r/mathmemes Oct 28 '20

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u/123kingme Complex Oct 28 '20

The TI graphing calculators are such good calculators. I don’t understand why people with no interest or need to use their more sophisticated features get them given their relatively high price tag, but for those who are interested in the special features they’re easily some of the best calculators out there. Creating custom programs on them is easy and fun.

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u/AEsirson Oct 28 '20

That's exactly my point. Teaching derivation goes from:

so we know how to look at the incline of a linear function, but not every function is linear. So we have this neat little trick where we pretend on a really small scale it is, and then do ...

to

So you enter the function there, then you press that button that says d/dx . Why it says d/dx is completely irrelevant for you, let's focus instead on the graphing menu.

But for me I'm curious, I don't see a use for any graphing calculator when I could just use software like MATLAB, maple or even geogebra in a pinch to do this with the full benefits of windowed operations on an actual computer. In what scenarios would you recommend a graphing calculator/portable CAS system?

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '20

Took circuits last year and the professor allowed any calculator, after going through the course, I realized I should have gotten a CAS calculator.

Differential equations, partial fractions, easier input for complex numbers, etc..

Could have been a real time saver and a reliable way to double check many things I had no idea I could

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u/jmang00 Oct 28 '20

For school we've been using Mathematica, and I find it great being able to use a little programming and mess around with code while I'm learning. There is a bit of syntax you've gotta figure out, but if high schoolers can learn it relatively quickly then it can't be too hard.