Janeway Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 If you use AoPs..do you allow a calculator in pre algebra? If not, when do you start to allow it? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 (edited) Scientific calculator when necessary in Precalc, which is quite rare. Questions are set up such that calculators are rarely needed. I think the questions in the books does says when a calculator is required. ETA: We are now at the calculus book and kid has not need his calculator yet. Edited August 3, 2016 by Arcadia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie of KY Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 AoPS problems are set up to not need a calculator. Answers are given in radical form or pi/4 etc rather than rounded to decimals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie of KY Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 My quick answer would be no calculator in prealgebra (or really in any AoPS book). However, if you have a student that has disabilities surrounding adding/multiplying large numbers, etc. I'd consider a calculator so they can focus on learning the algebraic techniques while not being so hampered by the burden of certain numbers. If they need a calculator, then they probably also still need to be working on some of those basic arithmetic skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in SA Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Yes, but the opportunities to use one are very rare. Even the AoPS text will point out places where a calculator makes sense. Most of the time, the calculator will just get in the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Not in Pre A for sure. There is absolutely no reason for it in Pre A and I think some of the methods would be lost on someone using a calculator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 (edited) Normally no calculator through calculus, with the exception of a handful of problems per year for which AoPS indicates specifically that a calculator should be used. If the student feels the need to use a calculator with AoPS, that is usually a sign that he is not approaching the problem correctly. Almost all problems are designed to be solved without one. Edited August 3, 2016 by regentrude 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 AoPS Algebra, chapter 19. You'll need a calculator to do the interest problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in SA Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 Normally no calculator through calculus, with the exception of a handful of problems per year for which AoPS indicates specifically that a calculator should be used. If the student feels the need to use a calculator with AoPS, that is usually a sign that he is not approaching the problem correctly. Almost all problems are designed to be solved without one. AoPS Algebra, chapter 19. You'll need a calculator to do the interest problems. Putting these together: where there isn't any real value in doing the math without a calculator, AoPS will specifically suggest using a calculator. At every other point, put it away. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.