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What calculator for Discovering Mathematics?

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:18 pm
by OneFunSon
Help!
We just tried to do lesson 2.5 B in Discovering Mathematics 1A today and it requires a calculator that can do cube roots and exponents. I didn't know a calculator would be required for DM this soon and I can not find anywhere in Rev2Rev or in the DM text or TM what kind of calculator to get. I know that I need it to be able to do at least those 2 things but beyond that I am not sure what other functions might be required later in the course, such as graphing, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions what to get? I know there are lots of different calculators out there and they get pretty expensive so I want to get one that will be able to be used for a while, but not have to spend more than necessary.

Thanks for any suggestions!
Peace,
KBird

edit: DM text says they used Sharp EL-509WS but that doesn't seem to be available anymore. I will look when I go to the store though. I am going to see if I can I google and find out what the Sharp has on it.

Re: What calculator for Discovering Mathematics?

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:26 pm
by my3sons
Hi there! :D I'll soon be starting "Discovering Mathematics" with our ds too, and I really like what I've seen of it. In my RevtoRev guide in the Appendix on the Discovering Mathematics page entitled "Introduction - Please Read", it says this...

A calculator with the keys noted on p. 47-48 of Student Book 1A, a markerboard, dry erase markers, a protractor, a compass, and graphing paper are special supplies needed for these plans.

HTH!
In Christ,
Julie

Re: What calculator for Discovering Mathematics?

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:13 pm
by Tidbits of Learning
I plan to get a TI-83 graphing calculator when my dc get to higher math. It will take you through all of your higher maths (including college). The TI stands for Texas Instruments. They have several different models, but the TI-83 is my favorite for student use.

Re: What calculator for Discovering Mathematics?

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 12:39 pm
by OneFunSon
Thanks Ladies!

I'd forgotten about the intro in Rev2Rev - I guess I figured I had a calculator and didn't check for the keys. Sigh.. and I'm trying to teach my son to read directions more closely!

I will look for the TI-83.

Also, in case anyone else is interested, this is the response I got from Jenny at Singapore Math.

"All you need is a simple scientific calculator, like TI or Casio, that can do trig functions. I have an old Casio fx-200MS that does just fine. I got my kids a TI-30XIIS which has been fine."

Thanks again,
KBird

Re: What calculator for Discovering Mathematics?

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:18 pm
by my3sons
OneFunSon wrote:...I'd forgotten about the intro in Rev2Rev - I guess I figured I had a calculator and didn't check for the keys. Sigh.. and I'm trying to teach my son to read directions more closely![/i]
Me too! I think my 11 yo ds already reads directions better than I do. :D
OneFunSon wrote:"All you need is a simple scientific calculator, like TI or Casio, that can do trig functions. I have an old Casio fx-200MS that does just fine. I got my kids a TI-30XIIS which has been fine."
Thanks for sharing this! This is very helpful - happy calculating! :D
In Christ,
Julie