This is a curiosity of mine primarily because I’m considering purchasing a Ti-89 very soon, and need some input.
Recently, my Ti-81 got stolen from me (sniffle it was so beautiful), and I have had a loaned one, same model, with me since then. However, even though that will get me through the ACT, it won’t be helpful in college.
Thus, the dilemma is this: should I invest in a Ti-89 now for normal stuff and get a cheap two-liner (CASIO) for the ACT or should I get a ti-84 something to do both? That is why I’m asking those who have already taken the ACT for what they used it for, because if I know that, then I can answer this dilemma.
Thanks
-Joe
[edit] One more thing I almost forgot: Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone!!![/edit]
I took the ACT like two and a half years ago, so I can’t remember details about much of it, but I got a 31 or a 32 or something, and I didn’t need anything more than my TI-83, from what I can remember.
I took the math part last year in a math class. (yes it was “legal” for us to do that) I found using a TI-84 Silver was pretty handy. There were some graphs on there so that helped save some time.
It’s been awhile since I’ve taken those standardized tests, but I don’t recall ever needing my calculator for anything other than arithmatic and trig. Any $15 scientific calculator probably would have sufficed.
As for calculators in general, I like the TI-86. While the 89 has more advanced calculus functions, the 86 seems to be more geared toward engineering in terms of layout and little functions here and there. Of course, having an 89 won’t help you in calc if your teacher doesn’t let you use calculators on the test (as was the case with 3 of my 5 classes). And in my engineering classes, I seem to be more productive with the 86 than my classmates with 89s. I don’t know if they let you use the 86 on the ACT, so that may or may not help you.
I just took the ACT a couple of times. I also have a TI-89 and thus couldn’t use it on the ACT. Instead I used a TI-31(?) basic scientific calculator on the ACT. It really wasn’t too bad for taking the test, there were only a few problems which that calculator wasn’t up to, or that I just didn’t just get because I haven’t taken Calculus yet.
I certainly would highly recommend the TI-89. It has served me well.
same here…32 with the 83. i actually didnt use any functions but the normal stuff like big numbers… mightve checked a graph or sumting but really a normal calculator is all you need. they even say all the problems you can do without a calculator.
If I remember correctly, I didn’t need anything more than the normal scientific calculator functions on the ACT, and I got a 30. I think it’s kind of silly to buy an 84 over an 89 just so you can use it on the ACT. :o Could you borrow a TI-84/83/81 from someone else to use on the test? If not, I really think you’d be fine with a plain ol’ scientific calculator.
PS: TI-89’s are really nice (and if you want a little more memory, go for the TI-89 Titanium)
