TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator For Dummies
Overview
You and your trusty TI-84+ can ace math, together
Graphing calculators are an essential tool in many high school and college math courses. TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator For Dummies teaches you how to use these handy little machines with confidence, for basic math and far, far beyond. Packed with insider tips, common mistakes to avoid, and updates on the newest products available, this is the must-have reference to get the most out of your graphing calculator. You’ll learn how to navigate the home screen, menus, and mode settings. And we’ll teach you how to use your calculator to, uh, do math—starting with basic arithmetic functions and stepping up through matrices, complex numbers, and beyond. You can even learn about probability and how to conduct statistical data analysis with your TI-84+. Get graphing!
- Grasp the basics of using your TI-84+ graphing calculator
- Learn how to use shortcut menus to enter fractions, matrices and logarithms (with a change of base!)
- Figure out how to make charts, scatter plots, and more
- Get started programming in Python on the new TI-84 Plus CE Python Edition
- If you have the older TI-84+, look for tips that point out keystroke and functionality differences
This edition of TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator For Dummies lets you do everything there is to do with the very latest TI-84+ models. Whatever kind of math you’re doing, you’ll get some quality screen time in, thanks to Dummies.
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About The Author
Jeff McCalla teaches Algebra II and is the Test Prep Coordinator at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, Tennessee. As a regional instructor for Texas Instruments, Jeff has presented sessions at conferences all over the country. In 2009, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching.
Sample Chapters
ti-84 plus ce graphing calculator for dummies
CHEAT SHEET
The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is one of the most popular calculators in the world. Find out the important keystrokes you need to know to use the TI-84 Plus, and learn the math functions and constants that the TI-84 Plus CE makes available to you.Get to know the basics of graphing on your TI-84 Plus CE, as well as how to use the calculator’s zoom commands and special menus.
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Graphing Calculators
Even the best calculating machine is only as good as its input. This list identifies ten common errors made when using the TI-84 Plus calculator. Wouldn’t it be great to avoid some of the common errors that normally plague students who are using calculators?Using [–] instead of [(-)] to indicate that a number is negative.
Following is a list of ten common error messages the TI-84 Plus calculator may give you. When you get an error, pay close attention to the error message screen. Your calculator displays a descriptive note on the error screen that helps you determine the cause of the error.
ARGUMENT
You usually get this message when you are using a function housed in one of the menus on the calculator.
The Ti-84 Plus calculator can handle three decision commands (If, If . . . Then . . . End, and If . . . Then . . . Else . . . End). Here is how to use these commands in a program.The If commandThe structure of the If command appears in the first screen. If the condition following the If command is true, the program executes the command following the If statement (Command 1) and then moves on to the next command in the program (Command 2).
Graphing Calculators
Many of the Math menu functions on the TI-84 Plus calculator have a hidden Help feature available at the press of a single key! To access the Catalog Help from the Math menu, follow these steps:
Press [MATH].
Use the following keys to select the appropriate submenu of the Math menu:
Use the following keys to place the cursor on the function you want to use:
Here, the cursor is in front of the fMin function from the MATH submenu.
Graphing Calculators
Before you start using the TVM Solver on your TI-84 Plus calculator, you need to know a few of the basics. Here is a list of TVM variables:
N: Total number of payments. An easy way to calculate this is to multiply the P/Y times the number of years.
I%: Annual interest rate. Always enter this rate as a percentage!
Graphing Calculators
With the TI-84 Plus C calculator, you can change the color as well as the graph style of functions on the TI-84 Plus. In this program, the GraphStyle(function#,graph style#) command is used to change the attributes of a function. Entering a function number of 2 changes the graph style of function Y2.There are eight different graph styles: 1=thin, 2=thick, 3=above, 4=below, 5=path, 6=animate, 7=dot-thick, 8=dot-thin.
Graphing Calculators
The functions housed in the Angle menu on your TI-84 Plus calculator enable you to convert between degrees and radians or convert between rectangular and polar coordinates. To convert degrees to radians, follow these steps:
Put the calculator in Radian mode.
Press [MODE], use the arrow keys to highlight RADIAN, and then press [ENTER].
Graphing Calculators
The functions available in the TI-84 Plus calculator's Angle menu enable you to convert between decimal degrees and DMS (degrees, minutes, and seconds). You can also override the angle setting in the Mode menu of the calculator when you use these functions.
To convert decimal degrees to DMS (degrees, minutes, and seconds), follow these steps:
Put the calculator in Degree mode.
Graphing Calculators
Once you have entered your statistical data in a data list on your TI-84 Plus calculator, you can call the list up again when you want to use or change it.
Copying data from one list to another:
After you enter data into the Stat List editor, that data is automatically stored in the memory of the calculator under the list name that appears as the column heading for that list.
Graphing Calculators
The programming language used by the TI-84 Plus calculator is similar to the Basic programming language. It uses the standard commands (such as the “If …, then …, else …” command) that are familiar to anyone who has ever written a program. And, of course, it also makes use of commands that are unique to the calculator (such as ClrHome, which clears the Home screen).
Graphing Calculators
When the equation you’re solving on your TI-84 Plus calculator has multiple solutions, it’s sometimes helpful to redefine the bound variable. Trigonometric functions are notorious for having infinite number of solutions. Often, a question will ask for the solutions within a certain interval. Adjusting the bound variable at the bottom of the screen ensures that you will only find solutions that are in the interval defined by the bound variable.
Graphing Calculators
There are major differences between RAM and archive memory on your TI-84 Plus. RAM memory stores computations, lists, variables, data, and programs that are not archived. Archive memory stores apps, groups, pics, images, and programs or other variables that have been archived.
Here is what you need to keep in mind: Storing items in RAM memory is a risky proposition.
Graphing Calculators
When using the TI-84 Plus calculator, especially when you first start using it, you are going to make errors or press the wrong keys. The TI-84 Plus calculator offers four ways to edit an entry:
Deleting the entire entry:
Use the
to place the cursor anywhere in the entry and then press [CLEAR] to delete the entry.
