Students who score high on the SAT may be enrolled in a top college and may even be eligible for a scholarship. The SAT exam is divided into different sections. The sections of SAT are proof-based reading, writing and language, math without calculator and math with a calculator. This review highlights a number of calculators that can be used in the experiment, focusing on the math section, including the calculator.
1. CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator
According to thebestdegree.com, the Casio Prizm FX-CG50 color graphing calculator is one of the best graphing calculators for SAT in our list. Featuring a natural, textbook look, 3D graphing, photo plot technology, a full-color display with an easy-to-use intuitive user interface, this calculator has a lot to offer in one of the lowest price points. Market
Professional
- Users report that the Casio Prizm FX CG50 is one of the easiest, high-powered graphing calculators on the market. The interface is intuitive and designed to be able to engage with younger students, such as in high school.
- Bright, vibrant backlit screen
- Can be updated with embedded USB. Students can also add apps to enhance the functionality of the calculator through the Casio website.
- The price is significantly lower than other graphing calculators in the same category
- Some users have reported that it prefers large buttons and a unique modern look that sets it apart from other graphing calculators.
Cons
- The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 color graphing calculator uses 4 AAA batteries. Although it has a long battery life, it can be a deal-breaker for some.
- This calculator is not as common as the other Texas Instruments calculators on the list. Some reviewers have reported that instructors and textbooks often do not include applicable instructions for this calculator, so students need to be taught how to use it.
- Although this calculator may compete with other calculators in the high-end graphing calculator section, it does not have the touch screen feature like the others in the same section.
- The processing power of the Casio Prizm FX-CG50 color graphing calculator is slightly slower than others in the same category; However, due to its more intuitive interface, users report that it takes them less time to input the calculation.
2. Sharp EL-W516TBSL Advanced Scientific Calculator
The Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16-Number Advanced Scientific Calculator is amazingly priced. It comes with a four-line display, it is battery and solar-powered and has seven different modes for a total of 640 functions. Its right view display is particularly interesting because it allows users to see the expressions, fractions and symbols they enter on the paper in a similar way. Like the other calculators on this list, it is approved for use in various tests.
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- The Right View display is really helpful for students who need to show their work while using a calculator.
- This calculator has advanced scientific functions such as log, trig function, reciprocity, power and roots.
- Test approved – can be used in SAT, SAT, AP, and IB tests.
- Many features that are not found in most scientific calculators such as memory and quadratic equations and being able to define formulas in dense equation solvers.
- Solar hybrid model – uses solar in bright environment but has backup battery in low light.
Cons
- Although it has a lot of features for SAT, more advanced graphing calculators may be more suitable for advanced math and science students.
- You have more features than just a simple scientific calculator – if you want a super basic calculator, this is not the case. But it is also not a graphing calculator.
- Some users dislike that it is the default to show residues as fractions instead of decimals.
- Some users find that the display may be brighter and note that it may look a bit dull even after adjusting the settings.
3. Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Basic Scientific Calculator
This is exactly what the Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Fundamental Scientific Calculator says. It is a very basic model that allows functions like SIN, COS and TAN, allows you to calculate indices and is a good model for doing basic mathematics, intro algebra, geometry, most statistics and general science in general. It can be used in SAT, SAT and AP but has limited functionality when working on advanced math. It is solar powered, so no battery is required. It can be purchased for less than 25 25. Some models come with covers, others do not. There are several different colors to choose from.
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- Fantastic price points – lots of calculators for lots of money.
- Due to its basic, intuitive design, it is a calculator that even junior high school students can feel comfortable using. It comes with a complete manual available online and a “cheat sheet” on how to use it
- There is a cache – so past problems can be found and reviewed
- Although solar powered, it has a backup battery so it can be used in a dark room.
- There is a two-line display that shows the equation you write in the first line and the number or variable you write in the bottom line.
Cons
- As far as this list goes TI-30XIIS is a very basic calculator. This is great for students who need only the basics, but don’t expect to use it in Algebra II or above.
- This calculator does not have graphing features.
- The TI-30XIIS display can be challenging to read in some lighting conditions, as some users have noted.
Frequently Asked Questions on Calculators for SAT
How much do calculators usually cost for SAT?
The cost for a calculator on this list is wide range. Most of these calculators can be purchased anywhere between $ 25 and 175. Buying an older version or a used calculator may be a cheaper option, but there is always the risk of having an older model with fewer features or device damage. This list includes all price point graphing calculators, so you should have an option within your budget. Another option for price-conscious buyers is to renovate, refresh or buy used. One thing to keep in mind is that many of the calculators on this list can be used for many, many years and will scale from high school to college.
Do I really need to buy a calculator for SAT?
For one reason the test consists of a calculator and a non-calculator math section of the SAT. Not only do they want students to be able to calculate problems on their own – but they also want to see students calculate advanced problems using a calculator. There is no point in avoiding using a calculator. By purchasing a calculator before the test, you can get enough time to practice using it and get acquainted with all the functions and features of the calculator.