TI-36X Pro Calculator 9 Tips and Tricks for the FE Exam

The FE or Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the licensing exam devised for engineers. Students are provided with a handbook that lists several criteria that need to be met to take the exam. People prepare for the exam for months and some even take a year to do their best work on the exam, so the criteria must be met by all.

While all the writing materials are given to you, the calculator is supposed to be brought by you. However, the criteria that are set for the calculator make it extremely hard to find one that would provide the functionality and performance to help you solve equations quickly during the exam.

In this article, we will talk about TI-36x Pro calculators – approved calculators for the FE exam. These calculators have complex functions and processing speed that make them an ideal choice for the FE exam. We’ll also share all TI-36X Pro tips and tricks so you can ace the FE exam on the first attempt.

Key Features of TI-36x Calculator

We shall now explore the key features of the NCEES® approved Texas Instruments 36x calculator :

• Four-line text output.
• Choose between degrees/radians, floating/fixed, and number format modes.
• There are three solutions to choose from: numeric equation, polynomial, and system of linear equations.
• Show a specified function in a tabular format.
• Statistics with one and two variables
• The MultiViewTM display displays numerous calculations on the screen at the same time.
• For real functions, it computes the numeric derivative and integral.
• It uses a vector and matrix entry window to perform vector and matrix operations.

TI-36X Pro Tips and Tricks (NCEES® Approved Calculator)

Following are some easy TI-36X Pro tips and tricks that will help you deal with the FE exam:

1. The Best Equation Solver
2. Stacked Up Display
3. Store Values as Variables for Later
4. Allows Solving Complex Derivatives Easily
5. Identify the Vector Components
6. Long Integrals at Your Tips
7. Matrices Solved Easily
8. A Quick Unit Converter
9. Polar Vectors

1. The Best Equation Solver

Algebraic problems can consume a lot of time and can significantly slow down your pace while taking the FE exam. While most calculators will allow for just solving the equation, the Ti-36x Pro offers much more.

The Ti-36x Pro calculator is extremely intelligent. When putting in values, it will correct any mistakes that you make unknowingly. Therefore, it mitigates the hassle of writing equations on paper. All the calculations can be performed directly in the Ti-36x Pro calculator.

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2. Stacked Up Display

The Ti-36x Pro calculator has a big display screen. You can view the equations in a stacked manner. Since some equations can be extremely long and complex, having a larger display makes solving problems a bit easier and more convenient.

A bigger display also helps in detecting any errors that are made while putting in the complex long derivations. This makes the Ti-36x Pro ideal for the FE exam. 

3. Store Values as Variables for Later

One of the Ti-36x Pro’s tricks also includes how it allows values to be stored and accessed later. The Ti-36x Pro calculator can store values in the form of variables, so you can use them later in equations without having to input each value. You can store values as variables before you even enter the exam and the Ti-36x Pro calculator will help you save time.

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4. Allows Solving Complex Derivatives Easily

The Ti-36x Pro is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. you can solve intense and complex derivations with just one press of a button on the Ti-36x Pro calculator. Derivatives are hard to solve, especially long ones. The number of errors that one can make while solving manually can be high.

But with the Ti-36x Pro’s tricks, you can instantly solve all the complex derivatives you want without wasting any time or making errors. Using the Ti-36x Pro in the FE exam will help you fill in the gaps between time and performance.

5. Identify the Vector Components

Components of vectors can change the entire processing of the vectors and their type. Ti-36x Pro can identify the components of vectors and apply the appropriate formulae to them. There will be no need to guess or make mistakes, the Ti-36x Pro calculator will do all of it for you when you put in the values.

This means that with the help of the Ti-36x Pro, you can easily identify between rectangular vectors or pseudo-vectors. Pseudo-vectors can cause a lot of miscalculations if not identified properly.

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6. Long Integrals at Your Tips

If you are faced with a long and complex integral, the Ti-36x Pro calculator is there to help you out. It comes with the option of solving integral equations, so you can easily put the values in the Ti-36x Pro on FE exam day and solve the problem in an instant.

The Ti-36x Pro calculator features higher-level math and science functionality that can perform Long Integrals algorithms. This allows the user to simply input the equation to be solved and the calculator will provide the steps and solution. This is a great time saver for students who are struggling with Long Integrals. The calculator also has a variety of other features that make it a great choice for students, such as a large display and more.

7. Matrices Solved Easily

Ti-36x Pro’s tricks are endless. Long matrices that can be complex to solve don’t even stand a chance against it. The FE exam is going to test you to your limits. That is exactly how they will know if you are good enough for the license. Solving matrices by hand can be a pain especially when you are restricted on time. The TI-36X Pro calculator is designed to make solving complex matrices easier.

