TI-36X Pro Review
This is a review of the TI-36X Pro Calculator by Texas Instruments.
History
Originally, this was the TI-30X Pro that was sold in Europe during the Autumn of 2010. Unfortunately, the 30X Pro had many bugs and as a result Texas Instruments quickly pulled the calculator off the market.
Click on this link for an article on the TI30X_Pro . The datamath.org website, which has this article, is maintained and run by Joerg Woerner, is an excellent site for Texas Instruments calculators, past and present.
Recently, Texas Instruments released the TI-36X Pro, based on the TI-30X Pro; thankfully without the bugs. I got this calculator on 4/25/2011 at an Office Depot store in West Covina, California (greater Los Angeles area).
What the 36X Pro Does
The TI-36X Pro is Texas Instruments answer to Casio's fx-115 ES and Sharp's EL-W516 calculators. The calculator is dual powered - solar for operation and battery for memory retention. The 36X-Pro is designed to allow user to enter expressions exactly the way they are normally written. Exponents have a superscript, fraction bars can contain expressions, and answers can be shown in fraction form, decimal form, and if applicable, radical form or coefficients of π.
The 36X-Pro welcomes a return of the definite integral, something that has been missing on TI non-graphing calculators since the TI-68 (we are talking the late 1980s). In addition, the 36X-Pro adds the numerical derivative, sums (Σ), and products (Π).
Although the 36X-Pro enjoys a TI-84+ interface, the calculator features buttons that cycle through a list of functions with repeated presses of a button. They are:
ln log button: ln, log, log to any base
e 10 button: e^ (exponential function), 10^
π e ι button: the constant pi, the constant e, √-1 (for working with complex numbers)
sin button: sin, sin^-1, sinh, sinh^-1
(cos and tan buttons work similarly)
! nPr nCr button: factorial (integers only), permutations, combinations
The variable button works the same way, cycling through eight variables (an ALPHA key would SO much better). Thankfully, all the calculus functions require that x be the dummy variable, requiring only one press of the variable button.
Sadly the percent function still doesn't "work". All it does is divide the number attached to the % by 100. Hence typing 21.99 + 9.75% returns 22.0875, not 24.134025 (what it should be).
The 36X-Pro is function rich: prime factorization, fraction and integer extraction, absolute value, polar to rectangular conversions and vice versa, modulus, basic matrix operations, basic vector operations, base n conversions, logic functions, and random numbers. For statistical regressions, you are not limited to linear. Quadratic, Cubic, Logarithmic, Power, and Exponential are available. A trend that I am also seeing in non-graphing scientific (and financial) calculators is that distribution calculations are offered. For the 36X-Pro, this includes the Normal distribution and inverse (from a lower tail area), and discrete distributions Poisson and Binomial.
The numeric solver on the 36X-Pro works pretty quickly for most equations. You do not have to set each equation equal to zero, the calculator allows you to enter the equation as is. You also get 2 and 3 systems of equations. A cool feature of the simultaneous solver is that if the calculator will let you know if the system has no solutions or infinite solutions For the 3x3 case, equations for which solutions cam be found. Example: x = -168/11 + 12z, y = 72/11 - 4z, z = z.
The polynomial solver works with quadratic and cubic equations.
The 36X-Pro has one OP function that you can store simple macros. The macro takes one number as input. You can store the final result (only the final result) into a variable. The OP is good for quick functions and one-step recurrence relations. It won't do multiple step functions, loops, or comparisons. Examples of macros include "*2+3" and "+x→x". There is also an expr-eval (evaluate expression) function that you can temporarily store an expression with variables, including calculus functions (x is the dummy variable). Be aware that the evaluation function works one time. There is also a table mode, but the expression is in terms of x, so the table feature is not good for sums (Σ), integrals, or derivatives.
As far as complex number calculations are concerned, you are limited to arithmetic, square, cube, reciprocal, absolute value, angle, real and imaginary part extraction. The nice thing is that you can evaluate more complex functions with complex numbers...if you know the formulas.
