Casio Algebra FX 2.0 Graphing Calculator

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned top of the line graphing and scientific calculators from TI, HP, Casio, Sharp, etc. This machine, the Casio FX-2.0PLUS, continues the Casio quality tradition and is definitely put together very well. It is also a very good improvement over its predecessor, the Casio FX-2.0, with a very fine portable design and now with a CAS (Computer Algebra System). The pros and cons as I see it are:

PROS:

1) It has all the standard regular features and also is supplied with a full set of CAS features that we have come to expect on such a machine.

2) The machine itself is reasonably fast with a nice graphical interface and resultant plotting system. The resultant plots are high quality and with the many added features available for enhancement are very intuitive for the learning process.

3) It has a nice, but older style, body design that sits very nicely both on a desk or a table as well as in your hand.

4) It has a large amount of onboard main memory, plus additional Flash memory (See Con below) for tackling quite memory intensive problems.

5) Although it is called a calculator, it is really a small and fast handheld computer system which can tackle problems from the most simple to almost the most complex.

6) It has a very useful user interface system with multiple icons. The calculator functions are all controlled using an Algebraic Operating System (AOS).

CONS:

1) Some functions that you would readily expect to be available with a single key press on the main keyboard require instead multiple key presses, but usually with only a single shifted key press first.

2) Apparently the Flash memory is not extremely well made or of very high quality and can degrade significantly over a period of a couple of years time.

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For students in any field, but especially math and sciences, Casio's FX 2.0 algebra graphing calculator is a problem-solving tool with features for storing, graphing, and analysis using the computer algebra systems, programming, statistical functions, and many other features.

The large, readable display exhibits 8 lines and 21 characters in black and white with icon and pull-up menus. You can factor/expand and simplify simultaneous equations with a maximum of 30 orders. The FX 2.0 analyzes up to 10 matrices combined with data storage in lists containing up to 999 elements per list. It solves equations interactively for different variables and calculates mean/median and sum, distribution, mode results and regression coefficient.

Readily accessible functions from basic math include random numbers, DMS, auto zoom, decimals/fractions, first/second derivatives, integration, complex functions, matrix functions, and base-n calculations. It also performs statistical functions like histograms/broken line, box plots, modified box plots, distribution curve, scatter plot/XY line, med-med line, and linear/quadratic/cubic and quartic regression. Additionally, sinusoidal regression, logistic regression, trace of regression graph, and copy of regression expression are easily accessed features. Program functions incorporate user-defined programs, a search for program name, and a search for program data.

The algebra tutor shows step-by-step solutions or allows the student to manually solve equations. The FX 2.0 includes 128 KB RAM and 768 KB flash ROM. A communication port enables linking to a personal computer, to another FX 2.0, or to a Casio data analysis device. With unlimited history, catalog function, up to 20 function memories, calculation window, clipboard, resume, up to 20 pictures, and three languages (English, Spanish, and French), the FX 2.0 is essential equipment for Algebra 1 and 2 and in physics and engineering courses. It is powered by four AAA alkaline batteries and one lithium battery for backup to preserve memory.

The Casio FX 2.0 comes with a comprehensive guidebook and is supported by a one-year limited warranty. --Barbara Price