Chris in VA Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I just realized his SAT is coming up in June, and we don't even have a graphing calculator. I saw an online sample of TT PreCal that is basically a lesson in how to use one--it jogged my thoughts that perhaps it's a skill he'd need for the test. What do you think? Also, is it true there's little geometry on the SAT now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 No, a scientific calculator is more than sufficient. The best recommendation I've heard was from Dana Mosely on the Chalk Dust SAT DVD's when he said bring a calculator you are already very familiar with. You don't want to have to deal with using an unfamiliar calculator on the test! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 The geometry on the SAT: area and circumference of a circle, area & perimeter of rectangles, triangles, and shapes made from combinations of these. Vertical angles, parallel lines w/ alternate interior angles, sum of the angles in a triangle, Pythagorean Theorem, "special" right triangles, volume of a box. Knowing how to set up and solve a proportion involving sectors of a circle and arc length. Most of the formulas are provided but it's better to have them memorized--it takes too much time to look them up and these are basic things they should already know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 You do NOT need the graphing functions of a graphing calculator for those tests. Most students prefer to use a graphing caluclator because of the multi-line display--and the way it allows you to enter in a complex problem (since you can use parenthesis). You can check to see if you plugged in the correct problem BEFORE you push the equal sign. The cheaper option is to purchase a TI-30 or TI-30-XIIS. These cost around $15 and come in some cool colors (we have a few in NEON colors--and they are easier to find around the house!). This calculator has a MULTI-LINE display just like the graphing calculators--just no graphing option. It is EASY to just pick up and use. A week or 2 of using it before the test and it will dramatically DECREASE the time spent on each problem--this can be VERY helpful to most students. This is the only calculator I recommend to ALL of my students for Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. It is very easy to transition from this calculator to the graphing calculator for Pre-Calc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thanks everyone! Gosh, I appreciate you all! I get so nervous about this stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in GA Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Very helpful, Jann. I tried to give you a rep point, but I must have done so already because I was told I need to "spread it around" first. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasTea Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 You do NOT need the graphing functions of a graphing calculator for those tests. The cheaper option is to purchase a TI-30 or TI-30-XIIS. These cost around $15 and come in some cool colors (we have a few in NEON colors--and they are easier to find around the house!). This calculator has a MULTI-LINE display just like the graphing calculators--just no graphing option. It is EASY to just pick up and use. A week or 2 of using it before the test and it will dramatically DECREASE the time spent on each problem--this can be VERY helpful to most students. This is the only calculator I recommend to ALL of my students for Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. It is very easy to transition from this calculator to the graphing calculator for Pre-Calc. Jann, Thank you for this info. Can I ask what is the difference between the calculator you listed above and just a 'regular' one? My dd has only used a regular 1.00 calculator from Walmart for basic operations. I'm wondering what else she could use it for if we got the one above. Thank you Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 The TI-30 is a 'regular' scientific calculator. The MAJOR difference is that you get to SEE what you input--including the SIGNS. You see the whole problem not just the answer (what you see with the $1 calculators). If you type in "7 + 5" and then push "=" you will see the WHOLE problem in the display: 7 + 5 = 12 This reduces typing errors and allows multi-step problems to be inputted at one time--this saves time and reduces errors. It has a multi-line display and the ability to use parenthesis. It is VERY user friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I have the calculator Jann recommends above. One of my favorite features for testing is the ability to change decimals into fractions & mixed numbers--this can save kids so much time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasTea Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 Thank you for the info Jann and Maverick. I am going to go ahead and buy one of these now. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted April 26, 2008 Share Posted April 26, 2008 I was going to go out and try to find one with the help of a sales associate...Thank you both for making this so simple.:hurray: :iagree: Thank you for the info Jann and Maverick. I am going to go ahead and buy one of these now. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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