Graphing Calculators
Arithmetic expressions are evaluated on the TI-84 Plus Home screen. The Home screen is the screen you see when you turn the calculator on. If the Home screen is not already displayed on the calculator, press [2nd][MODE] to display it. If you want to clear the contents of the Home screen, repeatedly press C until the screen is empty.
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to evaluate a definite integral, which gives the area between the curve and the x-axis. For example, if f(x) is positive for
also gives the area between the curve and the x-axis for
To evaluate the definite integral, perform the following steps:
Graph the function f(x) in a viewing window that contains the Lower Limit a and the Upper Limit b.
Graphing Calculators
Quite a few operations are unique to matrices. All the matrix-specific operations on the TI-84 Plus calculator are found by accessing the MATRX MATH Operations menu (see the first two screens). You access this menu by pressing
The determinant is used to perform all kinds of matrix operations, so the determinant is a good place to start.
Graphing Calculators
It’s quite easy to have a program call and execute another program saved on your TI-84 Plus calculator, and then return to the original program to complete its execution of that program. One command accomplishes the processes of calling, executing, and returning: the prgm command (accessed by pressing [PRGM][ALPHA][x–1]).
Graphing Calculators
In MathPrint mode on your TI-84 Plus calculator, exponents actually look like exponents! There are two ways to square a number. One way is to type a number and press [x2]. The advantage of using this technique is your cursor stays on the base of the Entry line (see the first screen).
Another way of squaring a number is to type a number and press [^][2] to put the number to the second power.
Graphing Calculators
Some equations can have more than one solution. You can easily find multiple solutions on your TI-84 Plus. If you’re dealing with an absolute value equation or an equation with a degree larger than one, there’s a good chance the equation will have multiple solutions.
Using the Equation Solver, you can employ one of two techniques to find multiple solutions to equations.
Graphing Calculators
You can find the slope of a curve with the TI-84 Plus calculator, even though it is not equipped to find the derivative of a function. For example, it can't tell you that the derivative of x2 is 2x. But the calculator is equipped with a numerical routine that evaluates the derivative at a specified value of x.
The TI-84 Plus calculator has a variety of features that help you easily format the graph of a function. Set the graph format settings by following these steps:
Press [2nd][ZOOM] to access the Format menu.
See the first screen. Alternatively, access the Format menu from the Mode menu; press [MODE], and then highlight YES on the line that says, GO TO 2ND FORMAT GRAPH.
Sometimes, on the TI-84 Plus you get the ERROR: ARCHIVE FULL error message in spite of the fact that you seem to have plenty of memory available. What gives?
If you have just made major changes, like deleting apps, your calculator is not able to use all the available memory until it reorganizes the files. This reorganization has a funny name — garbage collecting.
Graphing Calculators
An infinite geometric series has a sum if–1 r
Use the infinite geometric sequence:
Here are the steps to graph the partial sums of an infinite series:
Press [2nd][ZOOM], highlight TIME, and press [ENTER].
Press [Y=] to access the Y= editor.
Enter a value for nMin.
nMin is the value where n starts counting.
Graphing Calculators
In calculus, you need to graph the derivative of a function in order to find its critical points, which you can do on your TI-84 Plus calculator. Just follow these steps:
Enter your functions in the Y= editor.
Use the arrow keys to place your cursor in an open equation in the Y= editor.
Press [MATH][8] to access the nDeriv template.
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
Because programs display their output on the TI-84 Plus Home screen, it is a good idea to have your program clear the Home screen before the output is displayed. This is done by inserting the ClrHome I/O command in the program before the commands used to display the output, as in the program in the first screen here.
Graphing Calculators
If you’re graphing several functions on your TI-84 Plus calculator at once, your calculator automatically graphs each function in a different color. If you have the TI-84 Plus C, you may want to change the colors more to your liking or further distinguish your functions by choosing a different graph style. To do this, follow these steps:
Press [Y=] to access the Y= editor.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus calculator can perform one- and two-variable statistical data analysis. For one-variable data analysis, the statistical data variable is denoted by x. For two-variable data analysis, the data variable for the first data list is denoted by x and the data variable for the second data list is denoted by y.
Graphing Calculators
Did you know that your TI-84 Plus calculator can solve equations that have more than one variable? The trick is that you must assign values to all the variables except the one that you’re solving for. For example, here is a classic math question:
Find the equation of the line (in slope-intercept form) that goes through the point (–3, –4) and has a slope of 1/4.
Graphing Calculators
With the TI-84 Plus C calculator, you can change the color of the text displayed on graphs. In this program, the TextColor(color#) command can be used to set the color of the text prior to using the Text command.
Use the color number (10=Blue, 11=Red, 12=Black, 13=Magenta, 14=Green, 15=Orange, 16=Brown, 17=Navy, 18=LtBlue, 19=Yellow, 20=White, 21=LtGray, 22=MedGray, 23=Gray, and 24=DarkGray) or press [VARS] and the left-arrow key to access the Vars COLOR menu and make a color selection, to insert the argument of the TextColor command.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus C uses a Li–ion battery, similar to the one in your cellphone, which holds a charge for up to two weeks. Texas Instruments (TI) recommends charging your battery for at least four hours for peak performance. On the right side of your calculator, an LED light lights up during the recharging process.
Graphing Calculators
Sometimes functions are composed together. This may look like, f(g(x)). Function composition is really just substituting one function into another function. Fortunately, you can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to accomplish this task.
Using your graph to compose functions
If you want a graphical representation of function composition, follow these steps:
Enter your functions in the Y= editor.
You can use the cable that came with your TI-84 Plus calculator to connect your calculator to your computer. The USB computer cable that came with your calculator is a USB-to-mini-USB cable.
Because the ends of this cable are of different sizes, it’s easy to figure out how to connect your calculator to your computer; the small end fits in the right slot on the top of your calculator and the other end plugs into one of your computer’s USB ports.
Graphing Calculators
The most common plots used to graph one-variable data are histograms and box plots. In a histogram, the data is grouped into classes of equal size; a bar in the histogram represents one class. The height of the bar represents the quantity of data contained in that class. To construct a histogram of your data on your TI-84 Plus, follow these steps:
Enter your data in the calculator.