The 36X-Pro has 20 common conversions (English-Metric, Temperature, Speed, Length, Pressure, Power, Electricity) and 20 common physical constants in SI units. (meter-kilogram-second system)
What I Like
* This is the most advanced non-programmable Texas Instruments scientific calculator since the TI-68, and it's solar!
* The operation is integrated: you do not have to switch to a separate matrix mode, complex mode, vector mode etc, to take advantage of these functions. This is my one big gripe about the Casio fx-115ES.
* I like the multiple touch keys - they clean up the keyboard (see exception below)
What I am not crazy about
* Only one key to access eight variables. To get the variable a, you have to press the variable key FIVE times. Yikes! TI was better off making an Alpha key and assign an alphabetical variable (and possibly θ) to each key.
* The arithmetic keys are chrome on silver - if it were not for the etchings, I would not be able to see the arithmetic symbols.
* Limited complex number functions. However, it is common that complex number functions on a calculator are usually limited.
Worth the buy?
I say yes. The 36X-Pro is a nice calculator and well designed. I say it is comparable to the Casio fx-115ES and Sharp EL-W506 both in terms of speed and overall functionality. For the time being, the 36X-Pro is offered in select stores, but I suspect that within a few months this calculator will be everywhere competing with the fx-115ES for shelf space in stores everywhere. I paid $21.99 for it.
Calculator Forensics: 9.000001562
What's in the Package
* TI-36X Pro Calculator with hard case and quick reference card
* A detailed and sturdy pocket manual. You can download the manual online from TI's website.
Happy Calculating!
Texas Instrument's TI-36X_Pro_Page
Here's an important note: This calculator is allowable on the NCEES exams, such as the Fundamentals of Surveying or Engineering.
ReplyDeleteIt now appears to be, by far, the best TI calculator for these exams.
Good to know, Ben. This is one of the best non-graphing calculators TI has produced.
ReplyDeleteDitto on the poor % performance.
ReplyDeleteAnother fail: Adjust Contrast doesn't seem to work. At least mine doesn't. I still like it
and think it a good deal for the price. A lot of features for $21.99 U.S. but prices vary and you
need to shop around.
"typing 21.99 + 9.75% returns 22.0875, not 24.134025 (what it should be)."
DeleteTo do this, you type [ 21.99 * 109.75% ]. Don't blame the calculator because you don't understand proper syntax. In what world is [ 21.99 + 9.75% ] correct in any way?
"typing 21.99 + 9.75% returns 22.0875, not 24.134025 (what it should be)."
DeleteTo do this, you type [ 21.99 * 109.75% ]. Don't blame the calculator because you don't understand proper syntax. In what world is [ 21.99 + 9.75% ] correct in any way?
The original TI-36X handles percents as the author says they should be handled. If the percent key only moves a decimal place, what's the point in having it at all? The sole purpose is to simplify calculations like the author proposed, which otherwise would require the user to move the elements around and use many more key presses. For example, on my TI-36X (yes, I still have it and it's still my favorite calculator!), these keystrokes [2][5][+][2][0][%][=] produce 30. Apparently the TI36X Pro would produce 25.2, and again I ask what's the point? I could have moved that decimal myself.
DeleteAbout the % problem:
ReplyDeleteI agree that the % doesn't work as one would expect. But then again it needs to be better defined just what exactly is expected to calculate the percentage against. For example: if you do 10 + 20 + 5%, what will be the 5% to which you want to add? And if you do 5% + 20? And 5% + 10 + 20? And 10 + 5% + 20? Is the % operator meant to be "the percentage of the number immediately to the left of this"?
Good point. In classic calculators with single line displays (like the original TI-36X), the answer is displayed after most key presses, so your example above would show 30 on screen after you typed the final [+] and before you typed [5][%]. I just tried it and it produces 31.5 as a final answer. At least in that case it's obvious to the user what is happening because the interim result is displayed. In with MathScript on the new TI-39X Pro, you don't get to see interim results, and therefore it only makes sense to follow order of operations (where percent is division, so it comes before addition), as it does. So while it makes sense in that context, I still think it's a waste of a key. We could have moved the decimal ourselves without bothering with the percent key!
