Find your perfect college degree
Dealing with different branches of mathematics, such as trigonometry, geometry, and algebra, can be very challenging and tricky. Particularly, algebra involves different theories and equations. Calculators are key!
This involves manipulating different expressions and formulas to find unknown variables. Aside from real numbers, you may also be working with a lot of matrices and complex numbers. Moreover, by drawing a relationship between constants and variables, you will also create models and graphs.
Grad students taking up algebra will deal with higher forms of the subject and would need a more in-depth knowledge of the basics. With the help of a graphing calculator, you may be able to solve mathematical problems more smoothly and grasp concepts with the help of its features.
Features To Look Out For
Your calculator will be your best friend for the entire duration of your grad school life. Seeing the importance of these devices, it’s important to know what to check when getting one:
- Battery Life – Some graphing calculators come with a built-in rechargeable battery, while others use conventional AA or AAA batteries. It’s best to take note of the rechargeable ones’ capacity and charging time. This is crucial since you don’t want to be running out of battery in the middle of an exam or report.
- Durability – Some calculators look sleek but are easily damaged after a drop or two, especially since graphing calculators have larger screens. Buying one is a long-term investment, so go for a durable one that may withstand constant use. Choose calculators that come with protective covers for added protection.
- Screen Size – Graphing can take up space, and using calculators with small display areas may be inconvenient. Read up on the specifications of your selection, and make sure to choose the ones with a higher line count. Touch screen ones are also a bonus but aren’t necessary.
- Ergonomic Keys – The keys or buttons in your calculator will get much of the physical action. Choose the product that is easy to press and of just the right size. Small keys may become uncomfortable to use and may be prone to more errors. Find the one with a more strategic arrangement and enough spacing between keys.
- Connectivity – Handling mathematical reports may require you to present data and graphs. You can easily extract computations and include graphs in your report by getting a calculator connected to a computer through a USB port. Some models come with software that’s downloadable on your personal computer, which allows you to do more with your calculator.
Using Your Algebra Graduate Degree
There are many career paths where math majors may find employment. Graduates usually possess the right knowledge and skills applicable to a wide range of industries. You may get a role in a finance company to help analyze trends and forecasts.
Jobs related to computer science may also be available since algebra is apparent in developing formulas and algorithms. Institutions handling statistics may also benefit from having you on board. Your skills in presenting and graphing data will be of use.
Other graduate school holders may also pursue academics and teach at a college or university.
10 BEST GRAPHING AND SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS FOR ALGEBRA GRAD STUDENTS
Here are ten of the best graphing and scientific calculators for algebra grad students:
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is one of the best state-of-the-art graphing calculators available. It comes with a 2.8-inch backlit display that can display 15 different colors when graphing with several functions. This is especially useful in differentiating graphs when dealing with multiple ones.
With the large screen space, you may be able to display the table alongside its graph. Plus, you can choose from eight different graph styles to help you tell them apart.
Aside from the display, the TI-84 offers powerful built-in functionality features and applications. With this, you may define a maximum of 10 graphic functions all at the same time.
The calculator comes with both basic and advanced functions in statistics, probability, and business that will surely help any grad student deal with mathematical problems. It’s equipped with various applications, including CellSheet, Conics, and even Python, which may be used to apply algebraic functions through programming.
Additionally, the calculator has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to a month, so you don’t have to charge it often. The device may be plugged through a wall charger or a USB cable. You can choose from five different colors, including black, teal, and gray.
It also comes with a limited one-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about defects. Overall, the TI-84 has garnered great reviews online. It has gotten high praise for its usability and screen quality.
Why get the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator?
- Value for money
- High-quality visualization of graphs
- Easy to navigate
- Rechargeable
- Lightweight
- Impact-resistant case
HP Prime Graphing Calculator
The HP Prime Graphing Calculator boasts a 3.5-inch touch display that will surely make graphing more interactive. With the full-color screen, you may enjoy using different background images and sketch graphs with your fingers.
You may zoom in and out to get a better view of your graph. If you’re concerned about carrying an ordinary-looking calculator, you may get the HP Prime Graphing Calculator to enjoy its sleek metal design.
Best of all, HP has an ecosystem where students may integrate the Prime Graphing Calculator into their laptops and mobile phones. This is made possible by downloading the HP Prime mobile app and its add-on devices: HP Prime Wireless Kit and HP Connectivity Kit. With this, several devices may connect to a device for easy sharing.
Working together is ideal for algebra students working with large amounts of data that need to be analyzed in a short period.
The HP Primes has a total of 18 apps for a variety of uses, including statistics and graphing. The device comes with several applications that aim to solve and plot algebraic functions with ease. Aside from creating line graphs, the Advanced Graphing app can also analyze quadratic and conic sections.
On the other hand, the Spreadsheet app allows assigning different values, especially with a lot of data.
