If you’re taking algebra in high school or college, then you’re probably looking for a good calculator that solves algebra. Look no further, as we’ll show you some of the best calculators for college algebra.
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Best Scientific Calculators for College Students
In this Article
1. Best Budget: CASIO FX-9750GIII
The best algebra calculator that won’t strain the wallet
The Casio FX-9750GIII is a great entry-level calculator for solving algebra with easy-to-navigate icons that help make it user-friendly. It also has excellent functionality for maths students, especially in courses like algebra, AP calculus, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry.
The FX-9750GIII also has inbuilt USB functionality that allows it to connect to your devices. In addition, the onboard processor is snappy and responsive, which is extremely important during a test.
The only downside is the screen, as it does not come with a backlight and can be hard to see in darker settings.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Great functionality for college students
- Easy-to-use icons and menus
Cons:
- No backlight
Get it here.
2. Best Mid-Range: Texas Instruments TI-83
Not as good as the TI-84 best ones out there, but it’s half the price and still reliable.
If you want a cheaper calculator that solves college algebra and that doesn’t sacrifice a lot of functionality, then the TI-83 is your best bet. In addition, it’s an excellent choice for high school students taking algebra, calculus, or trigonometry, thanks to its easy-to-use interface.
The TI-83 also allows the analysis of up to 10 matrices and allows a split-screen function that can be useful when tracing graphs.
Pros:
- Cheaper than other similar options
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Low-resolution screen
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3. Best Color: CASIO FX-CG50
A great UI and UX experience in a single package.
The FX-CG50 comes with 20 different apps to help you perform different algebraic, financial, and geometric functions. It has a clear, high-resolution screen that displays everything in a natural textbook style.
The FX-CG50 is also highly intuitive in its UI and UX design, which makes it one of the most user-friendly choices on this list. It’s excellent for high school and college students and is a great value compared to similar calculators.
Pros:
- High-resolution LCD color screen
- Natural Textbook display
- Cheaper than the competition
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4. Best Overall: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
It’s the best-selling and most popular choice on this list for a reason
If you’re looking for the absolute best-in-class algebra calculator, look no further than the TI-84. It comes with all the functions you would expect from a top-tier calculator and more.
It also comes with a backlit full-color screen, so you can easily use it in the dark. It also comes with a few helpful pre-programmed math applications. As a bonus, the model comes with a rechargeable battery as well.
Pros:
- Great range of functions
- Extremely quick and accurate
- Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- A bit on the pricey side
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5. Best Premium: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS
Expensive but comes with all of the bells and whistles
The TI-Nspire CX II is the high-end Texas Instruments model equipped with a clear full-color display and a CAS engine that allows for both symbolic and numeric calculations.
The animated path plot lets you quickly visualize function, parametric and polar graphs as they’re drawn in real-time. This is all improved further thanks to the easy-to-use UI, which allows easy navigation through the menus and functions.
Pros:
- Full-color display
- Real-time animated graphing
Cons:
- The most expensive model on this list
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6. Best Advanced: Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium
The best in class for engineering and physics majors
The TI-89 can calculate more complex algebra and calculus functions than other scientific calculators thanks to its comprehensive list of features and built-in CAS engine.
The TI-89 can handle calculus, algebra, matrices, and statistical functions. It is the preferred choice for mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and AP physics students.
It also allows for connectivity between other calculators and PC, and Macs.
Pros:
- Wide range of functions and features
- Allows 3D graphing
- Able to calculate complex calculations
Cons:
- Slightly on the pricey side
- Colorless display
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7. Best Touchscreen: HP Prime
Modernizing the scientific calculator
The HP Prime has a sleek design that gives it a modern look. It also has many features and functions which are great for high school students.
The HP Prime also boasts 256 Mb storage which is an awful lot for a algebra calculator. On the other hand, the touchscreen is easy to use, and the display looks great as well.
Pros:
- 16-bit multi-touch display
- Lots of memory capacity
Cons:
- Not as many functions for the price range
Get it here.