A graphing calculator will be needed on both Multiple Choice and Free Response sections of the AP exam.
There are many different calculators allowed on the AP exam (see here), but the TI-84 is the best calculator to use. It's the easiest to find and buy in stores, is user friendly, and is the most popular across the country. Any version, or combinations of versions, of the TI-84 is acceptable:
TI-84 plus, TI-84 silver edition, TI-84 CE (each pictured below, respectively)
There are many different calculators allowed on the AP exam (see here), but the TI-84 is the best calculator to use. It's the easiest to find and buy in stores, is user friendly, and is the most popular across the country. Any version, or combinations of versions, of the TI-84 is acceptable:
TI-84 plus, TI-84 silver edition, TI-84 CE (each pictured below, respectively)
For this AP course, students must know how to do to four things on the graphing calculator:
1- Plot a function graph in an arbitrary viewing window
2- Find the zeros/roots of a function
3- Numerically calculate the derivative of a function
4- Numerically calculate the integral of a function
At first glance, these calculators might be overwhelming to use. Below is a short video demonstrating how to use this tool to in regards to the derivative and integral.
1- Plot a function graph in an arbitrary viewing window
2- Find the zeros/roots of a function
3- Numerically calculate the derivative of a function
4- Numerically calculate the integral of a function
At first glance, these calculators might be overwhelming to use. Below is a short video demonstrating how to use this tool to in regards to the derivative and integral.
calc_derivatives.wmv | |
File Size: | 4266 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
calc_integral.wmv | |
File Size: | 2310 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
The TI-84 graphing calculator costs around $100 and can be found at stores like Walmart, Target, Office Depot, and online at Amazon. There are a few graphing calculators, such as the Casio brand, that around half that price but unfortunately, are harder to find and not used as much across the country. A free alternative is Desmos (shown below); although this online tool would not be accessible to students during the AP exam, it is great to use for graphing during instruction and for assignments. Check Desmos out by clicking on the picture below.