A graphing calculator is a type of calculator that allows for users to utilize graphing features for more advanced mathematics.  Most students in middle school and high school learn how to do graphing by hand but the use of a graphing calculator makes it easier for an entire class to move through materials.  It also gives students in high school a chance to take advanced math classes, such as statistics and calculus which require a more detailed graphing calculator to do such equations.

More and more high school students in particular are being required to use a graphing calculator during math classes. Teachers send home letters, explaining the reasons why a student needs one and if they cannot afford one, they can be loaned one for the year. However, it is usually more beneficial to buy one because a student can pre-program certain features into it to make things easier. Teachers usually have a clear cut case as to why a student benefits from owning a graphing calculator.

Over time, a student utilizes a graphing calculator in many ways. They use it to do problems, save time doing equations and actually see how particular math formulas work. They can actually see things play out on the calculator in ways doing it by hand does not necessarily show them. Graphing calculators can be used long after math class ends and students move on in their education.

While a student can generally live without a graphing calculator, it does make things easier the more advanced math they do over time. It helps them speed through the process once they learn it and they can begin to advance on more difficult mathematical concepts. While math can always be down by hand, utilizing a graphing calculator can help students learn in ways they understand better now than ever.  Do not discount buying your student a graphing calculator, instead show them why both ways of doing math are the best way to learn it for life.