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to construct a box plot for your data. Press [2nd][Y=][2] to access Plot2. Follow Steps 1 through 9 for constructing a histogram. In Step 5, select the Box Plot symbol, which looks a bit like a battery turned on its side; see the first screen. If you adjust the viewing window, you can display a histogram and a box plot in the same viewing window (as shown in the second screen).
The Menu command on the TI-84 Plus calculator is a glorified Goto command. It enables the program user to select an item from a menu, and then have the program execute the commands that are specific to that item.
After executing the commands that are specific to the chosen item, the program can terminate, return to the menu so the user can make another selection, or continue by executing the commands in the program that appear after the commands that are specific to the chosen menu item.
Graphing Calculators
When you are working with statistical data on your TI-84 Plus calculator, sooner or later, you’ll have to remove or modify the data that you’ve placed in a data list. The following descriptions show you how to do so:
Deleting a data list from the memory of the calculator:
You can permanently remove a data list from the memory of the calculator.
Graphing Calculators
After you’ve entered functions in the Y= editor of your TI-84 Plus calculator, you can have the calculator create a table of functional values. The table values are automatically color-coded to match the color of the functions on the graph. There are two kinds of tables you can create: an automatically generated table and a user-generated table.
Graphing Calculators
Many end-of-course exams require that calculators be put in "exam" mode. On the TI-84 Plus C (or any of the TI-83 or TI-84 families of calculators), the best way to accomplish this is by using the TI-TestGuard app. The name of the app has changed (it used to be called Press-to-Test), and the functionality has improved.
Graphing Calculators
The big idea of inverse function is that x and y switch places. Your TI-84 Plus calculator has a built-in feature that enables you to "draw" the inverse of a function. Essentially, the calculator is "graphing" (not drawing) the inverse of the function.
However, unlike a graph, you can’t perform a trace or any other type of function evaluation on the drawn inverse.
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
Before you can graph a function on your TI-84 Plus calculator, you must enter it into the calculator. The calculator can handle up to ten functions at once, Y1 through Y9 and Y0. To enter functions in the calculator, perform the following steps:
Press [MODE] and put the calculator in Function mode.
To highlight an item in the Mode menu, use the
keys to place the cursor on the item and then press [ENTER].
Graphing Calculators
You can use the X= editor in your TI-84 Plus calculator to define some equalities and inequalities. Equalities and inequalities of the following form are defined in the X= editor the same way inequalities are defined in the Y= editor:
To access the X= editor, follow these steps:
If you are not currently in the Y= editor, press [Y=] to get there.
Graphing Calculators
The Inequality Graphing app on your TI-84 Plus calculator can graph functions and inequalities that are defined in the Y= editor. Follow these steps to define a function or inequality of the form
Press [Y=] to access the Y= editor.
To erase any unwanted functions or inequalities from the Y= editor, use the arrow keys to place the cursor after the equality or inequality symbol in the definition of the unwanted function or inequality and press [CLEAR].
Graphing Calculators
You can enter and then graph parametric equations in your TI-84 Plus calculator. Parametric equations are used in Pre-calculus and Physics classes as a convenient way to define x and y in terms of a third variable, T. If you are familiar with the graphing function on your TI-84 calculator, then parametric equations shouldn’t be too much of a challenge for you.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator enables you to enter and graph polar equations. A polar coordinate system is used in Pre-calculus class as yet another way to define a point.
Changing the mode on your TI-84
You can’t begin graphing polar equations until you change the mode of your calculator. Follow these steps to change the mode of your calculator:
Press [MODE] and put the calculator in Polar mode.
Graphing Calculators
Sequences make interesting graphs! You need to learn how to set the mode and select the color before entering a sequence in your TI-84 Plus calculator. Then, you can have the fun of graphing a sequence.
Changing the mode
You can’t begin graphing sequences until you change the mode of your calculator. Follow these steps to change the mode of your calculator:
Press [MODE] and put the calculator in SEQ mode.
Graphing Calculators
What you use to enter statistical data into the TI-84 Plus calculator is the Stat List editor — a relatively large spreadsheet that can accommodate up to 20 columns (data lists). And each data list (column) can handle a maximum of 999 entries.
To use stat lists to enter your data into the calculator, follow these steps:
Press [STAT] to access the Stat EDIT menu.
Graphing Calculators
You can enter and store matrices on your TI-84 Plus calculator. A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns. The dimensions, r x c, of a matrix are defined by the number of rows and columns in the matrix. The individual elements in a matrix are called elements.
Entering matrices
Using the hidden MTRX shortcut menu is the preferred method of entering matrices (the easy way).
Graphing Calculators
Did you know you can type an exclamation point on your TI-84 Plus calculator? Mathematically, the exclamation point is called a factorial. Usually students learn about factorials in pre-algebra and then forget what they are by the time they need to use factorials to solve tough probability problems. Here is a quick refresher on factorials.
Graphing Calculators
You can use the TI-84 Plus calculator to find accurate points of intersection for two graphs. Using the arrow keys in a graph activates a free-moving trace. However, using a free-moving trace rarely locates the point of intersection of two graphs but instead gives you an approximation of that point.
To accurately find the coordinates of the point where two functions intersect, perform the following steps:
Graph the functions in a viewing window that contains the point of intersection of the functions.
Graphing Calculators
You can find the standard deviation of a data set in two ways with your TI-84 Graphing Calculator. First, have a look at the long lists to calculate the standard deviation from scratch on the TI-84 Graphing Calculator. Then see how to quickly find the standard deviation using one-variable stats. To help your understanding of standard deviation, this video explains what the abbreviations mean and where you can access these variables in your TI-84 Graphing Calculator.
Graphing Calculators
Finding the maximum or minimum point on a graph on your TI-84 Plus calculator has many useful applications. For example, the maximum point on the graph of a profit function tells you not only the maximum profit (the y-coordinate), but also how many items (the x-coordinate) the company must manufacture to achieve this profit.
