Hey folks! I'm used to using my T-89 calculator for my high school classes. However, I'm unsure if it's usually allowed in college math or science courses. Has anybody had experiences with calculator use policies in college - are advanced calculators like the T-89 typically permitted?
This is a good question! Generally, the use of calculators in college classes can vary considerably depending on the course and the professor.
For many beginner-level math and science classes, a basic calculator is often all that's needed and allowed. Some classes might limit you to a scientific calculator, which can handle functions like trigonometry and logarithms, but not symbolic algebra.
More advanced classes, like those in engineering or certain branches of physical sciences, may allow or even require a graphing calculator like your T-89. Graphing calculators are often necessary for these courses due to the complex calculations involved.
However, some professors might not allow calculators at all, especially in mathematics courses. They might want to assess your understanding of the concepts and your manual calculation skills.
Remember, each professor has their own policies. What's commonly done is for the professor to mention calculator policies in the course syllabus. If it's not addressed, it's a good idea to ask during the first week or before purchasing a new calculator.
Also, calculators are typically not allowed in exams for many humanities courses, social sciences courses and, interestingly, some mathematics courses, especially those focused on conceptual understanding or proofs, like abstract algebra or real analysis.
So the bottom line is: it varies a lot. Be sure to check the syllabus and ask your professor at the beginning of your course.
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