Texas instruments TI-NSPIRE CAS Computer Software

CAS Computer Software

Important Information

Except as otherwise expressly stated in the License that accompanies a program, Texas Instruments makes no warranty, either express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding any programs or book materials and makes such materials available solely on an "as-is" basis. In no event shall Texas Instruments be liable to anyone for special, collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the purchase or use of these materials, and the sole and exclusive liability of Texas Instruments, regardless of the form of action, shall not exceed the amount set forth in the license for the program. Moreover, Texas Instruments shall not be liable for any claim of any kind whatsoever against the use of these materials by any other party.

License

Please see the complete license installed in C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CAS.

Microsoft®, Windows®, Excel®,Vernier EasyTemp®, Go!®Temp and Go!®Motion are trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents

Important Information................................................................... ii

License......................................................................................ii

Introduction ............................................................................1

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science... 1

How to use this guidebook............................................................ 1

Getting Started .......................................................................3

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software Home Screen................ 3

Using menus ................................................................................... 4

Menu Options.......................................................................... 4

Using tool bars................................................................................ 8

Tool bar contents .................................................................... 8

The Page Sorter ............................................................................ 10

Using the Work Area.................................................................... 11

Multiple work areas on one page........................................ 11

Creating multiple work areas............................................... 12

Adding an application to a page ......................................... 12

Repositioning (swapping) applications on a page.............. 13

Deleting pages or applications............................................. 13

The TI-Nspire™ Keypad................................................................ 13

Using the TI-Nspire™ keypad............................................... 14

Language Settings........................................................................ 14

Changing the Language: ...................................................... 14

Document Settings....................................................................... 15

Customizing document settings........................................... 16

Applying document settings to the system......................... 17

Using the catalog ......................................................................... 17

Opening the catalog............................................................. 18

Entering special characters or templates.................................... 19

Changing the desktop view.........................................................20

TI-Nspire™ Handheld View................................................... 20

Presentation View................................................................. 21

Working with Documents.....................................................23

Creating a new document ........................................................... 23

Adding an application to a page ......................................... 24

Adding multiple applications to a page.............................. 25

Adding a problem to a document ....................................... 27

Adding a page to a problem................................................ 27

Using the Page Sorter ..................................................................28

Selecting pages in the Page Sorter ...................................... 28

iii

Rearranging pages in the Page Sorter .................................28

Saving documents.........................................................................29

Saving a document with a new name..................................29

Printing documents ......................................................................30

Using Print Preview ...............................................................31

Linking values on pages............................................................... 31

Creating TI-Nspire™ variables ..............................................32

Special considerations for variables ..................................... 34

Checking a variable’s value using the Calculator

application .......................................................................36

Using (linking) TI-Nspire™ variables .................................... 36

Removing a linked variable ..................................................39

Using Calculator ................................................................... 41

Getting started with the Calculator application......................... 41

Before you begin...................................................................47

Entering and evaluating math expressions.................................47

Options for entering expressions .........................................47

Entering simple math expressions........................................47

Controlling the form of a result...........................................48

Inserting items from the Catalog ......................................... 49

Using an expression template...............................................50

Creating matrices...................................................................51

Inserting a row or column into a matrix..............................52

Inserting expressions using a wizard....................................52

Creating a piecewise function..............................................54

Creating a system of equations ............................................54

Deferring evaluation.............................................................55

Working with variables................................................................ 55

Storing a value in a variable.................................................55

Alternative methods for storing a variable .........................56

Checking a variable’s value ...................................................56

Using a variable in a calculation...........................................56

Updating a variable...............................................................57

Types of variables ..................................................................57

Entering multiple statements on the entry line.................. 57

Rules for naming variables....................................................58

Reusing the last answer ........................................................59

Temporarily substituting a value for a variable...................60

Creating user-defined functions and programs..........................60

Defining a single-line function.............................................60

Defining a multiple-line function using templates .............60

Defining a multiple-line function manually ........................62

Defining a program...............................................................63

Recalling a function or program definition.........................64

Editing Calculator expressions..................................................... 64

Positioning the cursor in an expression............................... 64

Inserting into an expression in the entry line ..................... 65

Selecting part of an expression............................................65

Deleting all or part of an expression on the entry line ......65

Financial calculations ................................................................... 65

Using the Finance Solver....................................................... 65

Finance functions included...................................................67

Working with the Calculator history........................................... 67

Viewing the Calculator history............................................. 67

Reusing a previous expression or result............................... 68

Deleting an expression from the history .............................69

Clearing the Calculator history............................................. 69

Using Graphs & Geometry ....................................................71

Getting started with Graphs & Geometry................................... 71

Getting acquainted with Graphs & Geometry .................... 72

The Tool menu.............................................................................. 72

Using the Context menu....................................................... 81

The work area............................................................................... 81

The graphing view ................................................................ 82

The plane geometry view..................................................... 82

The analytic window.............................................................83

To remove the analytic window from the work area......... 84

Creating and manipulating axes.......................................... 87

Moving about the work area ............................................... 89

Turning the grid on or off ....................................................90

Attaching an object to the grid ........................................... 91

The Zoom feature .................................................................91

Checking page contents ....................................................... 94

The entry line................................................................................ 94

Additional Graphs & Geometry features .................................... 96

Keystroke shortcuts............................................................... 96

Using the tab and arrow keys .............................................. 96

Attribute settings.................................................................. 97

Changing the thickness and style of a line/outline............. 99

Locking measured values and points................................. 100

Working with functions............................................................. 101

Using the entry line............................................................. 101

Using the entry line expand button................................... 102

Using the Text tool to enter functions............................... 102

Graphing inequalities .........................................................104

Renaming f(x)...................................................................... 104

Editing functions................................................................. 105

Hiding a function on the work area .................................. 106

Deleting a function ............................................................. 107

Clearing the work area...............................................................107

The Trace tools ............................................................................ 107

Using Graph Trace ...............................................................108

Using Geometry Trace .........................................................109

