For someone who isn’t particularly fond of math, I’ve owned a surprising number of Texas Instruments calculators—at least four or five over the years, starting in high school, continuing through college, and even during an unexpected period as a math tutor. I’ve purchased a new one roughly every two years due to losing them or having them stolen, which adds up to quite a hefty sum. Imagine if I had invested that $500 in a mutual fund back in 1988—let’s just say I wouldn’t need a calculator to tell me how much it would have grown.
So, here’s the question: why are we still buying TI-83 calculators? We used them in high school, and now, two decades later, we find ourselves preparing to buy them for our children. With the ability to easily Google “compound interest” and get instant results for free, why should we spend $140 on outdated technology? And in an age where computers can fit in a tiny space, why do students need to carry around a calculator the size of a cookbook? Essentially, why does Texas Instruments maintain such a stronghold on the graphing calculator market?
The reality is that they do have a significant monopoly. As reported by Mark Johnson for Mic, Texas Instruments has become entrenched in the fabric of high school math education in the U.S. Their calculators have been so integral for so long that they’ve become synonymous with math instruction. Textbooks from publishers like Pearson even feature illustrations of these calculators, making it challenging to transition students to newer technologies.
The real kicker, however, is standardized testing. Approved calculators must be used for exams like the SAT, which is likely intended to prevent internet access and cheating. Yet, during my tutoring days, I saw students program their TI-83s with formulas and notes. Johnson also notes that TI employs a network of educators trained to teach with their calculators, effectively acting as advocates for the brand. This strategy has resulted in a near monopoly, with Texas Instruments reportedly selling 93% of all graphing calculators in the U.S. during the 2013-2014 school year. The Washington Post estimates they manufacture these calculators for only $15-$20, raking in over 50% profit margins—making them one of the company’s most lucrative products.
While it’s true that cheaper alternatives exist, like Casio calculators priced at around $50, the issue arises primarily for families facing financial strain. Being required to purchase a bulky, outdated device for math class and standardized tests can be a burden. As one Pennsylvania math teacher quipped, the main difference between TI and Casio is marketing. The way Texas Instruments collaborates with testing agencies, educational boards, and textbook publishers contributes to widening the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
On a brighter note, there are free apps that are gaining traction in classrooms and are often easier to use. Personally, I believe I grasped mathematical concepts better when I worked things out by hand on paper, and I’ve noticed my students benefitted from that approach too. When the time comes, I’ll be assisting my kids with No. 2 pencils and graph paper. If they want to experience retro technology, they can always pop a cassette into my old Sony Walkman.
For more insights on navigating parenting and education, check out our other articles on home insemination kits and consider visiting March of Dimes for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The TI-83 calculator remains a staple in the education system, largely due to its historical presence and the influence of standardized testing. Despite the availability of cheaper alternatives and modern technology, Texas Instruments continues to dominate the market, posing challenges for families.