I'm going back to school next year and the algebra class I'm taking requires a graphing calculator ($100). Are they really beneficial for guys like me who are really bad at algebra?
2006-12-25 12:53:17 · 23 answers · asked by Yea Yea 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
They're not going to necessarily help you learn algebra better. I took algebra not long after calculators became commercially available, and I dare say my math skills are far superior to those of my students. But......
they will be doing graphing stuff on those calculators and to keep pace with what's going to be going on in class when everyone else is graphing the function you're going to have to do the same thing.
2006-12-25 12:57:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to tutor a bunch of Math courses (including Algebra) and I found that the students using calculators understood the material quite a bit less than those not using them. So, I would say, don't use a calculator until you understand how to do the material without one.
As to whether you should get a graphing calculator for an Algebra class, I think that that is totally unnecessary. A scientific calculator (which you can get for about $10) will work just fine for the material required in an Algebra course. I never did anything on a graphing calculator that I couldn't do on a scientific calculator until my Calculus courses.
2006-12-25 18:01:21 · answer #2 · answered by None N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if you are in Algebra 1 or Algebra 2. I am in high school and didn't to use need a graphing calculator for Algebra 1. I am currently taking Algebra 2 and need to use my graphing calculator a lot. A scientific should get you through Algebra 1 but if you are in Algebra 2, I highly recommend getting a graphing. I recommend getting a TI-83 or TI-84 family graphing calculator.
2006-12-25 14:22:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've gone through advanced university linear algebra courses and multivariable calculus courses and have never, EVER, needed a graphing calculator. In fact, graphing calculators were prohibited during most exams. I would recommend purchasing a GOOD scientific calculator such as the HP-33, putting it in RPN mode (reverse polish notation) and learning how to use it effectively. We don't use graphing calculators in the sciences - that's what MathCAD and Maple are for.
2016-05-23 06:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really required until Algebra II, especially at the higher honors levels. You'll learn shortcuts that save SO much time in solving problems, plus it'll draw graphs for you :)
My Algebra II teacher taught me tricks on the calculator that I've used throughout all of the math classes I've taken. It's definitely a great investment, and you can even download games on them when you get bored in class :) lol..
If you can, wait until prices drop. Around the time school starts in August/September, sales start. Just research the best calculator for the best price from the best store to get the best deal.
Good luck in the class and Merry Christmas! :)
2006-12-25 13:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous :) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with algebra for people poor at math has to do with the fact that a student trying to master a new concept can't always know if the result he comes up with is correct. This is especially true with algebra. If you got a correct answer, the verification by the calculator will let you know. If it is incorrect, the graphics calculator will help you visually understand why.
2006-12-25 12:58:00 · answer #6 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I took algebra, there were no calculators. At all. I have found, when I have been a substitute teacher in algebra classes, that I could explain things to the students, that their teacher never could. A little box which calculates and makes pictures can actually be a hindrance in developing a grasp of the basic principles of algebra.
2006-12-25 13:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by PoppaJ 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. i just got through taking college algebra without one and I got an A. I didn't need one that graphed because those can be done on paper. It may take longer of course. But you will need one that can do logs, for those are the really tough ones. They are $10 or so at Wal-Mart, but they don't graph.
2006-12-25 14:47:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kreutzer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say dont get one til you need one. Its only going to prevent you from learning how to work the problems through completely and this will come back to haunt you in later mathematics classes. Learn everything with a simple calculator and then when you finally do need a graphing calculator for a class get it.
2006-12-25 13:30:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!! I know it really sucks to buy those expensive calculators... but you will realize how important they are when you take the class. They have so many features you can do by hand, and make taking tests soooo much easier... Plus your teachers will require it for some of their lessons. Unfortunatly you HAVE to buy one lol, but you will get alot of use out of it for your whole schooling career!
Goodluck!
2006-12-25 12:55:55 · answer #10 · answered by LaurenLovesYou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