According to the product’s online reviews, the calculator’s touch display is a standout, along with its price point and interface.
Why opt for the HP Prime Graphing Calculator?
- Fast data processing
- Touch display
- Value for money
- Unique ecosystem
Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator
The Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator is where affordability meets function. This calculator is at a lower price point, considering it can deliver graphs aside from the scientific functions. It comes with a large high-resolution display that accommodates eight lines and 21 characters.
Aside from the LCD, it also houses a high-speed CPU for accelerated calculations without sacrificing accuracy.
The device has an icon menu that’s easy to navigate, so you won’t have a hard time accessing standard functions. It has built-in features that will allow you to graph different values, find intersections, and solve equations without memorizing formulas.
Aside from creating pie charts, it can also produce dynamic and dual graphs, which may be crucial in solving different mathematical problems. With this, working with a scientific calculator will help grad students understand mathematical concepts more conveniently.
Another notable function is fx-9750GII’s USB capability. It may be connected to a personal computer or even a Casio projector to share data with a larger audience. It’s best to know that the calculator runs on four AAA batteries, so keeping a spare set with you in school is recommended. It comes in white and blue, pink, and yellow.
Overall, the device has received high ratings online, especially for being budget-friendly and easy to use.
Why buy the Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator?
- High-speed calculation
- Value for money
- Easy to navigate
- Durability
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator comes with a 3.5-inch color display. This allows you to plot graphs in 15 different colors and even create color-coded tabs for easier navigation.
Grad students would store more of their calculations since the device packs 90 MB of memory space. With this much space, you may also accommodate app and operating system updates.
The device offers several features that are geared toward making graphing more interactive. One of these is the animated plot feature, where you’ll be able to see the graph being drawn in real-time. This will allow you to visualize and be more familiar with the graph’s path.
It also features a labeling system through tick marks. Labeling parts of the axes will help you understand how the values were translated into the graph. You may also make changes with the coefficients and see the difference in real-time. You may also plot points through coordinates or expressions directly.
Replacing batteries can be a fuss. It’s a good thing the device comes with rechargeable batteries, so all you have to do is plug them into recharge. It also has a USB port to connect to other devices. Through the TI-Inspire CX II Connect software, you can access your graphic calculator through your personal computer.
With this, you’ll be able to share your calculations and even take screenshots of your graphs for future reports. Many customers online have commended the product for its long battery life and excellent user interface.
Why buy the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator?
- Quality product for the price
- Easy to navigate
- Great display quality
- Durability
NumWorks Graphing Calculator
If you’re looking for a functional calculator with an elegant and simple design, the NumWorks Graphing Calculator is surely one of your best choices. It comes in a sleek white design that’s thin and lightweight so that you can take it with you anywhere.
This device comes with a 2.8-inch high-definition LCD and a hierarchal keyboard to better distinguish the buttons.
The NumWorks Graphing Calculator provides six applications for various algebraic functions. In terms of equations, it can solve linear systems and find values. The calculator can also process regression and sequences, which may be applied in algebraic statistics.
Even complicated mathematical functions, such as solving quadratic formulas, are made easier with this device. Its graphic function utilizes different color schemes to show parametric and cartesian curves. It may even show graphic representations of different probability problems.
The device is powered by a 1,450 mAh Lithium battery that will surely last long with every full charge. It has garnered high ratings from online users. It has been received well for its accuracy in delivering calculations and having an accessible interface.
Why choose the NumWorks Graphing Calculator?
- Sleek and simple design
- Reliability in calculations
- Simple to use
- Quality for the spend
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
Similar to the TI-84, the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator packs powerful features and applications for a lesser price. With this device, students may import Excel data through its built-in CellSheet application.
You may also analyze and plot different conic shapes, such as ellipses and hyperbolas. These applications may be used in complex studies to graph accurate values with ease, which may be helpful for grad students.
It’s also capable of solving for different variables and graphing recursive sequences.
The TI-83 comes with a large black-and-white screen that can display up to eight lines and 16 characters. It’s big enough to show the graph along with its equation and coordinates. You may graph and analyze up to 10 functions simultaneously. To help you differentiate the graphs from one another, the device has seven graph style options to choose from.
Another feature that makes this calculator stand out is that its applications can be upgraded. With its Flash ROM memory, you may add different tools for graphing, such as the Transformation Graphic app and the Vernier EasyData app.
Although backed with a lithium battery, it’s best to note that the calculator is powered by AAA batteries that need to be replaced as needed.
Why choose the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator?
- User-friendly interface
- Good display quality
- Value for money
CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator
The CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator is a user-friendly device that delivers up-to-date mathematical features and excellent visuals. It packs a high-resolution display to produce quality images of graphs.
It comes with a G-Solve feature that makes it easy to solve for roots and integration. With G-Solve, finding the intersection between two graphs is possible with a push of a key.
