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Tips in Buying and Using Graphing Calculators

By: David Urmann

A graphing calculator is a tool used by students for math subjects. It is a programmable tool that can create modified programs for calculations.

A graphing calculator is a special type of calculator handling anything that has to do with variables. It can plot graphs and solve equations. It can also accommodate numerous lines of text and calculations at the same time. It is an easy tool for faster visualization of mathematical equations.

It is also known as a graphical or graphic calculator. Most of these devices are only portable or handheld. It can easily fit pockets or your bags. It is easy to differentiate them from other kinds of calculators because of its big and wide screen to better view the graphs being plotted.

Most graphic calculators are programmable, allowing users to create modified programs for scientific, engineering and educational applications. Several graphical calculators have color displays while others have 3D graphing.

A graphing calculator can be connected to a computer or another calculator to transfer data like equations and programs. It also has a memory chip that can store equations and programs. There are also stand alone units as hardware.

Graphing calculators with higher memory include software that can work with algebra and trigonometry, including CATS (Computer Algebra and Trigonometry System).

Such devices work by inputting an equation, and the device will plot the equation on the x- and y-axes. It can verify coordinates such as points of intersections. Some units have a zoom function to better see the graphs.

When buying a graphing calculator, make sure you comply with your professor’s preferences and requirements. It is better to get a model similar to your classmates or professor. This way, you can then always consult them for any trouble with your unit.

Also consider the brand and model, and review the specifications of the unit you like. Read reviews, especially on what other students or teachers have to say about the differences.

Make sure to check for defects before buying. Read carefully the instruction manual before starting to use the device.

Once you’ve purchased, be familiar with your math curriculum. Know when to use the calculator. Be familiar with the functions, like the zoom features and display. It is important to note that a graphing calculator will not graph functions properly as compared to drawing a connecting line between hyperbolas.

If you are a professional, you are more liberated in choosing the suitable graphing calculator for your work. Be sure that the model you get is user-friendly and capable of plotting clear graphs for your analysis. Check the buttons and make sure that you find it easy to operate.

Maybe the most important thing to note is that a graphing calculator will only plot what you input. So be sure that the data you enter are correct. Otherwise, then your graph will be incorrect.

Graphing calculators pose some problems to professors because the recent models have a new added function of storing a large amount of data. Students take advantage of this feature to store several formulas here and other pertinent data they can use during examinations. Therefore, it somehow encourages cheating.

To solve this problem, many professors disallow graphing calculators altogether during exams. But in the business world, graphing calculators is proven to be very useful and helpful.

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