At the beginning of their calculation, students are often faced with a question about their graphing calculator. Should they buy a CAS calculator or computer algebra system? If you do not understand what a CAS-compatible calculator is, you will not make an informed purchase decision or not.
A standard graphing calculator can only perform calculations with numbers. This means you can divide, multiply, add and subtract as well as perform much more complicated tasks such as logarithms, trigonometric functions, radicals, etc. However, a standard graphing calculator is not capable of performing operations with variables.
On the other hand, a graphing calculator activated by a computer algebra system is capable of much more. It can handle variables such as x and y. This means that it has the ability to factor polynomials, to solve equations, even to solve calculus functions as derivatives without numerical limits. They are so powerful that some teachers do not allow them and certain tests like ACT have been banned. They are allowed in two very large exams, however, the SAT test and the AP calculation. For many students, it is enough for them to decide that they want one.
If you buy a CAS-compatible graphing calculator, you want to make sure you are a knowledgeable buyer. Texas Instruments is the most prolific manufacturer of graphing calculators available today. So most students will decide to buy an IT calculator. IT makes several CAS models that you may want to consider. Titanium TI-89, TI-Voyage 200, and TI-Nspire CAS all have a computer algebra system. Since TI-Voyage has a QWERTY keyboard, almost all standard tests are prohibited. This means that for most students, this is a decision that compares the CAS TI-Nspire and Titanium TI-89.
A standard graphing calculator can only perform calculations with numbers. This means you can divide, multiply, add and subtract as well as perform much more complicated tasks such as logarithms, trigonometric functions, radicals, etc. However, a standard graphing calculator is not capable of performing operations with variables.
TI-89 titanium is not so modern. It’s been over 10 years, but it still feels pretty modern compared to most other calculators of that time. The TI-Nspire CAS is the latest and greatest from Texas Instruments. It has a high resolution screen, a modern computer interface and document creation. Whatever you want, make sure you have done your homework. These calculators cost over $ 100 and you don’t want to regret it. Spend time online checking the two options, see what your friends are saying, and you’re sure to make a decision that will be useful to you for years to come.