One unusual query we get periodically is from students asking if they are allowed to take both a scientific and a graphical calculator into the exam. There is nothing to prohibit this, however we would advise that it is better to develop confidence with one model. Stay connected If you give the calculator specification sheet a read, you will see that the Casio FX-CG50 meets every demand of the A-Level Maths syllabus and the A-Level Further Maths syllabus. It’s not quite as compact as the other calculators we’ll look at, but it definitely fits the definition of portable. Weighing just under 100g, this calculator is perfect for travel and use. A level mathematicians and further mathematicians mightthink about also having a graphical calculator like the C asio fx-CG50but these are expensive and absolutely not a necessity Requirements for a particular qualification will be given in its specification. I’ll deal with Maths first, then Further Maths. Note that this guidance is correct for both AS and A Level Maths A / Further Maths A and Maths B (MEI) / Further Maths B (MEI).

The current qualifications allow students to use calculator functions such as polynomial solvers, definite integrals, gradient at a point and simultaneous equation solvers.

It’s also possible to access summary statistics for any set of data entered into the device, calculate correlation coefficients and a lot more.

All of the models mentioned above are allowed in any exam where calculators are permitted *; there is no distinction between a calculator for GCSE and one for A-level as far as JCQ (who make the exam regulations) are concerned. You can find the JCQ regulations in section 10 of this document.The only paper with its own different rules for technology is the Further Maths B (MEI) option Further Pure with Technology, which is beyond the scope of this blog. For more information on that, please see its specification or get in touch.

I personally know a couple of friends that have this calculator, and they’re doing incredibly in their studies. However, it is worth mentioning that they still feel that not having a graphical calculator does cause them inconvenience often. However, there are some universal features that all the best calculators have. Long battery life, sleek design, and ease of use are important features to look out for when deciding on what the best calculator for you is. Take note: A Level Maths candidates are expected to comply with some basic calculator restrictions as follows: However, if you are looking for a calculator to use in your A-Level Maths and A-Level Further Maths exams, this may not be the one for you. Although it gets you quite far in the syllabus, there are certain topics (such as reciprocal graphs) where a more advanced calculator would help you understand the topic that little bit better.We have a selection of resources focused on developing confidence with calculators available on Teach Cambridge. There are many great online resources available, so join the conversation by sharing your ideas and links to all your favourites in the comment box below. This is the calculator I would recommend for GCSE and IGCSE students and is essential for A-level. It can do everything the fx-85 can do, but has lots of extra tools. In particular the equation solver is super useful for GCSE and IGCSE and there are statistical functions that are absolutely essential for A-level. Although it is still very user friendly, there are a lot more menu options on the fx-991 compared to the fx-85 which makes the fx-85 a little easier as a first calculator for a younger student. It’s also double the price so if you’re buying it for a student who tends to lose things you might go for the cheaper option until they are closer to their exams. Having said all that, if you’re going to buy one calculator for school it should definitely be this one!

As a teacher and tutor one of the questions I am asked most often is about what calculator to buy for maths at school. I’ll give a short and longer answer here – my short answer is: If you are utilizing Casio Fx-83 GT for your A-Level Maths, it is highly advised that you should definitely buy a new calculator for your A-levels. To avoid wasting valuable test time fumbling about with a calculator you have never used before, it is best to do this as soon as possible so that you can become acclimated to your new calculator.That’s why we offer various forms of support and dedicated resources to make adoption of the fx-CG50 as straightforward as possible. Newer models of scientific calculators that include binomial and normal distribution functions provide a good compromise between ease of access to the probabilities and cost/complexity. This includes calculators such as the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz and the Texas Instruments TI-30X Pro.