CALCULATORS! Which is best for A Level Maths or Further Maths?

Harry Surplus
1 Aug 202008:28

TLDRThis video offers guidance on the best calculators for A Level Maths and Further Maths. The Casio fx85 GT Plus is deemed unsuitable for A Level as it lacks advanced features like differentiation and integration. The recommended calculator is the Casio fx 991EX Classwiz, which supports complex number operations and is suitable for both A Level and Further Maths. A graphical calculator, the Casio fx CG50, is also discussed, highlighting its graph-drawing capabilities but cautioning that it should be used as a checking tool, not to replace understanding of mathematical concepts.

Takeaways

  • πŸ˜€ The Casio fx85 GT Plus is not suitable for A Level Maths as it lacks features like differentiation and integration.
  • πŸ“š For A Level Maths, the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz is recommended by the video creator's college and is suitable for most A Level Maths needs.
  • πŸ” The Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz also supports complex mode, making it suitable for Further Maths with features like calculating the square root of minus one and working with complex numbers.
  • πŸ“ˆ The calculator has a matrix mode which is beneficial for Further Maths, along with a statistics mode that is frequently used in A Level Maths.
  • πŸ’‘ The video suggests that while a graphical calculator is not necessary for A Level Maths, it can be helpful for checking graph work.
  • πŸ’» The Casio fx CG50 is a graphical calculator that allows for graph drawing and analysis, but it is more expensive and considered a luxury for those who can afford it.
  • πŸ›’ The video creator advises purchasing the Casio fx CG50 through the Casio website for a better deal, rather than through Amazon.
  • πŸ“Š The graphical calculator provides various graph analysis tools such as finding roots, maximums, minimums, and intercepts, but should be used as a checking tool, not for cheating.
  • ⏰ It's important to buy a graphical calculator well in advance of exams to familiarize oneself with its operation to avoid confusion during exams.
  • πŸ‘ The video ends with an invitation for viewers to like the video, follow the creator on social media, and suggest topics for future videos.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is to show different calculators that can be used for A Level Maths and Further Maths.

  • Why does the presenter think the Casio fx85 GT Plus is not suitable for A Level Maths?

    -The Casio fx85 GT Plus lacks the necessary features such as differentiation and integration required for A Level Maths.

  • Which calculator is recommended by the presenter for A Level Maths?

    -The presenter recommends the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz for A Level Maths.

  • What additional features does the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz have that make it suitable for Further Maths?

    -The Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz has a complex mode and a matrix mode, which are useful for Further Maths.

  • What is the price range of the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz mentioned in the video?

    -The price of the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz is approximately 18 pounds, but the presenter advises checking the link in the description for the most accurate price.

  • Why might some students consider getting a graphical calculator for their studies?

    -Some students might consider a graphical calculator because it allows them to draw graphs, which can be useful for visualizing mathematical concepts and checking their work.

  • What is the model of the graphical calculator shown in the video?

    -The graphical calculator shown in the video is the Casio fx CG50.

  • How does the presenter suggest using the graphical calculator during exams?

    -The presenter suggests using the graphical calculator as a checking tool to confirm the accuracy of graphs drawn manually during exams.

  • What is the main caution the presenter gives about using a graphical calculator?

    -The main caution is that a graphical calculator should not be used to cheat by copying graphs directly from the calculator during exams, as it is important to show the work that led to the graph.

  • Why does the presenter recommend buying a graphical calculator well in advance of an exam?

    -The presenter recommends buying a graphical calculator well in advance so that students have time to familiarize themselves with its functions and buttons to avoid confusion during exams.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“š Introduction to A-Level Calculators

The speaker begins by addressing the audience and introducing the topic of the video, which is about different calculators suitable for A-Level mathematics. They mention that they often receive questions about the best calculators for A-Level on social media and decided to create this video to address those inquiries. The speaker shares that during their college induction, they were advised on the specific calculator to purchase, highlighting the importance of having the right tool for A-Level studies. They then proceed to showcase various calculators, starting with the Casio fx85 GT Plus, which is suitable for GCSE but lacks the advanced features needed for A-Level, such as differentiation and integration. The speaker emphasizes that while this calculator might be sufficient for the initial A-Level lessons, it is not recommended for long-term use. They then introduce the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz as the ideal calculator for A-Level, praising its features and recommending it based on their college's endorsement. The video also touches on the calculator's various modes, such as complex mode, matrix mode, and statistics mode, which are beneficial for students pursuing further mathematics. The speaker concludes this section by suggesting viewers check with their educational institutions for recommended calculators and provides a link for purchasing the Casio fx 991EX ClassWiz.