Using Erase Geometry Trace ...............................................110

Manually manipulating functions .............................................111

Manipulating a linear function ..........................................112

Manipulating a quadratic function.................................... 112

Manipulating a sine or cosine function .............................113

Working with multiple objects at one time..............................114

Selecting multiple objects...................................................114

Deleting multiple selections ...............................................115

Moving multiple selections.................................................115

Drawing and working with points and lines ............................115

Points...........................................................................................116

Creating a point...................................................................116

Creating a point on a specific object..................................116

Defining an intersection point(s)........................................117

Labeling (identifying) a point.............................................117

Naming a point ...................................................................118

Redefining a point...............................................................119

Linear objects..............................................................................120

Creating a line .....................................................................120

Creating a ray ......................................................................120

Creating a line segment......................................................121

Creating a line segment with defined midpoint...............122

Creating a parallel line........................................................123

Creating a perpendicular line.............................................124

Creating a vector .................................................................125

Moving a vector...................................................................126

Resizing a vector..................................................................126

Creating a tangent ..............................................................126

Creating and working with objects (shapes) ............................ 127

Creating a circle...................................................................127

Moving a circle.....................................................................128

Resizing a circle....................................................................128

Creating a triangle .............................................................. 131

Moving a triangle................................................................131

Reshaping a triangle ...........................................................132

Creating a rectangle............................................................132

Creating a polygon..............................................................133

Moving a polygon ...............................................................134

Reshaping a polygon...........................................................134

Creating a regular polygon.................................................135

Transferring Measurements .......................................................136

Transferring a measurement .............................................. 136

Transferring a numerical text entry to an axis ..................137

Transferring a measurement onto a circle......................... 138

Measuring graphs and objects .................................................. 139

Identifying equations for circles and lines......................... 139

Measuring length................................................................ 140

Finding the area of a circular disc, polygon,

rectangle or triangle ..................................................... 142

Finding the perimeter of a circular disc, polygon,

rectangle or triangle ..................................................... 142

Finding the measure of an angle....................................... 143

Defining an angle with three points ................................. 143

Repositioning a measured value........................................ 144

Finding the slope of a line, ray, segment or vector........... 144

Adding text to the work area ............................................ 145

Moving text .........................................................................146

Using the Calculate tool ..................................................... 146

Exploring functions, graphs, and objects.................................. 147

Finding points of interest: zeroes, minima, maxima......... 148

Finding the definite integral of a function ....................... 149

Finding the derivative of a function at a point

(the slope)...................................................................... 150

Transformations.......................................................................... 151

Exploring symmetry ............................................................ 151

Exploring reflection ............................................................ 152

Exploring translation .......................................................... 153

Exploring rotation............................................................... 154

Exploring dilation................................................................ 155

Other investigations................................................................... 157

Bisecting a segment defined on a line............................... 157

Bisecting a segment ............................................................ 158

Bisecting an implied segment ............................................ 159

Bisecting an angle............................................................... 160

Bisecting an implied angle ................................................. 161

Creating a locus................................................................... 162

Animating objects ...................................................................... 164

Animating one point on an object .................................... 164

The animation control panel.............................................. 165

Changing the animation of a point in motion.................. 166

Pausing and resuming animation ...................................... 166

Resetting animation............................................................ 166

Stopping animation ............................................................ 166

Plotting collected data............................................................... 167

Creating a scatter plot ........................................................ 167

vii

Using Lists & Spreadsheet.................................................. 171

Getting started with tables........................................................171

Before you begin.................................................................175

Navigating in a spreadsheet ...............................................175

Inserting a cell range into a formula.................................. 176

Methods of entering data...................................................178

Entering a math expression, text, or spreadsheet

formula...........................................................................179

Working with individual cells ....................................................180

Creating absolute and relative cell references .................. 180

Inserting items from the Catalog .......................................181

Deleting the contents of a cell or block of cells................182

Copying a cell or block of cells ...........................................183

Filling adjacent cells ............................................................184

Sharing a cell value as a variable........................................185

Linking a cell to a variable..................................................185

Preventing name conflicts...................................................186

Working with rows and columns of data..................................187

Selecting a row or column ..................................................187

Resizing a row or column....................................................187

Inserting an empty row or column.....................................188

Deleting entire rows or columns ........................................188

Copying rows or columns.................................................... 189

Moving a column.................................................................190

Sorting data ................................................................................191

Sorting a range of cells in a column...................................191

Sorting a rectangular region ..............................................192

Sorting entire columns........................................................193

Generating columns of data ......................................................194

Creating column values based on another column...........195

Generating a list of random numbers................................196

Generating a numerical sequence......................................196

Creating and sharing spreadsheet data as lists.........................198

Sharing a spreadsheet column as a list variable................ 198

Linking to an existing list variable......................................201

Inserting an element in a list..............................................201

Deleting an element from a list..........................................201

Graphing spreadsheet data........................................................202

Capturing data from Graphs & Geometry................................. 204

Capturing data manually....................................................204

Capturing data automatically............................................. 206

Creating function tables.............................................................207

Showing and Hiding function tables..................................208

Generating a function table ...............................................209

Adding a function table from Graphs & Geometry...........210

viii

Viewing values in a function table .................................... 210

Editing a function ............................................................... 211

Changing the settings for a function table....................... 211

Deleting a column in the function table ........................... 212

Using table data for statistical analysis..................................... 212

Plotting statistical data....................................................... 212

Statistical calculations ................................................................ 214

Performing a statistical calculation.................................... 214

Supported Statistical Calculations...................................... 216

Distributions ...............................................................................220

Calculating distributions.....................................................221

Supported Distribution functions ...................................... 223

Confidence Intervals................................................................... 229

Supported Confidence Intervals......................................... 229

Stat tests...................................................................................... 232

Supported Statistical tests .................................................. 232

Statistics Input Descriptions....................................................... 238

Exchanging data with other computer software..................... 239

Example - copying data from TI DataEditor...................... 240

Example - copying cells from an Excel® spreadsheet ....... 241

Using Data & Statistics .......................................................245

