Lets talk calculators...

Leo101b said:
Since you are doing maths I would recommend getting a graphical calculator, they are allowed in the exams providing they aren't CAS algebra manipulators. I can't remember what particular model I have, I'll probably edit that in in a bit.
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What do you actually use it for? I mean, yeah, i get it, it draws graphs - but what does it help with? Can't get my head around it - probably links in with not knowing how to use them properly anyway :p

mithrandir said:
Pen and paper is the best calculator.

JK, I've not used a scientific calculator for ages.
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Pft, Abacus is where it's at man ;)
 
Leo101b said:
Since you are doing maths I would recommend getting a graphical calculator, they are allowed in the exams providing they aren't CAS algebra manipulators. I can't remember what particular model I have, I'll probably edit that in in a bit.
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Locally, NO type of graphical calculator is permitted, neither at A level.
 
The__Malteser said:
Locally, NO type of graphical calculator is permitted, neither at A level.
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Almost certain that they are, at least in most exams where you can have a calculator.

EDIT: From the JCQ site -

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amigafan2003 said:
And what do you think "symbolic algebra manipulation" is then?
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Different to "literal algebra manipulation". Slightly disconcerting that nobody has been able to answer my question as to what features a graphing calculator would offer over a good scientific that i would actually use...

EDIT: Not fast enough ;)
 
Man I'd definitely get another fx-83ES, it's the best calculator I've ever owned. I thought, like you, that when I got to uni I'd need a better calculator (also lost my 83ES) so I bought a seriously OTTP dx-7400G Plus and I really don't like it. I got through my maths and physics A-levels with the 83ES and I'm doing mechanical engineering at Leeds now and the fx-83ES is perfect. Occasionally I suppose a graphing function would be nice but tbh I've never ever used it on the graphic calculator.
 
I went to look up the 83es. Trust me, the 991-es plus is soo much more better. the 83es is the mainstream calculator here, and it doesn't do all that I mentioned above.

I had an fx-82ES before the 991, and it is soo bad in relation.
 
Well it doesn't seem like a graphing calculator would actually offer much that has a useful regular everyday application over the 991, but the 991 does offer some decent features over the cheaper stuff. Unless anybody has any other suggestions i'll probably go for that, cheers :)

Also - congratulations nerds on creating a two page thread on calculators :D
 
I've had a Casio fx-991ES since GCSE's, it's the bomb, equation solving (no rearranging, saves loads of time!) and heaps of other useful features.

today's equivalent, the fx-991ES plus is just as good (i have both, annoying story).
 
Currently using the FX-911ES PLUS, great calculator. Just remember to switch it to the mode where it gives out decimals for an answer instead of fractions, it was a real PITA until I read the manual. :o
 
Vinni3 @H|H said:
Currently using the FX-911ES PLUS, great calculator. Just remember to switch it to the mode where it gives out decimals for an answer instead of fractions, it was a real PITA until I read the manual. :o
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The 83ES does that too, i like it since fractions are often more useful than decimals, especially if you're carrying it through to another part of a calculation. It's only a single button press to change it anyway so you know :p
 
Get the 991.

I used to have an fx-115W at school but when that died I inherited a Texas Instruments TI-83 which is a great calculator. When I went to Uni and for my A-levels it was not allowed so I bought the highest spec calculator that was allowed which was the fx-991ES and it was the best calculator for that. Now that I am not restricted by what I can use I am back with the TI-83. But till you get to freedom go with the 991.

One disadvantage of the 991 is you do not need to rearrange equations and if you lose that skill you are screwed. Too great a reliance on a calculator is bad. Of you get to the stage where all you are doing is plugging the question straight into your calculator you need to stop and get a simpler calculator as you are no longer learning how to manipulate numbers which is so useful when you go to uni (if you are doing a maths based course).
 
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Good advice, thanks - i sincerely doubt i'll be doing a pure maths course at uni (if anything it would be Physics...y) but still. The flip side of that being that if your education doesn't prepare you for real world situations, where you would have external materials, access to proper equipment and, oh i don't know... the ability to talk? :rolleyes: Well then it's not worth very much, is it?
 
PermaBanned said:
Good advice, thanks - i sincerely doubt i'll be doing a pure maths course at uni (if anything it would be Physics...y) but still. The flip side of that being that if your education doesn't prepare you for real world situations, where you would have external materials, access to proper equipment and, oh i don't know... the ability to talk? :rolleyes: Well then it's not worth very much, is it?
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And thats why I am doing an apprenticeship over staying at uni. It is far more relevant.
In physics manipulation of equations and formulae is even more critical (also physics is a maths based degree, as is all of engineering). I am not saying that you wont have access to these kind of tools in the real world but you will be faster if you can rely on them less.
 
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