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Best Graphing Calculators for Students

By Kathleen Cantor, 02 Nov 2021

While many students use calculators to perform basic calculations, others use them for more complex graphing functions. Graphing calculators are used in some sciences and math classes. Students must know which type of graphing calculator will best suit their particular needs. 

What to Look for In a Graphing Calculator

A graphing calculator is an electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations. It consists of a computer chip, along with integrated circuitry that can be programmed for different applications. 

Students should consider the different functions each calculator offers before making a decision. The right calculator can help solve problems faster and more accurately, but the wrong one can be a huge distraction or frustration.

This device can provide answers to more complex problems than a simple scientific calculator. It is also useful when performing tasks in statistics, calculus, and many other math-related subjects. Students can use it to graph and analyze mathematical data and equations, which is a critical skill that they will need throughout their lives. 

Reviewing the Best Graphing Calculators

There are hundreds of graphing calculator models and brands available on the market, all with slightly different features and price points. This guide will help students find the right one for their needs, whether an advanced graphing calculator for standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams, or something for science or other disciplines.

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator

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The TI-84 Plus CE is the latest in the long line of Texas Instruments graphing calculators. It comes in different colors and has an intuitive key layout to guide you through solving problems faster than before.

The device provides the best graphical programmability. It delivers more algebra calculations with its higher processing power. It's preloaded with applications, including Algebra, Physics, Business and Finance, Statistics, and Geometry, making it an ideal choice for high school and college students.

The TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator combines a color screen and high-resolution display with the functionality that makes it easy to see graphs and charts. It lets students analyze and solve problems involving matrices.

In addition to buttons for basic math functions, this calculator's keys include shortcuts to important calculations. This device also features memory slots to create lists and access previously used information without pushing multiple buttons. 

These new features make it possible for students to learn more about math concepts and apply them in the real world. It also allows them to personalize and develop their method of math and stats problem-solving.

A sleek, comfortable design makes it easy to hold, with an intuitive user interface so you can use all its capabilities comfortably. Onboard applications give you full power in a compact package - complete mathematical functionalities and a built-in USB. 

This gadget is allowed for use on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP tests.

Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Programmable Graphing Calculator

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The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus is a fully loaded scientific and graphing calculator.

This two-color device features a high-resolution screen and a battery designed for long-term use. A sleek look helps this calculator fit in the pocket. 

It is widely used in high schools for math and science courses like Advanced Algebra, Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and Statistics.

An easy-to-use keyboard lets students easily input data and formulas to graph the results with ease. Big view, backlit screen so students can see without straining. The zoom feature of this device allows the students to see specific parts of their graph

NumWorks Graphing Calculator

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This advanced scientific calculator supports advanced mathematics equations with the advanced design of its display window that reduces glare. 

This device features easy-to-read directional keys and dedicated keypad keys. It also has a high-resolution color screen and large buttons for easy usability.

It is a powerful graphing calculator for high school students taking pre-calculus, advanced math, trigonometry, and algebra.

The NumWorks Graphing Calculator offers a one-of-a-kind interface available in several languages, like English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Each unit comes with a USB charging cable.

HP 48G Graphing Calculator

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HP 48G graphing calculator is a must for high school students of mathematics and science. It is the ideal choice for students looking for an entry-level scientific calculator.  

In addition, this 32 KB of RAM device has pre-programmed mathematics, science, and financial functions. It also has hundreds of built-in formulas and functionalities, so students have instant calculations to solve math homework.

It has advanced applications to perform complex statistical analysis, dynamic graphing, and automated table calculations. The device also has trigonometric functions, circles, matrices, sequences and series derivatives, and integral calculus functions.

The large character display shows almost twice as many characters as stand-alone and pocket types and allows you to view and scroll large equations than other calculators.

CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator

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This graphing calculator will teach you math and make math fun. It features a 5 level matrix, picture plot technology, 3D graphing capability, convergence chart, natural textbook display, hyperbola, circles with center point, and radius slider.

It features formulas for math classes, including algebra, pre-calculus, geometry, physics, and chemistry. Its natural textbook display lets you see fractions as they are written in formulas using standard stacked fraction notation. 

This Casio graphing calculator is an excellent addition to any science classroom. It allows you to handle trigonometry, three-dimensional plots, and matrix functions easily. It also includes pre-programmed buttons for statistical calculations. 

The FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator from Casio features an internal memory chute, speed, and accuracy. This model comes in colors black and white and features a natural textbook display higher resolution screen. 

Conclusion

Overall, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator is a must-have device. It has the most effortless mathematics functionality from this line of calculators.

Aside from its impressive features, acquiring a TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator earlier will allow students to be thoroughly familiar with the device in preparation for standardized tests like PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP.

FAQ 

What can I do with a graphing calculator? 

A graphing calculator is a handheld scientific calculator capable of plotting graphs and other mathematical functions. The first graphing calculators were designed for engineers and scientists, but the growing demand from students has led to the production of calculators that are easier to program and use. 

Today's graphing calculators are used in science, engineering, business, pre-medicine, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and other subjects using a visual representation of data. 

Graphing calculators rpresent many mathematical phenomena visually. They can be analyzed graphically and thus help the students learn the concepts.

What is the best graphing calculator brand? 

Texas Instruments has a long history of producing high-quality graphing calculators that help students learn better in mathematics and science classes. 

This American company has been manufacturing some of the best graphing calculators in the market for many years. Its products are made with quality parts that are durable, stylish, and provide impressive features and functionality. 

What powers a graphing calculator?

This small electronic device contains a microprocessor and an input system. It looks like a regular calculator but with far more capabilities than the usual ones. 

The device makes it easier to solve problems even if you have little knowledge of advanced mathematics. It is a computer-like device that allows the user to do mathematical operations, graphs, and tables. 

Students can use it to solve word problems, graph data, and even convert fractions. A graphing calculator is an invaluable tool for higher-level mathematics like Calculus.

 

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