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A graphing calculator is a handheld computer that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables. It is a useful tool for students and professionals in fields like engineering and computer science. Graphing calculators can also be attached to devices like electronic thermometers, pH gauges, and weather instruments, functioning as data loggers. They are also programmable, allowing users to create customized programs and games. While some find them overrated, others find them useful for checking PC results and performing complex calculations. So, is a graphing calculator considered an electrical calculator?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A graphing calculator is a handheld computer that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables. |
| Use cases | Graphing calculators are useful for dealing with complex numbers, generating simple order of magnitude estimates, and performing one-off calculations. They are also used for checking PC results and visualizing functions and limits. |
| Examples | TI-89, Casio fx115, TI-36X Pro, Casio fx-115ES, TI-82, TI-83/84, Casio 9860, HP-39G, HP-50g |
| Programmability | Most graphing calculators are programmable, allowing users to create customized programs for scientific, engineering, or educational applications. |
| Display | Graphing calculators have large screens that can display multiple lines of text and calculations. |
| Cost | Graphing calculators can cost $70 or more, with some models priced at over $100. |
| Availability | Casio produced the first commercially available graphing calculator in 1985, followed by Sharp in 1986, Hewlett Packard in 1988, and Texas Instruments in 1990. |
| Education | Graphing calculators are allowed in some educational contexts, such as A-level maths courses in the UK and certain exams in the US, but they are banned in others, including some universities in Norway and IB schools. |
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What You'll Learn
- Graphing calculators can be used to plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations and perform tasks with variables
- They are programmable, allowing users to create custom programs for scientific, engineering or educational applications
- They can be attached to devices like electronic thermometers, functioning as data loggers
- Graphing calculators are allowed in some exams, but not all
- They are useful for checking PC results and simple calculations
Graphing calculators can be used to plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations and perform tasks with variables
A graphing calculator is a handheld computer that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform tasks with variables. It is a useful tool for students and professionals in various fields, such as engineering, mathematics, finance, and computer programming.
Graphing calculators offer several advantages over traditional calculators or manual calculations. They can display multiple lines of text and calculations on their large screens, making it easier to review and edit inputs. They can also save data and calculations for future reference, enabling users to return to their work after a break conveniently. Additionally, graphing calculators can handle complex calculations that are challenging or time-consuming to perform manually, such as those involving complex numbers, matrices, and trigonometry functions.
One of the primary uses of graphing calculators is plotting graphs. They can visualise functions and equations, making it easier for students to understand concepts in algebra, calculus, and geometry. For example, students can use graphing calculators to plot basic functions, polynomials, quadratics, and inequalities in first-year algebra. In the second year, they can explore sequence graphing, tables, and matrix creation. Trigonometry students can use graphing calculators to determine the amplitude, period, and phase shift of a standard graph. Moreover, graphing calculators enable users to perform parametric graphing, polar graphing, and 3D graphing, further extending their applications.
Solving simultaneous equations is another key capability of graphing calculators. They can manipulate algebraic expressions by factoring, expanding, and simplifying them. This functionality assists users in solving equations and understanding the relationships between variables. Additionally, graphing calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) can provide symbolic results, enhancing their equation-solving capabilities.
Graphing calculators also facilitate tasks involving variables. They are programmable, allowing users to create customised programs for specific applications. For example, computer programmers can utilise graphing calculators as a second screen for coding and performing simple calculations. Financial professionals can save their most-used data and formulas on graphing calculators to generate financial forecasts, even in locations without a Wi-Fi or data connection. Furthermore, graphing calculators can connect to various sensors and devices, such as electronic thermometers, pH gauges, and accelerometers, enabling data logging and interaction with external modules.
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They are programmable, allowing users to create custom programs for scientific, engineering or educational applications
Graphing calculators are handheld computers that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations and perform other tasks with variables. They are programmable, allowing users to create custom programs for scientific, engineering or educational applications. This feature has made them popular in secondary and tertiary education.
The first programmable calculators, such as the IBM CPC, used punched cards or other media for program storage. Modern hand-held electronic calculators store programs on magnetic strips, removable read-only memory cartridges, flash memory, or in battery-backed read/write memory. Most graphing calculators are programmable, and the larger screen allows multiple lines of source code to be viewed simultaneously. The most common programming languages used for calculators are similar to keystroke-macro languages and variants of BASIC.
The ability to create games and utilities has led to the creation of calculator application sites (e.g. Cemetech) which may offer programs created using calculators' assembly language. Graphing calculators offer superior math programming capability for math-based games. However, they are mostly preferred by high school students due to poor display resolution, slow processor speed and lack of a dedicated keyboard.
For developers and advanced users, third-party software development involving firmware modifications is a contentious issue with manufacturers and education authorities as it might encourage unfair calculator use during standardised tests. Many mathematical software packages can be automated and customised through scripting languages and plug-ins in a manner similar to handheld programmable calculators.
