The TI-30X IIS was first introduced in January in the retail market and will be available for the instructional market beginning this summer. Both products are advanced scientific calculators for general mathematics, algebra, trigonometry, statistics and science coursework. Another important feature is its memory retention, which allows users to view and edit current entries as well as a number of previous entries, depending on the length of the function. Additional features include support for two variable statistics and five variable memories. The TI-30X IIS simplifies fractions automatically.
Users can also select a factor to simplify the fraction or have the calculator select it.
In addition, users can convert between fractions, decimals and percents. The educational benefits for students will be tremendous, according to Aletha Paskett, mathematics teacher at Indian Hills Middle School, Sandy, Utah. It's important for students to see the problem and the answer simultaneously so they can check their work carefully. Teachers will also be able to diagnose problems students might have with certain concepts by tracing where the mistakes are made. To further support teachers whose students use these new calculators, TI is working with educators to develop activity books based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards.