A graphing calculator (also graphics calculator or graphic display calculator) is a handheld computer that is capable of plotting graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and performing other tasks with variables. Most popular graphing calculators are programmable calculators, allowing the user to create customized programs, typically for scientific, engineering or education applications. They have large screens that display several lines of text and calculations.
History
An early graphing calculator was designed in 1921 by electrical engineer Edith Clarke. The calculator was used to solve problems with electrical power line transmission. Casio produced the first commercially available graphing calculator (fx-7000G) in 1985. Sharp produced its first graphing calculator in 1986, with Hewlett Packard following in 1988, and Texas Instruments in 1990.
Features
Computer algebra systems
Some graphing calculators have a computer algebra system (CAS), which means that they are capable of producing symbolic results. These calculators can manipulate algebraic expressions, performing operations such as factor, expand, and simplify. In addition, they can give answers in exact form without numerical approximations. Calculators that have a computer algebra system are called symbolic or CAS calculators.
Laboratory usage Many graphing calculators can be attached to devices like electronic thermometers, pH gauges, weather instruments, decibel and light meters, accelerometers, and other sensors and therefore function as data loggers, as well as WiFi or other communication modules for monitoring, polling and interaction with the teacher. Student laboratory exercises with data from such devices enhances learning of math, especially statistics and mechanics.
Games and utilities
Since graphing calculators are typically user-programmable, they are also widely used for utilities and calculator gaming, with a sizable body of user-created game software on most popular platforms. The ability to create games and utilities has spurred the creation of calculator application sites (e.g., Cemetech) which, in some cases, may offer programs created using calculators' assembly language. Even though handheld gaming devices fall in a similar price range, graphing calculators offer superior math programming capability for math based games. However, due to poor display resolution, slow processor speed and lack of a dedicated keyboard, they are mostly preferred only by high school students. While many calculators support third-party software development, there are some modifications discouraged or challenged by manufacturers, particularly modifications that add unauthorized functionality or circumvent security protections. In 2009, Texas Instruments issued DMCA takedown notices to websites and bloggers sharing cryptographic keys to their devices that enabled the installation of custom firmware. In 2020, Texas Instruments removed assembly and C programming support for the TI-84 Plus CE operating system. According to Inverse, the company stated that they removed such functionality "to prioritize learning and minimize security risks".
Software graphing calculators
There are many graphing calculators that do not require dedicated hardware, but run on a device in a web browser or as an app. Notable graphing calculators of this type include Desmos and GeoGebra. Software calculators generally fall within two categories: native software tools and emulators of physical calculator models, such as the virtual TI-84 Plus CE and fx-cg50. Software graphing calculators run on general devices such as smartphones and personal computers. Interfaces often work with keyboard input and/or virtual buttons. Graphing calculator programs often allow for interactive or dynamic graphing and some like Desmos and GeoGebra are regularly updated to add features or fix bugs.
Graphing calculators in education
Attitudes towards graphing and other calculators in education have evolved over the years, and while some jurisdictions prohibit their use for classwork or exams, others permit or even require their usage, particularly for calculus and trigonometry classes. In 2022 Amplify bought Desmos Education / Curriculum.
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