DeleteGood question jmnbastista. The % key really wasn't thought out when TI switched to the EOS (equation entry) interface from the AOS (one-line old-school interface). If I recall correctly, Casio "sort of" has a definition for the % key.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the x key, % key, + key sequence adds x% to the displayed total.
Eddie
I've always converted my percents to decimals on the rare occasion where I have to add them, so 10 + 20 + 5% would just be 10 + 20 + 0.05. Now, on the TI-36X Pro you can put a percentage next to a number (10%20) and it'll compute the given percentage of the given number (10% of 20 is 2). That's basically the only thing I use percents for.
DeleteThanks for a great tip. I didn't know that 10%20 syntax existed! (Though I must say it would be easily confused with the modulus operator in nearly every programming language).
DeleteThe old TI-55s and the TI-36X both have a x<->y key, allowing you to swap registers. I looked over the TI-36X Pro manual but couldn't find a reference to that function. Does the TI-36X Pro have that function somewhere in it?
ReplyDeleteActually, one of the features I like about this calculator is that you can use the arrow keys in the middle of a calculation to grab values from previous calculations and input them into the current one. It's more intuitive and easier to keep track of than switching registers. I rarely use the variables memory because of this feature.
DeleteI don't believe the 36X Pro has the exchange memory function (x<>y).
ReplyDeleteThe contrast key does work!!! Press 2nd key, release, press contrast key, release.....do it as many times needed.....
ReplyDeleteAbout the % problem: just type "21.99 * 109.75%". IMO, 21.99 + 9.75% to produce the same result might be useful, but rather hacky. Its a funktion you'd have to know it existed, and would cause errors if you don't.
ReplyDeleteA "x<>y" key would cause similar problems. Previous models had two well defined registers (left- and righthand) that were used by each operation. Since the 36X Pro allows more complex expressions, there is no intuitive way to define which operands should be switched.
However, I do miss the Algebraic Operating System (AOS) used in previous models. In addition to the "x<>y" key, they allowed RPN like usage of operands like x^2 or sin(x), which required less key strokes. But at least we get a command history now, IMO one of the biggest advantage of non-RPN calculators.
The work around to the % problem as I have thought out is the way we express %. Because there is no association of % key with the value....what it does is 9.75% is taken 9.75 per cent.....exactly as the definition of %. But to do the operation as 9.75% of 21.99, this is how it is to be done.....21.99*9.75%+21.99, this will return the value as 24.134025.
ReplyDeleteAlso we need to remember that % is mostly commercial function.....So when algorithms are wrtitten for scientific calculators, the mind sets are diff. and so they would try to duplicate the way scientific functions are written / evaluated......Just my thoughts....Not carved in stone.....and so I don't think the % key is not working, I would rather think that we need to understand how that particular function is desgined in the system.
Could not have said it better.
DeleteSide note, nothing to do with the [%] key:
DeleteUggg... I train my students and kids never ever to calculate a percent increase that way. One should always do it this way: 21.99 * 109.75%
Not only is the "X * 9.75% + X" method slower, but you also get tripped up if you try to go backward ("A price was increased by 9.75% to $24.13. What was the original price?") because you can't reverse a two-step operation like that.
The 36X-Pro is a nice calculator and well designed. I say it is comparable to the Casio fx-115ES and Sharp EL-W506 both in terms of speed and overall functionality.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your excellent review! If I could please ask you a quick question and not take up too much of your time, I wonder what non-graphing calculator you would recommend purchasing if you could only purchase one - the Casio FX-115ES, the TI-36X Pro, and the Sharp EL-506X? Kindest thanks!
Casio FX-115 ES (Sorry I did not get back to you sooner)
DeleteWhy?
DeleteI think because the fx-115ES had the better keyboard and it has a larger constant/conversion library. However, all three calculators are close - so you really can't go wrong with any of them.
DeleteHope this helps.
