A-level Calculators
When you make the step up from GCSE to A-level maths, you’ll certainly notice a change in difficulty levels, question styles and the need to understand connections between different areas of the curriculum.
Students & Parents – A-level Calculator Guide
When you make the step up from GCSE to A-level maths, you’ll certainly notice a change in difficulty levels, question styles and the need to understand connections between different areas of the curriculum.
A well-equipped A-level calculator is a vital tool to help you navigate this transition and reach your full potential.
Casio offers advanced scientific and graphic calculators with all the functionality you need to study A-level maths and work efficiently in class, at home and in exams.
Can you use a calculator in A-level maths exams?
Yes – all AS and A-level maths exams in UK schools and colleges currently permit the use of calculators.
What’s more, you can rest assured that any Casio calculator model you choose to use can be taken into an A-level maths examination.
For more information, visit our exams page. You can download a leaflet, read some FAQs from the Joint Council for Qualifications and check specific calculator models for exam eligibility.
What features should you look for in an A-level calculator?
Essential functions to look for in your A-level calculator include:
• Statistical calculations using single-variable or paired-variable data
• Normal and binomial probability distribution calculations
• Trigonometric functions
• Vectors and matrices
• Complex number calculations (for Further Maths)
• Integration
You might also want to look for features that can improve your understanding and encourage exploration of the more challenging areas of the curriculum. This could include dedicated functions for solving equations and drawing graphs.
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Scientific vs graphing calculators for A-levels
An advanced scientific calculator is the minimum requirement for A-level maths. This is simply because of the complexity of the topics you’ll study at this level and the depth of understanding required to perform well in exams.
Graphing calculators offer some clear advantages over scientific calculators, the most obvious of which is the capability to produce graphs.
Maths is an inherently visual subject. Being able to graph a wide range of concepts and topics – from simultaneous and quadratic equations to sequences and statistical distributions – offers undeniable benefits in terms of understanding, analysis and exploration.
To find out more, take a look at our article on choosing the right calculator for A-level maths.
The best A-level calculators
For the reasons outlined above, we recommend the fx-CG50 graphic calculator as the best calculator for A-level maths.
If you choose to go with a scientific calculator, the most advanced model in our range is the fx-991CW.
fx-CG50
The fx-CG50 features a high-resolution screen capable of displaying graphs in Cartesian, parametric or polar forms and in several colours, allowing for easier analysis and distinction between different elements.
You can also go beyond the 2D realm and analyse lines and planes in 3D. This might lead to exploration of properties such as intersections and equations of lines.
When working with probabilities, you can use the handset’s dedicated Distribution mode to calculate with normal and binomial distributions and display your results as a graph for easier analysis.
Another key feature of the fx-CG50 is SolveN. This tool uses numerical analysis to solve equations and can present the solutions as exact values.
fx-991CW
The fx-991CW can also help you solve equations with the Solver tool, which is slightly different to SolveN in that it uses Newton’s method to approximate the solutions to equations one at a time.
Other key advantages of using this model as your A-level calculator include its ability to perform calculations with vectors, distributions, complex numbers and matrices.
Furthermore, the recent upgrade to the Casio ClassWiz range means you can now use the fx-991CW to enter functions and generate QR codes from your input data. You can then scan the QR code on a smart device to display a graph of the function.
Other enhancements to all models in the ClassWiz range include a more intuitive menu structure, Home and Back keys for easier navigation and the new Function key, which lets you quickly recall saved equation data.
Related Resources
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Calculator comparison
Casio offer a range of calculators for the large variety of maths, science and engineering courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Learn how to Use the fx-CG50
Our extensive resources hub provides videos and pdfs, as well as ‘how to’ videos and downloads
Examinations
All calculator models sold by Casio UK are permitted in UK school exams. Some models are permitted in Irish and IB exams.
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