Maths Equipment… oh dear! We need it for geometry, arithmetic, probability, algebra, calculus trigonometry, inequalities, statistics, relative numbers, fraction mixes, equation mixes, puzzles, quizzes, timed tests, oh my! The mathematics curriculum is loaded.
Thankfully your introduction to the maths subject in kindergarten and primary school was made up of the basics - counting, addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. Here, you learnt using math flash cards, math games and printable worksheets. This learning experience has provided you with a great foundation to excel in maths.
Those childhood days are long gone, but it doesn’t mean math is no longer fun. It just means that you are going to need to upgrade your school supplies list and your maths skills. Student learning from high school and onwards is known to be much more challenging for students. To do well in mathematics courses, you should invest in some essential mathematics equipment.
You can ask your maths teacher to give you the essential school supply list to make sure you have everything needed for the course.
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at one of the most used pieces of equipment for student achievement in mathematics education (aside from a good study attitude and excellent math skills). To support the serious math learner to do well in math classroom activities, the calculator comes to the rescue as the trusted sidekick.
Why Use A Calculator?
The high school math curriculum is no longer limited to small equations that you can attempt in your head. Theorem studies, estimation, fraction studies, algebraic calculations, geometric angles, infinite complex numbers and much more abound. Rest assured that high school mathematics courses require the use of a calculator to enable the learner to be much more efficient in their learning activities.
Thankfully, you don’t need to do it all in your head or by hand!
Calculators have been an indispensable tool in mathematics classes since the 1960s when they were invented. The calculator supports mathematical literacy and can be used to solve an equation. However, not all calculators are created equal, and so there are different types of calculators that serve to work for different functions.
Of all of the maths education equipment to invest in, the calculator is one of the most used and most useful.
Different Kinds Of Calculators For School
Scientific calculators, basic calculators, business calculators, graphic calculators… To choose the ideal calculator, it is important to know what you want to use it for. Then, set a budget and choose one according to your budget and needs.
The purchase of a calculator for high school is a real investment that must serve you during your time studying mathematics. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
- Basic calculators do basic adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying.
- Business calculators do all that basic calculators do, but they also have buttons for interest rates.
- Scientific calculators do all that basic and business calculators do, but they also have functions to work out chemistry, physics, engineering, and trigonometry problems.
- Graphic calculators are like scientific calculators except they have a larger screen that can plot the answer as a graph. It can also solve integral calculus and matrices where scientific calculators can not.
They must also include the right functions related to the mathematics syllabus. Most likely, you’ll need a scientific calculator or a graphic calculator for your secondary school education, and even into your university career.
What The Scientific Calculator Can Do At A Glance:
The Scientific Calculator is a handheld calculator invented to support maths, science and engineering problems. You can input formulas, equations, symbols, and complex numbers.
- It can handle all basic numeracy functions such as addition and subtraction, multiplication and division.
- It can handle all advanced numerical functions such as algebraic, geometric, and trigonometric calculations.
- This calculator has lots of buttons, and of course, each brand will be different, but on average it will have designated buttons for pi, parentheses, trigonometric functions, exponents, inverses of trigonometric functions, logarithms and natural
- The memory function on these calculators makes it possible to record a lot of mathematics formulae for later use. This is essential when you are working with formulas, geometric components or scientific notations all the time.
The Scientific Calculator VS The Graphic Calculator
To find the best calculator for your needs, you must know what to look for. Because until you are looking for a calculator, you may not realise just how many calculators’ there are. But no matter which kind of calculator you want to buy for your maths course. You should make sure to be choosing between a scientific calculator and a graphic calculator. You can coordinate with your maths tutor or school teacher to ask which is most suitable for your plans. Or just read below to learn the basic differences between them.
Functions
Both the scientific calculator and graphic calculator have the capability to perform advanced calculations. On the other hand on a graphic calculator, when you will input a function, you can choose to see a graph of it on the screen. The graphic calculator has an additional piece of functionality as it can solve integral calculus and matrices.
Advanced Features
A graphic calculator is more advanced than a scientific calculator but should only be invested in if you are going to use it to its fullest potential. They are much more expensive, so consider this wisely. graphic calculators are used by professional mathematicians or those studying to an advanced mathematical level. Scientific calculators, however, are used by everyone from college students to engineers.
Screen Size
Scientific calculators have a smaller screen than graphic calculators.
Cost
Both can be expensive but scientific calculators can be found for around $30-$80. graphic calculators are much more expensive, coming in at $100-$200 on average. If you can get away with a scientific calculator, that might be a better choice for your wallet!
Extras
Graphic calculators are like small computers and so have wifi connectivity and you can even play some games. Scientific calculators do not come with this functionality.
How Much Should You Spend On A Calculator?
The scientific calculator is worth the investment. A good scientific calculator can last years, even generations!
Be careful not to pick a cheap calculator when you need one more advanced or an advanced one when you only need a basic one. In both cases, you would have wasted money. The important thing is to know what you will need to do.
Estimate your budget before going to the store. It is quite possible to get a deal on a calculator if you are looking for it.
As mentioned before, a scientific calculator typically costs between $30 and $80.
A graphic calculator typically costs between $100 and $200.
If you can’t afford a new calculator, see if you can find a decent one used or borrow one from a friend or teacher.
Understand that the style of the battery can vary the price so you should understand the choice between disposable battery or rechargeable battery calculators. The latter can be a nightmare if you forget to it recharge before an exam.
Where To Buy Your Calculator?
Calculators are available in most office supply stores and at many online retailers. When in doubt, check Amazon!
Also, don’t forget to look for your equipment during significant sale periods. Sales like Black Friday and summer sale events can save you a lot of money allowing you to either upgrade to a better model for half the price or just pocket the savings.
If you have family members or friends who have graduated and are no longer enrolled in math education, why not ask them to give you their calculator? You might even get a free demonstration and other educational resources.
In the same vein, if you need a better model than you can afford, check charity shops, car boot sales, or markets. This will lower the cost and may allow you to barter or haggle.
You can also find a low-cost calculator on the Internet. Look out for promotions at the start of the school season or other exciting discounts. But again, don’t just buy it because it is cheap. Make sure it has the functions that you need before ordering.
Whichever calculator you choose it is better to invest in a good one which you will have time to learn to master. Also, you can then avoid having to pay for a new calculator at the beginning of your next level of higher education.
If you are looking for a school kit for a younger student please check out our blog on the Back to School supplies for kids studying maths!
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