COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCTS

Time-value-of -money problems in Math for Business and Life include solutions using (1) compound interest formulas, (2) compound interest tables, (3) financial calculators, and (4) Excel. This allows you to use your method(s) of choice. If you use method 3 (financial calculators) with the HP10BII and/or TIBAII PLUS, we may be able to get you one or more support products, compliments of the calculator manufacturers:

• Financial calculator (HP 10BII or TI BAII PLUS)
• Overhead transparency of calculator keyboard
• Overhead calculator (a see-through operating calculator used with an overhead projector)
• Calculator emulator (used with a computer and screen)

Contact the publisher for more details (facultysupport@olympuspub.com or 1-800-844-1856)

If you use calculators to solve TVM problems, remember that we have an operating TVM calculator on our Web site (see the navigation bar at the left, CALCULATOR/TVM AIDS, Online Calculator). The online calculator can be used to solve most of the problems in the text; it is not designed to amortize or to solve cash flow problems (in which the payments change).

If you have your students use financial calculators to solve TVM problems, here are some things to consider.

1. Acceptable calculators. The text includes keystrokes for the HP 10BII and TI BAII PLUS calculators. Both calculators are excellent machines and do everything covered in the text. They each sell for around $30. Here are a few basic differences. The HP 10BII has a larger display (12 digits compared to 11), makes it easier to change the decimal setting and, for most applications, requires fewer keystrokes. The TI BAII PLUS uses worksheets, and while there are more keystrokes involved, it is easier to review and change entries; it also has a few extra features, such as depreciation, bond, and date applications. There are a few other financial calculators that will work, including: HP 10B (the model that preceded the HP 10BII), HP 12C, and the HP 17B. Some financial calculators do not amortize accurately and cannot compute an IRR. Some graphic calculators are equipped to do TVM problems, but require many more keystrokes. Our Web site has calculator information and keystrokes for several popular calculators (see the navigation bar at the left).
2. Require a certain calculator? Some instructors insist that students have a certain calculator, requiring only one set of classroom instructions. Other instructors don't feel comfortable endorsing a particular brand, and allow students to choose from several.
3. Seating arrangements. You may find it helpful to have students with similar calculators sit together. That way, you can address en entire group of students at once. And, students with similar calculators can help each other.
4. Where can students get calculators?
   1. College bookstores. Prices may not be competitive, depending on quantities the bookstore is able to purchase.
   2. Retail stores such as Staples (800-378-2753), Office Max (800-283-7674), Office Depot (800-463-3768), etc. Also look in the yellow pages under "Calculators" or "Office Supplies." You may want to let selected retailers know when each term starts so they can do their buying at the right time.
   3. New and used calculators can be purchased on the web, such as ebay.com and Amazon.com. Students should be careful to get the current model.
   4. Manufacturers. Hewley Packard (888-999-4747), or Texas Instruments (800-TI-CARES).
   5. Wholesalers. Valley (800-462-2019), Wholesale (800-880-9400), and ElDorado (800-227-8292).
   6. Our Calculator Loaner Program. Students buy an HP 10BII or TI BAII PLUS from us and get a refund when returned, except for a S&H fee (currently $7). Details can be found by going to the navigation bar at the left.
   7. Resale program. Students who have completed the course can resell calculators (maybe through a bulletin board) to new students (for about $5 less then they paid). This may not work smoothly, however, because most students will not part with their calculator.
   8. School ownership. Your school may want to purchase a supply of calculators and loan or rent to students each term.