I've struggled through Calc 1 without a graphing calculator. Next term (after the new year) I start Calc 2 (Integrals). The professor says that we don't need a graphing calculator, but he highly recommends that we have one. Anyways, I'm too cheap to purchase one, especially since I bought a new laptop that I've barely used. So i figured that there has to be some software program that will let me do all the functions of the latest & greatest graphing calculator. Anyone out there have any recommendations?
What's a good computer program for Calculus?
- Thread starter Shippy
- Start date
dude, just break down and buy a TI 89, you won't regret it if you plan on going more into math than calc II
otherwise, use mathematica
otherwise, use mathematica
mat lab, but i doubt your prof will let you use a laptop during a test, he might let you use a gc. i have a ti-89, its a champ and saved me more then i care to talk about.
i would get the calc.
i would get the calc.
On second thought, the TI-89 is a good inverstment. It will carry you through the calculus and physics series. It is also a good tool to have if you are taking classes based on the previously mentioned. Also, there are games you can download. 
There is no good software for math that costs less than a graphing calculator. And the laptop mso tlikely WONT be allowed for tests, anyway.
Anyway, doing Calc 2 without a caclulator will be HELL. Especially if you struggled through calc 1
Anyway, doing Calc 2 without a caclulator will be HELL. Especially if you struggled through calc 1
matlab? you must be joking
Maple all the way, TI's are nice and all, but I could've nearly gotten through college with an 11 function calc.. Most of the time it would've been helpful, we couldn't use them.
Maple all the way, TI's are nice and all, but I could've nearly gotten through college with an 11 function calc.. Most of the time it would've been helpful, we couldn't use them.
Actually, the professor is pretty cool. As long as you are not online or anything (we don't have wifi on the satelite campuses I attend) he claims to not care what you use. All the tests are open book, open notes. He's actually an Engineering major, so he pretty much teaches how to do the problems with enough explanation of why stuff is, without getting too deep. I'm a Computer Science major and the only math I have left (after Calc 2) is Discrete math & Statistics. I've already had physics and I struggled through that (got a B both terms). I considered double majoring in Math as well, but I don't think I can fit it into my schedule. I work full time (US NAVY), entertain my wife & baby, and go to class at night. I'm a junior now and I only have until summer 2003 until I transfer to my next unit. I want to at least have my BSCS by then. Anyways, thanks for all the advice. I'll look into each of the programs you've all suggested.
I recommend Maple or Mathematica. However, I have had better experiences with Maple.
But seriously, just get a graphic calculator, like the TI-89 (if you're gonna move on to harder math), or the TI-86 / TI-83 Plus, if you're not. It is an invaluable resource.
But seriously, just get a graphic calculator, like the TI-89 (if you're gonna move on to harder math), or the TI-86 / TI-83 Plus, if you're not. It is an invaluable resource.
I'll agree with Maple but let me tell you, things are so much easier with a TI-89. Theres not much that that thing can not do.
virtuamike
Diamond Member
- Oct 13, 2000
- 7,845
- 13
- 81
Buy Return to Castle Wolfenstein. You don't really need software or a graphing calculator (my profs wouldn't let me use a calc on exams). If you insist on using a calc to study then a TI-85 will do just fine, dunno about the newer models and all the new features but I've had a TI-85 since high school and it's still a trooper, plus you can find used ones for cheap.
and cal2 isn't that bad. Wait till cal3 !
Green's theorem, Stoke's theorm, Divergence...it wil make your head spin!
TI-85 has been around for quite a number of years so it's not too expensive.
TI-86 is the updated TI-85. Pretty much the same thing except more memory
and that certain features are in different menus.
TI-89 is the down-graded version of TI-92. Some people prefer 85/86 over
89 because the ease of use on the 85/86.
*Real engineers prefer HP graphing calculators. In many ways, it's better
than any of the TIs.
Both Maple and Mathematica are cool and the commands are not very hard
to learn and use.
Matlab = Matrix Laboratory, which by itself is not that great for Calculus but
since it usually has Maple included in it, it's like getting two softwares for the
price of one.
By the way, Calc 1 doesn't really require graphing calculators that much
anyway. I don't really see the need for it. Same goes for Calc 2, it's
just simple integration, area under the curve, disk rule, etc.
TI-86 is the updated TI-85. Pretty much the same thing except more memory
and that certain features are in different menus.
TI-89 is the down-graded version of TI-92. Some people prefer 85/86 over
89 because the ease of use on the 85/86.
*Real engineers prefer HP graphing calculators. In many ways, it's better
than any of the TIs.
Both Maple and Mathematica are cool and the commands are not very hard
to learn and use.
Matlab = Matrix Laboratory, which by itself is not that great for Calculus but
since it usually has Maple included in it, it's like getting two softwares for the
price of one.
By the way, Calc 1 doesn't really require graphing calculators that much
anyway. I don't really see the need for it. Same goes for Calc 2, it's
just simple integration, area under the curve, disk rule, etc.
<< and cal2 isn't that bad. Wait till cal3 !
Green's theorem, Stoke's theorm, Divergence...it wil make your head spin! >>
cal3 was no fun! :frown:
<< The best program is your brain, trust me. >>
Quite right you are. Relying on "crutches" such as graphing calculators, or math software, will get you nowhere in a hurry if Calc will play a major role in your future coursework.
I third the "use your brains", fancy calculators might help you to get better grades, but without the practice of doing things manually, you might never totally understand your material.
that being said, i went through differentials, integrals and differential equasions with a ti40.
Aelus
that being said, i went through differentials, integrals and differential equasions with a ti40.
Aelus
I will fourth the brain one..
but if you absolutely have to have a calc program you should get Maple.. its great... err.. i mean ive heard its great.
im soo glad i havent taken calc3 yet.. but then again calc1 and 2 were pretty easy!
but if you absolutely have to have a calc program you should get Maple.. its great... err.. i mean ive heard its great.
im soo glad i havent taken calc3 yet.. but then again calc1 and 2 were pretty easy!
You are alowed to use calculators in calc? Grr...stupid "good" schools, why do they have to be so hard?
Armani
Armani
Calc.I, II, III, Differential Equations... all a joke...
Theoretical Mathematics... thats where the real stuff is.. of course a calculator is completely usless at that point...
Theoretical Mathematics... thats where the real stuff is.. of course a calculator is completely usless at that point...
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