Every math student has used a calculator before, but how much have you thought about your calculators? Here’s a review of some familiar and maybe not-so-familiar calculators that I’ve used before, ordered by increasing complexity.
1. 4-function calculator
The four-function calculator is the simplest calculator (in the modern sense of the word) there is. It’s the calculator that’s on your phone, probably your computer, and, well, everywhere. It supports the four main arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and there’s not much more you could ask for.
2. TI-34 Multiview
Next up on the list is what I think is a criminally underrated calculator: the TI-34 Multiview. I’ve yet to encounter someone who uses this calculator, but it is one of the most solid scientific calculators you can ask for. It supports the four main functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as before, but it also comes with just about every feature you could think of: trigonometry, fraction simplification, factorial, and even 2-variable statistical analysis! Plus, it comes with built-in solar panels, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing a dead battery. Finally, it’s cheap, and you can get these for less than $20.
3. Google Chrome new tab bar
Some of you may be wondering—how is this a calculator? Well, if you’ve never used the google chrome new tab as a calculator, then you’re in for a real treat. Type in a math expression into a new tab in Google Chrome (some other browsers have this too, like safari) and the answer will pop up:
Plus, this calculator too supports a wide variety of operations, including factorial, logarithms, trig, and even unit conversions.
But the most important quality is that it’s convenient. If you’re doing work on your computer and need to evaluate some math expression, then it’s much faster and easier to pull up a new tab than to go find your calculator or wait for the app to load on your computer. Plus, I generally find it easier to type on a computer than on a calculator.
4. TI-83/TI-84
This calculator needs no introduction. From its release in 1996, the TI83 and its successors have become ubiquitous in algebra classrooms everywhere. And it’s easy to see why: it has all the functionality of a standard scientific calculator, plus advanced statistics, and most importantly, graphing. You can even write your own programs in TI-BASIC, something none of the aforementioned calculators can do.
5. TI-Nspire CX CAS
Is the TI-83 not enough firepower for your math class? Do you want a legitimate way to get a boost on the SAT? Then look no further than the TI-Nspire CX CAS, one of Texas Instruments’ most powerful calculators.
What makes it so powerful? Well, the CAS in the name stands for Computer Algebra System, which means that the calculator can handle algebra. As a matter of fact, it can solve any system of equations that you throw at it. For example, say you have the following system of equations:
2x + 5y = 16
x² + 3y = 15
Instead of spending your time solving this by hand, you can just type it into your TI-Nspire, and it will tell you the exact answer. Pretty cool, huh? I’m not entirely sure why, but you’re allowed to use this on the SAT (check here) and many other standardized tests.
Oh, and did I mention that the calculator is also programmable and has a bunch of advanced functions, such as being able to factor numbers and polynomials?
6. Wolfram Alpha
Finally, we have reached the pinnacle of humanity’s computing power. Built on the back of the Wolfram Language, Wolfram Alpha is perhaps the most sophisticated calculator there is. It’s really just overkill. You can type whole word problems into it, and it will find the answer. With a premium account (warning: this does cost money), it will even give you a step-by-step solution, so you can learn how to solve the problem yourself!
Search up the most obscure math functions, and it will evaluate them. Need to know the first two hundred digits of pi? What about the one-millionth digit of pi? It has you covered. Just type it into Wolfram Alpha.
Honorable mentions: TI-89, Desmos, and even Python (yes, a programming language)
Hi Geoffrey,
I have heard of Wolfram Alpha, and definitely agree that it is one of the best calculating platforms out there! I don’t use it that much, but have heard great things from my friends. I have never heard of the TI-Nspire CX CAS before, but after reading your thoughts, it seems like a very high functioning device, much better than my TI-84!