Algebra 1

The use of a calculator should be allowed at the discretion and good judgement of the parent/teacher facilitating this course. We officially recommend that a calculator NOT be allowed until late, late, in the course. Students (no matter how they whine) will not die if they have to do these computations in their head. There are individual problems within this course where the basic computational stuff like adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing uses numbers so large that it actually takes away from the overall concept you are trying to learn if you spend your time computing those values. Therefore, I would make calculator use a problem-by-problem evaluation rather than a regular part of the course.  Consider your average, basic, came-on-my-iPhone-when-I-bought-it, type calculator to be absolutely more than sufficient--and potentially unnecessary-- for this level of math. 

Geometry

I know that your students are probably chomping at the bit to use a graphing calculator—but the reality is that they probably will not need one in Geometry.

Geometry does deal with angles and graphing, but it is not the kind of graphing you need a special calculator to accomplish.

• All Graphing Calculators available from Texas Instruments (that’s the “TI” you will see describing calculators)

• ACT ‘s rules are about calculators, prohibited calculators, etc.

• An example of a good scientific calculator from Wal-Mart

Students WILL need a scientific calculator, where they have the ability to do exponents, square roots, and maybe even some sine and cosine (Chapter 11 in Jacobs Geometry). All of these functions exist on a graphing calculator, but I would not see a real need to invest in a graphing utility (about $80) until Algebra II with Trig. (For information on Course Sequencing, click here)

If you do go ahead and use the graphing calculator,you will be increasing the amount of practice students get with it, (making using it on the ACT more second nature, and therefore easier), and you will also be eliminating the need to buy two calculators. ( a regular scientific calculator like the TI-30 is about $10 at Wal-Mart, so you may decide buying two is a decent option.) It really just depends on what you want.

As far as needing to be able to graph something on the graphing calculator, they won’t  need that capability until Algebra II With Trig.

Algebra II with Trig

Students preparing for the ACT or SAT should go ahead and purchase the calculator they intend to use on that exam and use it during their Algebra II with Trig course. Even for students who are waiting until after Calculus 1 to take the ACT/SAT, having the practice with the calculator throughout Algebra II with Trig will increase your skill with the calculator and allow you to perform better on the timed exam. 

We recommend either the TI- 89 or the TI-83. Both the ACT and SAT have strict guidelines about their calculators, so be sure to check the ACT guidelines and the SAT guidelines before you purchase your calculator. Both versions will get you through Algebra II with Trig, Calculus 1, and beyond. The only differences are technical ones, so get the version that is allowed on the exam you intend to take and use that for Algebra II with Trig and Calculus 1. 

Calculus 1

By this level of math you need to be using a graphing utility such as the TI-89 or T-83. See the guidelines for Algebra II with Trig, but definitely if you have not already done so, it is time to invest in a good graphing calculator. We recommend Texas Instruments.

Click Here to see what Texas Instruments has available. 

Note that Casio also offers a graphing calculator comparable to the TI, and the Casio is cheaper. When we officially recommend things to our customers we like to recommend what we consider to be the best option. When it comes to the calculator we think is best, we recommend Texas Instruments hands down. However, Casio is a decent alternative if you are looking to save money.