The Tool menu............................................................................ 246

Getting started with Data & Statistics....................................... 251

Creating plots from spreadsheet data ...................................... 251

Plotting data from Lists & Spreadsheet .............................251

Creating a split page with Data & Statistics and

Lists & Spreadsheet........................................................ 254

Plotting the contents of linked variables..................................254

Plot types .................................................................................... 257

Dot plots ..................................................................................... 257

Creating a dot plot.............................................................. 258

Box plots ..................................................................................... 259

Creating a boxplot .............................................................. 259

To change the boxplot from modified to standard.......... 261

Extending Box Plot Whiskers.............................................. 261

Showing Box Plot Outliers.................................................. 263

Histograms.................................................................................. 264

Creating a histogram .......................................................... 264

Adjusting the bins interactively ......................................... 265

Adjusting bins numerically ................................................. 266

To change the scale:............................................................ 269

Plotting a value ................................................................... 269

Removing a plotted value .................................................. 271

Normal probability plots............................................................271

Creating a normal probability plot .................................... 271

Scatter Plots................................................................................. 271

From the Lists & Spreadsheet work area:........................... 272

From the Data & Statistics work area:................................272

X-Y line plots...............................................................................274

Multiple Plots..............................................................................274

Exploring data.............................................................................275

Moving points or bins of data............................................276

Selecting multiple points ....................................................278

Selecting a range of points.................................................280

Changing plot type..............................................................282

Rescaling a graph ................................................................283

Adding a movable line........................................................286

Rotating a movable line...................................................... 287

Showing regression lines.....................................................289

Showing residual squares....................................................291

Using Window/Zoom tools.........................................................292

Graphing Functions ....................................................................294

Graphing multiple functions using the

Plot Function tool ..........................................................294

Entering functions from other applications ...................... 295

Editing a functions ..............................................................298

Using Data & Statistics functions in other applications ....298

Supported function types ...................................................298

Using Show Normal PDF......................................................299

Using Shade Under Function ..............................................300

Using Statistical Tools .................................................................302

Using Notes......................................................................... 303

Getting started with the Notes application..............................303

The Notes tool menu..................................................................304

Before you begin.................................................................305

The Notes work area .................................................................. 305

Notes templates..........................................................................305

Applying a Notes template.................................................306

Using the Q&A Template ....................................................306

Using the Proof Template ...................................................306

Inserting comments ....................................................................307

Formatting Notes text ................................................................308

Selecting text ....................................................................... 308

Applying a text format........................................................308

Inserting geometric shape symbols....................................308

Entering and evaluating expressions.........................................309

Entering an expression........................................................ 309

Evaluating an expression ....................................................309

Working with TI-Nspire™ libraries.....................................311

What is a library?........................................................................ 311

Creating libraries and library objects........................................ 312

Private and Public library objects .............................................. 312

Using short and long names............................................... 313

Using library objects................................................................... 313

Using a public library object............................................... 314

Using a private library object ............................................. 314

Included libraries........................................................................ 314

Programming ......................................................................315

Overview of the Program Editor ............................................... 315

The Program Editor menu ......................................................... 316

Defining a program or function................................................319

Starting a new Program Editor .......................................... 319

Entering lines into a function or program ........................ 320

Inserting comments............................................................. 321

Checking syntax................................................................... 322

Storing the function or program ....................................... 322

Viewing an existing program or function................................. 322

Opening an existing function or program................................ 323

Importing a program from a library ......................................... 324

Creating a copy of a function or program................................ 324

Renaming a program or function ............................................. 325

Changing the library access level .............................................. 325

Finding text................................................................................. 326

Closing the current function or program ................................. 326

Running programs and evaluating functions........................... 326

Using short and long names............................................... 326

Using a Public library function or program ....................... 327

Using a Private library function or program ..................... 327

Running a non-library program or function ..................... 328

Getting values into a program .................................................. 328

Example of passing values to a program........................... 329

Displaying information .............................................................. 330

Using local variables................................................................... 330

Example of a local variable................................................. 330

What causes an undefined variable error message? ........ 331

You must initialize local variables...................................... 331

Performing symbolic calculations....................................... 332

Differences between functions and programs......................... 332

Calling one program from another........................................... 332

Calling a separate program................................................333

Defining and calling an internal subroutine ..................... 333

Notes about using subroutines .......................................... 334

Avoiding circular-definition errors ..................................... 334

Controlling the flow of a function or program........................334

Using If, Lbl, and Goto to control program flow......................335

If Command .........................................................................335

If...Then...EndIf structures...................................................335

If...Then...Else... EndIf structures.........................................336

If...Then...ElseIf... EndIf structures......................................336

Lbl and Goto commands .....................................................336

Using loops to repeat a group of commands ...........................337

For...EndFor loops ................................................................ 337

While...EndWhile loops.......................................................338

Loop...EndLoop loops..........................................................340

Repeating a loop immediately ...........................................341

Lbl and Goto loops ..............................................................341

Changing mode settings ............................................................ 341

Setting a mode ....................................................................341

Debugging programs and handling errors ...............................341

Techniques for debugging..................................................342

Error-handling commands ..................................................342

Data Collection ................................................................... 343

Compatible sensors.....................................................................343

Experimental data ......................................................................343

Starting the Data Collection tool...............................................344

Automatic start mode .........................................................344

Manually starting the Data Collection tool.......................345

Data Collection controls.............................................................346

Running an experiment and collecting data ............................347

Data Collection names................................................................349

Storing collected data ................................................................349

To save temperature data ...................................................349

To save motion data ............................................................349

Retrieving stored experimental results .....................................352

Troubleshooting the Data Collection tool ................................352

Appendix: Service and Support......................................... 355

Texas Instruments Support and Service..................................... 355

For general information......................................................355

Service and warranty information......................................355

Index ................................................................................... 357

xii

Introduction

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science

This guidebook provides information about powerful, advanced software from Texas Instruments: the TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science.

How to use this guidebook

This guidebook is intended to provide instruction for the basic operation of the TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science.

