TI-36X Pro vs CASIO fx-991EX - Notable Differences

[@bradryan4041]

One aspect that you neglected to mention is the SPEED of the processor in the calculators. In my enriched calculus classes I often have the students do SIGMA calculations and actually have them develop formulas using SIGMA for Trapezoid and Simpson's Methods. The Casio absolutely smokes the TI in processing speed to get to the final answers. The same is true for definite integrals that we often calculate that are not easy to work out by exact methods. Not essential, but quite helpful in theses situations.

[@scottcollins7513]

Great point. I am aware of the vast difference, but it rarely effects my use of the device. But, yes, the Casio fx-991EX blows away the TI-36X Pro in terms of processor speed -- it is not even close. It also comes into play if one is using the solver function on a more-complex equation. If I do a 2nd video comparing the two, I will make this point. Thank you for leaving the helpful comment, Brad.

[@brandoncrenshaw6813]

This comment is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I typically use desmos when doing homework, but in a recent test I had to use a calculator (TI-36X) and it took MINUTES to checks some of my answers... and that is simply too d*mn long!

[@silverhusky7993]

I'm someone who's done his entire schooling in a country without Texas Instrument calculators. Hearing about the TI84 online, when I went calculator shopping I came across these two calculators I was torn on what to get. I've used a casio fx-991es plus my entire highschool education, but really wanted to try a TI. Watching this video made me realise the difference is soo minor that it'd be better to just stick with the Casio that I'm already familiar with. Thanks for making this comparison!

[@scottcollins7513]

Very glad you found it helpful. I am not a fan of the TI-84. Your Casio is a superb calculator- no need to change!

[@scottcollins7513]

I should add that I DO like the TI-36X Pro. But, the Casio is marginally better for high school math classes.

[@silverhusky7993]

@@scottcollins7513 sadly, the screen cracked right before my college started of my es plus. I bought a fx-3650P II at the campus shop, but the non text book input sucks 🙃

[@dchambers986]

The TI are much more rugged - thicker plastic. If you are an engineering student, especially EE, get the TI-86 (much better than 84/85 and even the 89) because of polar to deg, and complex numbers. TI 36 also has better STAT functions (at least the old one) - get that one for a STATs class. For HS, basic college math - I like the fx-991 @@silverhusky7993

[@Moshody2009]

In astronomy class, Casio 991-EX is much easier to calculate degree,min,sec than TI-36X pro. It use same button and symbol to represent deg,min,sec and same button to convert decimal to deg,min,sec form. Whlie Ti-36X pro has this function in math menu which much harder to reach. Morever, it seperate symbol for dec,min,sec and we have to write untill sec unit even if it have no value in sec unit otherwise it will show an error, while Casio can write just until min if it has no sec.

[@scottcollins7513]

Great point. It’s somewhat painful to do this on the TI. If I did a “more differences between…” video, I would include this.

[@MrMarcec85]

I made a comment but I erased it. The new TI- 30X Pro mathprint (EU name) does not have the annoying points you talk about at min 10 and 13. It gives the compact result and pressing the button converts to decimal. In my opinion, the opinion of a bad-at-math high school student, the 2 big lacks of TI are the less updated Vector menu (no Angle and no vector unit auto solver, to check formulas) and the lack of Inequalities menu. I would add also the 4th grade but it is probably more a "high class" optional than a regular useful tool. And then there are graphic calculator for a reason, I guess. On the contrary, I have always had Casio, but 2 weeks ago I bought my first ti and it is SO intuitive and easy to use. You don't have to remember procedures and buttons. And you don't have to constantly looking at it preventing from turning off. I don't know... but using the TI is really a pleasure.... probably you should buy both and use the other one for the missing menu (or sub-menu) 😅

[@gregnixon1296]

I used a Casio for years and years. I found a TI easier to use, however.

