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Overview

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The TI-30Xa is Texas Instruments’ most basic scientific calculator. This calculator does all that a classic scientific calculator does and not much more. This Calculator is meant for elementary and possibly middle school science and math classes. It also may be a perfect calculator for your desk at home if you don’t need anything fancy.

Capabilities and Features

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The TI-30Xa has a classic calculator screen that can display ten digits at once. There is also a spot for two digit powers on the right side of the screen.

The keypad has all of the essential functions in large, easy to see print. There are also a good number of “2nd functions” as well. Below is an image of the keyboard so you can get an idea of what things this calculator can do.

One notable feature is that you can store and reference numbers in the calculators memory. So, if you calculate a large decimal you can quickly store that number for later use, rather than writing that number and then typing it in later.

There is also a function that converts angle measurements from degrees to DMS (degrees minutes seconds) and vice versa. This feature is somewhat uncommon on scientific calculators but the TI-30Xa has it.

Usability

While the TI-30Xa can do things like evaluate permutations, it takes a bit to learn how to use some of those functions. Unlike calculators that have dot displays, you can’t type out expressions on this calculator, so you will never see something like a multiplication sign on the screen. This means that you have to evaluate all of your maths one step at a time. It’s definitely harder to use this calculator for evaluating an expression with multiple operations.

If you plan on having to do that often or even 10% of the time, it would be worth checking out some of the other more advanced scientific calculators on our site. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on doing anything like this, this calculator will be great because it keeps it simple and keeps the price low.

One thing that helps a bit with the usability is the laminated “cheat sheet” that is included. It has instructions on how to use the most commonly used functions on the calculator.

Hardware

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There is nothing particularly special about the TI-30Xa’s all plastic body, but it’s simple and that what it’s meant to be. The Calculator comes with a slide on hard case that fits over the front and the back of the calculator. One plus I found was that all the writing on the keyboard is very easy to see, especially the lime green 2nd functions.

The TI-30Xa is battery powered and there is no solar panel. It uses a watch battery which can be expensive and on this calculator, not very easy to replace. But because this calculator uses so little power it is very likely that you will never need to buy another battery.

Usable On…

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• PSAT*
• SAT*
• ACT*
• Math AP* Exams

Full College Board Calculator Policy

See Next…

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TI-34 MultiView Full Review >>

TI-30X IIS Full Review >>

Contact Us

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If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by DMing us on Instagram, emailing us at mathclasscalculator@gmail.com or, leaving a comment below.

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