The chapters in this guidebook include: Getting Started - Provides start up information and offers students and

educators an overview of the basic operations of the TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software.

Working with Documents - Provides instruction for creating and working with documents.

Using Calculator- Provides an overview of the Calculator application. Using Graphs & Geometry - Provides an overview of the Graphs &

Geometry application. Using Lists & Spreadsheet- Provides an overview of the Lists &

Spreadsheet application. Using Data & Statistics - Provides instruction for using the Data &

Statistics application to analyze data created in other applications.

Using Notes- Provides an overview of the Notes application. Data Collection - Provides an overview of the Data Collection tool. Using Libraries - Provides instruction for creating and using Libraries. Using Program Editor- Provides instruction for creating and modifying

Programs using the Program Editor. Service and Warranty Information - Includes service and warranty

information and contact information for technical support.

Introduction 1

2 Introduction

Getting Started

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software Home Screen

The TI-Nspireé CAS computer software home screen provides all the tools you need to create documents and work with problems. The example below illustrates the home screen with its main parts labeled. Following the home screen, you can find detailed descriptions of each labeled part.

À Á

À Menu bar - provides tools for working with documents and

modifying system settings.

Á Too l ba r - provides quick access to tools for working with

documents.

Â Page Sorter - provides a thumbnail view of each page in the

document.

Ã Work area - displays a single page in a document.

Getting Started 3

Using menus

Menus provide the options you need to create and edit documents and problems. You can also use these menus to modify system settings.

Menu Options

The following table lists the options available under each menu, what the option does, and a shortcut key or alternate access method, if one exists. As you work with the TI-Nspireé CAS computer software, note that all menu options may not always be available, depending upon what you are doing.

Menu Name

File New

Menu Option Purpose

Document

Open Document

Close Closes the document and

Save Document

Save As Saves the current

Print Prints the current

Change Language

Creates a new document in the work area.

Displays a file browser window to let you select an existing document to open.

prompts you to save.

Saves the document currently in the work area.

document in a new folder and/or under a new name.

document.

Opens a dialog box that allows you to change the language settings.

Shortcut; Alternate

Ctrl + N; tool bar icon

Ctrl + O; tool bar icon

Ctrl + W

Ctrl + S; tool bar icon

Ctrl + P; tool bar icon

Document Settings

4 Getting Started

Opens a dialog box that allows you to modify the document settings and apply them to the entire system, if desired.

Menu Name

Menu Option Purpose

Shortcut; Alternate

Exit Closes all applications and

prompts to save the currently active document.

Edit Undo Removes your latest

action and displays the work area as it was before the action.

Redo Re-applies the latest

action that the Undo command removed.

Cut Removes a selected

portion of information from the work area.

Copy Makes a copy of a

selected portion of the information in the work area.

Paste Inserts information, either

cut or copied, at a designated location in the work area.

Alt + F4

Ctrl + Z; tool icon

Ctrl + Y; tool icon

Ctrl + X; tool bar icon

Ctrl + C; tool bar icon

Ctrl + V; tool bar icon

Delete Removes the selected

Tool Bar icon application from the current page.

Select Application

Selects the application (border is highlighted to

Ctrl + K

indicate that the application is selected)

Swap Application

Swaps the location of the selected application with the current application.

View Layout 8 Enables you to select one

of eight layouts for your page.

Getting Started 5

Application

Tool Bar

Menu Name

Menu Option Purpose

Shortcut; Alternate

TI-Nspireé CAS Handheld View

Presentation View

Displays the work area as it would appear on the handheld.

Removes the Page Sorter from the display and displays pages at full size.

Keypad Displays the TI-Nspire™

keypad

Collapse All Collapses all pages in the

Page Sorter so that only the problems are listed for the open document.

Expand All Expands the problems in

the Page Sorter so that all pages of all problems are listed.

Insert Problem Adds a new problem to

the current document.

Page Adds a new page to the

current problem.

Calculator Adds the Calculator

application to the selected page.

Tool Bar icon

Tool Bar Insert Menu

Graphs & Geometry

Adds the Graphs & Geometry application to

Tool Bar Insert Menu

the selected page.

Lists & Spreadsheet

Adds the Lists & Spreadsheet application

Tool Bar Insert Menu

to the selected page.

Notes Adds the Notes

application to the

Tool Bar Insert Menu

selected page.

6 Getting Started

Menu Name

Menu Option Purpose

Shortcut;

Alternate

Data & Statistics

Adds the Data & Statistics application to the selected page.

Program Editor

Allows you to create, view, open or import a program.

To ol s Variables Displays variables

available for use in the current problem.

Catalog Displays the catalog. Tool Bar icon

Symbols Displays the symbol

palette.

Math Templates

Refresh Libraries

Displays the math templates palette.

Refreshes the list of libraries that have been stored and whose library documents have been saved.

Help TI-Nspireé

CASHelp

Provides online help information for this software.

Tool Bar

Insert Menu

Ctrl + L

Tool Bar icon

Activate... Allows you to activate

your software if you are using a trial copy. This option is only available when using a trial version of the TI-Nspireé CAS computer software.

About Displays information

about the TI-Nspire™ product.

Getting Started 7

Using tool bars

The TI-Nspireé CAS computer software tool bars provide shortcuts to the most frequently used menu options. When you move your cursor slowly over a tool icon, a brief text description of it displays on the screen.

Tool bar contents

The following table lists the tools available on the tool bar. These tools provide document-level operations. As you add applications to pages in your document, you will see that each application has its own tool bar, providing functions unique to that application. Application-specific tools are discussed in each application chapter.

Tool Description Alternate

Access

New Document - Creates a new document. If another document is open, you are asked if you want to save it before starting a new document.

Open Document - Displays a file browser window to let you select an existing document to open.

Save - Saves the document currently active in your work area.

Print - Opens the Print dialog box and enables you to print one or more pages in the open document.

Undo - removes the outcome of your last action.

Redo - re-applies the action undone by the Undo command. Redo is not available unless you first perform an Undo command.