[@MatthewPattman]

With the updated TI-30X Pro MathPrint (2018 replacement for TI-36X Pro), the Quadratic roots are now exact like the Casio and can be converted to decimal. (Same for polar-> rect)

[@scottcollins7513]

Great information- thanks for sharing. It’s ridiculous that in the US (home of TI) they still only sell the inferior TI-36X Pro (don’t be fooled by the higher model number; in this case 36

[@nats50]

Knowing that, I bought both! Problem solved.

[@chef1arjunaidi]

Nice video. Both calculators are allowed in the PE exams (correct me if I'm wrong), I have the TI and I like the continuous memory feature.

[@scottcollins7513]

Thank you for the kind words. I believe both are PE-approved.

[@dchambers986]

Yes 30X and 36X TI are both approved for FE/PE as of 2023. Also approved are the fx-991 and the fx-115 and the HP 33s and HP 35s. That's the full list. ONLY those six.

[@GeekingWithKudabeybe]

thank you for this informative video. was struggling between the two since they were on sale on amazon. the tie breaker for me was the ability to retain memory! i didnt even realize the casio wouldnt have such an obvious feature!! i have been using a calculator app i found on the playstore on my phone and it is serving me well enough. but i had a little mishap in the workshop and in the process my phone got bumped off the table. it survived (thankfully without any cracks!) but i made the decision to get a calculator to keep on the table instead of the phone. and yes without even realizing it the memory feature is something i use ALOT. i keep going back to measurements to double check or make a change and the app just does a good job of it. i know i would have felt duped after getting the casio for my use case hehehe.

[@scottcollins7513]

Happy to hear you found the video helpful in your decision. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Enjoy the TI!

[@detronbrian]

Awesome! Great info for new buyers

[@scottcollins7513]

Thanks, Detron!

[@bithikatube]

Very nice video. Helped me to choose between the two.

[@scottcollins7513]

Great! Thanks so much for letting me know.

[@bithikatube]

Bought CASIO fx-991EX for my daughter who is in Grade 10th.

[@Crazytesseract]

@@bithikatube fx-991EX for 10th grade? Are you in India or USA?

[@bithikatube]

@@Crazytesseract It was for 10th grade (IGCSE) in India.

[@dooda1193]

why buy one ,, when u can two for twice the price

[@scottcollins7513]

You have the genes of a salesman!

[@gregnixon1296]

The motto of Hadden Industries?

[@khoilucas5480]

Have you used the calc button in casio?.It is very helpful for you if you use in order to apply the difference value into the function. Also you can solve the differences kind of equations (not only poly) when you press shift+ calc.

[@scottcollins7513]

Yes. I am a fan of the CALC and SOLVE functions of the Casio. You make a good point regarding the CALC function because if you have an expression with multiple variables, I don’t think the TI has a directly comparable function - however, you could just use the “num-solv” function on the TI and achieve the same end, just not quite as conveniently.

[@mattagajanian2052]

Hi. Why not use deflation to find multiple and double roots? Yes, I know. The 991EX should do this automatically and you should be familiar with the equation beforehand so that you know it has double roots. A quick illustration of deflation. Find the first root of f(x). This is a. Next, find the root of f(x)/a. That’s the second root, b. Next, the third root is c by solving f(x)/[(x-a)(x-b)]. and so forth.

[@scottcollins7513]

I really like this idea. It's a clever approach and not something I would have thought of using in this context. Appreciate the comment!

[@scottcollins7513]

One other thing, if I am truly understanding correctly, I believe you meant to say "Next, find the root of f(x)/(x-a)" (since that is the idea of what you are doing when finding the third root, c).

[@Native_love]

The new Casio has a barcode feature that displays the graph on a cellphone or computer! That's why I like it and the ability to show the solution in a way that most of us write it out.

[@scottcollins7513]

I do think it is a clever idea, but I'm not sure the use case is clear -- if I have a computer or a phone, I think I would rather use desmos.com for graphing. But, perhaps it serves a need that I'm not grasping. Regardless, thanks for leaving a comment -- perhaps there are some out there who will benefit from the feature.

