There are plenty of good calculators for your classes or exams but while in general most of them are pretty much the same to each other, different systems introduce different advantages as well such as Casio FX-CG500 Vs HP Prime. These popular calculators are ideal especially for your exams and they are capable of dealing with lots of problems as well. For those currently considering the two, let’s see below about what they can offer and which will fit you best.

In this comparison, we are going to talk about:

  • Why do You Need a Graphing Calculator
  • What are Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime
  • How are the Design of Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime
  • How are the CAS in Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime
  • How are the Apps in Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime
  • How are the Programming Function in Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime
  • Casio FX-CG500 Vs HP Prime

Graphing Calculators

Our smartphones and computers are far more capable nowadays but they are not something that we can use at class all the time or ideal for when you have to take an exam. The connectivity and the way the smart devices are working can be used to cheat or communicate with other people. This is why calculators are still required in modern days and while they can ease the problem solving process, we will still need to put some effort into understanding how they work. 

Typical calculators are very useful to work on simple math problems but for students in higher education you will need something more powerful such as graphing calculators. This is probably the most capable among all and still has the functions of basic calculators as well so they should be convenient. Yet, in terms of user friendliness they are quite far more complicated too thus, understanding them is key to using them properly in class or exams. 

There are so many math problems a graphing calculator can solve and the most often is algebraic equations. You can start using this calculator from first-year algebra even though it is not always required but concepts including basic function graphing, polynomials, quadratics and inequalities will be better visualized with the tool. Algebra can be done without the help from a calculator but this enforces the concept and is useful for students to get familiar with buttons and all of the basic functions from the tool so we already master it in second-year.

It is also useful for geometry because this is where concepts like angels and hyperbolic functions become cemented into the student so a good graphing calculator will be very helpful to improve the skill from paper to screen. We can master parametric graphing, polar graphing, and more with just any graphing calculator since these functions are almost impossible to do with just pencil and paper so by saving the work in a calculator, we can go back to the problem later. 

Casio FX-CG500HP Prime 
Product Dimensions11.14 x 7.21 x 2.13 inches
3.66 x 0.65 x 7.28 inches
Shipping Weight1.15 pounds
0.5 pounds
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In addition to the common math problem, a graphing calculator is also useful for trigonometry. It is optional for higher-math classes for high school students but also for many colleges who are requiring trigonometry for anyone who is interested in a science, health, computer, or engineering degree. You can work on problems like figuring the amplitude, period, and phase shift of a standard graph. Since around 10% or less of math problems in ACT or around 20% in SAT are going to be trigonometry, it is wise to prepare with one.

About Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime

Unlike a smartphone or tablet that you will most likely ditch or buy a new one in one or two years, graphing calculators will last for many more years as long as they are still reliable since the technology will most likely be the same. Getting a good graphing calculator is almost like an investment that we can rely on for years both on your education and working field so it is wise to look for the one that can deliver the level of qualities and functions. 

While graphing calculators are mostly required for educational purposes and the options are abundant out there, not many actually make the top choices. This is because for calculators there are only a few brands dominating the market and one of them is Texas Instrument. They do have plenty of options but if you prefer other brands, both Casio and HP also have some of the most reliable and popular graphing calculators to consider. They are about the same in price point so we don’t think it is a huge save as an alternative.

We have talked about the popular graphing calculators Casio FX-CG500 Vs FX-CP400 which conclude that the former is what you want to buy for exams while the latter is best for classes. Another similarly good calculator we can try is HP Prime and as expected, all of them are among the best you can spend on. In comparison, they are pretty much the same in capabilities so no matter which you go for, they will be equally reliable and user friendly.

However, we do think the HP Prime is more similar to the CX II CAS from TI for convenience. The Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime are ideal for students who will be taking exams because they are allowed on various tests but, do check the policy first just to make sure we can use them on the test that you want to take. As expected, from the best part they are equally capable of CAS which makes the two very convenient while also useful.

Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime Design 

From the outer design there is nothing special about Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime because they look like just any graphing calculator out there. You can easily tell that these are very comfortable devices by the large display. Both are also coming with color displays for a more pleasant experience but, it seems that the resolution is not the same along with the orientation of the screen so in comparison we do like how Casio is operated compared to HP.

In addition, you will get a stylus pen as well since FX-CG500 is touch-sensitive. We have said in a previous comparison that it seems the material quality of this new calculator is not as good as the CP-400 and this is because the screen is not as responsive. The HP Prime is a multi-touch as well but since the screen is narrow, it is a bit difficult to use, moreover if you have larger hands. The buttons layout of Prime is more comfy with many functions to use directly.

Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime CAS

Next for the most important part, let’s see what the Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime can offer and as graphing calculators with CAS, this will be the best function on both models. Computer Algebra System is what separates the two from many other calculators and lets you solve problems that usually can only be done by hand such as factoring polynomials and expanding expressions with variables as well as solving almost every algebra problem. We can simplify almost anything too just by inputting it and pressing enter.

This means the result will not only be in decimals but in the simplified or radical form and if you want the decimal answer instead, we can just switch back to the other mode. What you will notice from the two in terms of ability to simplify answers is that CG500 seems to not be able to solve some trig identities which used to be a breeze with Prime or CX II CAS. Yet, this is a very small pick from the overall calculation that we can do on both calculators. 

Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime Apps

You will also love to see so many apps on both Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime that we can use to solve or work on various math problems. They are shown on the menu with a pretty easy to understand interface; both with the app name and icon to represent the function. We notice the older HP Prime doesn’t have the 3D Graphing out of the package so we may have to download it  first but the newer calculators already have it loaded.  

One of the most interesting apps from HP is probably the triangle solver which is missing from Casio FX-CG500. This is very useful because we can just enter any three characteristics of a triangle except for the only three angles measured then let the calculator give the length for the other as well as the angles. It is convenient because you don’t need to know about how to use trig laws to solve for the parts of triangles. 

Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime Programming 

Additionally, we want to talk about the programming in which both Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime are also capable of. They are very capable in this function and also easy to make large or complex programs if needed, right on the device. What we think makes Prime better is actually the built-in buttons since a larger screen means these functions are all located mostly on the screen. It provides the same functions but we will spend more time on the menu to access them.

Casio FX-CG500 Vs HP Prime

Both Casio FX-CG500 and HP Prime are very capable calculators that will fit into so many purposes, especially students who will be taking exams because the two are allowed on the tests. In comparison, the capabilities are almost the same, you can perform the same tasks on both calculators but for the app related functions, Prime does have some of the most convenient apps too. It is, however, got a smaller screen so it may not be as satisfying to look at and navigate.

- Color graphing Calculator - extra large 4.8" touchscreen LCD with Stylus.
- Natural textbook display
- High resolution extra large LCD with over 65000 colors
- Advanced Computer algebra system (case)
- IB Diploma Programme exam approved
- Sleek, slim, brushed metal design that looks great and performs even better. Keep the calculator protected when it's not in use with a slide-on cover
- Enjoy a feature-rich calculating experience with familiar HP alphanumeric keypad and a large 3.5-inch diagonal, multi-touch display
- Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, 256 MB flash memory

Conclusion 

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You can go well with any of the two because they will work on the same problems, similarly powerful with lots of built in apps and convenience but for those who want to save some, we recommend getting the CG-500, moreover, if the large screen is very crucial in your preference. 

 

Casio FX-CG500 VS HP Prime

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