File Menu New Document; Ctrl + N

File Menu Open Document; Ctrl + O

File Menu Save Document; Ctrl + S

File Menu Print; Ctrl + P

Edit Menu Undo; Ctrl + Z

Edit Menu Redo; Ctrl + Y

8 Getting Started

Tool Description Alternate

Access

Cut - removes the selected text or objects on the active page that you want removed.

Copy - makes an exact copy of the selected text or objects on the active page that you want to

Edit Menu Cut; Ctrl + X

Edit Menu Copy; Ctrl + C

replicate.

Paste - pastes the text or objects previously cut or copied onto a selected page.

Edit Menu Paste; Ctrl + V

Delete - removes the selected item. Edit Menu -

Delete page

Page Layout - provides a choice of eight different page layouts.

Insert - allows you to insert a problem space, page, or add

View Menu

- Layout

Insert Menu

applications to the current page.

View a floating handheld keypad the keypad can be used to manipulate objects and perform calculations, in the same way as the handheld keypad.

Variable/Linking - allows you to link a variable to another page in the current problem.

Catalog - allows you to insert command and functions, units, symbols and expression templates.

Symbol Palette - allows you to insert symbols.

Template Palette - allows you to insert expression templates.

Getting Started 9

Tool Description Alternate

Access

Refresh Libraries - updates the list of libraries that have been stored and whose library documents have been saved.

The Page Sorter

The Page Sorter is the area on the left side of the screen. It displays thumbnail views of all pages in the document. Use the Page Sorter to move to different pages in your document, and to quickly move and rearrange pages.

À Page Sorter - displays thumbnail sketches of all pages in all

problems in the current document. Use the scroll bar to view pages off the screen.

Á Active page - this is the page currently highlighted in the

navigation pane and active in the work area.

Â Problem/Page counter - displays the problem number followed by

the page number.

10 Getting Started

Using the Work Area

The work area displays the active page in the document. You can add one or more applications to the page.

Multiple work areas on one page

You can divide each page into as many as four work areas. This allows you to use multiple applications on a page. The example below illustrates a page that has been divided into three work areas.

Getting Started 11

When you have multiple work areas on a page, the tool bar for the application in use displays as the application tool bar.

Creating multiple work areas

1. Click to display the page layout menu.

2. Move the cursor to highlight the layout you wish to add to the page, and click to select it.

The page displays the new layout.

Adding an application to a page

When you first open a new document, or add a new page to a document, you can click the center of the page to display the application menu, and select an application to add to the page.

If you are working with an application on a page, and want to add another one, you must change the page layout to one that accommodates multiple work areas.

À Application tool bar - This area contains the tools and tool menus

specific to the application active on the page.

Á Problem/Page counter - The first value represents the problem

number of your active page, while the second value tells you the page number within the problem. For the example above, the counter reads 1.1, the first page of the first problem in the document.

12 Getting Started

Repositioning (swapping) applications on a page

If you want to change the position of applications on a page with multiple applications, you can do so by "swapping" the positions of two applications.

1. Select Swap Application from the Edit menu.

Note: The last active application you worked on is automatically selected as the first application to be swapped.

2. Click on the second application to be swapped. The swap is done when the second application is selected.

Note: When there are only two work areas, the selected application automatically swaps position with the other application on the work area.

To cancel a swap, press Esc. Press Ctrl Tab to cancel the swap and shift focus to the next app in the page layout.

Deleting pages or applications

You can delete an entire page or remove an application from a work area using the delete tools on the tool bar.

Deleting a page

1. Select the page you want to delete.

2. Select

Edit >Delete or click the Delete icon, .

Deleting an application from a page

1. Click the application you want to delete.

2. Select either Edit > Select Application or press Ctrl + K. The selected application blinks on the page.

3. Click or select Edit > Delete.

The TI-Nspire™ Keypad

The TI-Nspireé CAS computer software allows you to display and use a virtual keypad, which directly mimics the behavior of the handheld keyboard. Use the keypad to enter expressions and perform calculations with the desktop software, just as you do with the handheld.

Getting Started 13

Note: Many of the procedures in this guidebook include pressing

handheld keys. Some of these keys are available on your computer keyboard, but if you display and use the keypad, you will have access to much of the functionality and shortcuts available on the handheld keyboard.

Using the TI-Nspire™ keypad

1. To display the keypad, select View > Keypad or click . The keypad displays.

Language Settings

You specify the language for the software to display when you install it. If you want to change the language settings, you may do so at any time.

Changing the Language:

1. Select File > Change Language. The Choose a Language dialog box displays.

14 Getting Started

2. Use the dropdown menu to select the desired language. You must restart the application for the language change to take

effect.

3. Click Quit Now to apply your change. If you have made changes to the current document, you will be prompted to save it.

4. To restart the software, select Start > Programs > TI Tools > TI-

Nspire CAS

or click the TI-Nspire™ icon on your desktop.

Document Settings

You can change document settings to meet your needs for a specific set of problems. Document settings apply to the document you are working in, and can also be applied as the default settings for the system. When you customize these settings, the new options become the default settings for your work. These can be set using the TI-Nspireé CAS computer software and transmitted to a handheld when the handheld is connected to the computer.

Document Settings Options

The following table lists the document settings and their possible values.

Field Values

Display Digits Float

Float1 - Float12 Fix0 - Fix12

Angle Radian

Degree Gradian

Exponential Format Normal

Scientific Engineering

Real or Complex Format Real

Rectangular Polar

Getting Started 15

Field Values

Auto or Approximate Auto

Exact Approximate

Vector Format Rectangular

Cylindrical Spherical

Base Decimal

Hex Binary

Unit System SI

Eng/US

Customizing document settings

1. Select File > Document Settings. The Document Settings window displays.

2. Use the dropdown menus to view and select the desired option for each category.

3. When you have modified the settings to suit your needs, click OK to save the changes and close the window.

16 Getting Started

Applying document settings to the system

f Click Apply to System to apply the document settings to the entire

system. A prompt displays, asking you to verify that this is what you want to do.