The graphing calculator houses different helpful functions, especially for grad students taking up algebra. Students may navigate easily with its function keys and icon menu.
It also comes with an interactive format that allows you to choose different options. For example, when working with polynomial equations, you may be asked to choose a certain degree and input the coefficients to solve for missing values.
Aside from graphing cubic and linear functions, the FX-CG50 can also visualize inequalities and even polar coordinates. It can also show 3D graphs such as parametric ones and cones. This is made possible by built-in templates where you’ll have to input the needed values.
Best of all, you can draw up to three 3D graphs to get a better understanding of their interactive mathematical relationships.
Additionally, it’s also capable of handling scientific calculations and statistics. The device is also equipped to collect external data through its E-CON 4 function. Overall, the device has gotten great reviews online. It’s popular for having a great user interface and value for money.
Why get the CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator?
- Capable of graphing in 3D
- Quality LCD
- User-friendly
- G-Solve feature
Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator can deal with all the major mathematical functions, including algebra and calculus. It is perfect for grad students looking into storing various programs and data since it has a 2.7 MB flash memory and 188 KB RAM.
It has a large screen area that can display graphs alongside its data and even show 3D graphs.
The device has an integrated Computer Algebra System (CAS) that will surely benefit students when dealing with various mathematical expressions.
It’s built to solve equations while delivering calculations with precision and speed. Alongside CAS, the graphing calculator has 16 applications, including the Polynomial Root Finder app and CellSheet, which may aid in solving various math problems. Apps like NoteFolio and the Organizer also help students take down notes and manage tasks.
Another notable feature of the TI-89 is its Pretty Print feature. Most scientific calculators cannot display fractions and exponents in a normal way. With this feature, proper notations may be followed so students can deal with complex expressions more conveniently.
If you’re planning to measure data such as sound, temperature, and force, you may avail of their add-ons, such as the CBL 2 data collection device and motion sensor for data collection. In turn, these data may be processed and transferred to your computer through the TI Connect CE software.
Why go for the Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator?
- Durability
- Value for money
- Excellent user interface
Sharp EL 9650 Graphing Calculator
The Sharp EL 9650 Graphing Calculator offers a large screen that can accommodate 22 digits and eight lines. What makes this graphing calculator unique is its Easy Pen-Touch Screen technology. Instead of using the usual navigation keys, students can use a special pen to reach and select menu options. With this, you can shift between displays and make adjustments to your graphs with more ease.
The EL 9650 comes with three graphing functions that are sure to make graphing easier for its users. First, the Rapid Graph function has several present equations, so all you have to do is input the values of your equation.
Second, the Rapid Window function works hand in hand with the Rapid Graph function in simplifying the window size by establishing the limits for any graph. Lastly, the Rapid Zoom function lets you adjust the limits set to find optimal values. You may make the changes directly to the graph, so you won’t need to make the graph all over again.
Unlike the usual scientific calculators, Sharp offers an Equation Editor wherein notations are placed correctly, so you won’t have to use cursors to display exponents. It also has the Shift and Change Graph functions that would allow you to investigate and better understand the relationship between the graph and the equation.
With this, you can manage the graph’s shape and location alternately and see how it affects the values shown in the equation.
Overall, the product has received good reviews, especially for its touchscreen technology.
Why buy the Sharp EL 9650 Graphing Calculator?
- Touch display
- Excellent features
- Durability
Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator
The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator is a pocketable device that offers great mathematical features and a clear display. It offers a high-quality LCD, together with its backlight feature, for sharper images.
It also packs a fast processor that’s believed to be five times faster than ordinary scientific calculators. With this, you’d be able to solve complicated computations and plot them into graphs faster and with fewer steps.
Grad students dealing with algebra will be able to benefit from its built-in applications. If you’re dealing with statistics, the fx-9860GII can generate regression graphs and pie charts. It can also produce a range of graphs, from simple linear ones to more complicated conical graphs.
With its dual-display capability, you can view the graph alongside the table or equation to better analyze them. It can also accommodate fractional and exponential notations so that you won’t have a hard time going over them during calculations.
The device may be connected to other Casio calculators through its unit-to-unit capability. You can also plug the device into a personal computer for high-speed data transfer. This is especially useful when generating reports. The device may also be connected to a projector to share your data and calculations during presentations.
Why opt for the Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator?
- Affordability
- Easy to use
- High-speed calculations
- Lightweight
Conclusion
Graphing calculators will help grad students taking algebra to find variables with more ease. This pocketable tool can also help translate equations into graphs to better understand their relationship. Some are equipped with color displays and touch screens.
It’s also usually packed with state-of-the-art features that make graphing conic sections and 3D models possible.
Newer models also come with better connectivity. This may allow you to transfer data to your personal computer or share your computations with the entire class through a projector.
Before investing in a graphing and scientific calculator, explore the important features, like battery life, screen size, and durability!
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