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Texas Instruments TI-12 Math Explorer

Date of introduction:	1987	Display technology:	LCD
New price:	$19.95 (SRP 1988)	Display size:	8
Size:	5.7" x 2.8" x 0.45" 145 x 72 x 11 mm³
Weight:	3.0 ounces, 84 grams	Serial No:
Batteries:		Date of manufacture:	mth 10 year 1988
AC-Adapter:		Origin of manufacture:	Taiwan
Precision:	12	Integrated circuits:	Toshiba T6M39S
Memories:	1
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	J. Ben Rodin

The Math Explorer is another calculator introduced by Texas Instruments to perform fractional arithmetic for elementary school. In opposite to the Galaxy 10 the display size doesn't allow scientific notation. Nevertheless calculating accuracy is 12 digits !

Production of the calculator was started in Taiwan. Later products were assembled either in Italy, Malaysia and China with minor design variations.

Version	Year of introduction	Date of manufacture	Place of manufacture	Solar cells	TI logo
1^st	1987	mth 10 year 1988	Taiwan	huge	bottom
2^nd	1989
3^rd	1991	mth 10 year 1993	Italy	medium	left
4^th	1993	mth 12 year 1992	Malaysia	small	right
5^th	1993	mth 12 year 1992	China	small	right

Later the same keyboard layout was used with a more stylish housing. Compare it here.

A very basic calculator for pupils was introduced with the MathMate.

Texas Instruments was always listening for the demands of the classroom. Read some guidelines how to select the right calculator to ensure long-term satisfaction:

• Solar Power: Eliminates the need for batteries. The TI ANYLITE™ technology
   allows operation even in low light.
• Durability: Plastic keys are tougher and more tamper-proof than rubber keys.
   An extra window protects the LCD display and the solar cells.
• Keyboard: Color coding helps children quickly identify functional key groupings.
   Large, well spaced keys are easier to find and press.
• Packaging: With a convenient storage caddy 10 or even 30 calculators are
   grouped together.
• Functions: Choose a model with only the specific functions you need.
   Unnecessary functions clutter the keyboard and may impede a student's
   understanding of the concepts.

In the year 1995 Texas Instruments provided a total of 6 different calculators (not counting the Graphing Calculators TI-80, TI-81, TI-82 and TI-85) to meet the above demands. View a comparison table here.

Stokes Publishing Company, Inc. based in Sunnyvale, California sold a companion for the teacher, view the Intermediate.

The TI-12 Math Explorer was mentioned in TI's press release dated August 15, 2002 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its invention of the electronic calculator.

Math Explorer™ is a trademark of Texas Instruments.

If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.