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They can be attached to devices like electronic thermometers, functioning as data loggers
Graphing calculators are handheld computers that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables. They are particularly useful for students and professionals dealing with complex numbers and graph-based questions, enabling them to plot functions, find intersections, and analyze transformations with clarity.
Many graphing calculators can be physically attached to devices like electronic thermometers, pH gauges, weather instruments, decibel and light meters, accelerometers, and other sensors. This allows the calculators to function as data loggers, collecting and recording data from these sensors.
For example, a graphing calculator can be connected to an electronic thermometer to log temperature readings over time. This data can then be displayed on the calculator's screen, allowing users to analyze temperature trends and changes. Similarly, by attaching a graphing calculator to a light meter, one can collect data on light intensity and its variations.
These calculators can also be connected to WiFi or other communication modules, enabling features like monitoring, polling, and interaction with teachers or other users. This connectivity enhances their functionality and makes them useful tools for education, scientific research, and engineering applications.
Additionally, graphing calculators are often user-programmable, allowing users to create customized programs and games. This versatility makes them valuable tools for various audiences, from students to researchers and engineers.
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Graphing calculators are allowed in some exams, but not all
Graphing calculators are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, including solving equations, performing calculations, and plotting graphs. Due to their advanced features, the use of graphing calculators is a controversial topic in education, with varying policies across different exams and countries.
In the United States, the College Board permits the use of most graphing or CAS (Computer Algebra System) calculators for parts of its AP and SAT exams, provided they do not have a QWERTY-style keyboard. However, the ACT exam and IB schools do not allow calculators with computer algebra systems. The SAT exam also has a list of prohibited calculators, and calculators with CAS functionality will no longer be allowed starting in August 2025. This change aims to ensure fairness for all students as the use of CAS calculators can provide distinct advantages.
In the United Kingdom, graphing calculators are allowed for A-level maths courses, but they are not required, and the exams are designed to be 'calculator neutral'. At the GCSE level, students can use graphical calculators for some papers but not all. Cost may be a factor in the low usage of graphical calculators at GCSE.
In other countries, the policies vary as well. For example, in Finland and Slovenia, calculators with symbolic calculation (CAS) or 3D graphics features were previously forbidden in the matriculation exam, but Finland changed this rule in 2012 to allow symbolic calculators. In Norway, calculators with wireless communication capabilities have been banned at some technical universities. In Australia, the policies differ by state, with Victoria specifying approved graphics or CAS calculators for its mathematics exams.
The decision to allow graphing calculators in some exams but not others stems from several factors. One concern is the cost of graphing calculators, which can be expensive and create an unfair advantage for wealthier students. Additionally, graphing calculators can be programmed and have advanced features, such as solving equations and graphing capabilities, which may provide an unfair advantage during exams. Some educators believe that the focus of exams should be on testing students' knowledge and understanding of concepts rather than their ability to use a calculator.
In contrast, some educators argue that graphing calculators can be used as tools to check answers or outsource tedious calculations. They suggest that exam questions can be designed to ensure students understand the underlying concepts while still allowing the use of calculators. Additionally, in subjects like physics or chemistry, where problem-solving is weighted heavily, graphing calculators can be useful.
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They are useful for checking PC results and simple calculations
Graphing calculators are handheld computers that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables. They are widely used for educational purposes, especially in subjects like algebra, calculus, and physics. They are also used by professionals in STEM fields, including engineers and physicists.
Graphing calculators are particularly useful for checking the results of calculations performed on a PC or computer. They can help identify errors in Excel worksheets and are handy for generating simple order-of-magnitude estimates or one-off calculations. In such cases, using a calculator can be more convenient than using a computer, especially when the results are intended for logbook use, lab use, or meetings. This is because using a calculator avoids the need to constantly switch between looking at the PC and a notebook, which can disrupt workflow.
Graphing calculators can also be used for simple calculations and to solve complex equations. They can handle matrix operations, symbolic algebra, calculus functions, and statistical analysis. They can also be used to solve systems of equations, quadratic equations, and higher-degree polynomials. For instance, they can be used to solve differential and integral equations in calculus, helping students visualize curves and slopes.
Additionally, graphing calculators can be programmed to automate complex and frequently used series of calculations. They can be linked to computers, allowing for the transfer of spreadsheets and data sets, and can handle macros and other automated sequences. This makes them useful for computer programmers who want a smaller screen to work on when creating code and doing simple math problems.
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Frequently asked questions
A graphing calculator is a handheld computer that can plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables.
An electrical calculator is a calculator used to solve problems with electrical power line transmission. An early example was designed in 1921 by electrical engineer Edith Clarke.
Graphing calculators can be useful for electrical engineering, especially when dealing with complex numbers. However, some institutions ban the use of graphing calculators in exams, so it is important to check the rules before purchasing one.
Popular graphing calculators include the TI-89, TI-36X Pro, Casio fx-115ES, and HP-50g.
