HP Prime Pro

Upon opening the app, most users will be amazed and somewhat baffled by the interface and number of options available to them. The app is designed to replicate the HP Prime Graphing Calculator, which supports all the major mathematical concepts encountered during secondary education: squares and square roots, trigonometric functions, basic graphing functions, etc. However, it is beyond secondary school that this app will really benefit students. It is similar to most traditional graphical calculators in terms of buttons and functions. The bottom half of the app contains all the digits, the four operations and many commonly used mathematical functions (x² √x, sin, cos, tan, etc.). The top section is split into two again: the bottom third (of the top section) is dedicated to menu and navigation buttons and the top two thirds (of the top section) introduces the “app library.” The “app” library offers the most functionality with many built features such as functions; sequences; advanced graphing; statistics view; solve; etc.

 

The premium version offers additional functions in the “app” library. Two „solvers‟ - one for linear equations, ideal for secondary school pupils studying simultaneous equations. The other for triangles, again covering many of the skills needed, such as the size of a triangle‟s angles or its lengths. These features are not seen on traditional scientific calculators therefore provide additional benefit to the user. It also includes three „explorers‟, which allow the student to explore linear, quadratic or trigonometric equations in a graphical representations. Cleverly, this part allows the student to move this graph by touch, exploring how graphs transform (another GCSE skill). There are other sections within the premium version: a geometry section, basic spreadsheet functionality, finance capabilities, etc. 

 

In terms of usability, upon first experimenting with the app, it seemed difficult to navigate and use, however, after exploring it in detail, navigation became easier as did the understanding. Users will find it easier once they have identified key areas and buttons such as the delete key, the Apps button, equals key, etc. It is clear that this calculators is not aimed at those performing basic operations (KS2 / KS3), and is instead targeted at those using mathematical or scientific functions, or the graphical interface. The app is quick to respond to touch and works in both landscape and portrait mode. When held in portrait mode, it resembles the traditional scientific calculator; however, strangely if rotated to landscape mode it seems more abstract. 

 

The app-based calculator has advantages over traditional calculators. Aside from the obvious fact that you do not need to carry a calculator with you when you have the app, there are other benefits too. For example, the graphical section allows the user to utilise the pinch to zoom feature. This enables them to make better use of the graphical interface compared to a traditional hand-held graphical calculator, as it is able to focus on a specific point easily, avoiding unnecessary inaccuracies, or having to reset the calculation.                

 

Finally, the additional features in the app section allow students to access greater functionality than generally found on scientific calculators, making solution checking much quicker and exploration of different areas more interactive. 

 

The apps website states that it is “an extensive and integrated mathematics tool that enables students to solve problems, learn, and explore.” In terms of GCSE students this could be a good starting point, and for those studying beyond this, it will benefit them long term - as a calculator it offers everything a student will need in terms of mathematical calculation capabilities. 

 

Overall, a useful alternative to a hand held scientific or graphical calculator, worthy of a five star rating.