But, Eddie, the Casio loses all of your work when it times-out and powers-off; a complete failure in an advanced scientific calculator; the TI retains your work.
DeleteOr a fourth option? Thanks again in advance!
ReplyDeleteCannon F-792SGA would definitely qualify as a fourth option.
DeleteThis is the best calculator you can get for the FE exam!
ReplyDeleteIt is a solid non graphing calculator TI has released, virtually a TI 84 without the graphing or programming.
DeleteHello Eddie!
ReplyDeleteHow are you today? I was just wondering if you could please give us an example of how to use the "Logic function" on this calculator, I am trying to follow the manual but I still can't understand in which situations this could be useful.
Jcroot:
DeleteA quick example I can think of is the comparison of binary numbers. For more details, I made a blog entry regarding logic operators and the TI-36X:
http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2012/05/logic-operators-and-ti-36x-pro.html
Fascinating how the logic operators work on this calculator. I hope this helps.
Have a great day, Eddie
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSaying the percent key dosent work is not quite correct. A lot of calculator functions work the way they would as the mechanical machines they were meant to replace. I knew this from collecting and using slide rules. I recently got a hold of a remington adding machine and here is how you do percents.
ReplyDelete15% off of $80.
10 80's = 800
+80
+80
+80
+80
+80 =
1200
Now apply the percent turning the 1200 to 12.
80
-12 =
68
and thats how ti intends it to be used.
The TI calculator is a good bit faster than the Casio (about 2-3 times in my experience with big integrals), and has a lot more memory which doesn't get erased when you change modes. The function table is much better and TI's statistics editor allows you to enter formulas, so you can build a function table with that, too. The statistics variables can be viewed all at once. With TI you don't have to worry about "modes", so you can do integrals with the stat variables or solutions to equations, and you can type an integral or a hex or binary number into the statistics table. TI's conversions and constants are menu-based, so you don't need to refer to the little card. The TI is a little clunky with some things, like DMS or polar coordinates, but overall I like it much better than the Casio.
ReplyDeletePatrick,
ReplyDeleteI agree. In general TI calculators have a better interface and mode integration than Casio calculators. I tend to prefer using TI over Casio because of this. It makes a difference not having to switch modes.
Eddie
Hi Eddie,
ReplyDeleteIn India, the TI 36x pro is available at the same price as the Casio 991ES.
I have ordered the TI.
Is this a good decision?
I've heard of a memory overload bug of the TI which gives wrong answers. Can you please tell me how to get around the bug?
My main focus is matrix and someone told me that this one has more matrix functions for matrices. Can you please confirm that?
Your blogs have been very helpful about calcs. So, keep up the good work.
An Artist,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. I answered your questions in a blog entry:
http://edspi31415.blogspot.com/2012/11/matrix-functions-on-fx-991es-fx-115es.html
Hope this helps, Eddie
Can anyone help me with negative exponential ? Everytime I try to do calculations involving negative power of any number such as 10^-34, 5^-9 etc the calculator displays "syntax error".
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance.
Arnab,
DeleteTo enter negative numbers, press the (-) key, which is on the bottom row, just left to the ENTER key, not the subtraction key.
Hope this helps,
Eddie
You helped me a lot, because I had the same problem.
DeleteThanks
My daughter just got a TI-36X Pro. Neither of us has used a scientific calculator and while everyone says its so simple to solve an equation, we are having a problem. I hit the 2nd key and num-solv and input the equation 3a-10=35. When I hit enter I get "Syntax Error" on the screen. Help!!!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure, I was able to get the solver to work with the equation entered.
DeleteWe can try inserting a multiplication operator in between 3 and a: 3*a-10=35.
Hope this helps,
Eddie
I've uploaded videos on Statistics,Numerical Methods,Operation Research,Computer Science & Engineering(CSE),Number Systems,Android App Reviews,Travel & Food Videos and many other topics.
ReplyDeleteAnd a series of videos showing how to use your scientific calculators Casio fx-991ES & fx-82MS to do maths easily.
Click my YouTube channel's link below to watch them.
