How do I get my students started with the fx-CG50?

From plotting and analysing 3D lines to graphing probability distributions, there’s a lot you can do on the fx-CG50 graphic calculator.

So much, in fact, that you might be scratching your head about the best way to introduce the handset to a new cohort of A-level maths students.

Here are a few pointers to get you started.

Begin with the basics

First and foremost, students need to know the basics of operating the calculator. That means becoming familiar with the various keys and labels they can see on the front of the handset and the different modes available in the main menu.

They should be aware, for example, that:

• The yellow labels on the keys are secondary functions that are accessed by first pressing SHIFT.
• To use labels marked in red, they need to first press ALPHA.
• The F1 to F6 keys will come into play when they start drawing and manipulating graphs or using OPTN or VARS.
• They can access the option menu by pressing the OPTN key. This provides access to scientific functions that aren’t marked on the keyboard, and the contents of the menu change based on the mode they’re using.
• System mode allows them to change some of their calculator’s settings, including display brightness and the auto power off period.

Once they feel comfortable with using the handset, students’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm to explore a new piece of technology often comes to the fore.

You could also find that your classes gain a new level of appreciation for the fx-CG50 when they realise how much it can help them, particularly when it comes to sitting and revising for exams.

Introduce eye-opening functionality

There are many tools on the fx-CG50 that can lead to ‘wow’ moments – when students’ eyes are opened to the full scope of what the calculator can do and how it can aid their learning, understanding and accuracy in exams.

One of the best examples of this is SolveN, which can not only find multiple solutions to an equation, but present them in exact form – as fractions of , for instance. This can give students a lot of help when they’re asked questions with more than one answer, allowing them to focus on their algebraic work to ensure it aligns with the values they get from using SolveN.

Students who have used the fx-991CW, our most advanced scientific calculator, are likely to be familiar with that handset’s Solver option. This is a good way to introduce how calculators can solve equations, but isn’t as advanced as SolveN because it can only find one solution at a time and in decimal format.

Equation solving, along with graphing, is among the key capabilities of the fx-CG50 that students are likely to come across relatively early in their A-level maths courses.

Other functionality and potential uses of the calculator will naturally become apparent as your classes progress through the curriculum and you introduce them to new topics.

The Distribution app, for instance, is designed to enable seamless and intuitive graphing of probability distributions. The benefits of this functionality can make a big difference to students when they encounter this topic, as we’ve heard first-hand from A-level maths teachers.

Another fx-CG50 mode worth investigating at the appropriate time in the course is Regression. This is helpful when exploring sequences and series, and can give students a visually engaging way to gain insights such as when a sequence exceeds a certain value.

Build your own confidence

Students will follow your lead when it comes to using and gaining maximum benefit from the fx-CG50. It’s important, therefore, that you’re confident with at least the basics of the calculator at the start of an A-level maths course.

We appreciate that finding the time for this can be difficult, which is why we’ve created a wide selection of free resources catering for various levels of knowledge and experience.

In one of our expert-led introductory training sessions, you can start to explore some of the graphic calculator’s most useful functionality, including graphing and equation solving.

You can also find a playlist of fx-CG50 quick-start videos on the Casio Education YouTube channel and a dedicated ‘Getting Started’ collection in our online resources centre.