05:02

πŸ“Š Exploring Graphical Calculators for A-Level

In the second paragraph, the speaker discusses the use and importance of graphical calculators for A-Level mathematics. They introduce their personal graphical calculator, the Casio fx CG50, and explain that while it is a powerful tool for drawing graphs, it is not a necessity for A-Level exams. The speaker highlights the features of the graphical calculator, such as its backlight, larger display, and colorful interface, which enhance the user experience. They demonstrate the graph-drawing capabilities of the calculator by showing how to plot the graph of x squared and use various functions to analyze the graph, like finding roots, maximums, minimums, and intercepts. The speaker stresses that the graphical calculator should be used as a checking tool rather than a means to cheat, as it is essential to understand the underlying mathematical concepts and processes. They advise that if one decides to purchase a graphical calculator, it should be done well in advance of exams to become familiar with its operation. The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to like the video, follow them on social media, and suggest topics for future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Calculators

Calculators are electronic devices used for performing mathematical calculations. In the context of the video, calculators are essential tools for students studying A Level Maths or Further Maths. The video discusses various types of calculators, their features, and suitability for different levels of mathematical education, emphasizing the importance of having a calculator with advanced functions like differentiation and integration for A Level studies.

πŸ’‘A Level Maths

A Level Maths refers to the mathematics curriculum studied at the advanced level in secondary education, typically in the UK. The video focuses on the best calculators for students preparing for A Level Maths exams, which require more sophisticated mathematical operations than those taught at the GCSE level. The presenter suggests that a calculator capable of differentiation and integration is necessary for A Level Maths.

πŸ’‘Further Maths

Further Maths is an extension of A Level Maths, offering more advanced mathematical concepts and techniques. The video mentions that the recommended calculator for A Level Maths, the Casio FX 991EX ClassWiz, is also suitable for Further Maths due to its complex mode and matrix menu, which are beneficial for handling complex numbers and other advanced mathematical operations.

πŸ’‘Casio FX85 GT Plus

The Casio FX85 GT Plus is a basic calculator that the video suggests is not suitable for A Level Maths because it lacks advanced features necessary for the curriculum, such as differentiation and integration. It is mentioned as an example of a calculator that might be used at the GCSE level but is insufficient for the higher mathematical demands of A Level Maths.

πŸ’‘Casio FX 991EX ClassWiz

The Casio FX 991EX ClassWiz is recommended in the video as the best calculator for A Level Maths. It includes advanced features like differentiation, integration, complex number operations, and matrix calculations, which are crucial for A Level and Further Maths. The video emphasizes its suitability for both A Level Maths and Further Maths students.

πŸ’‘Differentiation

Differentiation is a mathematical operation that finds the derivative of a function, which is a measure of how the function changes as its input changes. In the video, differentiation is highlighted as a key feature that an A Level Maths calculator must have, as it is a fundamental operation in advanced mathematics.

πŸ’‘Integration

Integration is a mathematical concept that is the reverse of differentiation, used to find the original function when given its derivative. The video stresses that a good A Level Maths calculator should be capable of integration, as it is an essential operation in calculus, which is a significant part of the A Level Maths curriculum.

πŸ’‘Graphical Calculator

A graphical calculator is a type of calculator that can plot graphs and perform graphical analysis. The video discusses the Casio FX CG50 as an example of a graphical calculator, which is more expensive but offers features like graph plotting, tracing, and solving graph-related problems. It is noted that while graphical calculators are not necessary for A Level Maths, they can be useful for checking work and providing visual understanding of mathematical concepts.

πŸ’‘Matrix Mode

Matrix Mode is a feature of some advanced calculators that allows for the manipulation and calculation with matrices, which are arrays of numbers organized into rows and columns. The video mentions that the Casio FX 991EX ClassWiz has a matrix mode, making it suitable for Further Maths where matrix operations are often required.

πŸ’‘Statistics Mode

Statistics Mode is a feature found in advanced calculators that enables the user to perform statistical calculations and analyses. The video points out that the Casio FX 991EX ClassWiz includes a statistics mode, which is beneficial for A Level Maths students as statistics is a component of the curriculum.

Highlights

Introduction to the video discussing the best calculators for A Level Maths or Further Maths.

The Casio fx85 GT Plus is not suitable for A Level Maths as it lacks advanced features like differentiation and integration.

Some colleges recommend specific calculators for A Level Maths, so it's important to check with your institution.

The Casio fx 991EX Classwiz is recommended for A Level Maths due to its ability to perform differentiation and integration.

The Casio fx 991EX Classwiz also has a complex mode, making it suitable for Further Maths.

The calculator has a matrix mode, which is beneficial for Further Maths.

The statistics mode is emphasized as essential for A Level Maths, which the Casio fx 991EX Classwiz provides.

The price of the Casio fx 991EX Classwiz is mentioned, with a suggestion to check for deals or secondhand options.

The Casio fx CG50 is introduced as a graphical calculator, which is more expensive but not necessary for A Level Maths.

Graphical calculators allow for graph drawing, which can be useful but should not replace the learning process.

The video explains that a graphical calculator is a checking tool and not a means to cheat in exams.

The Casio fx CG50 has a backlight and a larger display compared to the Casio fx 991EX Classwiz.

The graphical calculator offers various functions like graph tracing, zooming, and solving for roots and intercepts.

A cautionary note is given that the graphical calculator should be purchased well in advance of exams to familiarize oneself with its operation.

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and provide feedback for future videos.