Let’s take statistics as an example. The range of functionality available on graphic calculators includes the option to calculate probability distributions and graph the results. Ask any teacher, and they’ll likely agree: displaying probability distributions has typically been a challenge on many graphing calculators. Fortunately, that’s all changing. With the new Distribution App on the fx-CG50, it’s now possible to visualise both discrete and continuous distributions with a graph. We spoke with experienced Maths Education Consultant Gerard Dummett to learn more about this big leap forward. How the Distribution App enhances probability visualisation At Casio, we want to do everything we can to make teachers’ and students’ lives easier. That includes sharing insights into how technology can support learning and offering answers to common questions. Casio offers free, one-hour training sessions led by experts, which put the power of this calculator into context with A-level question demonstrations.

Many students will have become comfortable with using a scientific model – such as those that make up Casio’s ClassWiz range– during their GCSE studies, and might feel unsure about switching to a graphing handset in year 12. It’s well known that many graphic calculators have struggled to display probability distributions, particularly discrete probability distributions. But with the new Distribution App, the fx-CG50 overcomes this challenge and provides students with a clear visual representation, which they can explore and interrogate to improve their understanding. The Casio fx-991 CW is the most advanced handset in our scientific calculator range and the minimum requirement for studying A-level maths. If you’re interested in using graphic calculators in your A-level maths classes and want to build your confidence with the fx-CG50, the best way to do it is with specialist training.

Hardware

They can always find one solution by working through the equation algebraically, but this might not be enough to get full marks. By graphing the equation on a calculator, they can instantly see how many points of intersection exist. What’s more, they can feel confident that the graph they’re looking at is accurate, which isn’t always the case when drawing by hand. Greater power to explore challenging topics Mybestadvicewouldbetoseewhatyourschoolusesastheywillmostlikelyteachyouhowtousethecalculatorthatthemajorityofstudenthaveandalsomaybeabletoofferadiscountiftheybulkbuycalculatorsatthestartoftheyear(mostschoolsdothis). The fx-CG50 brings maths to life with the next generation of graphic calculator technologies; including high-resolution colour display with natural textbook display, innovative picture plot function enabling analysis of images and video, and an extensive range of graphic functions. The fx-CG50 has all the functionality of the fx-CG20 with the addition of 3D graphs. In this case, students will want to know the value of the variable that will cause the hypothesis to be either accepted or rejected. That value is typically 5% or 2.5%, but the problem is 5% or 2.5% may only correspond to a specific value if the distribution is continuous.

When students have the capability to easily plot and analyse graphs, it opens up a world of possibilities to visualise mathematical problems in different ways. As well as contributing to stronger understanding, this can prompt discussion and encourage learners to experiment with different values and parameters in graphs. But, with discrete distribution, where it might not be able to take the exact value you want to get that probability, the fact that it’s not continuous makes it harder because you’re not going to get the exact probability. The calculator helps here by finding the best probability between limits for students, and students can decide how to interpret that. One such query relates to graphic calculators, and how students can feel confident that the model they’re using is the best calculator for their needs. Clear advantages over scientific calculators Having graphing functionality on their calculator can also offer practical benefits for students in exams. When faced with a question that asks them to solve an equation such as sin x = tan x within a given range, for example, students might not feel entirely sure about how many answers they need to give. This allows students to see a clear representation of the values across the graph so they can find the sum of the figures and complete other calculations with greater speed and efficiency.

Enhance your lesson plans by linking the calculator to various devices.

However, for learners who are operating at greater depth or who want access to the broadest possible range of tools, a graphic calculator such as the Casio fx-CG50 is a more powerful option. However, the advanced scientific calculator fx-991EX will give students an advantage for both learning and the exam in solving equations. Please see below to compare these calculators. Maths is a visual subject. A graphic calculator allows students to draw graphs and statistical charts, as well as make the same calculations as a scientific calculator. Many schools now use our fx-CG50 graphic calculator which gives a significant learning advantage, especially at the higher tier. Please see our model comparison on why it might be worth considering this calculator. Which Scientific Calculator? Students will need access to at least trigonometric functions. The minimum-requirement scientific calculator is the fx-83GT CW / fx-85GT CW. This has all the functionality required for GCSE. We’ve spoken to lots of teachers and mathematicians about the finer points of studying A-level maths. One of the things we’ve learned is that students benefit greatly from having a range of options to explore the challenging topics they will encounter in years 12 and 13.