When starting college, a lot of effort is put into the preparation. It is a big move, and you must make sure you have got all the right instruments so that you can study hard and get the best result you can. One of these instruments is a calculator.
But buying the right calculator for you can be a difficult decision. Which is why, our team of experts have tried and tested multiple calculators on the market and come up with a list of the best calculator for college algebra.
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Best Calculator for College Algebra Reviews
When deciding on which calculator is right for you, there are all sorts of factors that you need to consider first. And to help you out, we are going to review on what we think are the top 5 calculators that you can get to do Algebra.
1. Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator
When talking about calculators, there are a lot of features that are going to be right for you. We considered which ones are the most important for a college student who wants to help on Algebra from their calculators.
One of the features that can help a lot is having a Multiview. Texas Instruments TI-30XS Scientific Calculators come with a Multiview feature that will allow you to enter more than one calculation, compare results and explore different kinds of patterns all on the same screen.
Most likeable features
If you input in a function, then that will automatically show you different values the different values of x and y in a table. Given that you have done the input correctly, you can get up to 23 levels of parentheses on this calculator.
You can scroll through previous calculations that you had completed which is quite common in most calculators, but this calculator will also allow you to copy and paste it into a new calculation. This can be helpful when you are solving huge problems.
Probable Drawbacks
The display on this calculator can be a little darker than a few of the other calculators in the market. The buttons can also be a bit tiny, specially if you have big fingers. If you are looking for calculators that are brighter and have bigger buttons, there are better ones in the market.
Key Features
- Four-line display
- Solar and battery power
- Edit, cut, and paste entries
- MathPrint Feature
2. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
Some students may require additional features such being able to plot a graph and view results. This can be helpful and save you a lot of time where you do not have to plot graphs and get results manually. Instead, the calculator does the work for you with just a push of a few buttons.
If that is what you require, then the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator is perfect for you. It allows you to plot graphs and you can easily view different points in the graph and get results fast. This saves a lot of time and will allow you to focus more on other problems.
Most likeable features
The screen has enhanced readability and comes with a high-resolution and a backlit display. The graphs are even plotted in color, so it allows you to distinguish between two different plot lines. It even makes graphs easier to read by adding grid lines.
It requires a lithium metal battery to run. It is included with the battery and that battery is rechargeable. It allows comes with a USB cable that will allow you to charge the calculator very easily. Our tests have made sure that the charge can last quite long and will last over a day of use.
Probable Drawbacks
If you are looking for a calculator on a cheap budget, then you may want to look at other products as this graphing calculator may not be what you are looking for as it is quite expensive and there are cheaper versions in the market but are not as good as this one.
Key Features
- High-resolution, full color backlit display
- MathPrint Feature
- Rechargeable battery
- Enhanced Graphing
3. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering/Scientific Calculator
You may be looking for a calculator that has a big display and want to solve big problems and view solutions on the big screen.
If that is the case, then the Texas Instruments TI-36x Pro Scientific Calculator is the calculator you want for college. It comes with a four-line display that can will allow you to solve algebraic problems and view the solutions all on the same screen.
Most likeable features
This calculator can run with both battery and solar power. This means that the lifespan of this calculator’s battery is huge. The calculator will only run-on battery when solar power is not available and most of the time it does run on solar power.
You can choose from three types of solvers on this calculator. You can pick from either numeric. Polynomial or system of linear equations. It can easily solve all these different kinds of mathematical problems and give you a solution with just a push of a button.
Probable drawbacks
If you are looking for a calculator that can also solve graphs and show you the plot lines on a graph, then this is not the product for you. There are products in the market that can plot entire graphs for you, and you may decide to go with those calculators.
Key Features
- Four-line display
- Choose from three solvers
- Solar and battery powered
- One and two variable statistics
4. CATIGA CS-121 Scientific Calculator with Graphic Functions
If you are the kind of student who needs different types of modes on their calculator then you do not have to look much further.
The CATIGA CS121 Scientific Graphic Calculator comes with three different modes. You can pick within Angular measurement, Calculation and Display modes. Making it one of the best calculator for College Algebra.
Most Likeable Features
It comes with over 280 functions. You can solve not only algebraic problems on this calculator, but you can also solve, fractions, linear regression, statistics, and complex number calculations along with many other different types of mathematical problems.
