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Math Resources

Graphing Calculator Resources

 

Where's the lowest price in Fort Wayne to buy a graphing calculator?

For some models below, the best prices are highlighted in green and the worst are in lemon yellow.
Some stores, like Office Depot, have a policy that if you can find it cheaper some place else, such as Circuit City, they'll sell it to you at the lower price. The prices below are current until August 20, 2008 and while supplies last, and may include rebates.

Here is a comparison between TI calculators.
If you have an older model, compare its features HERE. (Pdf)
Trouble deciding? Click HERE to get some advice.

  TI-83 Plus TI-84 Plus TI-84 Silver edition TI-89 Titanium TI-NSpire
List Price: $99.99 $119.99 $134.99 $149.99 $149.99
Office Depot $64.99 $94.99 $99.99 $149.99 $134.99
Circuit City   $99.99 $124.99 $139.99 $124.99
Best Buy    $101.69 $119.69 $139.99  
Staples $79.99 $89.99 $99.99 $154.99 $154.99
Target $98.99 $109.99 $99.99 $149.99 $179.99
Follett's $115.99 $124.99 $139.99    

Graphing Calculator Rental Program
Thanks to Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne Students' Government Association (IPGSA),
you can rent a TI-83 or TI-83 Plus for the semester!

Rental Price: Only $10!

Where: IPSGA Office in the Walb Student Union (see a campus map), Room 225.

Terms:    You get the TI-83 calculator, manual, and unit-to-unit link cable for the entire semester. You must return the calculator at the end of the semester in the same condition you received it or your grades will be encumbered. Supplies are limited and are usually depleted the first week of classes. However, some students may have dropped a class which requires a calculator so one could just be sitting here on a shelf waiting just for you.

Note: If you already own a graphing calculator and are no longer in need of it, the Rental Program will pay you a fair price to get it off your hands!

For further information about the Rental Program, contact IPSGA, call 260/481-6586, or email stugovt@ipfw.edu

Choosing a Model

Which calculator model is recommended in algebra and calculus courses at IPFW? 
The TI-83/84 Plus family (which includes TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, TI-84 Plus, and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition) are highly recommended.

Which calculator models are acceptable in algebra and calculus courses at IPFW? 
It's a good idea to check with your instructor before purchasing, but essentially any of those listed above. These are models which can perform an intersection routine as well as find any maximum, minimum, and zeros (roots) of a function.  The TI-82, TI-83,  TI-83 Plus Silver edition,  TI-85 , TI-86, and TI-92 , which are no longer in production, are therefore also acceptable, but again, check with your instructor. You can use a TI-81 if you take the trouble to enter (by hand) a program which does the required features listed. Although TI has discontinued certain product models, you may still be able to purchase them at brick and mortar stores or their Online Store.

Which calculator models are acceptable in statistics courses at IPFW? The TI-83/84 Plus family.

Which calculator models are NOT acceptable in algebra and calculus courses at IPFW? 
The TI-80 (discontinued) and the CASIO FX 7400 G PLUS series are NOT acceptable. Despite any claims to the contrary, these calculators are designed for the middle school classroom and do not have all of the features you need.

Why aren't the CASIO models listed?
While the CASIO 9860GB Plus has a list price of $80, it is similar to a TI-85, which is a first generation model with very limited features. (To display a table, for example, you must specify the start and end, making it impossible to scroll. If you display an undefined value, the calculator will crash. This renders it virtually useless to explore functions numerically.) If you have one and know how to use it, fine. If you are considering a purchase, you will likely be frustrated with its unfriendly limitations.