Hey AP Calc BC peeps! I've got the Calc BC exam this year and I was wondering which calculator you guys recommend? I know we're allowed graphing calculators but there are so many options - help me narrow it down pls!
Hey there! You're right, there are many graphing calculator options available, but I'll help you narrow it down to a few popular choices. For the AP Calc BC exam, students commonly use either a Texas Instruments calculator (typically the TI-84 Plus or TI-84 Plus CE) or the Casio fx-9750GII. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so ultimately it will come down to personal preference and budget.
The TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE are both very popular and widely used in high schools across the country, so chances are you might be familiar with them already. The TI-84 Plus CE has a full-color backlit display, which can make it easier to navigate and read graphs compared to the TI-84 Plus, which has a monochrome display. Both models have a large set of features and plenty of built-in programs to help with your calculus needs.
The Casio fx-9750GII is a more budget-friendly option, typically costing less than a TI-84 model. It has a monochrome display and still offers a solid set of features for an AP Calculus exam, including graphing and built-in functions.
Before making a decision, it might be a good idea to try out each calculator if you have access to them through friends, family, or a math teacher. Additionally, you could try looking for video tutorials or user reviews online to get a better sense of how each calculator operates. Keep in mind that, regardless of which calculator you choose, you'll want to familiarize yourself with it before the exam, as you'll want to be sure that you'll be comfortable using it under the time constraints of a testing environment. Ultimately, your comfort level is what matters most, not the specific model of calculator.
Good luck, and I hope you find the perfect calculator for your AP Calc BC exam!
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