It comes with a 365-day limited warranty so you will always have that sense of security when buying this calculator. After contacting them, they will get back to you within 24 hours and they will help you either solve the issue or replace it with a new one.
Probable Drawbacks
Unlike the other graphic calculator in this list, different plot lines come next to each other instead of having different plot lines in different colors in the same graph. This is a small convenience but of course it is more time consuming when comparing two plot lines in this way.
Key Features
- Scientific Calculator with Graphic Function
- Multiple Modes
- Over 280 Functions
- 365-day limited Warranty
5. Sharp Calculators EL-W535TGBBL 16-Digit Scientific Calculator
Some students prefer having a large screen on their calculators because they need to solve problems that are huge.
Well, Sharp’s EL-W535TGBBL Scientific calculator can help solve that problem because it can fit 16 digits on the screen. This can really help you solve those big problems and do not have to scroll back and forth just to make sure you have entered the numbers correctly.
Most likeable features
This Scientific calculator comes with a total of 422 functions. This allows you to edit your equations and play it back. It also includes 1 and 2 variable statistics, normal statistics and sever different types of regression. Letting you to be able to solve different types of mathematical problems along with algebra.
It also comes with 3 definable keys that can store functions. This will allow you to call a stored function just by pressing on the corresponding key. This can save you a lot of time as you will not have to keep inputting the same function again and again.
Probable Drawbacks
This calculator is packed with features but that makes it difficult to use as well. We realized that the booklet provided with the calculator is very vague and we had to go on to Sharp’s website to find a booklet which shows how to properly use this calculator.
Key Features
- 422 functions
- 16-digit display
- WriteView Display
- 3 definable memory buttons
Things to Consider Before Buying a Calculator for College Algebra
Before coming to a deciding on which Calculator you are going to buy so that you can solve algebra problems in college, there are a lot of things you will need to consider. We are going to let you know what all the things are you should consider before buying.
Type of Calculator
There are different types of calculators that can solve different type of algebraic problems. You need to understand what kind of problems you want to solve on your calculator so that you can buy the one suited to your needs.
Scientific calculators are great for solving numerical problems, but graphical calculators are better at solving algebraic problems that involve graphs. It is important to note that graphical calculators are more expensive.
Display
Different calculators come with different types of displays. You need to know which display is going to be suited for you. Some calculators have a bigger display than others, while other calculators can show different solutions in different colors.
There is also the case of whether the calculator has a backlit display or not. If you are working in a room which does not have good lighting, then not having a backlit display can be a big problem as you will not be able to read your display properly.
Functions and Modes
Depending on the kind of problems you will be solving, you will want the function or mode that can help you solve those problems. Therefore, you should make sure that the mode you are looking for is available in that calculator.
Of course, having extra functions and modes can always come in handy. You can never have enough of that, there are different types of problems just in algebra itself and if a problem shows up that requires you to work in a different way, having that extra mode can help a lot.
Battery
This is very important because if your calculator runs out of battery while you are in the middle of an exam then you will be in a very problematic situation. Making sure that the calculator has a good battery is of utmost important.
Different types of calculators have different types of battery. Some are rechargeable while some are not. Some run-on solar power. Please make sure that the calculator has a good battery, and you are comfortable with the type of battery it has.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. Do calculators come with a speaker.
No, calculators usually do not come with a speaker. Most standard calculators do not come with a speaker as it is not necessary. If you are specifically looking for that feature, make sure to check before purchase.
2. Are batteries included?
Yes, most calculators do include a battery. This is because calculators are supposed to be something that you can just unpack and use. But if you want to be completely sure then please check before purchase.
3. Do all calculators graph?
No, not all calculators can plot graphs. There are specific calculators in the market that can plot graphs, if you are looking for that then make sure to check before confirming your purchase.
4. Do all calculators come with a case?
Yes, most calculators do come with a hardcover case. Hardcover cases are important as it can save your calculators from any sort of damage.
5. Can you change the language on a calculator?
No, unless stated, most calculators do not allow you to change the language. Calculators usually display answers in English numerical format and if you are looking to be able to change the language make sure to check before purchase.
Final Word
Hopefully, now you know all that you need to know to make an informed decision. After going through our reviews and guide, you should be confident that the purchase you are going to make is going to be the right one for you. So now go out there and buy what you think is the best calculator for college algebra.