Using the catalog

Use the catalog to insert commands and functions, units, symbols and expression templates into your problems. The catalog window uses five tabs to categorize commands, special characters and templates:

contains all commands and functions, in alphabetical order

contains all math functions

provides the values for standard measurement units.

provides a symbol palette for adding special characters.

contains math templates for creating two dimensional objects, including product, sum, square root and integral.

shows Public library (LibPub) objects.

Getting Started 17

Opening the catalog

1. Press k on the keypad to open the catalog.

2. Select the tab that contains the function, symbol or expression you want to insert into your problem.

3. Use the scroll bar or down arrow to display the item, and click to select it.

4. Press

· or double-click to insert the item.

Note: Some functions have a wizard to help you enter function arguments. If you prefer to enter the argument values directly on the entry line, you may need to click the wizard icon to disable it.

18 Getting Started

Entering special characters or templates

There are two icons on the tool bar that give you quick access to symbols and templates:

provides a symbol palette for adding special characters.

contains math templates for creating two dimensional

objects, including square root, integral, and product sum.

1. To access one of the palettes, click the desired icon to open the palette.

2. Use the scrollbar, arrow keys, or mouse click to highlight the item.

3. Press Enter or double-click to insert the item.

Getting Started 19

Changing the desktop view

The TI-Nspireé CAS computer software allows you to change the display to meet specific needs.

To change the desktop view:

f Click View on the tool menu and select TI-Nspireé CAS Handheld

View or Presentation view.

TI-Nspire™

The Handheld View allows you to preview documents as they will appear on the handheld.

Handheld View

20 Getting Started

Presentation View

The Presentation View displays pages without the navigation pane. This view is useful when displaying documents with a digital projector.

Getting Started 21

22 Getting Started

Working with Documents

All work that you create and save with the TI-Nspireé computer software is stored as a document. A document consists of one or more problems. Each problem contains one or more pages. A single page displays in the work area on your screen. All work occurs on pages.

Note: A TI-Nspire™ math and science learning technology document can contain up to 30 problems, and each problem can contain a maximum of 50 pages.

Creating a new document

When you first open the TI-Nspireé computer software, a blank document with one problem opens automatically. A blank page displays on the work area of the desktop. You can add applications and content to this page to create a document.

You can create a new document at any time using the following steps.

f Select

File > New or click .

The new document opens in the work area and displays a blank page.

Working with Documents 23

Adding an application to a page

To add an application to a page:

1. Select the Insert menu or click to display the application list.

24 Working with Documents

2. Click to select the application you want to add to the page. The application displays on the page, with a toolbar specific to that

application.

Adding multiple applications to a page

By default, each page contains space to add one application. If you need to add more than one application to a page, you can change the layout to accommodate as many as four applications.

1. Select the View Menu and then select Layout, or click to display the page layout menu.

Working with Documents 25

2. Highlight the layout you wish to add to the page, and click to select it.

The page displays the new layout. You can add an application to each of the new work areas on the page.

26 Working with Documents

Adding a problem to a document

A document can contain as many as 30 problems. To add a new problem to a document:

f Select the Insert Menu and then select Problem, or click and

select

Problem.

A new problem and one new page are added to your document.

Adding a page to a problem

Each problem can contain up to 50 pages. There are three ways to add a new page to a problem.

f Click and select

A new page displays. Select an application to add to the page.

-- or --

Page.

f Select the Insert Menu and then select

Page.

A new page displays. Select an application to add to the page.

-- or --

f Press Ctrl + I.

A new page displays. Select an application to add to the page.

Working with Documents 27

Using the Page Sorter

À Page Sorter - displays thumbnail sketches of all pages in all

problems in the current document. Use the scroll bar to view pages off the screen.

Á Active page - this is the page currently highlighted in the Page

Sorter and active in the work area.

Â Problem/Page counter - displays the problem number followed by

the page number.

Selecting pages in the Page Sorter

The Page Sorter always indicates the active page in the work area.

• If you are working on a page in the work area, this page is indicated in the page sorter by a bold black border.

• If you are actively using the Page Sorter, the active page displayed in the work area has a blue border in the Page Sorter pane.

Clicking on any page in the Page Sorter makes it the active page, and it displays in the work area.

Rearranging pages in the Page Sorter

Use the Page Sorter to change the order of pages within a problem.

1. Click to select the thumbnail view of the page in the Page Sorter.

28 Working with Documents

2. Hold down the mouse button and drag the page to the desired position, and release to drop it in the new location.

Saving documents

To save a new document:

1. Select File > Save As..., or press . The Save TI-Nspire™ Document dialog opens. The default location

for saving documents is My Documents/TI-Nspire.

2. Select (or create) a folder in which to store the document.

3. Type a name for the new document.

4. Click

OK to save the document.

Documents are saved with the extension .tns.

Saving a document with a new name

You can save a document in a new folder and/or with a new name. To do this:

1. Select

2. Type a new name for the document.

Working with Documents 29

File > Save As... .

The Save As ... dialog opens. Select (or create) a folder in which to store the document.

3. Click OK to save the document with a new name.

Printing documents

If your computer is connected to a printer, you can print the contents of an open document. To access the print dialog, do one of the following:

• Select

• Press Ctrl + P.

You can also click the Printer icon in the tool bar. This immediately prints the contents of the page displayed in the work area.

The Print dialog enables you to select:

• a range of problems to be printed, including all problems in the

• the number of copies to be printed.

• the size of the paper in your printer. The default is Letter in the US

• the orientation of the printout: portrait or landscape. Landscape is

• page scaling, if desired. The default is None. The printer fits the

• the ability to preview what the printout will look like by clicking the

Once you have selected the print job parameters, select Print. Note: If you do not change any print settings, the entire document is

printed, not just the page displayed in the work area.

File > Print.

document.

and A4 in Europe.

the default option.

visible page on the printout, but some cropping may occur. The second option, card.

Print Preview button.

