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What kind of calculator should you have?
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If you are wondering what calculator to get for Stat 1000, don't buy an expensive one. Note that you are not allowed to use those pricey graphing calculators you may have used in high school. Be careful though. A really cheap calculator may not have enough features.
Here are my suggestions:
- Make sure the calculator is Scientific. Business calculators tend to be too clunky for statistics and often lack key features.
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Make sure the calculator has four arrow buttons (up, down, left, right). They are usually at the top of the keypad. Sometimes they are presented as a big circular button with four arrows at the compass points. The arrows have nothing to do with statistics, but are just a signifier that the calculator is a good one.
- My favourite brand is Sharp, but Casio is good, too. Texas Instruments calculators are acceptable, too, but tend to be a little clunky to use. Note that, if you have bought a store-brand calculator, such as a Staples calculator, chances are it is actually a Casio calculator that has been licensed by the store.
- Never spend more than $20. Even $10 calculators are starting to be good enough.
A calculator that costs less than $10 may not be adequate though. If you aren't sure contact me before you open the package. Don't trust the store clerk. I find they rarely know what calculator is good enough.
Once you have a calculator, be sure to look at Appendix A
in my Basic Stats 1 book (any volume) and find your particular make and model of calculator to learn the steps how to use the Stats mode. If you don't see your calculator in my Appendix, take a look at the steps for Casio calculators. There is a good chance they will work on your calculator, too. Do not hesitate to contact me if you are having trouble with your calculator. Here is a link if you don't have my book: |
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