The Grand Valley State University Mathematics Department highly values the insightful use of technology to solve meaningful problems and deepen understanding of key ideas in the introductory Calculus sequence [MTH 201 (Calculus 1), MTH 202 (Calculus 2), and MTH 203 (Calculus 3)]. Recommended hardware and software for student use in the Calculus sequence follows.  Individual instructors may define other requirements or restrictions on the use of technology in these courses.

GVSU does not require a graphing calculator for Calculus, nor do we specifically recommend any particular brand of calculator. Students may own and use any calculator they wish, as long as it can compute with logarithmic, trigonometric, and exponential functions.

GVSU students are encouraged to own and use mobile computing devices that can (1) run mathematical apps, (2) display PDF documents, and (3) connect to the internet via a web browser. Such devices include:

• Laptop computers that run an up-to-date version of a modern operating system such as Mac OS X, Linux, or Windows.
• Tablet devices such as the iPad, iPad mini, Android tablets, and e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle Fire or Barnes & Noble Nook.
• Smartphones that run an up-to-date version of a modern mobile OS such as iOS or Android, and have internet connectivity through a web browser such as Safari or Chrome.

If you have questions, please verify with your professor that the use of your mobile device is allowed in class.

The first-year calculus sequence MTH 201-202 uses a combination of free software tools that your professor will direct you to if needed.

GVSU maintains a site license for the scientific computing platform Mathematica that allows current GVSU students to download and install the software on their systems at no cost. Some sections of MTH 203 use Mathematica in lab sessions. Students can download the software at https://www.gvsu.edu/clas/labresource/wolfram-mathematica-at-grand-valley-state-university-30