[@ianmaw66]

It would be interesting to see what you think of the new Casio FX-800 DE calculator (it is in German though :) ).

[@scottcollins7513]

Did not even knew it existed. It seems that it is positioned below the fx-991EX. Wonder if it will come to the US? Thanks for letting me know about this machine.

[@killaken2000]

polysolve gives the answer in vertex form on the final page. so if you need the quadratic formula form you can solve for x and get that fractional form. It's not ideal but it is possible at least for that example you used.

[@scottcollins7513]

That feels like more trouble than it is worth to me, but I appreciate you thinking of work-arounds and taking the time to share your thoughts here in the comments. You pushed me to look a little more deeply into all this -- I tried the "expr-eval" function, but for some reason once you power off, it is cleared -- that is a shame.

[@TriKyTriXx]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@irishchocolate3872]

They are inexpensive enough so just buy both. I did. Problem solved.

[@scottcollins7513]

We are spoiled.

[@irishchocolate3872]

@@scottcollins7513 you are right. I own around 11 calculators and three graphing calculators. And yet there are some who own a lot more than I do.

[@cagedgandalf3472]

Hi, I'm about to go to college and I can only afford one as well as use only one. Which one would you suggest?

[@irishchocolate3872]

@@cagedgandalf3472 If you are going into engineering, take the TI-36XPRO like Scott Collins said. It is even recommended for the Engineer certification exam. If you are just taking general math or a science major in college the Casio ClassWiz is slightly more desirable.

[@cagedgandalf3472]

@@irishchocolate3872 I've seen lots of positive reviews for the TI-36XPRO and I have decided to buy it now. Thanks for the input!

[@gate9595]

No other manufacturer does stack better than Texas Instruments. The stack memory on the Nspire is unbelievably advanced!

[@scottcollins7513]

It is the feature that is the reason why I prefer doing general engineering/science calculations with the TI (over the Casio) - easy access to previous expressions and results.

[@sartajbhullar3782]

but have worst displays. only visible at an angle. you can tell the difference even in the video

[@user-fg6ro]

The fx-991EX was deliberately designed not to retain calculation history. In engineering exams in India, that feature (retaining history) would not be allowed, and Casio has almost 100% market share in India. The thing is, there are certain features in Casio that you don't get in others, and if I need calculation history, i can use an app.

[@scottcollins7513]

Casio builds some great calculators. It's interesting how the various companies differ in their design philosophies, etc. Never thought about the exam history being a reason why calculation history would need to be prohibited -- makes sense.

[@marioluigi9599]

Oh great. India messed it up for everyone else in the world. What kind of a stupid exam policy is that? You can't reuse your old calculations...Wtf is that supposed to teach them? To keep retyping things all the time?

[@Isaac-eh6uu]

@@marioluigi9599 It is so that people don't cheat on their exams. Think about it if you can keep certain numbers before you even start an exam isn't that a huge advantage. Casio can keep calculations but as soon as you shut it off they all disappear. I think the rest of the world should do the same.

[@marioluigi9599]

@@Isaac-eh6uu What are you talking about? Maths isn't about "keeping certain numbers". You don't need to memorise any numbers at all for the exam. That's not what maths is about. And numbers like pi or e are saved in the calculator anyway. Everyone knows maths is about knowing how to solve equations and abstract problems. Saving numbers in a calculator can't help with that at all. You're talking tripe. Lol

[@The_Jumpman]

@@Isaac-eh6uu nah in my schools we just clear mem and they check it while they are giving our exams so it's fine

[@NPPDEngineer]

What about binary math, 2's complement, 1's complement, binary coded hexadecimal conversions and computer engineering functions with mantissa and exponent?

[@scottcollins7513]

I'm not familiar enough with these functions to comment on them. Sorry. If you give more specific examples, I'd be willing to see if I can solve them using the two calculators.

[@عبدالمجيدالسكري]

Can this scientific calculator be dispensed by mobile applications?

