IB exams require cleared memory - and a reset also fixes a calculator that's behaving strangely.
In short: Resetting the calculator before an exam clears stored variables, lists, programs and settings, so nothing unwanted carries over into your paper. It is done from the memory or reset menu, and it also returns modes such as degrees and radians to their defaults. Check your school's and the IB's calculator rules for what is required.
| TI-84 Plus CE | Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100 | TI-Nspire CX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key sequence | 2nd → + (MEM) → 7:Reset → 1:All RAM → 2:Reset clears all data and resets settings. | From the main menu open MEMORY (or System) → Reset and choose what to clear. | Use Press-to-Test for a clean exam state (hold ESC + ON, or via the documents menu). |
Tip: After a reset, re-check the angle mode (degrees/radians) before you start.
Tip: After a reset, re-check the angle mode (degrees/radians) before you start.
Tip: After a reset, re-check the angle mode (degrees/radians) before you start.
Here's a real IB-style question that uses exactly this technique.
After resetting your calculator, evaluate cos(60°) to confirm it has returned to degree mode.
IB exams require cleared memory - and a reset also fixes a calculator that's behaving strangely. Before you go into any IB exam - cleared memory is a requirement, not just good practice. When the calculator is behaving strangely (frozen menus, corrupted display) and a soft restart hasn't fixed it.
1. 2nd → + (MEM) → 7:Reset → 1:All RAM → 2:Reset clears all data and resets settings. 2. Do this before the exam, not during - you'll lose any stored lists and programs.
1. From the main menu open MEMORY (or System) → Reset and choose what to clear. 2. Do this before the exam, not during - you'll lose any stored lists and programs.
1. Use Press-to-Test for a clean exam state (hold ESC + ON, or via the documents menu). 2. Do this before the exam, not during - you'll lose any stored lists and programs.
After a reset, re-check the angle mode (degrees/radians) before you start.
In the worked example on this page (1 mark, Paper 1), the marks are: A1: 1/2 (confirms degree mode).
Questions that need this technique link back to this guide. Try one in practice mode, or see every GDC guide.