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VCE Stuff => VCE Mathematics => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE General & Further Mathematics => Topic started by: lexitu on December 06, 2009, 10:18:59 am

Title: Calculator Choice
Post by: lexitu on December 06, 2009, 10:18:59 am
Hi Guys,

Just wondering whether I can get away with using a TI-83 for further next year? I had no problems in year 11 and am willing to work algebraically at times as it is often easier. Do you think it will be a barrier? I am worried because the new textbooks offer only ti-nspire support.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: stonecold on December 06, 2009, 03:02:33 pm
I would personally tell you to upgrade to an nspire.  I used one for further this year, and it was so much easier, plus it ensures you don't make any stupid mistakes with your algebra.  The solve function to solve simultaneous equations is also very good, just type in the equation and press solve.  Also if your planning on doing matrices, the nspire absolutely kills the ti83.

That having been said, the 83 is still adequate for further, but you definitely will find it easier with an nspire.
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Gloamglozer on December 06, 2009, 09:27:04 pm
Hi Guys,

Just wondering whether I can get away with using a TI-83 for further next year? I had no problems in year 11 and am willing to work algebraically at times as it is often easier. Do you think it will be a barrier? I am worried because the new textbooks offer only ti-nspire support.

Thanks.

You've still got a year to learn how to use a CAS calculator so if you want to make the change, then there shouldn't be a problem.  Just stick with a CAS calculator during the summer holidays and you'll get the hang of it.

However, if you're the type of people who is has trouble adapting to the change in calculators, then I would highly recommend you to stick to the TI-83.  Remember the old saying, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?"  In this case, if your comfortable using your old calculator, why make the switch?
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Souljette_93 on December 06, 2009, 10:28:30 pm
Depends on whether you want to spend extra money for a new calculator since you'd be using it for one  year ( unless you need it for the future) .
NO doubt N-spire is better, but it comes down to your situation. i don't believe it would make much harm since i assume that ti-83 has the applications needed for further. And if no one is going to use the calculator after you, then just stick with the old one, but its your choice at the end


TC,
Souljette<3
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: lexitu on December 08, 2009, 11:45:46 am
Okay, thanks heaps for the input guys. Great answers. I think I am going to stick with the TI-83 and see how I go. It will end up saving me a lot of money, and I am more comfortable with the 83, just because of what I think is it's more logical approach. The only difference is that you miss out on CAS programming, but sometimes, using a calculator for everything is frustrating and you lose the ability to problem solve.

Thanks once again.
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: rawani on March 02, 2010, 11:59:32 am
Hi Guys,

Just wondering whether I can get away with using a TI-83 for further next year? I had no problems in year 11 and am willing to work algebraically at times as it is often easier. Do you think it will be a barrier? I am worried because the new textbooks offer only ti-nspire support.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: rawani on March 02, 2010, 10:03:38 pm
i think the casio classpad 330 is the best calculator on the planet it does basically everything and very usefull with geometry
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Blakhitman on March 03, 2010, 04:51:12 pm
GET A CAS CALCULATOR....It will make life easier :)
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Liuy on March 03, 2010, 06:07:44 pm
GET A CAS CALCULATOR....It will make life easier :)

+1
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: the.watchman on March 03, 2010, 06:09:10 pm
GET A CAS CALCULATOR....It will make life easier :)

Hmmm ... maybe it's just me, but I think it's not too good to be relying on a CAS calculator too much.
It makes you lazy :P
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: stonecold on March 03, 2010, 06:14:02 pm
^yeah, but in further maths it makes no difference haha!
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: the.watchman on March 03, 2010, 06:17:33 pm
^yeah, but in further maths it makes no difference haha!

Still... :P
I got reliant on it for simple addition and subtraction, until I realised my maths was getting lamer
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: m@tty on March 03, 2010, 06:18:48 pm
GET A CAS CALCULATOR....It will make life easier :)

Hmmm ... maybe it's just me, but I think it's not too good to be relying on a CAS calculator too much.
It makes you lazy :P
Definitely, all those lazy CAS students.
Should've done straight Methods while they had the chance... :P

EDIT: maybe I should address the topic at hand also, for Further I think it's really just up to you, if you can already  use a non-CAS calc confidently, there's no point changing. If not, consider getting a CAS, it will be a little quicker(I think) and can probably perform several more calculations for Further(though again, I'm unsure).
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: the.watchman on March 03, 2010, 06:21:03 pm
GET A CAS CALCULATOR....It will make life easier :)

Hmmm ... maybe it's just me, but I think it's not too good to be relying on a CAS calculator too much.
It makes you lazy :P
Definitely, all those lazy CAS students.
Should've done straight Methods while they had the chance... :P

LOL yeah, I had no choice :P
But CAS calculators definitely have an impact on how you do simple maths

EDIT: 1100 posts :D
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Blakhitman on March 03, 2010, 06:22:17 pm
Lol any odd calculator can add or subtract...but yeah I get what you mean.

However further you do pretty much everything on calculator! And like stonecold said it's only further lol!
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: m@tty on March 03, 2010, 06:24:48 pm
LOL yeah, I had no choice :P
But CAS calculators definitely have an impact on how you do simple maths
Why no choice??
Methods in year 10 is no big deal, you could've forced your way in... :P

If I cared in year 8 I would've tried to get in to Methods 1+2 in year 9.
Would have been super cool :P :P
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: superflya on March 03, 2010, 06:25:08 pm
cas or ti-83......live or die?

:P
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: m@tty on March 03, 2010, 06:26:01 pm
Ti-84, my friend. 'Tis the bomb. :P
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: the.watchman on March 03, 2010, 06:27:18 pm
LOL yeah, I had no choice :P
But CAS calculators definitely have an impact on how you do simple maths
Why no choice??

I mean no choice between non-CAS and CAS, because non-CAS was being removed :(
I reckon MM would have been so much better without CAS
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: m@tty on March 03, 2010, 06:29:21 pm
I can only imagine the horror...

What I meant was, do Methods non-CAS last year... :P
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: the.watchman on March 03, 2010, 06:30:23 pm
I can only imagine the horror...

What I meant was, do Methods non-CAS last year... :P

I definitely couldn't do that!
(Although there are some people who do :P)
Title: Re: Calculator Choice
Post by: Stroodle on March 03, 2010, 06:55:56 pm
i think the casio classpad 330 is the best calculator on the planet it does basically everything and very usefull with geometry

Agreed.