[@scottcollins7513]

Not sure I understand the question. Are you asking if a smart phone app could do the same job?

[@عبدالمجيدالسكري]

@@scottcollins7513 yes sir, that what I meant

[@scottcollins7513]

There are all kinds of great scientific calculator apps for your smart phone, but I like the tactile feel/feedback of physical buttons and like having a dedicated device that does not offer distractions (e.g. alerts). For those in school classrooms, smartphones are typically not allowed for quizzes and tests. But, could an app like Free42 dispense with a physical calculator for personal use - sure thing.

[@MrMarcec85]

Great idea. Thanks

[@scottcollins7513]

Appreciate the comment. Hopefully it helps some people out there make a more informed choice.

[@MrMarcec85]

@@scottcollins7513 what do you think about the 2 things I wrote in the other comment? I ask because I have no idea how much they worth. Are they important or for someone "into business" those things aren't so relevant? Or however aren't something that impact the choice (Vectors, Inequalities, maybe the 4th grade). For example, I saw a tutorial about Vector Unit on Casio, but it seems lot easier to store the 2 fractions on x and y than using that tool.

[@jamesjefferson8916]

Can this calculator backspace? Like i enter 12345 but now i just want only 1234, can it backspace digit “5” at the end?

[@scottcollins7513]

Yes. Hit the DEL key once. All of this type of calculator (TI-36X Pro, Casio fx-991EX, etc.) are capable of editing the line before it is executed (by hitting the = key).

[@reinlepiku445]

Nice video, well understood

[@scottcollins7513]

Thank you, Rein. Was not sure how people would receive this one. Appreciate the encouraging words.

[@hyeri4551]

Hello I'm currently a 10th grade student and I just want to ask which calculator is better for me for my chemistry and calculus subjects? Thank you.

[@scottcollins7513]

I think the Casio fx-991EX Classwiz would be my choice if you are in the US. It’s slightly more difficult to use than the TI-36X Pro (though I find it very logical, some people do not), but worth it.

[@mattagajanian2052]

I’m sure you caught that the Casio solutions for the quadratic were the Golden Ratio and -1/(Golden Ratio).

[@scottcollins7513]

I had no idea -- congrats on being the first one to point this out. I had to look it up since it is (sadly) not a number I recognize on sight. Again, great comment, Matt. Thank you.

[@mattagajanian2052]

@@scottcollins7513, you are welcome!

[@theedspage]

Well done

[@scottcollins7513]

Thanks so much. Means a lot coming from you.

[@danieltku]

very helpful thanks. getting back into math to help child going through high school.

[@JohnUsp]

Excellent comparison, thanks.

[@scottcollins7513]

Thank you, John. Would have been nice to have had better audio quality (I forgot to turn off the fan), but I'm glad you still were able to enjoy the content. Thanks for the encouraging words.

[@tremorflow3614]

The only reason I choose Casio over TI is the price. TI are made in Asia also and are severely over priced.

[@scottcollins7513]

The Casio fx-991EX Classwiz is a great value.

[@wtorresify]

Ti36xpro Cant change decimal to fraction in just 1 click

[@scottcollins7513]

I looked into what you are saying. You bring up a valid point here. On the CASIO if you type in .3125 and hit =, you immediately see 5/16 displayed. On the TI, after hitting the =, you need to then hit the approx (fd) button to convert the decimal into a fraction. A minor advantage of the TI, but a good observation, wtorresify. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@QuirinusFortuna]

Which one would you suggest for a statistics exam? Thanks

[@scottcollins7513]

I do not have much experience using them for stats, but either will do everything you need for a typical stats course. Sorry I cannot be more helpful, but I do not have enough experience to recommend one over the other.

[@lesonyrra]

Very helpful, and a good structure for comparison(s), I think.

[@scottcollins7513]

Thanks, Glenn!

