stuntburn

im planning to take the sat 2 math subject test
and i was wondering if u realyyy need a graphing calculator

i don't use one for my pre-cal class or my sat's and I do fine

but since the subject tests are different, i was wondering, thanks

also any suggestions on which book to use to study for the test? i know alot of u just took it, and was wondering if u thought ur books were helpful

cheers

RedCatharsis

You should.

Graphing calculators give you the ability to take numerous, numerous shortcuts that should be extremely helpful.

darks0ulz

You could and you would be able to finish it, just not in the time allocated. GDCs allow you to solve systems of equations way quicker than a normal scientific calculator giving you a lot more time. It would take you about 20 secs to graph out the 2 systems and solve for x. It would probably take you 2-3 mins to do it by hand if you're good at math and the equation isn't a normal linear one.

stuntburn

oh okay

but i never used one in my life
do u think i can learn how to use it before the june testing?

and do i have to put programs in it, and stuff?

ThisCouldBeHeavn

You don't need programs. Try to learn it as best you can, but you should use whatever you're most familiar with on the actual test.

stuntburn

oh okay
but do you guys use programs?

and i can learn it in a month right?

and which calculator should i get

luluzg

download TI-83 Plus Flash Debugger- simulation of the real one

bdw. is there any way to calculate Xs in a quadratic eq. by this TI 83 calculator and how?
thank you

stuntburn

i heard i should get the T-I 84 OR 89

is t-i 83 worth it?

also is there like a site or video which teaches you how to use the 84 or 89?

also, u guys use programs for sat 2 math test?

lce

u dont need programs, but its really useful in that you could graph stuff to find roots easily of a polynomial, see where asymptotes are, find limits, do nCr real fast, just to name a few things i used it for last saturday.

stuntburn

oh ok thanks

which calculator do you recommend?

and wut book did u use to study?

SwaGGeReR

^ Use Barron's.

For a calc, use what you're familiar with. Don't drop $150+ on a nspire or 89 when you wouldn't even know how to operate it. It'd be in your best interest to just borrow an 83/84 from a friend: they're easy to learn.

stuntburn

mmm thanks

well...im taking (AP) calc next year, so i guess it's bout time i get one

so t-i 84 is easy to learn?

kk cool i'll get that

and barron's to study right?

cool thanks

stuntburn

lol but i've been hearing barrons is for people trying to crack the 800

is there other sufficent books, just in case?

lce

barrons improves your score, period. it's not the exclusive for people to get 800's, although i wouldn't recommend it if you're getting 500's on your practice tests. but, if you're looking to jump into the 700s from the high 600s, i'd recommend it. don't be discouraged about your score because i get 760's on barrons but i'm probably getting an 800 (took it in may).

also theres useful things like the online sparknotes book (free, 5 tests included) that may help with your prep

all in all good luck and don't cram the last week like i did (lol i was literally doing tests in school and lunch the week before)

darks0ulz

Barron's is fine. I did that and then spent my last day using the 2 real practice exams found in the math BB.

Barron's gives you a lot of useless information though (ie. complex number, limits, matrices), which usually show up in like 1-2 questions, but it prepares you very well.

Ti-84 is pretty easy to learn (same layout as 83). But if you have the time, I would try an 89. I didn't have time to learn with an 89, so I just used an 84 to do it, and it was fine. Just those things do the exam for you :P.

But if you're doing AP Calc, I don't think they let you use an 89 do they? (I know IB math doesn't). So best bet is with an 84.