Graphing Calculators
The Pt of Intersection-Trace option on your TI-84 Plus is used to find the points of intersection appearing on the graph screen. When the calculator finds such a point, you can store the x- and y-coordinates of that point in the calculator. This is quite handy when solving linear programming problems. To find and store the points of intersection in an inequality graph, follow these steps:
Press [ALPHA][ZOOM] or [ALPHA][TRACE] to select the Pt of Intersection-Trace option.
Graphing Calculators
If you want to substitute a value in a function, you could accomplish this task by using paper and a pencil. However, wouldn’t it be easier to use your on your TI-84 Plus calculator to find the value of a function? There are a few different ways to accomplish this task.
The TI-84 Plus C displays functions and information in the border of the graph screen.
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to find the zeroes of a function. The zeros of the function y = f(x) are the solutions to the equation f(x) = 0. Because y = 0 at these solutions, these zeros (solutions) are really just the x-coordinates of the x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x). (An x-intercept is a point where the graph crosses or touches the x-axis.
Graphing Calculators
Your TI-84 Plus calculator has a massive amount of digits arranged in a list, called a random number table, that it uses to generate random numbers.
Generating random integers
To generate random integer, follow these steps:
To activate the randInt Wizard from the Math PROB menu, press
If you are using a TI-84 Plus, there is no wizard for the randint command.
Graphing Calculators
After you have entered functions into the TI-84 Plus calculator and formatted your graph, you’re almost ready to start your graphing fun. Once you get the hang of graphing, you won’t need to go through all these steps.
Turning off Stat Plots (if necessary)
The top line in the Y= editor tells you the graphing status of the Stat Plots.
Graphing Calculators
As with functions on your TI-84 Plus calculator, if the inequality sign in the definition of the inequality is highlighted, then that inequality will be graphed; if it isn’t highlighted, it won’t be graphed. The first screen shows that the first two inequalities will be graphed, but the third won’t. To change the highlighted status of an inequality sign, place the cursor on that sign and press [ENTER].
Graphing Calculators
Your TI-84 Plus calculator was not made to graph inequalities on a number line, but it can be used to accomplish that task. The reason your calculator is able to perform a task that it was not designed for is the Boolean logic your calculator uses to evaluate statements.
You may remember that your calculator uses truth values: 1 = True and 0 = False.
Graphing Calculators
Anything that can be graphed in Function mode on the TI-84 Plus an also be graphed as a set of parametric equations. Using parametric equations enables you to investigate horizontal distance, x, and vertical distance, y, with respect to time, T. This adds a new dimension to your graph!
Setting the window
Setting the window in Parametric mode is a crucial step in graphing parametric equations.
Graphing Calculators
A piecewise function is actually made up of “pieces” of different functions. Each function “piece” is defined over a certain interval. Using your TI-84 Plus calculator to graph piecewise functions can be a bit tricky, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.
Your calculator evaluates statements and produces one of two possible truth values: 1 = True and 0 = False.
Graphing Calculators
After you have set the window and entered the polar equation, graphing the equations on your TI-84 Plus is easy. Before you press [GRAPH], make sure you watch the direction as your graph is created. If your θstep is small enough, you should be able to see the graph develop.
Press [GRAPH].
Using Zoom to change the window
If the graphing window is not to your liking, you can use any of the Zoom commands.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus calculator has built-in features especially designed for graphing trigonometric functions. They produce graphs that look like graphs you see in textbooks, and when you trace these graphs, the x-coordinate of the tracing point is always given as a fractional multiple of π. To use these features when graphing trigonometric functions, follow these steps:
Put the calculator in Function and Radian mode.
Graphing Calculators
If you want to see how one sequence affects another sequence, you can graph a phase plot on your TI-84 Plus calculator to represent the data.
Enter two sequences that represent the population of rabbits and foxes. Of course, the population of predators is related to the population of its prey.
In the sequence for rabbits: u(n) = u(n–1)*(1.
Graphing Calculators
You can use the TI-84 Plus calculator to graph a recursive sequence and to graph the much more difficult Fibonacci sequence, one of the most famous sequences in mathematics.
Graphing a recursive sequence
In order to contrast explicit and recursive sequences, in this example, use the same arithmetic sequence: 2, 5, 8, .
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus to graph residual plots. A residual plot shows the residuals on the vertical axis and the independent variable on the horizontal axis.
What are residuals? Residuals are a sum of deviations from the regression line. Because a linear regression is not always the best choice, residuals help you figure out if your regression model is a good fit for your data.
Graphing Calculators
Web plots are a really interesting representation of the behavior of a recursive sequence, and you can use the TI-84 Plus to graph web plots. Web plots actually look a little like spider webs. Following are a few ground rules when working with web plots:
Sequence must be recursive: The sequence is required to have one level of recursion u(n–1); using u(n–2) is not allowed.
Graphing Calculators
With the TVM Solver, you can graph an amortization table on your TI-84 Plus calculator. An amortization schedule shows the amount of interest and principal for each periodic payment made over the life of a loan. An amortization schedule doesn’t usually fit on one page. Wouldn’t it be great to see a visual snapshot of a loan amortization showing the remaining balance for each period of the loan?
Graphing Calculators
You can group variables residing in RAM memory and store the group in archive memory of your TI-84 Plus for safekeeping. Then, if the RAM on your calculator is cleared, you can ungroup the variables and they will be restored in their original state. It's a great idea to group the programs stored in the RAM of your calculator.
Graphing Calculators
You can’t rename a data list on your TI-84 Plus calculator, so if you want to have a nifty name for your list, it is best to insert a list before you start entering your data. To insert a data list in the Stat List editor, follow these steps:
If necessary, press [STAT][ENTER] to enter the Stat List editor.
Use the arrow keys to place the cursor on the column heading where you want your list to appear.
Graphing Calculators
Calculators are linked using the unit-to-unit link cable that came with the TI-84 Plus calculator. If you are no longer in possession of the cable, you can purchase one through the Texas Instruments online store.
