Best Calculator for Calculus

The Math Sorcerer
13 Mar 202403:57

TLDRThis video discusses the best calculators for calculus, highlighting the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition and its newer, color, rechargeable counterpart, the TI 84 Plus C. The presenter emphasizes their preference for these models due to their widespread acceptance in educational settings and lack of a computer algebra system, which is often prohibited in exams. The video also mentions the TI-Inspire, which is more powerful but less likely to be allowed in class. The summary concludes with a mention of math courses available on the presenter's website, mathsourcer.com, offering a discounted price for viewers.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“š The TI 84 Plus Silver Edition is a reliable calculator for calculus, having been used for over 14 years and still functioning well.
  • ๐Ÿ” An updated version, the TI 84 Plus C, is recommended for its color display and rechargeable battery.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Both calculators are capable of graphing functions, such as the sign function and cosine of x.
  • ๐Ÿšซ More powerful calculators like the TI Inspire are not recommended due to restrictions by many teachers, as they perform calculus operations automatically.
  • ๐Ÿซ Teachers often allow the TI 84 series because they lack a computer algebra system, which would do calculus automatically.
  • ๐Ÿ“ These calculators are suitable for various calculus courses including Calc 1, Calc 2, Calc 3, and differential equations.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The TI 84 Plus Silver Edition uses batteries, while the TI 84 Plus C is rechargeable.
  • ๐ŸŽจ The TI 84 Plus C offers a color display, enhancing the visual appeal and potentially the clarity of graphs.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Links to both calculators will be provided in the description for those interested in purchasing.
  • ๐Ÿ“š The speaker also offers math courses on their website, mathsourcer.com, available on the Udemy platform at a reduced price.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The TI 84 Plus C includes additional features like statistics and polar coordinates, making it a comprehensive tool for a graphing calculator.

Q & A

  • What is the best calculator for calculus according to the video?

    -The video suggests that the TI 84 Plus C is a superior choice for calculus because it is in color and rechargeable, making it a good choice for courses like Calc 1, Calc 2, Calc 3, or differential equations.

  • How long has the presenter been using their TI 84 Plus Silver Edition?

    -The presenter has been using their TI 84 Plus Silver Edition for about 14 to 15 years.

  • What is the main difference between the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI 84 Plus C?

    -The main differences are that the TI 84 Plus C is in color and is rechargeable, while the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition uses batteries.

  • Why does the presenter recommend the TI 84 Plus series over more powerful calculators like the TI Inspire?

    -The presenter recommends the TI 84 Plus series because many teachers do not allow calculators with computer algebra systems like the TI Inspire, which can do calculus operations automatically.

  • What feature do the TI 84 Plus calculators lack that makes them acceptable for use in most calculus classes?

    -The TI 84 Plus calculators lack a computer algebra system, which is a feature that performs calculus operations automatically, making them acceptable for use in most calculus classes.

  • What is a computer algebra system and why might teachers not allow calculators with this feature?

    -A computer algebra system is a feature that can perform calculus operations like integration and differentiation automatically. Teachers might not allow calculators with this feature because it can do the calculus for the student, potentially hindering their learning process.

  • Can the TI 84 Plus C be used for tasks other than calculus, such as statistics or fractions?

    -Yes, the TI 84 Plus C can be used for a variety of tasks including statistics, fractions, and it also supports graphing in polar coordinates.

  • What additional feature does the TI 84 Plus C have that the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition does not?

    -The TI 84 Plus C has a color display and is rechargeable, which are features not present in the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition.

  • Does the presenter offer any resources for learning math besides the calculator recommendation?

    -Yes, the presenter mentions math courses on their website, mathsourcer.com, which are hosted on the Udemy platform.

  • How can potential students get access to the presenter's math courses at a reduced price?

    -Students can get access to the presenter's math courses at a reduced price by using the links provided on the presenter's website, mathsourcer.com.

  • What is the significance of the TI 84 Plus C being rechargeable according to the video?

