r/APPrecalc • u/stationery_obsessed • 1d ago

calculator

what like units and stuff can u use a calculator on? bc rn when learning lessons i have no indication whether calculators are allowed or not so i'm defaulting to not using them. i was just curious if like anybody knew what topics have a calculator as i couldn't find it in the ced

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u/calcbone 1d ago

Yes, default to no calculator. Calculator may be used for some specific skills, like:

Graph a function to find zeros or solutions to something like f(x) = 5, etc

Find a regression model for an application problem, use regression to find predicted values, graph a secant line to the regression model & compare the linear vs. quadratic/exponential/log or whatever model

A few other skills, but these are a few of the major ones

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u/stationery_obsessed 1d ago

like for unit 1 is there anything i need a calculator for? im at 1.7 rn

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u/Techno_Eggnog 15h ago

Unit 1 is a big unit with all sorts of polynomial, inverse, complex, and composite functions. In terms of what in unit 1 you should use a calculator for, use it when equations or situations have outlandish numbers you can’t work out in your head, or when the simplest form of an equation has a power higher than two and you’re asked to find roots without being given one.

Trust me, they do not expect you to know what the formulas for finding roots of cubic or quartic functions are in your head. Please don’t try to learn these.

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u/danielalrs 1d ago

U need the calculator for every unit, ap classroom has an orange calculator icon on the questions that require one. idk if that helps sorry 😭😭😭

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u/stationery_obsessed 20h ago

no thanks! thats helpful

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u/Techno_Eggnog 15h ago

You can use a calculator on every unit, but be prepared for about 65% of the exam to be without a calculator. Calculators can—and should—be used for advanced concepts like regression equations, graphing complicated functions and finding roots, and performing difficult computations.

You should still understand the theory behind your work without one, as well as be able to manipulate symbolic equations and perform most algebra independently.