Calculators

All math classes (97 and above) at Whatcom Community College require students to purchase a graphing calculator. The preferred calculator used by WCC instructors is the Texas Instrument TI-83 Plus. Very similar to the TI 83 Plus are also the TI-82, TI-83, and the TI-84.

Some students purchase either the TI-85 or the TI-86. The TI-85 does not have a Table function while the TI-86 does. Both work fine. The difference between TI-83 type and TI-86 type of calculators is the "menu" and some advanced features. Students unfamiliar with technology find the TI-85 and TI-86 more intimidating than the TI-82, TI-83, or TI-84 models.

Texas Instruments has discontinued the manufacture of the TI-82 and the TI-85.

Other calculators (HP, Casio, etc.) may be used, but they must duplicate the operations of the calculators that we use in class. Symbolic manipulators such as the TI-89, TI-92, or other similar equipment may NOT be used on exams. At times calculator-based programs will be shared in class. Students with other calculators will be expected to rewrite and program these routines on their own machines.