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Educational & Travel Videos Producer @ YouTube
Which is better for a high school/university student.... TI-36X Pro vs Casio FX-991ESPlus
ReplyDeleteI think the Ti-36x pro 1. because i have one and LOVE it 2. because it has more features that will be helpful/ necessary.
DeleteAs far as functionality goes, both calculators are great. I tend to favor the TI-36X Pro because the interface and integration of functions is better than the fx-991ES Plus. For example, the fx-991ES requires the user to go to a separate mode to use matrices and complex numbers while the TI-36X Pro does not.
DeleteI think the interface of the TI-36X Pro is similar to the TI-83/84 Plus series (minus the graphing and programming). Agree?
I had to replace mine last night - my old one got lost.
Eddie
I am mostly happy with the 36x with one exception. When getting square root answers it is possible to toggle between approx (decimal) and exact (square root) forms of the answer. However, the 36x does not seem to do this when doing any other roots - it only give approx answers (decimal). If anyone knows a way around this, I would appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI think this just a limitation of the TI-36X Pro (the conversion algorithm for other roots have not been programmed into the calculator).
DeleteIf we are looking for a calculator that has conversions to exact roots, we probably have to look at calculators with a CAS (Computer Algebra System).
Eddie
Eddie
Thank you for your helpful review and your helpful replies to various inquiries. I am debating between buying the TI-36X Pro and the fx-115ES. While I am leaning toward buying the TI-36X Pro, I would like to ask one question before making a purchase regarding the comment I am replying to. You said the TI-36X Pro does not offer conversions to exact roots for roots other than square roots. Does the fx-115ES? Thank you in advance.
DeleteJacob
Jacob,
DeleteNo. Currently, I don't think there is any calculator that offers conversions to exact roots higher than the order 2.
Eddie
Eddie,
DeleteThank you very much.
Jacob
Does anybody know what capital letters A through F (2nd on 1 to 6 keys) are for? There's no mention of them in the user's guide.
ReplyDeleteRadu,
DeleteThe letters A though F represent the numbers 10 through 15 in hexadecimal mode.
Hi Eddie,
ReplyDeleteI'm quite a fan of TI calculators and have a question regarding TI-36X Pro. If the battery (CR2032) was taken out from this calculator, will it still work properly if there was enough strong light shining on its solar panel???
Also, I noticed there are some differences between this and TI-68:
1) The polynomial equation solver for TI-68 can solve equations of degrees 2-4; the TI-36X pro only degrees 2-3.
2) The simultaneous equation solver for TI-68 can solve 2 - 5 equations, while the TI-36X pro only 2 - 3 equations of this type.
3) On the TI-68, there is a delta % function, where it works out the difference between two numbers in %. I don't think the TI-36X pro has one.
Please answer me if the TI-36X pro can be powered up (without battery) by sunlight/strong indoor light, thanks.
John
To be honest John, I don't know. One problem that we can run into if we tried to use the TI-36X Pro is that the battery allows for data to be stored in the calculator after the calculator is turned off.
DeleteTo contrast, the classical TI solar calculators (30-STAT+, 36X to name two) do not have battery back up. Each time the calculator was turned off or the calculator was removed from a light source, the entire contents of memory were cleared.
Eddie
Can someone help me with a doubt? I just bought a TI-36x pro and this is my first good scientific calculator and I'm learning how to use it. Why it does not calculate integrals like ∫(1-x)dx or ∫1/(1-x)dx (with appropriate upper and lower limits)?
ReplyDeleteIt should. The thing you need to watch for is does whether f(x) has a value (exists) for it's interval. If f(x) divides by zero, chances are the integral will not calculate. Make small adjustments to the limits (i.e. from 1 to .99999) and you should be OK.
DeleteEddie
Thanks for the review Eddie. Is there a way to add text notes to this model? If so, could you share? Thanks again
ReplyDeleteAwesome thread. Learned on a TI82/83 in high school. Can't use those on the FE/PE so i picked TI86-Pro. Love, love, love it.
