- This article is about graphing calculators as physical tools. "Graphing Calculator" (with a capital G and C) (aka NuCalc) is the name of a computer software tool for Mac OS and Microsoft Windows that performs basic to advanced graphing calculator functions.
A graphing calculator is a special kind of scientific/engineering calculator that is able to display and/or analyze mathematical function graphs. Also, graphing calculators can show several lines of text and numbers at a time. Some graphing calculators have color displays.
Hewlett Packard introduced graphing calculators in 1987, in the form of the HP-28C. This was followed by the HP-28S (1988), HP-48SX (1990), HP-48S (1991), HP-48G/GX (1994), HP-38G (1995), HP-39G (199x), HP-40G (199x), HP-49G (1999), and the HP-49G+ and HP-48GII (2003). The current top-of-the line model, HP-49G+, features a Computer Algebra System (CAS), which lets the user perform many types of symbolic computations, like derivation and integration of functions in their general algebraic forms—e.g., d/dx(y = cos(x−2) + 3x²).
 TI-85 graphing calculator Texas Instruments has produced models of graphing calculators since 1990, the oldest of which was the TI-81. Some of the newer calculators are just like it, only with larger memories, which are the TI-82, TI-83 series, (including the TI-83, TI-83 Plus, and TI-83 Plus Silver Edition), and the TI-84 Plus series (including the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition). Other models, designed to be appropriate for students 10–14 years of age, are the TI-80 and TI-73 series (including the TI-73 and TI-73 Explorer). Others are forms that have been modified to be appropriate for calculus, which are the TI-85, TI-86, and TI-89 series (including the TI-89 and TI 89 Titanium). (the latter two also featuring a CAS, like the HP-49 models). Still others are forms with a computer keyboard, the TI-92 series, including the TI-92, TI-92 Plus, and Voyage 200.
Besides the offerings from the two major contenders in this market, HP and TI, there are graphing calculators available from Casio and Sharp Corporation.
Graphing calculators in schools
Because of their large set of features and ease of use, graphing calculators are very commonly used in schools. Many vendors, especially Casio, market their graphing calculators primarily for educational use. Casio has focused its efforts at the high school/junior college user segment, offering relatively easy-to-use graphing features (some models incorporating a three-color display) without some of the most complex/flexible mathematical functions and programming found in the usually more expensive university/engineering calculators.
Many high school mathematics teachers allow, and even encourage, their students to use graphing calculators in class. This describes the general policy e.g. in Canada's educational system. However, in other countries, calculators with "too powerful" features are generally forbidden. As an example, in Finland it is forbidden to use calculators with symbolic calculation or 3D graphics features in the matriculation exam. In Norway, calculators with wireless communication capabilities, such as IR links, have been banned at some technical universities.
See also
External links
- Casiocalc.org (http://www.casiocalc.org) - a forum for discussing Casio calculators
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