Graphing Calculators

Use this link to print the parent letter listed below: TI Calculators

The PVHS math department wants to do all it can to guide your student’s success. With this commitment in mind, we occasionally use TI-83+ and TI-84+ graphing calculators in Integrated Math 1, Integrated Math 2...and use them often in Integrated Math 3, Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, and AP Statistics. A regular scientific calculator such as a TI-30XIIS will work for many assignments, but there will be times a scientific calculator may be insufficient.

Each classroom has a limited supply of graphing calculators, so we encourage students to purchase one if possible. This will enable them to have instant access to a calculator when the need arises. If you cannot purchase one, there are some available for use in the classroom only. Students may have to make special arrangements with their math teacher to come in on their own time to finish certain assignments or possibly check one out overnight. There is also a free internet-based educational program called “Desmos” that has some of the same features as the graphing calculators that could be an alternative for certain topics. Please visit www.desmos.com. Also, Desmos offers a free app for mobile devices.

There are numerous advantages to your child owning a graphing calculator. Your son or daughter will use it in class and on homework. It’s a valuable study aid and it does a lot more than just graph. Helpful programs and applications can be downloaded – just like a computer. A graphing calculator is an investment that will last several years and is upgradeable for use throughout high school and into college.

A flexible learning tool, the graphing calculator is incorporated in many math and science courses. Graphing calculators help students visualize concepts while challenging them to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students can investigate higher level math and begin to develop an understanding of why it works and if the results make sense.

Graphing calculators are also permitted on:

SAT and ACT College Entrance Exams
AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Physics and AP Statistics exams
IB Exams (Important note: IB does not allow the use of the TI-89)

The upgraded TI models with color screens and rechargeable batteries are slim and lightweight. If you purchase a TI-Nspire or another brand such as Casio, please be aware the features and menus are very different. Students will need to download a user’s manual and bring it to class every day for reference.

We do appreciate your understanding and support. We encourage you to watch the back-to-school ads and look for sale prices on the TI calculators. You can often save $20-$50 at the beginning of the school year. Another option is to check for used calculators that are being sold on websites such as Amazon or eBay. You can often save at least 50% by purchasing a used calculator that is in good or great condition. Investing in a graphing calculator now will help your child become proficient with its features rather quickly. If you have further questions, please contact your student’s math teacher via their email link on the PVHS website.

Thank you, PV Math Department

Subjects and available features:	TI-84 Plus CE or CE-T Python Edition	TI-84 Plus	TI-83 Plus
Algebra 1 & 2, Trigonometry, Statistics	●	●	●
Geometry	●	●	●
Precalculus	●	●	●
AP Calculus, AP Statisitics	●	●	●
Biology, Chemistry, Physics	●	●	●
Business, Finance	●	●	●
500 SAT Prep Questions - Free	●
500 ACT Prep Questions - Free	●
Preloaded software (applications)	●	●
USB cable included	●	●
Extra memory	●

Pleasant Valley High Schooltitle