Use of Calculators On IB Mathematics External Assessments
Students are permitted and expected to use a graphic display calculator (GDC) on some or all of their IB mathematics exams, depending on which course the student takes. Noting again that calculators are not permitted on the Paper 1 exam for both Mathematics SL and HL, the IB offers the following guidance with regards to required GDC functionality on mathematics exams:
"A GDC with the following minimum functionalities is required on all other papers:
- draw graphs with any viewing window
- solve equations numerically
- add and multiply and find inverse matrices
- find a numerical derivative at a point
- find a numerical definite integral
- find p values (not required for mathematics SL).
All other types of calculators (such as those found on phones, watches, or PDAs, or those equipped with a Computer Algebra System (CAS)) are prohibited on all IB exams. To be approved for use on IB exams, a GDC must have its memory cleared and all user-written/downloaded programs and applications must be removed (except for a limited number of specifically approved applications). The list of approved applications primarily consists of native language support for users who are not English speakers, along with a small number of additional applications.
Recommended models include the TI-83 Plus/TI-84 Plus families and 11 different non-CAS Casio GDCs, as well as the non-CAS TI-Nspire either with TI-84 faceplate or with the Nspire faceplate configured as described below.
While the TI-Nspire with Nspire faceplate was initially prohibited, it was later authorized, provided the (non-CAS) GDC is equipped with version 1.3 of the operating software, has the "Press-to-Test" mode enabled (with "limit geometry functions" enabled), and has the green LED flashing. (A notice that reflected this change was posted on the IB Online Curriculum Center on 15 Sep 2008.)
Read more about this topic: IB Group 5 Subjects
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