Texas Instruments 82 Graphic Calculator

The TI-82 is a graphing calculator made by Texas Instruments. The TI-82 was designed in 1993 as a stripped down, more user friendly version of the TI-85, and as a replacement for the TI-81. It was the direct predecessor of the TI-83. It shares with the TI-85 a 6 MHz Zilog Z80 microprocessor. Like the TI-81, the TI-82 features a 96x64 pixel display, and the core feature set of the TI-81 with many new features.

-Features of the TI-82-

As noted above, the TI-82 was powered by the same processor that powered its cousin, the TI-85, which was a 6 MHz Zilog Z80 microprocessor. This was an improvement over the TI-81's 2 MHz Z80 proccessor. In addition, the available RAM was increased more than tenfold - from 2.4 KB to 28 KB (the same amount as the TI-85).

Some of the more notable improvements of the TI-82 over the TI-81 include the following: the addition of a link port to enable programs and other data to be transferred between two calculators or between a calculator and a computer; the addition of two new graphing types--polar and sequence, the addition of a new type of data--the list, the expansion of the size limit of matrices to 50x50, and the (unintentional) addition of the ability to program the calculator in assembly language. The last of these provided a significant boost in interest in the programmability of the calculator, as the use of assembly language (as opposed to Texas Instruments' own TI-BASIC) enabled significantly more performance and flexibility with the programs able to be used on the calculator.

The TI-82's power source - four AAA batteries and one CR1616 or CR1620 lithium backup battery (to ensure programs are kept when the AAA batteries are being changed).

The TI-82 is more than just a quality product; it is a cheap and accessible technology that supports pre-algebra learning and extends our kids' reaches in the information age.

WHY THIS MODEL? I bought several TI-82 graphing calculators at terrific eBay prices for pre-algebra students because this older technology is simple enough for both the parents and the kids to use. Kids at this age need guidance in both the mathematic concepts and in following the steps required by the graphing calculator technology. In my case, the TI-82 let me support learning at the very fringe of my technological capacity because, face it kiddos, mom and dad had to use pencil and paper to complete their pre-algebra exercises. Learning to solve equations into the TI-82 requires the kids to work deliberately and accurately to identify and input variables, then lets them "fly" to solve a variety of equations without re-inputting the list of variables. Instant reward.

CONCERNS ABOUT USED CALCULATORS? I purchased several TI-82 calculators at auction and also bought a separate TI-82 manual and cable (which supports PC-calculator or calculator-calculator transfers) because the units for sale are older and tend to come without accessories. The cases showed wear but the screens are all in good shape, very important for a graphing calculator. These calculators have stood up well when subjected to transport in backpacks and less-than-cautious handling in the classroom.

WHAT ELSE? More than a calculator, the TI-82 is a glimpse of technologists' views on math and science. Working with the TI-82 will make students more comfortable with the technologists' views of math and science, that is, creating rigid categories and rules for working problems that may be much more free-flowing and inspirational when solved with pencil and paper and imagination. Once the kids move on to chemistry, algebra, trig, and higher mathematics, they may also graduate to the newer, more sophisticated graphing calculators (TI-83+, TI-86, etc.) with greater pre-programming but the beauty of the TI-82 is that the migration is optional. The kids will already hold more technology in their hands than did the original astronauts. Now, if only we can launch their minds toward the same exploratory heights . . .

If you just need a basic graphing calculator this is for you. This can be connected to your computer or other 82 to receive programs to help make life easier. The screen shows you the equation so you can look back and check for mistakes in entering it. You can't scroll back up through previous equations (the 89 can) but it does give you a good reference point for checking and showing someone else how you did it. With a similar graphing interface similar to the ti-89 (no 3d option though like the 89)you can graph multiple functions on one plot and then have the calculator find the max/min, the derivative, the integral, or using the table feature; any value for a number on a certain function. All in all this calculator can get you through most calculus classes. A great buy if you need more firepower than the ten button classic but not a missile like the 89.

I teach math in a small school in the country. The students need to have a graphing calculator to use in the algebra course. I can usually find TI-82's on ebay for about $18-$20 apiece for the students to use. The calculator is an older model, but serves the students well. I can pay for these out of classroom funds and issue them to the students with the textbooks. If they are lost or broken, the student reimburses the school $20. If the student wants to buy the calculator, I first try to find him a later model, but I will sell it to the student for the price paid for it originally. I find that this works very well.

The TI-82 allows the student to graph equations and solve problems using the graph, or create and use a table of values. The student can also use the stat function to find various statistical descriptions of data and to analyze data.

The calculator does the same basic stuff that the later models do. It is a good entry level graphing calculator. The only drawback is that the graphlink software that allows an interface with the computer was made for the older microsoft operationg systems (Windows 95, 98, etc) and does not interface with the newer computers.

Do you need a basic graphing calculator for cheap? This will work for a lot of uses from algebra to calculus. No, it is not as nice as the 83 or 84, but it has a lot of the same features. I'm a high school math teacher, and I have bought a few of these for "loaners" for my classroom. I would recommend an 82 over an 85 or 86, but 83s (even older ones) are a bit better, but cost more. If a student is familiar with an 83 or 84, the menus and usability are closer to the 82 over an 85 or 86. I have the darnedest time trying to find stuff in the 85 menus. The 82 can do anything needed on any ACT, SAT, and AP Calc test.
The drawbacks: I have found a few features that aren't as convenient on the 82 as they are on the 83 or 84. Like when using sin and log functions, the 83 opens a parenthesis, while the 82 does not. While it doesn't seem like a big deal, some students don't think about what order of operations they want the calculator to do (and they are used to 83s putting that parenthesis in), so they sometimes get a wrong answer or graph because of USER ERROR. Also, while tracing a graph, 83s allow you to input the exact x value you want to trace at (along with tracing left and right), while the 82 only allows you to move the tracer left and right. And lastly, if a math or science teacher is going to use programs that will need to be downloaded, it is less convenient because you cannot transfer from an 83 to an 82, although you MAY be able to find a comparable program online or you can type it in yourself, neither of those options are very appealing to the average high school student. As far as memory capacity, I've never seen anyone get near to filling the memory of any calculator unless they download a TON of games.