    -The rechargeability of the TI 84 Plus C is significant because it eliminates the need for replacing batteries, making it more convenient and cost-effective in the long run.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“š Best Calculator for Calculus: TI 84 Plus Editions

The video script discusses the best calculator for calculus, highlighting the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition, which the speaker has used for over 14 years. Despite its age, it remains functional, showcasing its durability. The script then introduces a newer version, the TI 84 Plus C, which offers color display and rechargeability, making it superior. The speaker demonstrates the calculator's graphing capabilities by plotting the sign function and cosine of x. The video also mentions more powerful calculators like the TI Inspire, which can perform calculus operations but are often prohibited in classrooms due to their computer algebra system, which does the work for students. The TI 84 Plus calculators are recommended for their allowance in most classes and their usefulness during tests when calculators are not available.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กCalculator

A calculator is an electronic device used to perform arithmetic operations and more complex calculations. In the context of the video, it refers to a specialized device for mathematical functions, particularly those used in calculus. The script discusses two models, the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI 84 Plus C, emphasizing their durability and functionality for calculus students.

๐Ÿ’กTI 84 Plus Silver Edition

The TI 84 Plus Silver Edition is a specific model of graphing calculator produced by Texas Instruments. It is highlighted in the script as a reliable tool that the speaker has used for over a decade. It is noted for its endurance and functionality, despite being an older model.

๐Ÿ’กTI 84 Plus C

The TI 84 Plus C is an updated version of the TI 84 Plus, featuring a color screen and rechargeable battery. The script presents it as a superior option due to these enhancements, which improve the user experience for calculus students.

๐Ÿ’กGraphing

Graphing refers to the process of visually plotting functions or equations to analyze their behavior. In the video, graphing is a key feature of the calculators discussed, allowing students to visualize mathematical functions such as the sign function and cosine.

๐Ÿ’กIntegration

Integration is a fundamental concept in calculus, involving finding the accumulated quantity of a variable. The script mentions that while some calculators like the TI Inspire can perform integration, they are often not allowed in classes due to their advanced capabilities.

๐Ÿ’กDifferentiation

Differentiation is the process of finding the rate at which a function changes, another core concept in calculus. Similar to integration, calculators capable of automatic differentiation may not be permitted in educational settings to encourage understanding through manual computation.

๐Ÿ’กComputer Algebra System (CAS)

A Computer Algebra System is a software that performs symbolic computation, including calculus operations. The script explains that calculators with CAS capabilities, like the TI Inspire, are often restricted in academic settings to prevent students from relying on automated solutions.

๐Ÿ’กRechargeable

Rechargeable refers to the ability of a device to be powered by a battery that can be recharged rather than replaced. The TI 84 Plus C is noted for having a rechargeable battery, which is an advantage over the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition that uses replaceable batteries.

๐Ÿ’กPolar Coordinates

Polar coordinates is a system of representing points in a plane using a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference direction. The script mentions that the TI 84 Plus C supports polar coordinates, indicating its advanced graphing capabilities.

๐Ÿ’กStatistics

Statistics is the discipline concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. The script briefly mentions that the calculator has statistical functions, showing its versatility beyond just calculus.

๐Ÿ’กMath Sourcer

Math Sourcer is the website mentioned in the script, which offers math courses on the Udemy platform. The speaker encourages viewers to use the links from this site to access the courses at a reduced price, supporting the creator.

Highlights

The TI 84 Plus Silver Edition is a durable calculator that has been in use for over 14 years.

The TI 84 Plus C is a newer version with color display and rechargeable batteries.

The TI 84 Plus C is superior due to its color display and rechargeability.

The TI 84 Plus C allows for graphing functions such as the sign function and cosine of x.

Calculators like the TI Inspire are more powerful but often not allowed in classes due to their computer algebra system.

Teachers often permit the use of TI 84 Plus calculators because they lack a computer algebra system.

The TI 84 Plus calculators are recommended for calculus courses due to their widespread acceptance in the classroom.

The TI 84 Plus calculators are useful for computations, graphing, and checking answers during tests.

The TI 84 Plus Silver Edition still functions well after many years, despite using batteries.

The TI 84 Plus C is preferred for its additional features such as color display and rechargeability.

The TI 84 Plus C includes capabilities for fractions, statistics, polar coordinates, and more.

The video provides a comparison between the TI 84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI 84 Plus C.

Links to both calculators will be provided in the video description for interested viewers.

The presenter offers math courses on their website, mathsourcer.com, available on the Udemy platform.

Using links from the presenter's website ensures a lower price for the math courses.

The video concludes by emphasizing the usefulness of the TI 84 Plus C for various mathematical needs.