The unit-to-unit link cable has an I/O plug on each end. This cable can be used to link a TI-83 to a TI-84.
Graphing Calculators
The most common plots used to graph two-variable data sets are the scatter plot and the xy-line plot. You can create both of these on the TI-84 Plus calculator.
The scatter plot plots the points (x, y), where x is a value from one data list (Xlist) and y is the corresponding value from the other data list (Ylist).
There are many options when it comes to resetting your TI-84 Plus calculator. To access the RAM ARCHIVE ALL menu, press [2nd][+][7]. Use the left- and right-arrow keys to navigate the three drop-down menus. There are two choices on the RAM menu, as shown in the first screen:
Defaults: Restores the default factory settings to all system variables, including the mode settings.
Graphing Calculators
On the TI-84 Plus calculator, it's difficult to get a nice viewing window for your sequence on your first attempt. Understanding the basics of sequence notation should help. Here are the variables used in the window of a sequence graph:
nMin: Where n starts counting. 1 is the default value.
nMax: Where n stops counting.
Graphing Calculators
Before graphing a polar graph, you need to set the window of your TI-84 Plus calculator. If your graph seems incomplete, it is probably due to the way you set your window variables. The variables that tend to cause problems are θmin, θmax, and θstep.
The range given in this problem is
It is easy to see that θmin=0 and θmax=2π.
Graphing Calculators
When a graph is displayed on your TI-84 Plus calculator, three options appear at the bottom of the screen. The Shades option redraws the graph shading only at the union or intersection of the regions.
The graph in the third picture in the following figure is pretty cluttered, as is the case with most graphs of more than two inequalities.
Graphing Calculators
Linear programming is a method for finding the maximum or minimum value of a multivariable function that is constrained by a system of inequalities. The following example should help you understand this rather technical definition of linear programming.
A chocolate company sells real and imitation chocolate chips to a local cookie factory.
Graphing Calculators
Matrices are the perfect tool for solving systems of equations (the larger the better). Fortunately, you can work with matrices on your TI-84 Plus. All you need to do is decide which method you want to use.
A–1*B method of solving a system of equations
What do the A and B represent? The letters A and B are capitalized because they refer to matrices.
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to sort data lists and solve a typical standardized test question. Put the following set of numbers in order from least to greatest:
To sort a data list, follow these steps:
Press [STAT][ENTER] and enter the data in L1.
See the first screen. Notice, after entering the first number and pressing [ENTER], your calculator evaluates the square root and displays its approximate value, –1.
Graphing Calculators
The Inequality app on your TI-84 Plus calculator is a powerful mathematics tool. To start the Inequality app, press [APPS]. See the first screen. Then, press [ALPHA][x2] if necessary, use the down-arrow key to move the cursor to the Inequalz app, and press [ENTER] to select the app.
In the list of apps, this app is titled, Inequalz.
Graphing Calculators
To stop a program on your TI-84 Plus calculator while it is executing, press [ON]. You are then confronted with the ERROR: BREAK error message that gives you the option to QUIT the execution of the program.
The control command Stop is added to a program when you want to terminate the program before it reaches the end.
Graphing Calculators
When you start Inequality Graphing on the TI-84 Plus for the first time, the app creates two lists, INEQX and INEQY, to house the x- and y-coordinates of data points that you store in the calculator. When you exit Inequality Graphing, these data lists are not deleted from the calculator.
So when you start the app again at a later time, any data previously stored in these lists will still be there, provided that you didn’t delete the lists from the memory of the calculator.
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
Before tracing a statistical data plot on your TI-84 Plus , press [2nd][ZOOM] and, if necessary, highlight CoordOn in the second line of the Format menu and ExprOn in the last line. This enables you to see the name of the data set being traced and the location of the cursor. To highlight an entry, use the
keys to place the cursor on the entry and press [ENTER].
After you graph a function on your TI-84 Plus calculator, you can press [TRACE] and use the right-arrow and left-arrow keys to more closely investigate the function.
If you use only the
keys (called a free-moving trace) instead of [TRACE] to locate a point on a graph, all you will get is an approximation of the location of that point; you rarely get an actual point on the graph.
Graphing Calculators
You can transfer files between any of the TI-84 Plus C, TI-84 Plus, and TI-83 families of calculators. After connecting two calculators, you can transfer files from one calculator (the sending calculator) to another (the receiving calculator).
TI-84 Plus C calculator files are usually, but not always, compatible with the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 families of calculators.
Graphing Calculators
TI Connect software can be used to transfer files between a computer and your TI-84 Plus calculator. The directions for sending files from or to a calculator are a bit different.
Using Device Explorer to transfer files from calculator to computer
After you’ve connected the calculator to your computer, the TI Device Explorer program housed in TI Connect can transfer files between the two devices.
Graphing Calculators
Besides transferring files between two TI-84 calculators, you can use the sending and/or receiving calculator to transfer the same files to a third calculator, usually without having to reselect the files.
(If the initial transfer consisted of files selected from the All– submenu of the Link SEND menu, then you will have to reselect the files.
Graphing Calculators
You can use formulas to enter statistical data on the TI-84 Plus calculator. The figure illustrates how you would place the sequence 10, 20, . . ., 200 in list L1. The formula used in this example is simply x. The initial and terminal values of x are naturally 10 and 200, respectively. And, as you may guess, x is incremented by 10.
Graphing Calculators
Do you think you could come up with a better line of best fit than your TI-84 Plus calculator did with its regression line? Go ahead and try! Manual Linear Fit enables you to visually find a line of best fit of the form Y=mX+b. Here are the steps for using Manual Linear Fit:
Press [Y=] and deselect any functions that would graph by pressing [ENTER] on the corresponding equal sign.
Graphing Calculators
The Home screen on the TI-84 Plus calculator offers a few statistics commands with which you might want to familiarize yourself. To access the Stat List MATH menu, as shown in the first screen , press
For example, you can quickly calculate the mean of a short list of numbers. On a Home screen, press
to insert the mean( command.
