<p>My friends are telling me that using a TI-89 is VERY helpful for the test and that it also saves a lot of time. What specifics things can I do and what types of questions can I solve quicker on a TI-89 compared to a TI-84?</p>
<p>Here’s a sample problem that I’m going to make up:</p>
<p>3(e^(2x^2))=31976</p>
<p>By hand, you divide both sides by 3, natural log both sides, and then solve for x. Messy and error-prone.</p>
<p>With a TI-84, you can use the Solver utility or you can graph the equations. A bit time-consuming and still error-prone (mistyping, too few/many parentheses, etc.). </p>
<p>With a TI-89/NSpire CAS, you type this in: </p>
<p>solve(3(e^(2x^2))=31976,x)</p>
<p>And hit green square+Enter. You get your answer in perfect decimal format. Plus, the equation you typed in is displayed in Pretty Print so you can ensure that what’s supposed to be an exponent is an exponent, what’s supposed to be a multiplied constant is a multiplied constant, etc.</p>
<p>is nspire permitted? Because I can probably borrow one but I don’t know about borrowing an 89.</p>
<p>Messy and error prone?</p>
<p>You can do it in like 20 seconds.</p>
<p>e^(2x^2)=31976/3</p>
<p>2x^2 = ln(31976/3)
x^2 = 0.5*ln(31976/3)
x= 2.153</p>
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<p>NSpire is permitted. Basically, as long as your calculator doesn’t have a keyboard, a roll of paper, or an outlet requirement, it’s allowed.</p>
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<p>You can do that same problem in about 3-4 seconds with a CAS. I realize that most CC kids can do that problem by hand without messing up, but the CAS is the super-super-safe and easy way to do it.</p>
<p>ima stick with the ti 83…</p>
<p>There’s not a huge difference by using a TI-89 versus a TI-84. It may save time but if you don’t already own a TI-89 you are fine to just use your TI-84 or TI-83.</p>