Print Screen, prints what is visible on the TI-Nspire™

30 Working with Documents

Using Print Preview

This option enables you to see how your document printout will appear before you enter a print request. You can move from page-to-page in this view to review the entire range of pages in your print request.

Linking values on pages

Variable linking is a powerful tool for building and exploring mathematical models. Values and functions created or defined in one application can interact with other TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science applications to share data. (The relationship between Graphs & Geometry and Data Collection is a special one and is discussed in the Data Collection chapter.)

There are a few features to keep in mind when using linked items:

• Values can be linked between applications on one page or between different pages of the same problem.

• Since all applications are linked to the same actual data, if you delete it from any application, all references to the data are lost.

• If the linked value is changed in the original application, the change is reflected in all linked usages.

Each application allows you to define a value or function as a variable. Defining a variable is the first step in linking values.

Working with Documents 31

Creating TI-Nspire™ variables

Variables can be any portion or attribute of an object or function created within an application. Examples of attributes that can become variables are the area of a rectangle, the radius of a circle, the value contained in a spreadsheet cell or the contents of a row or column, or a function expression. When you create a variable, it is stored in memory.

Types of variables

You can store the following data types as variables:

Data type Examples

Expression

List {2, 4, 6, 8} {1, 1, 2}

2.54 1.25E62p xmin/10 2+3i (xN2)

Matrix

123

This can be entered as:

[1,2,3;3,6,9]

369

Character string “Hello” “xmin/10” “The answer is:”

Function myfunc( arg ) ellipse( x, y, r1, r2 )

Measurement area, perimeter, length, slope, angle

Creating a variable from a Graphs & Geometry value

1. Click to select the value to store as a variable.

2. Do one of the following:

• From the TI-Nspire™ tool bar, select the Variables tool ( ). The Variables options are displayed with Store highlighted.

• Press

• Select the Tools Menu and select the Variables option. The

Ctrl + L to display the Variables options. Store is

highlighted.

Variables options are displayed with Store highlighted.

32 Working with Documents

3. Press Enter. VAR := appears before the selected value. This is the default variable name. Type over VAR with the variable

name you want to give the value.

4. When the variable name is typed, press Enter. The value is saved to that variable name, and the stored value or its

name appears in bold text to indicate it is a stored value.

Creating a variable from a Lists & Spreadsheet cell value

You can share a cell value with other applications. When defining or referring to a shared cell in Lists & Spreadsheet, you precede the name with an apostrophe (‘).

1. Click the cell that you want to share.

2. Press

Working with Documents 33

A formula is inserted into the cell with var as a placeholder for a variable name.

3. Replace the letters “var” with a name for the variable, and press

·.

The value is now available as a variable to other applications within the same problem.

Note: If a variable with the name you specified already exists in the current problem space, Lists & Spreadsheet displays an error message.

Creating Calculator variables

As alternatives to using h, you can use “:=” or the Define command. All of the following statements are equivalent.

5+8

& num

num := 5+8

Define num=5+8

Special considerations for variables

Rules for naming variables

Variable and function names that you create must meet the following naming rules.

Note: Avoid defining variables that use the same names as those used for statistical analysis. In some cases, an error condition could occur. Variable names used for statistical analysis are listed in the Appendix of Functions, under the

• You can use 1 to 16 characters consisting of letters, digits, and the underscore character (_). Letters can be U.S. or Greek letters (but not Π or p), accented letters, and international letters.

• You can use uppercase or lowercase letters. The names AB22, Ab22, aB22, and ab22 all refer to the same variable.

• The first character cannot be a digit.

• Do not use spaces.

• If you use an underscore as the first character, the variable is considered a type of unit, such as _m, _ft, and _in. Units do not allow subsequent underscores in the name.

• You cannot use a preassigned variable or function name, such as ans or min.

Note: For a complete list of TI-Nspire™ functions, refer to the TI-Nspire™ Reference Guide.

StatMatrix entry.

34 Working with Documents

Here are some examples:

Variable name Valid?

Myvar Yes

My var No. Contains a space.

a Yes

Log No. Name is preassigned to the

log( ) function.

Log1 Yes

3rdTotal No. Starts with a digit.

Preventing name conflicts

A TI-Nspire™ shared variable can have the same name as a table cell or column letter. To help you prevent name conflicts in your table formulas, Lists & Spreadsheet provides syntax rules.

• To refer to a variable whose name could conflict with the name of a cell (such as A1), precede the variable name with an apostrophe (‘A1).

• To refer to a table column (such as A) without conflicting with a single-letter variable name A, follow the column letter with a pair of brackets (A[]).

Use this syntax: To refer to: Remarks

myvar The shared variable

myvar.

No special syntax is needed, because this name does not conflict with a cell or column reference.

A1 The table cell at

column A, row 1.

This syntax always refers to table cell A1—never to variable A1.

‘A1 The shared variable A1. The apostrophe makes this a

reference to variable A1—never to table cell A1.

A The shared variable A. This syntax never refers to column

A[] Column A of the

current table.

Working with Documents 35

Brackets make this a reference to column A—never to variable A.

Checking a variable’s value using the Calculator application

You can check the value of an existing variable by entering its name on the Calculator entry line.

f On the Calculator entry line, type the variable name num and press

Enter.

The value most recently stored in num displays as the result.

Using (linking) TI-Nspire™ variables

Sharing, or linking, the variables you create is a powerful tool for math exploration. The display of linked variables is automatically updated when the variable’s value changes.

In the following two examples, two data lists were created in Lists & Spreadsheet and then plotted in Graphs & Geometry.

When the values are altered in Lists & Spreadsheet, they are automatically updated in Graphs & Geometry.

36 Working with Documents

Linking to shared variables

To use a stored variable:

1. Display the page and select the location or object to which you want to link to a variable.

2. Do one of the following:

• From the TI-Nspire™ tool bar, select the Variables tool ( ). The

Variables options are displayed with Store highlighted.