Graphing Calculators
Once you have TI Connect software up and running, you can use the USB computer cable that came with your TI-84 Plus calculator to connect the calculator to the computer. Click on the Device Explorer icon in the TI Connect software as shown in the first window.
The Device Explorer window can be used to drag and drop images from your computer to your calculator, or vice versa.
Graphing Calculators
The Disp and Output commands on the TI-84 Plus calculator are used to get a program to display text on the Home screen. Because each line of the Home screen can accommodate up to 26 characters, the wise programmer will limit all text items to no more than 26 characters. A space counts as one character.
The first screen shows an example of a program that displays the text “PRESS THE ENTER KEY TO CONTINUE” in two ways.
Graphing Calculators
In math class, you may be asked to expand binomials, and your TI-84 Plus calculator can help. This isn’t too bad if the binomial is (2x+1)2 = (2x+1)(2x+1) = 4x2 + 4x + 1. That's easy. What if you were asked to find the fourth term in the binomial expansion of (2x+1)7? Now that is more difficult.
The general term of a binomial expansion of (a+b)n is given by the formula: (nCr)(a)n-r(b)r.
Graphing Calculators
Your TI-84 Plus calculator has a CMPLX menu of functions designed to accomplish just about any task you need to when working with complex numbers.
The functions most often used with complex numbers are all located in one convenient location on your calculator. To access the CMPLX menu, press
Finding the conjugate of a complex number
Finding the conjugate of a complex number is so easy that you probably don’t need a calculator for the task.
Graphing Calculators
If you have TI-84 Plus calculator files that would be hard to replace, you need to learn how to use the Backup and Restore tools. If your rechargeable battery loses its charge, you are in real danger of losing the data stored in RAM on your TI-84 Plus. If your friend borrows your calculator and accidentally deletes all memory, how can you get your data back?
Graphing Calculators
Did you know that most standardized tests allow you to use your TI-84 Plus C? If you know how to use your calculator then you have a nice advantage over other students who are taking the test. Here you will find some problems that are typical of the type you will see when you take a standardized test. Practice these problem solving techniques on your TI-84 Plus C so that you will be better prepared to take a standardized test.
Graphing Calculators
There are multiple ways to use the TI-84 Plus calculator to solve equations. The Solve function is difficult to locate, but relatively painless to use. Unfortunately, the Solve function can only be found in the catalog. Press [2nd][O] to access the catalog.
Alpha-lock is automatically on while viewing the catalog (as indicated by the flashing A in the cursor.
Graphing Calculators
The often overlooked Test menu on the TI-84 Plus enables you to use your calculator in creative ways to solve problems. Do you want to do better on your next standardized test? Some of these tips just might help your score.
Understanding Boolean logic
Have you ever wondered how your calculator “thinks"? Your calculator employs Boolean logic and prefers to work with the integers 1 and 0.
Graphing Calculators
After you have used your TI-84 Plus to graph your functions and create a table of functional values, you can view the graph and the table on the same screen. To do so, follow these steps:
Press [MODE].
Put the calculator in Graph-Table mode.
To do so, use the arrow keys to place the cursor on Graph-Table in the ninth line of the Mode menu, and then press [ENTER] to highlight it.
Graphing Calculators
Sometimes, it is helpful to take a numeric view of the sequence you want to graph. Press [2nd][GRAPH] to view the table as shown in the first screen.
Negative values of n will display an error in the table. Press [2nd][WINDOW] and change the TblStart to 1 to avoid displaying errors.
Another option is to show a split screen with a graph and a table.
Graphing Calculators
Scientific notation on a TI-84 Plus calculator looks a little different than what you’re used to seeing in class. For example, 2.53*1012 will display as 2.53E12. You can enter an expression in scientific notation by pressing [2nd][,] to type an E, but entering an expression in scientific notation doesn’t guarantee that your answer will remain in scientific notation.
Graphing Calculators
Fortunately, your TI-84 Plus calculator knows how to handle complex numbers. Complex numbers are of the form a + bi, where a is the real part and b is the imaginary part.
Early on in your math journey, you were probably told that you can’t take the square root of a negative number. Then a teacher blew your mind by saying you really can take the square root of a negative number and the result will contain the imaginary number, i.
Graphing Calculators
There’s no fraction key on the TI-84 Plus calculator, per se, but many fraction tools are built into this calculator. For starters, isn’t a fraction just division in disguise? So, pressing / between two numbers creates a fraction.
Setting the mode
Do you prefer fractions or decimals? Would you rather work with an improper fraction or a mixed number?
Many of the changes to the TI-84 Plus are a direct result of feedback received from teachers and students. After all, Texas Instruments is committed to providing the best tools for the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.
What does the C stand for in TI-84 Plus C? Color! Say goodbye to having trouble distinguishing functions when you’re graphing more than one function on the same screen.
The Input and Prompt commands on the TI-84 Plus calculator are used in a program to solicit information from the program user. The Input command asks the user for the value of only one variable and enables the program to briefly describe the variable it is requesting.
The Prompt command asks the user for the value of one or more variables, but doesn't allow for a description of the variable other than its name.
Graphing Calculators
An image is a digital picture that can serve as the background for your graph screen. Inserting an image on the TI-84 Plus is a great backdrop to practice transforming functions.
Some images have been preloaded on your calculator. To insert an image that has been preloaded, follow these steps:
Press [2nd][ZOOM] to access the Format menu.
Graphing Calculators
Hopefully, you have the hang of entering values into the TVM Solver on your TI-84 Plus calculator. It might be a good idea to get a little more practice. In this exercise, you get to see what happens when compound interest is working for you rather than against you.
In this example, use the TVM Solver to answer this question:
You make a new year’s resolution to give up your daily trip to the coffee shop where you spend about $5 a day.
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
You can use your TI-84 Plus calculator to perform matrix arithmetic. When evaluating arithmetic expressions that involve matrices, you usually want to perform the following basic operations: scalar multiplication, addition, subtraction, and multiplication. You might also want to raise a matrix to an integral power.
Graphing Calculators
The order in which the TI-84 Plus calculator performs operations is the standard order that you are used to. Spelled out in detail, here is the order in which the calculator performs operations:
The calculator simplifies all expressions surrounded by parentheses.