[@JustWilson]

Well done for showing a tonne of features the Casio can also do in half the time but you can’t figure out.. 😂

[@scottcollins7513]

I think for people who come from the Texas Instruments world, the Casio calculators feel unintuitive- more like a computer than a calculator. That said, the Casio approach generally makes sense to me. Regardless, I appreciated the humor, Wilson!

[@JustWilson]

@@scottcollins7513 ooh I like that analogy..! Fair enough, I’ll take that distinction. Thanks for taking it in jest too 😉

[@KingEDZKY]

Does the TI-36X Pro have a system solver for linear equations with 4 unknowns?

[@scottcollins7513]

No. 3 eqs w/ 3 unknowns is the limit. And the matrix editor is also limited to 3x3, so limited to 3 unknowns there as well.

[@Panagiotis_Kal]

@@scottcollins7513 does the Casio have more than 3x3 system solve? I'm between this specific model and the ti-30 pro from Texas instruments

[@scottcollins7513]

@@Panagiotis_Kal YES - The fx-991EX does have a system solver for 4 unknowns. When you go into the “Simul Equation” solver it prompts for number of unknowns, 2 thru 4.

[@williamweatherall8333]

really good video. thanks for making this

[@scottcollins7513]

Happy to hear you found it helpful -- thanks for letting me know you liked it!

[@gayanrajitha8325]

Perfect video!!!

[@scottcollins7513]

Thank you for the encouraging words!

[@GeoCalifornian]

4:33 That is a very big deal! --when, after powering back on, you've lost the long solver equation that you were explaining to your niece, and you must key-in the entire solver expression again. FAIL. Casio has always destroyed your calculation history-when TI (and HP) have always preserved your calculation history on their scientific calculators. /And so it goes...

[@scottcollins7513]

It's definitely a disadvantage of the CASIO. SHARP maintains history, so if someone prefers the general approach of CASIO, but wants the history, they may prefer the SHARP EL-W516T.

[@GeoCalifornian]

@@scottcollins7513 --Most don't know but the Sharp EL-506 series and the EL-516 series scientific calculators ALL have memory safeguard; with these two series, a student has many options using the Sharp scientifics for power-off memory protection.... /Regards

[@GeekingWithKudabeybe]

@@GeoCalifornian are the sharp calculators reliable? (i buy from the usa and get stuff like this sent to my country for my use so always try and choose from the well known items)

[@yamidhossain8870]

tbf, the Casio fx 911ex has always been directed towards students, hence the word ClassWizz plastered on the top. These students tend to be outside of the USA as well and thus don't require the continuous memory feature.

[@placeholder5982]

I am 991es plus user, I think the second root is the repeated root.

[@scottcollins7513]

I will have to check this out. You bring up an interesting point that I had not considered. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Savioaryt]

the video that i was looking for, thank you.

[@scottcollins7513]

Great - glad it was helpful. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@АндрейАльтов]

Unfortunately, 991 has a bug when extracting the root of complex numbers.

[@scottcollins7513]

Can you provide a simple example of the bug? You have me curious. Thanks.

[@АндрейАльтов]

@@scottcollins7513 OK. Maybe I don't understand something... The calculator allows you to raise complex numbers to powers. But when trying to extract the root from them, an error occurs. For example: sqrt(9i) or (9i)^(1/4) = 2.12+2.12i. but the calculator reports an error. Same result with polar coordinates

[@АндрейАльтов]

@@scottcollins7513 ok. For example sqrt(9i)

[@АндрейАльтов]

@@scottcollins7513 He raises complex numbers to powers normally. But when extracting the root it reports an error. Which is strange. This is one of the basic mathematical operations. And it works in more expensive models. Do I really have to buy a $300 calculator to have this feature?

[@scottcollins7513]

@@АндрейАльтов I see. I'm not sure this is a bug, but it is definitely a limitation. The TI-30X Pro MathPrint has the same issue. It cannot find sqrt(9i). I wonder if any sub-$40 calculator can do this correctly? Granted, it does not come up often in my experience, but perhaps it is something that arises in Electrical Engineering, for example. Thanks for pointing this out; it is a good observation.

