Preferred graphing calculator?

Question

This year I'm taking Pre Calc, Physics, and AP Chem. All three teachers highly suggested buying a graphing calculator. I was looking at some on Amazon but I just can't pick one. Between the TI-84 and the newer TI-89 which would you suggest? Or if there's something better, by all means, mention that.

Answer 1

I use an old version of the TI-92...thiis at the time I purchased it was the top of the line...now TI has the Voyage 200...visit ti.com for details

Answer 2

The TI-89 is amazing, but many teachers will not let you use it on exams because it will solve equations for you, factor, even do calculus operations.

The TI-84 is a bit better than the 83, but the 83 can do almost everything the 84 can do.

The 89 costs about $80 more than the 84 also.

I don't have to worry about teachers and exams, so I make good use of my TI-89, but you might need an 84 for exams.

Hope that helps.

Oh, a computer program that's awesome is Derive 6, if you can find it somewhere.  TI doesn't release it any more, but you can still find bootleg copies on filesharing programs or maybe bittorrent downloads.  Beware of viruses though!

Take care,

David

Answer 3

When I was in high school, I used a TI-82. That's what the school had on hand, anyway. I have a TI-83 now, though I never use it because I mostly need the business calculator for my purposes. But, I don't know the latest. Really, it seems to me, it doesn't matter which one you get as long as they both serve the purpose you need them to serve. And if they all serve their purpose, then get whichever is cheapest. :)