Are you preparing to take the digital SAT and want to make the most of the Desmos calculator, one of the most powerful tools on the new digital test? In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to use the Desmos calculator to your advantage, including my top three uses of the Desmos calculator on the test.
Understanding the Functions
The Desmos calculator offers a variety of functions that can be incredibly useful on the test. By knowing how to use these commands, you can save time and tackle problems more efficiently. Here are some important commands:
- Square root: Type sqrt to calculate a square root.
- Cube root: Type cbrt to calculate a cube root.
- Exponent: Use ^ to calculate an exponent.
- Trigonometric functions: Type sin, cos, or tan followed by a number to calculate the sine, cosine, or tangent of that angle.
- Other functions: Desmos also supports e, log, ln, pi, and abs for more complex calculations.
Using these functions can save you time by allowing you to quickly perform calculations without navigating through multiple buttons on a calculator.
Graphing Functions
Desmos is excellent for graphing functions, which can be particularly helpful for visualizing and understanding the behavior of functions in algebra and trigonometry questions. Unlike traditional calculators, Desmos highlights important points such as intercepts and allows you to easily zoom in and out with your mouse scroll wheel.
You can also graph multiple functions simultaneously, making it easier to compare and analyze different equations. This feature can be invaluable for solving complex problems quickly and accurately.
Inequalities and Other Calculations
Desmos can also handle inequalities, mean calculations, and other mathematical operations with ease. For example, you can graph inequalities and see the shaded regions that satisfy the inequality. This can be extremely helpful for solving inequalities and understanding their solutions.
Conclusion
The Desmos calculator is a powerful tool for the digital SAT, offering a range of functions and features that can help you solve problems quickly and accurately. Whether you’re graphing functions, solving inequalities, or calculating mean values, Desmos can be a valuable asset in your test preparation.
I hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to use the Desmos calculator for the digital SAT. If you’re interested in learning more about the Desmos calculator or need additional help with your SAT preparation, consider checking out my digital SAT book for a comprehensive guide. Best of luck with your test preparation, and remember to use Desmos to your advantage!