
Pay attention to the screen resolution, too. A sharper screen more clearly shows the graphs and formulas, making them easier to read. Manufacturers measure resolution vertically and horizontally in pixels, such as 96 x 96 pixels.
Memory
You’ll want plenty of memory in a graphing calculator, especially if you will be performing highly advanced calculations.
The graphing calculator’s random-access memory (RAM) allows you to store functions and programs/apps. More memory makes it easier to store these items for the long term.
Graphing calculators also have read-only memory (ROM), but users can’t access it for storage. The manufacturer programs the ROM. When you see more ROM, it typically means the graphing calculator is more versatile.
Processor
Faster processors will enable you to work more quickly. Manufacturers measure speed in megahertz (MHz).
Did you know?
A graphing calculator should be able to perform all of the tasks that a scientific calculator can, as well as run graphing calculations.
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CAS vs. non-CAS graphing calculators
When comparing graphing calculators, you want to decide if you need one with a computer algebra system (CAS), which gives the calculator some additional features.
CAS calculators
A CAS calculator performs much of the work automatically for the student. A teacher who wants to see a student’s work process won’t see it if the student is using a CAS graphing calculator.
The CAS graphing calculator can produce symbolic equations and symbolic results, simplifying equations and working with forms, rather than numbers. (This type of work generally isn’t required for students in the classroom, though. Instead, professionals or students in advanced college classes are likelier to need a CAS calculator.)
The CAS graphing calculator can expand and solve expressions, while returning all roots. It also can find the min, max, and zeroes for any function.
Non-CAS calculators
The non-CAS graphing calculator helps with calculations, but it forces the student to show his or her work.
The non-CAS graphing calculator creates fractional or decimal results by dealing with equations numerically only.
The non-CAS graphing calculator performs all of the calculations most students need for math classes. They’re most likely sufficient for any course other than advanced college courses for a mathematics major or graduate student.
Graphing calculator prices
If you’re used to spending $5 or $10 for a basic solar-powered calculator, you could experience some sticker shock when you shop for a graphing calculator, which can cost between $60 and $300. But remember that these devices are far more powerful than your basic calculator. The screens are more complex, the processors are faster, and the calculator contains more memory. For most classes that require a graphing calculator, the instructor should be able to recommend a price range for a calculator that fits the coursework.
And one other thing to remember about graphing calculators is that you can recoup some of the original cost by selling it later, as long as you care for it properly.
Inexpensive: You can expect to spend from $60 to $125 for a basic graphing calculator. A lot of units fit within this price range, and these calculators will do the job for most high school students. This price range also has popular brand names in it, so you won’t be limited to generic models. Most of these graphing calculators will not have high-end display screens, but the screens are more than adequate for basic work.
Mid-Range: You will find a large variety of graphing calculators that cost $125 to $150. For high school students taking advanced classes or first-year college students, a graphing calculator in this price range will have the features they need.
- Expensive: You will spend between $150 and $300 for the most expensive graphing calculators suitable for advanced college students and professionals. These units have full-color screens and the most versatility.
FAQ
Q. Will a graphing calculator help me get better grades in math class?
A. Certainly, a graphing calculator can help students have more success with graphing functions. This should help them finish homework and tests more quickly and with more correct answers. However, in order to be able to use a graphing calculator successfully, students still need to understand algebra. Most students do better with graphing calculators once they’ve gained an understanding of the concepts the old-fashioned way – with pencil and paper.
Q. What’s the best graphing calculator for a high school student?
A. For those just starting to use graphing calculators, an inexpensive basic model should provide the level of performance they need. Look for a calculator that has large, clearly marked buttons. This helps students just starting to learn these functions to select the right function every time.
Q. How do I know if I’m purchasing a powerful graphing calculator?
A. Much like a computer or smartphone, a more powerful graphing calculator has a more powerful processor. A graphing calculator’s processor is much smaller than the one found in a smartphone or computer, certainly, but different graphing calculator processors run at different speeds, measured in MHz. Faster graphing calculators can perform calculations more quickly, saving you serious time when you’re performing dozens of calculations.
Q. Do I really have to spend the extra money for a graphing calculator when I already have a scientific calculator?
A. A scientific calculator performs a lot of advanced mathematical calculations. However, for certain types of math that require graphing, the scientific calculator can’t perform the necessary calculations. Only the graphing calculator has the ability to provide more visual answers. Additionally, the graphing calculator can typically match all of the functions of a scientific calculator.
