Calculators offer different levels of sophistication and functions. Basic calculators may also be called general calculators. These are used for performing simple functions such as addition, subtraction and division. Basic calculators normally display up to eight digits at once. A financial calculator is useful if you plan to perform calculations that include interest rates, mortgage payments, annuities and other financial or business data. Scientific calculators aren't only useful in math; they can also perform calculations related to scientific disciplines such as chemistry and biology. These calculators can readily access formulas that are useful in scientific analysis. A graphing calculator performs scientific functions and allows you to plot and display graphs on its screen.
Graphing calculators make it easy to perform calculations in mathematics subjects such as geometry and algebra. They can solve linear equations and graphically display them as well. The memory in graphing calculators allows you to save a graph's parameters and then refer to the graph for future use. Graphing calculators also have the ability to display several functions on one screen because they allow you to scroll up and down the screen. In addition to mathematics, graphing calculators are also useful for scientific disciplines. Some models can display the periodic table and include functions useful for hypothesis testing.
Two models of graphing calculators developed by Texas Instruments are the TI 84 Plus and the TI 84 Plus Silver. They do not differ only in terms of color. The TI 84 Plus Silver calculator comes in a standard silver color, but you can purchase a customizable faceplate and slide case. The TI 84 Plus is only available in one color. The amount of memory also differs between these two calculators. The read-only memory (ROM) in the TI 84 Plus is 480 kilobytes, while it is 1.5 megabytes in the TI 84 Plus Silver. Another difference is that the TI 84 Plus Silver graphing calculator is appropriate for precalculus and chemistry; the TI 84 Plus isn't recommended for these subjects.
Prior to purchasing either calculator, you should determine what features you need. This will depend on what you will use it for. Another consideration when purchasing a graphing calculator is the cost of replacing batteries. Both calculators can be powered with either AAA or lithium batteries.