The calculator evaluates all functions that are followed by the argument.
Graphing Calculators
You can work permutations and combinations on the TI-84 Plus calculator. A permutation, denoted by nPr, answers the question: “From a set of n different items, how many ways can you select and order (arrange) r of these items?” One thing to keep in mind is that order is important when working with permutations.
Graphing Calculators
Images on a graph screen have another purpose that is now a built-in tool! You can use Quick Plot & Fit Equation on your TI-84 Plus to quickly plot points directly on your graph and perform a regression on the points you so quickly plotted.
Load a background image and set an appropriate graphing window.
To locate Quick Plot & Fit–EQ, press
See the first screen.
Graphing Calculators
You can use the previous answer in the next arithmetic expression you want to evaluate on your TI-84 Plus calculator. If that answer is to appear at the beginning of the arithmetic expression, first key in the operation that is to appear after the answer. The calculator displays Ans followed by the operation.
Then, key in the rest of the arithmetic expression and press [ENTER] to evaluate it.
Regression modeling is the process of finding a function that approximates the relationship between the two variables in two data lists. The table shows the types of regression models the TI-84 Plus calculator can compute.
Types of Regression Models
TI-Command
Model Type
Equation
Med-Med
Median-median
y = ax + b
LinReg(ax+b)
Linear
y = ax + b
QuadReg
Quadratic
y = ax2 + bx + c
CubicReg
Cubic
y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d
QuartReg
Quartic
y = ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx +
e
LinReg(a+bx)
Linear
y = a + bx
LnReg
Logarithmic
y = a + b*ln(x)
ExpReg
Exponential
y = abx
PwrReg
Power
y = axb
Logistic
Logistic
y = c/(1 + a*e-bx)
SinReg
Sinusoidal
y = a*sin(bx + c) + d
To compute a regression model for your two-variable data, follow these steps:
If necessary, turn on Diagnostics and put your calculator in Function mode.
Graphing Calculators
If you want to save your graph as a Graph Database on your TI-84 Plus calculator, when you recall the graph at a later time, the graph remains interactive. This means that you can, for example, trace the graph and resize the viewing window because a Graph Database also saves the Graph Mode, Window, Format, and Y= editor settings.
Graphing Calculators
The Mode menu, which is accessed by pressing [MODE], is the most important menu on the TI-84 Plus calculator; it tells the calculator how you want numbers and graphs to be displayed. The Mode menu for the TI-84 Plus C is pictured in the first screen.
MathPrint mode versus Classic mode on the TI-84 Plus
The first choice on the Mode menu will have a big impact on the way your calculator displays expressions and answers.
Graphing Calculators
There are a number of different ways to solve an equation by graphing on your TI-84 Plus calculator. The basic idea is to set the equation equal to zero, graph it, and find the zeros. This method has a twist.
To solve the equation,
follow these steps:
Set your equation equal to zero.
Subtract 3 and add x to both sides:
Press [Y=] and enter one side of your equation in Y1 and enter the other side of your equation in Y2.
Graphing Calculators
The letters STO may look like texting language, but the TI-84 Plus calculator's STO key is a handy feature to have around. If you plan to use the same number many times when evaluating arithmetic expressions, consider storing that number in a variable.To do so, follow these steps:
If necessary, press [2nd][MODE] to enter the Home screen.
Graphing Calculators
You can make a preset graphing window of your own on your TI-84 Plus calculator. Maybe you (or your teacher) have a favorite setting for a graphing window? For example, a [ZOOM][6] followed by a [ZOOM][5] gets the window that appears in the first screen. This window doesn’t distort circles and it’s large enough to see most functions.
You need two things to enable your TI-84 Plus calculator to communicate with your computer: TI Connect Software and either a USB computer cable or a USB Silver Edition Cable. TI Connect is free, and the cable came bundled with your calculator. If you are no longer in possession of the cable, you can purchase one through the Texas Instruments online store.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus C graphing calculator is one of the most popular calculators in the world. Find out the important keystrokes you need to know to use the TI-84 Plus, and learn the math functions and constants that the TI-84 Plus C makes available to you.Get to know the basics of graphing on your TI-84 Plus C, as well as how to use the calculator’s zoom commands and special menus.
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus C graphing calculator not only helps you make graphs, but its Zoom commands also help you highlight specific areas of a graph, redraw graphs in certain ratios, and otherwise tweak graphs to suit your needs. The following list shows you what each Zoom command does:
ZBox: Draws a box around a portion of the graph and redraws the graph in a viewing window that has the dimensions of the box.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is one of the most popular calculators in the world. Find out the important keystrokes you need to know to use the TI-84 Plus, and learn the math functions and constants that the TI-84 Plus CE makes available to you.Get to know the basics of graphing on your TI-84 Plus CE, as well as how to use the calculator’s zoom commands and special menus.
Graphing Calculators
Starting with the fifth row of the TI-84 Plus calculator, you find the functions commonly used on a scientific calculator. Here’s what they are and how you use them:
π and e
The transcendental numbers π and e are respectively located in the fifth and sixth rows of the last column of the keyboard. To enter π in the calculator, press [2nd][^]; to enter e, press
The trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions
The trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions are located in the fifth row of the keyboard.
The Equation Solver on your TI-84 Plus calculator is a great tool for solving one-variable equations. The Solver is also capable of solving an equation for one variable given the values of the other variables. Keep in mind that the Solver can only produce real-number solutions.
After you have had experience using the Solver, you can refer back to this list, if necessary, to refresh your memory on its use.
Graphing Calculators
Press [MATH] to access the Math MATH submenu on your TI-84 Plus calculator. This submenu contains general mathematical functions you can insert into an expression.
Converting between decimals and fractions on the TI-84 Plus
The Frac function always converts a finite decimal to a fraction. If your calculator can’t convert a decimal to a fraction, it lets you know by redisplaying the decimal.
