Calculator Strategies for Actuarial Exams (TI-30XS and BA II Plus)

TI-30XS MultiView for Exam P

The TI-30XS MultiView is approved for Exam P and offers a multi-line display that lets you see your input and output simultaneously. Master the factorial, combination, and permutation functions since probability problems use them heavily. Practice using the statistics mode for mean and standard deviation calculations. Store intermediate results in memory to avoid rounding errors in multi-step calculations. The table function can help verify integration results for continuous distributions.

BA II Plus for Exam FM

The BA II Plus is the standard financial calculator for Exam FM. Learn the Time Value of Money (TVM) keys thoroughly: N, I/Y, PV, PMT, FV. Set your calculator to the correct payments-per-year and compounding settings before each problem. Use the cash flow worksheet (CF) for irregular payment streams and the NPV function. Practice bond calculations using the BOND worksheet. Memorize the keystrokes for common operations so they become automatic, saving valuable time on exam day.