I sat the Level 1 exam just recently with the BA II Plus, however, I also own an HP 12C calculator and I am wanting to get into the way of using it more. I really like RPN and the buttons on the 12C feel great!
From what I understand the only real differential between these two calculators is that the BA II Plus can calculate permutation and combination formulas, whereas the HP 12C cannot.
Am i required to know how to calculate these for Level 2?
And are there any other differences between the two calculators that I should know about for level 2?
Well I cannot comment on the real exam (it’s against the rules). But it is on the level 1 curriculum and I’d be pissed if I brought the HP 12C into an exam and got presented with a permutation/combination question. It’s a very easy point to miss all because you didn’t bring the correct calculator.
Maybe i’ll just use both. The HP 12C for everything and then BA II plus for permutation/combination calculations.
If you’re unsure about nCr and nPr calculations, just bring in the HP 12c and the BA II plus to the exam. You can bring in more than one calculator so its not a problem.
My appology for the misleading statement. It is stated in the level 1 curriculum, but the formula are easy to memorize, so I always did it by hand. However, if you just want to rely on the calculator then BA II plus is the only choice.
No nCr or nPr problems at level 2. BA II Plus is great - for its menu based interface - makes things easier to use. Also, I found RCL function great - to check the inputs.
RCL, Memory and the K (constant) function are what do it for me. Plus I like how the BA handles the % button. I only wish there was an icon in the top to show when we have brackets open though, like my old scientific from undergrad.
I think a lot of people who are new to the BA II Plus can relate to this. When I first started using it I hated it because it didn’t have this feature like my Casio scientific calculator did. Nowadays I don’t care because I have gotten used to it and know as long as I am concentrating on the question I don’t need to see what I have previously typed. That feature would only be useful to me now if I got distracted halfway through working through a problem on my calculator.
The BA II Plus is a good calculator and I really enjoyed using it. I just like RPN better though and this is why I am making the switch to the 12c.
In Level 2, you’re tested more on your understanding the mechanics of the formulas. Hence, your actual reliance on the advanced calculations is less. There may be an occassional TVM calculation, but the rest is largely simple math.
The most important factor for me is the keyboard response. That’s why I stick with a HP 12C dated 1986 bought from Ebay with a more recent Platinum version as a back up. I like RNP.
I have never touched a BA but read review about their built quality so I decided to stay with HP.
I think u should study Level II entirely with your HP12C, see if there’s any formula it cannot do. That should: a) answer ur question regarding nCr, nPr, or any other calculations and b) give u a great chance to get familiar with the HP 12C.
In any case, as someone pointed out, u could always bring both with u to the exams, so it shouldn’t be a problem choosing which to use
As best I can recall, there is no permutation/combination in the Level 2 curriculum. That being said, even when I DID have to do it, I did it the long way, not by using the calculator shortcuts.
Personally, I would not use the HP-12C. I tried to use one once, and gave up after five minutes.