ReplyDeleteAdvice to potential engineers: buy and use the calculator you are more familiar with. you have enough to learn and you dont need to complicate it with trying to learn how a new calculator works. If you aren't familiar with ANY of them, then it doesn't matter what you pick. For what it's worth, ppi2pass likes the casio FX 115ES. I'm more comfortable with TI so that's what i used.
As for the % issue. All of you purists are right - the % key "works" perfectly, exactly as designed - it correctly divides by 100 - cosmic. Hit your start button, type in 'calc' and fire up the old windows calculator. Now type 21.99 + 9.75% and enjoy the result of 24.134025. Wasn't that easier? Don't you now wish your calculator did that? I guess i wish i could toggle that behavior somehow...
I have a hard time getting certain approximations. when i type e^ any negative power or ln of any negative number I get a syntax error
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to notice, that in Europe TI 36X Pro is still being sold as TI 30X Pro and Yes it's updated bug free version.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Been playing with stored operations. Does anyone know how to punch a variable and then have an operation such as sin or e^ being performed ?
ReplyDeleteGood question Mark. I don't think the way stored operations are set up, we could use operations on sin(x) or e^(x). The closest thing I can think of, is to use a stored operation as a formula in x or a.
Deleteop=sin(x) [ or other function ]
Store the argument in x and run the op as such: 1 [op]. It is interpreted as 1 * [ f(x) ]. I tested this on a TI-34II but I would imagine the TI-36X Pro would handle this just fine.
Eddie
Would you choose this or the Canon F-792SGA? Mainly used for university calculus.
ReplyDeleteYes - it is a calculator worth checking out.
DeleteJust wondering if there is a way to explicitly input something that would work as infinity within an integral on the 36X pro. I notice when attempting to calculate the integral from 0 to infinity of something like e^(-x), the calculator starts giving incorrect results when you increase the upper integral bound above 3563 (result should be 1 but at upper bound of 3564, but instead we see .000009968).
ReplyDeleteGreat calculator though, I use it over my TI-89 all the time because they really did a good job making the things that are useful very accessible.
Personally, I would choose the Canon over the TI because of the CODATA 2010 physical constants, the more extensive conversions, the ability to handle 4x4 matrices, and the ability to solve 4th order equations.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing good information,Thanks for your sharing.
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ReplyDeleteYou stated in the review that the calculator has the ability to solve infinite solution and no solution equations using Numeric solver. Could you please let me know how to do that? I either get 0 for an answer or a very long non-terminating decimal. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am a regular reader of your blog and I find it really informative. Hope more Articles From You.Best Tableau tutorial video available Here. hope more articles from you.
ReplyDeleteMy grandson gave me one of these for Christmas and I am just learning how to use it. I get unexpected results when solving e^40x - 400x - 1 = 0. When I enter e^40x - 400x - 1 and hit Enter, the only result displayed is the trivial solution of 0. I can't use 0 as the answer because the original equation (before some algebraic manipulation) divides by x. There is another solution, approx. 0.09, that I was looking for. Question 1 is, how do I get all solutions for an equation like this?
ReplyDeleteAs I got more familiar with the calculator, I decided to try entering the original equation and letting the calculator work it all out for me. This should eliminate the answer of 0. The equation is (2500/x)(e^40x - 1) - 1,000,000 but the calculator still gave me 0 as the answer. Clearly this shouldn't happen as the equation is dividing by x. Any ideas?
I think part of the problem may be my unfamiliarity with the calculator. I just tried e^0.08x - 5 and the solution shown was roughly -3.99 when it should be roughly 20.12. The mini instruction book isn't as detailed as I'd like so I'll keep reading it but any quick tips here would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAlright, I figured out what I was doing wrong and I understand the commands and syntax now. I noticed an unexpected result when solving e^x = 1. I did this as a simple test and instead of getting 0 the calculator returned a very small number on the order of 10^-14.
ReplyDeleteNM, I see what happened. I had watched a YouTube video that said to ignore the stored value of x, but it turns out that is supposed to be my first guess so the calculator can iterate from it towards a better answer. What a crazy approach!
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