[@DANNY40379]

no love for HP and RPN ie the 35S

[@scottcollins7513]

Perhaps RPN is an "acquired taste" and I learned it back when it was so much better than other offerings that it was easy to want to learn it.

[@DANNY40379]

@@scottcollins7513 RPN is still the best to get through complex multi-level computations

[@WattSekunde]

Love my HP48SX since I bought it in 1990 and use it every day. And of course the iPhone App iHP48 ;-) But back in the 80‘s I preferred Casio over TI. But now I tried both as our kids use them in school and think TI is much better to use in most cases than actual Casios.

[@persadsanjay]

Which is better for university stats?

[@scottcollins7513]

I have not used them much for stats. But, if you are talking about intro-level stats courses either should be great. If you are talking about a stats major where you get into sophisticated topics, I'm not sure -- chances are, though, that you'd use a computer-based Stats-specific program for most of that stuff anyway.

[@persadsanjay]

@@scottcollins7513 intro level stats. Thanks for the info!

[@scottcollins7513]

@@persadsanjay Both are great. In my experience (high school) students find the TI a touch easier to use, but both are excellent.

[@persadsanjay]

Thanks 🙏

[@gentlerain3245]

Im rooting for the TI 36X Pro. Sadly Casio and Sharp EL-W516TBSL both will delete your calculations, history and basically all your work when you switch modes, enter Menu or simply let it power off. As noted on 3 on this video. If it wasn't for THAT MAJOR deal breaker flaw, the Sharp would be #1 then Casio #2 best scientific calculators period. As of writing, Sharp isnt allowed in examinations and testing, adding that to consideration the Casio 991 would be #1. Terms of aesthetics I like the Menus of the Casio, results are exact. Ti 36 has everything written on its buttons, the choice of colors was great. Ti looks the best of all of them from the outside, but like I said menu better on the Casio.

[@scottcollins7513]

I have a Sharp EL-W516X. It does NOT calculate history when powered off, but you do lose everything when you switch modes. I like the keyboard feel of the Sharp and it is powerful, but if I want exact answers the Casio is better and if I'm doing engineering I like the TI-36X Pro. So, in the end, the Sharp does not get much attention. Also, I recently purchased a TI-30X Pro Mathprint from the UK -- it is an upgraded TI-36X Pro that provides exact answers like the Casio. It is a great calculator, but it is not sold in the US and is pricey. Here's a video about the TI-30X Pro Mathprint in case you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZSxapqrhbGqiLM Thanks for leaving a comment, Gentle Rain. Please give my regards to your sister, Monsoon.

[@gentlerain3245]

@@scottcollins7513 Dont worry my sister Driven Rain is coming to visit with Fiona. The Ti 30X Pro an upgraded 36x? Sadly i think they drop the gorgeous aesthetics of the 36x Pro right? Any word on how many functions the Ti 36X and the 30X Mathprint have ? From what I found out Casio 991ES (idk anything about the EX) has 417 functions and the Sharp has 640, I wonder if any of those TI surpass those high standards.

[@scottcollins7513]

@@gentlerain3245 Yes the Ti 30X Pro MathPrint is an upgraded 36X. Still good aesthetically, but maybe lost some of what you loved about the 36X. I have never seen a specific number of functions listed for the TI.

[@saujanyapoudel7378]

Your points about the TI's copying ability is true but, in Casio, you can store the value from the last calculation in one of the albhabets and input the alphabet itself in the next calculation. I believe both of the method take same amount of time and effort so there's not much difference i guess.

[@scottcollins7513]

I believe the TI approach is more intuitive and does not require any "planning ahead" (or remembering which letter goes with which result). If you need to reuse something, you just scroll back up and find what you need.

[@Crazytesseract]

@@scottcollins7513 I agree, Casio needs to work on this issue.