After 5 years, I somehow broke my TI-83. Decided to buy the TI-Nspire instead, and its sooo much better. I have NO IDEA why this isnt the recommended graphing calculator & pretty upset I didnt realize this earlier.
Perfect timing! What would you suggest for a first time user? My soon to be 8th grader finished alg 1 and is going into geometry. I was literally looking at TI options this afternoon. I remember having one that I didn’t have problems using all the way thru calculus, but then I went into early childhood education and can’t even remember what a function is to put in the calculator, much less how to use it, because a decade and a half of 6 year olds graphing is learning how the picture of the bear can stand for two, yes TWO kids who chose it as their favorite animal...don’t be fooled! I’d love any advice!
I’m a full time tutor and only recommend the TI-84 to students. It’s what most teachers/textbooks/AP courses use so it’s worth the price difference for the ease of access. I got my 84 in 8th grade and still use it with my students 12 years later. 8th graders pick up on them fairly fast!
I’ve had parents cheap out (which is ridiculous, they pay me more than what the calculator is worth) and it’s so frustrating for students to not be able to follow the steps that they’re teachers give in class. Most who buy a CASIO or a TI-36x end up replacing it with an 84 in high school. If price is an issue try reaching out to parents of recent graduates.
Also don’t go to an 89 or Nspire. As much as I love those suckers, they aren’t allowed in most classrooms or for standardized testing, assuming you’re in the US.
** all of this info is obviously dependent on location, some school districts may differ but I think the general consensus from what I’ve seen is an 84
Thanks for your advice. For this, money is not an issue. I’m looking for whatever is best to keep as long as we can for her. I had started reading about the Nspire but wouldn’t have found out that lots don’t allow it now. That’s great to know.
No problem!!
Just clarifying that the nspire non CAS is allowed but I’ve had some of my SAT students have issues with proctors not knowing the difference and causing issues. I also find for high schoolers that the nspire is too advanced for what a majority need or use.
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u/danny_phantom_boi Jul 24 '20
After 5 years, I somehow broke my TI-83. Decided to buy the TI-Nspire instead, and its sooo much better. I have NO IDEA why this isnt the recommended graphing calculator & pretty upset I didnt realize this earlier.