Editorial Review

There are many inexpensive scientific calculators on the market, but few boast the two-line display and other advanced features users get with the TI-30x IIS. The display shows the equation you are creating on the top line, and the numbers or symbols you are currently entering on the second line. Once the equation is solved, the results are displayed on the second line, and you can use the four arrow keys on the front of the calculator to edit the original equation in any way you like for a recalculation. Better still, pressing the up arrow repeatedly lets you browse through a cache of dozens of previous calculations, meaning you can look back to see the answer to a problem you solved two minutes ago, two days ago, or whenever.

The device uses solar power when possible but can fall back on the internal batteries (which are included) if there isn't enough light. The buttons wiggle around a little too much and require a firm keystroke to register input, but the fact that input can be followed by looking at the output on the first line helps to cut down on mistakes. There is a shift key that doubles the functions of most buttons, and although the TI-30X IIS isn't festooned with as many buttons or functions as some other calculators we've tested in this price range, it's still very capable. There are three angle modes (degrees, radians, and grads), scientific and engineering notation modes, and even one- or two-variable statistical modes. Five variables can also be assigned to their own memory slots. The documentation is lacking, as everything is presented on a single folded sheet of paper, but Texas Instruments did manage to pack several illustrated examples on the page. The calculator comes with a snap-on cover that fits on the back of the device whenyou are using it. The calculator carries a one-year limited warranty. --T.Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Two-line display
• Relatively inexpensive
• Handles one- and two-variable statistical calculations

Cons:

• Weak documentation
• Buttons wiggle a bit too much

Editorial Review

Combining excellent usability with powerful features, the Texas InstrumentsTI34 II calculator is ideal for students performing basicmathematic and scientific functions. Although it's compact and easy to slipin a pocket or desk drawer, the functions are solid and include a fractionfeature, which enables you to calculate with both fractions and mixednumbers. You can chose whether to simplify fractions automatically orstep by step, and the TI34 is programmed to switch easily betweenfractions, decimals, and percentages.

Reviews (6)

Great "Review" Book
This book is the 2nd Algebra book that I bought. I am the type of person who goes beyond what is given to me. This book is a great book for review purposes. I am over half way through the year in Algebra 1 and already know how to do everything that will be taught to me by the end of the year. I have really learned a lot from these books and I will say, that this is a great book for anyone that is studying Algebra.

It Really Helps!
I have only bought this book for learning and for studying before I am gonna go back to school, but I have learn a lot from it! I really explains clearly enough so you can understand what it is talking about or you can do it after its example.

Reviews (5)

A Must for Those Looking for A Quick Math Refresher Course
For a college entrance requirement, I had to take a math assessment that I was a bit nervous about, seeing as how I haven't really done any math in a few months. However, when I found CLIFFS QUICKREVIEW: BASIC MATH AND PRE-ALGEBRA, my nervousness quickly faded. This book features every bit of "need to know" basic math and pre-algebra in a nutshell, instead of going on and on for pages, doing nothing more than confusing you. The format is great, and offers practice questions and answers, as well as easy ways to remember how to solve each problem. If you are looking for a quick refresher course in basic math and pre-algebra, this is the one book that you need.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

really good
this book: 1. will help you solve 80% of the math the averageperson will encounter in their life, 2. [and if a parent] will allow you the math knowledge to allow you to help you to help your kids with their homeworkuntil they reach that age where they are sure that your to dumb and way toold to help them, anyway, 3. [if a student] only half listen to the 'reallydull' math teacher and then learn it on your own - but it will really helpif you listen and study on your own.

6th Grade Math Teacher Loves This Resource
I teach both average and honors math to typical 6th grade students.I use the Cliffs Quick Review for Basic Math and Pre-Algebra in my classroom and encourage my students to purchase a copy for themselves.I find it to be ausable source for self study and review. The language and examples areuseful and simple for students and parents to understand.

Reviews (2)

lack of exercises (2&half stars)
I needed to provide my two sons, 4th & 5th grade, challenging math because the school is not able to facilitate any to them. This book is quite self-explanatory and my two boys could follow it fine.(Note: I am NOT trying to recommend this book for 4th & 5th graders. My sons are at least 2 years ahead of average math skills. I am trying to emphasize that the problems are so well explained that my lower school sons can follow) However, this book lacks the following: Not enough exercises;no indepth exercise or problems; lack of word problems and applicaton.It serves well in the surface level of most pre-algebra topics, but not in-depth. I would recommend another one : Prealgebra by K. Elayn Martin-Gay, which is packed with exercises, and the lessons are very self-explanatory as well; and there are answers keys to the odd questions only.

Features

Asin: B00004U8LA
Sales Rank: 9885
Subjects:  1. Reference    2. Secondary Education (High School)    3. Computer software (programs)    4. Education (Educational)    5. Study works   

Reviews (12)

Try taking algebra from the professor
I had Dr. Robert E. Moyer for a professor.I find it interesting that someone that can't teach the class can write a book about algebra.90% of the people in our class got a D, and some failed it.I would think twice about purchasing this book.

Too brief
There is such a thing as too brief of a review. If you want tutorial help in solving problems more then the easiest, this is not the book for you.

Helpful, but many typographical errors
I've been using this book to brush up on (and, in some cases, learn for the first time) certain important Algebraic concepts before my Calc II class begins in the Fall.I can't yet say how well it's prepared me - but in most cases, the explanations are lucid, and examples do much of the talking quite well when the exposition is far too dry and concise.

Editorial Review

For students in math and sciences, or for anyone new to graphing calculators, Texas Instruments has created the TI-83 Plus--a powerful, problem-solving tool with features for storing, graphing, and analyzing up to 10 functions. Plus, it displays graphs and evaluates tables on a split screen, allowing you to trace the graph and scroll through table values simultaneously.

The clear, readable display exhibits 12 characters and eight lines, in 64 x 96 pixels on an LCD screen. The TI-83 Plus has a pragmatic key layout and an easy-to-use graphing interface, with a simple programming language for creating conversion programs. The TI-83 Plus stores and analyzes up to 10 matrices combined with data storage in lists containing up to 999 elements per list. You can also solve equations interactively for different variables.

With the TI-83 Plus, you can view an equation, its graph, and the coordinates all at one time. Jump from point to point by entering a number. Several useful plot types are available, including scatter, box-and-whisker, XY-line, histogram, and normal probability plots. Advanced statistics and regression analysis, graphical analysis, and data analysis are readily accessed, along with features for calculus, engineering, financial, logarithm, trigonometry, and hyperbolic functions--all crucial tools for advanced analysis.

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspMatrix operations &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspGraphing features

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspEducational Apps(TM) &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspEquation solver

With its clear display and fast processing, the TI-83 Plus incorporates graphing tools for mathematics and science course work, including statistics and finance. Incredibly useful for college boards--PSAT/NMSQT, SAT I, SAT II, Math, IC, and IIC--the TI-83 is essential equipment for advanced placement courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus.

The addition of the optional TI-Graph Link (software and cable) allows you to connect the calculator to your computer, permitting the transfer of files and data between machines. The TI-83 is powered by four AAA alkaline batteries and one lithium battery for backup, with an automatic shutoff to save energy. It also comes with a hard slide cover and is supported by a one-year limited warranty. --Barbara Price