Most graphing calculators are allowed during the TAKS exams. Measures are taken to discourage cheating and to ensure that all students are on an equal footing. Students are required to clear any stored memory before the exam begins. This ensures they have no saved programs that could provide an unfair advantage. Calculators with full QWERTY keyboards are banned. Teachers are obligated to provide calculators for the test that meet state requirements.
The mathematics section of the TAKS exam covers algebra, geometry and statistics. The specific subject matter depends on the student's grade level. Most graphing calculators have built-in functions that are specific for each subject. Knowing how to locate the appropriate function quickly can turn difficult problems on topics such as permutations into easily answered questions. Because each calculator is different, it is important that a student get comfortable and familiar with the particular instrument that will be used during the exam.
Calculator skills are important when answering questions in math-heavy science topics such as chemistry or physics. Complete confidence with basic arithmetic functions is necessary to minimize computational errors that could lead to a lower score. Understanding how to use a calculator's graphing functions can be especially helpful if a student is a visual learner. As with mathematics, knowing how the calculator's functions are laid out can help a student answer questions more accurately.
Certain calculator skills apply broadly to any section of the TAKS exam. The first is use of the memory function. Storing memory helps when calculating complicated fractions by allowing a student to compute numerator and denominator separately. Many graphing calculators have advanced memory functions, allowing students to store dozens of numbers as variables. This functionality can help to organize physical constants in science or geometrical one in mathematics. Knowing how to quickly access common mathematical operations such as square roots or percentages can help in multiple sections of the TAKS.