Graphing Calculators
On the TI-84 Plus calculator, several important items are housed in the Math NUM submenu. To access the Math NUM submenu, you press the following keys:
Finding the absolute value with the TI-84 Plus
The abs template evaluates the absolute value of the number or arithmetic expression. Insert the abs template, type an expression, and press [ENTER].
The row of keys under the TI-84 Plus calculator screen contains the keys you use when graphing. The next three rows, for the most part, contain editing keys, menu keys, and arrow keys. The arrow keys
control the movement of the cursor. The remaining rows contain, among other things, the keys you typically find on a scientific calculator.
Graphing Calculators
You'll use some keystrokes on your TI-84 Plus so often that it will save you time to memorize the keystroke sequences. Most students do this naturally (maybe they are used to memorizing complex cheat codes when playing video games.) Here is a list of the ten most common keystroke sequences that you will use on a TI-84 Plus in a math or science classroom.
Graphing Calculators
Here is a brief review of some of the most important and basic calculator skills you need when you are working on the TI-84 Plus.
Copying and pasting
Save time by copying and pasting expressions on the Home screen. Press the up-arrow key to scroll through your previous calculations. When a previous entry or answer is highlighted, press [ENTER] to paste it into your current entry line.
Graphing Calculators
The Disp and Output commands on the TI-84 Plus are used by a program to display text messages and values. The Disp command is capable of displaying more than one piece of information, and the Output command enables the program to place text or a value, but not both, at a predetermined location on the Home screen.
The Goto command on the TI-84 Plus calculator is used in conjunction with the Lbl (Label) command. The Goto command sends the program to the corresponding Lbl command. The program then executes the commands that follow the Lbl command.
To ensure that the program knows which label (Lbl) to go to, be sure to give the label a one- or two-character name that consists of letters, numbers, or the Greek letter theta.
Graphing Calculators
Using the Equation Solver or the Solve function on your TI-84 Plus calculator works pretty well for linear or quadratic equations. But how can you use your calculator to solve polynomial equations with a degree bigger than two? Enter the PlySmlt2 app. Funny name.
This app is truly multi-dimensional! Ply is short for Polynomial Root Finder.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus calculator can handle three looping commands (While . . . End, Repeat . . . End, and For . . . End). The While . . . End and Repeat . . . End commands are similar, but opposite. They are similar because they have the same structure.
And they are opposite because the While . . . End command executes a block of commands while the specified condition is true, whereas the Repeat .
The TI-84 Plus calculator’s Catalog houses every command and function used by the calculator. However, it’s usually easier to use the keyboard and the menus to access these commands and functions than it is to use the Catalog.
There are several exceptions; for example, the hyperbolic functions are found only in the Catalog.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus calculator can handle three looping commands. The structure of the While . . . End command appears in the first screen. If the condition following the While command is true, the program executes the commands between While and End (Commands 1) and then returns to the While command to see whether the condition following it is still true.
Graphing Calculators
The TI-84 Plus C calculator allows you to change the TraceStep. The TraceStep is the amount the x-value changes each time you press right- or left-arrow keys when tracing a function. The default TraceStep is approximately 0.1515151515. Customizing the TraceStep is easy and can be done by following these steps:
Press [WINDOW] to access the Window editor.
Graphing Calculators
You can only send images from a TI-84 Plus C calculator to another TI-84 Plus C calculator. Images will not display on a TI-84 Plus calculator because of the differences in screen resolution. Here are the steps to transfer images:
On the receiving calculator, press
You see a screen that says Waiting, and in its upper-right corner, a moving dashed line indicates that the receiving calculator is waiting to receive files.
Graphing Calculators
You are going to love using the Trace feature on the TI-84 Plus to evaluate sequences. Remember, you are not tracing x-values as you do in Function mode. Follow these steps to evaluate a sequence at specific n values:
Press [TRACE].
See the first screen. Your trace starts at the smallest n value on the graph. The values of X and Y are displayed in the border at the bottom of your graph screen.
Graphing Calculators
You can use a program to display graphs on your TI-84 Plus calculator. In the program in this example, the PlotsOff command turns off all stat plots and the FnOff command turns off all functions in the Y= editor. The FnOn 1,2 command turns on the first two functions in the Y= editor so that only these two functions are graphed.
Graphing Calculators
If you’re planning to play around with the definition of a function you’re graphing on your TI-84 Plus calculator, it’s quite handy to have both the Y= editor and the graph on the same screen. That way you can edit the definition of your function and see the effect your editing has on your graph. To do so, follow these steps:
Put the calculator in Horizontal mode.
The ZFrac1/2, ZFrac1/3, ZFrac 1/4, ZFrac1/5, ZFrac 1/8, and ZFrac1/10 zoom commands enable you to trace graphs on your TI-84 Plus calculator by fraction steps.
ZFrac1/2 zoom command on the TI-84 Plus: This command graphs your function in a preset viewing window where
It is accessed by pressing [ZOOM][ALPHA][APPS], or by pressing [ZOOM] and using the up-arrow key to scroll to ZFrac1/2.
Graphing Calculators
The ZStandard, ZDecimal, ZTrip, and ZQuadrant1 zoom commands help you initially graph or regraph your function in a preset viewing window. To use these zoom commands, enter your function into the calculator, press [ZOOM], and then press the key for the number of the command. The graph automatically appears.
ZStandard zoom command on the TI-84 Plus
This command graphs your function in a preset viewing window where
You access it by pressing [ZOOM][6].
Graphing Calculators
If you've already graphed a function on your TI-84 Plus calculator, you can use the Zoom In, Zoom Out, and ZBox commands to zoom in or zoom out.
Zoom In and Zoom Out commands on the TI-84 Plus
After the graph is drawn, these commands enable you to zoom in on a portion of the graph or to zoom out from the graph.
Graphing Calculators
The ZoomFit and ZoomStat zoom commands on the TI-84 Plus calculator help you find an appropriate viewing window for the graph of your functions. The ZSquare and ZInteger zoom commands readjust the viewing window of an already graphed function.
ZoomFit zoom command on the TI-84 Plus
This is a really neat Zoom command!
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