By inputting the dimensions of the matrix, the calculator can automatically generate the inverse matrix, determinant, and other important information. This allows users to quickly and easily solve complex mathematical problems. The Ti-36x Pro calculator helps in making sure these matrices don’t block you from getting that license you deserve.

8. A Quick Unit Converter

Unit conversion is a problem that many who are taking the exam run into, the Ti-36x Pro has a unit converter that has the information and values of all the units. This makes the entire process fast and efficient as time is the main issue with these complex equations. With the fast unit conversion, the Ti-36x Pro on FE exam day is unbeatable in providing the best performance.

9. Polar Vectors

Another Ti-36x Pro trick is its ability to identify polar vectors, an ability that is only found in a handful of calculators, out of which, none are FE exam approved. The Ti-36x Pro calculator can intelligently identify polar vectors. It can easily help you distinguish polar vectors from other vectors.

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TI-36x Pro Scientific Calculator Specifications

Now we will look into the TI-36x pro scientific calculators’ specifications regarding aesthetics and sizing.

The overall look of the instrument itself features a 4-line, 16-character, easy-to-understand, and read LCD. It is solar cell assisted in lengthening battery life but is battery powered essentially.

Not only that, but it also comes with an auto power-off feature which is good for energy saving. The instrument’s body is made up of hard plastic and comprises color-coded keys. In addition, it has rubber padding, which helps in preventing the skidding of surfaces.

The instrument’s body is fashioned with an impact-resistant cover, which is hard and has a snap-on feature.

The calculator is black in color; compared to its competitors, it’s lighter in weight. Its dimensions are 9.76 x 6.77 x 1.1 inches, and it weighs 4.06 ounces.

Must-Know Functions for Your TI-36X Pro 

The TI-36X Pro calculator is a powerful tool for FE exam takers, offering various mathematical functions. However, to truly optimize your exam performance, it’s crucial to prioritize functions most relevant to the FE exam itself.

Why Focus on Exam-Specific Functions? The FE exam covers various engineering disciplines, but the core mathematical functions remain consistent. By focusing on these core functions and mastering their application on the TI-36X Pro, you can approach the exam with confidence and efficiency.

What Functions Take Center Stage? Some of the most commonly encountered functions on the FE exam include:

• Trigonometry: Sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), inverse trigonometric functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹). These functions are crucial for solving problems involving angles, forces, and geometric relationships. (Example: Calculating the angle of a ramp using the sin function).
• Logarithms: Logarithms (log) and exponential functions (eˣ) are essential for solving exponential growth or decay equations. (Example: Analyzing the decay rate of a radioactive material using logarithms).
• Complex Numbers: The ability to perform basic operations with complex numbers (numbers with a natural and imaginary component) may be required for some FE exam problems, particularly in electrical and computer engineering.
• Integration/Differentiation (Optional): While not as prevalent as the functions above, some FE exams involve essential integration or differentiation problems. Understanding how to utilize these functions on the TI-36X Pro can be advantageous.

Focusing on these key areas optimizes your study time and empowers you to approach the exam confidently.

Approved Calculators for FE Exams

The FE exam is crucial for aspiring engineers, and having the right tools is key.  One important element? Your trusty calculator.  But with so many models available, which ones are allowed in the exam room?

Your FE Exam Calculator Companions

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) outlines the specific calculators permitted during the FE exam. Here’s a breakdown of the approved models:

Casio: All fx-115 and fx-991 models.  Remember: Any Casio calculator you choose must have “fx-115” or “fx-991” in its model name.

Hewlett-Packard (HP):  Only the HP 33s and HP 35s models are allowed. No other HP calculators are permitted.

Texas Instruments (TI): All TI-30X and TI-36X models are approved for use in the FE exam. Like Casio, any TI calculator you bring must have “TI-30X” or “TI-36X” in its model name.

Important Considerations

Prohibited Features: While these calculators offer a range of functionalities, some features like computer algebra systems (CAS) or programmable capabilities are strictly prohibited during the FE exam. Disable or remove any such features from your calculator before exam day.

Familiarity is Key: While having an approved calculator is essential, it’s equally crucial to be comfortable using it.  Spend time beforehand exploring its functions and practicing using it to solve sample problems. This will help you avoid wasting valuable exam time fiddling with unfamiliar buttons.

The Takeaway

Knowing the approved calculator models and ensuring yours complies with the NCEES guidelines is crucial in your FE exam preparation. By familiarizing yourself with your calculator’s functionalities and focusing on core problem-solving skills, you can ensure this tool becomes a valuable asset on your journey to FE exam success.

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Conclusion

The Ti-36x Pro is approved by the NCEES® for the FE exam. It is heavily equipped with higher-level math solving features and is 100% reliable if we talk about accuracy and speed.

From complex equations to derivatives to vector components, no matter what you throw at it, the Ti-36x Pro calculator will solve all of it in seconds. Simply put, the Ti-36x Pro is the best calculator to use during the FE exam.