python38

I'm taking it next Saturday, and I currently use my old scientific calculator. However, I've noticed a lot of the questions in the Barron's book seem to require a graphing calculator.

If I am getting one, what is the best/cheapest make?

Thanks ^^.

blue_box

I'm hoping I don't need a graphing calc. I'm very familiar with my scientific one, and while a graphing calculator is helpful in some cases, I think I'll be able to manage without it.

Bilguun

I used my graphing calculator a lot, and certainly found it very useful on some problems. I had a casio fx9750g, and it's a very good calc but I'd recommend getting a TI 83 since it's the calc used in Barron's calc usage section.

supercool

A graphing calculator can help you find the decimal solutions to polynomial equations so I would try and get one and practice using that function. Plus it can also provide a good route to getting the right answer if you're stuck.

nothing4me

You can Ti-89 your ass off.

meghnasridhar

Um, this is a drastic deviation from most opinions on this thread, but I think a scientific calculator should do just fine. I'm going to be using one, anyway. If you know the logic/rules/rationale behind graphs, you should be able to crack the questions. If not, plot a few points and make a rough sketch. Use hints like symmetry along y=x for inverse of a function and so forth. Most people I know have gotten 800s without a graphing calc at all. Of course, I do come from India...that might be a point there, we've never seen even a scientific calculator all our school careers.

ccprofile

I agree with the above post. I took my Maths test recently and didn't need a graphing calculator. But then again, I didn't require a graphing calculator for the barrons' tests either.

panky14

Need?...no....

Supremely recommended? yes

It helps with solving a lot of trig questions...such as intersections and such

Assuming you can figure out how to utilize a graphing calculator to your benefit in the time you have left...

prmdi

whats the harm in using one? it can only help you - unless you haven't used one before, but thats a different story.

Bilguun

If you aren't an Indian get one. lol

chipro

Agree with supercool that graphic calculator is just useful for polynomial equations, but actually you can still do it with little knowlegde about limits blah blah. I took Math 2 with scientific calculator and got 800.