• Press

• Select the Tools Menu and select the Variables option. The

3. Use 9 and : to scroll the list, or type part of the variable name. As you type, the TI-Nspire™ system displays a list of variables that

begin with the letters you typed. Typing part of the name enables you to locate a variable more quickly if the list is long.

Ctrl + L to display the Variables options. Store is

highlighted.

Variables options are displayed with Store highlighted.

Working with Documents 37

4. When you locate and highlight the name of the variable you want to use, click the name or press

Enter.

The selected variable value is linked.

Linking a Lists & Spreadsheet cell to a variable

When you link a cell to a variable, Lists & Spreadsheet keeps the cell value updated to reflect the current value of the variable. The variable can be any variable in the current problem and can be defined in Graphs & Geometry, Calculator, or any instance of Lists & Spreadsheet.

Note: Do not link to a system variable. Doing so could prevent the variable from being updated by the system. System variables include ans, StatMatrix, and statistics results (such as RegEqn, dfError, and Resid).

1. Click the cell that you want to link to the variable.

2. Click , and click

Cell.

The VarLink menu displays.

3. Under

Link To, scroll to the name of the variable and click it.

The cell shows the value of the variable.

38 Working with Documents

Removing a linked variable

To remove a linked variable from a page:

1. Select the linked variable.

2. Do one of the following:

• From the TI-Nspire™ tool bar, select the Variables tool ( ).

• Press

• Select the Tools Menu and select the Variables option. The Variables options are displayed.

Ctrl + L to display the Variables options.

3. Select

Unlink.

The link is removed from the value, and the value displays without any bolding.

Working with Documents 39

40 Working with Documents

Using Calculator

Getting started with the Calculator application

The Calculator application gives you a place to enter and evaluate math expressions. You can also use it to define variables, functions, and programs. When you define or edit a variable, function, or program, it becomes available to any TI-Nspire™ math and science learning technology application—such as Graphs & Geometry—that resides in the same problem.

You can also use Calculator to define library objects, such as variables, functions, and programs, which are accessible from any problem of any document. For information on creating library objects, see the “Libraries” section of the documentation.

Using Calculator 41

À Calculator menu – This menu is available anytime you are in the

Calculator work area. The menu in this screen snapshot may not exactly match the menu on your screen.

Á Calculator work area

– You enter a math expression on the entry line and then press

Enter to evaluate the expression.

– Expressions display in standard mathematical notation as you

enter them.

– Entered expressions and results show in the Calculator history.

Â Example of Calculator variables used in another TI-Nspire™

application

The Calculator tool menu

The Calculator tool menu lets you enter and evaluate a variety of math expressions.

Menu Name

Actions

Number

Menu Option Function

Define Inserts the Define command.

Recall Definition Lets you view, reuse, or modify

a function or program that you have defined.

Delete Variable Inserts the

Clear a-z Deletes all variables with

single-letter names.

Clear History Deletes all expressions in the

Calculator history.

Insert Comment Lets you insert text.

Library Lets you refresh all libraries, set

LibPub or LibPriv access, or insert a “\” character

Convert to Decimal

Factor Inserts factor().

Inserts

delVar command.

¢Decimal command.

42 Using Calculator

Menu Name

Menu Option Function

Least Common Multiple Inserts lcm().

Greatest Common Divisor Inserts

Remainder Inserts

gcd() function.

remain().

Fraction Tools Lets you select

getNum(), getDenom(), or comDenom().

Number Tools Lets you select

fPart(), sign(), mod(), floor(),

or ceiling().

Complex

Complex Conjugate Inserts conj().

Real Part Inserts

Imaginary Part Inserts

Polar Angle Inserts

real().

imag().

angle().

Magnitude Inserts the absolute value

template.

Convert to Polar

Convert to Rectangular

Inserts ¢Polar command.

Inserts ¢Rect command.

Algebra

Solve Inserts

Factor Inserts

solve().

factor().

propFrac(),

round(), iPart(),

Expand Inserts

Zeros Inserts

Numerical Solve Inserts

expand().

zeros().

nSolve().

Polynomial Tools Lets you select

polyRemainder(), polyQuotient(), polyGcd(), polyCoeffs(), or polyDegree().

Using Calculator 43

Menu Name

Menu Option Function

Fraction Tools Lets you select propFrac(),

getNum(), getDenom(), or comDenom().

Trigonometry Lets you select

tCollect().

Complex Lets you select

cFactor(), or cZeros().

Extract Lets you select

tExpand() or

cSolve(),

left() or right().

Finance Solver Starts the Finance Solver.

Calculus

Derivative Inserts the Derivative template.

Integral Inserts the Integral template.

Limit Inserts the Limit template.

Sum Inserts the Sum template.

Product Inserts the Product template.

Function Minimum Inserts

Function Maximum Inserts

Arc Length Inserts

Series Lets you select

Differential Equation

fMin().

fMax().

arcLen().

taylor(),

series(), or dominantTerm().

Inserts

deSolve().

Solver

Implicit Differentiation Inserts

Numerical Calculations Lets you select

Probability

impDif().

nDeriv(), nInt(),

nfMin(), or nfMax()

Factorial (!) Inserts !.

Permutations Inserts

Combinations Inserts

44 Using Calculator

nPr().

nCr().

Menu Name

Statistics

Menu Option Function

Random Lets you select rand(),

randInt(), randBin(), randNorm(), randSamp(), or RandSeed.

Distributions Lets you select from several

distributions, such as

, Binomial Cdf, and

Pdf Inverse F.

Normal

Stat Calculations Lets you select from several

statistics calculations, such as one-variable analysis, twovariable analysis, and regressions.

Stat Results Inserts the stat.results variable.

List Math Lets you select from several list

calculations, such as minimum, maximum, and mean.

List Operations Lets you select from several list

operations, such as sorting, filling, and converting to a matrix.

Distributions Lets you select from several

distributions, such as

, Binomial Cdf, and

Pdf Inverse F.

Normal

Confidence Intervals Lets you select from several

confidence intervals, such as

t interval and zinterval.

Stat Tests Lets you select from several

tests such as

test

Matrix & Vector

Tra nspose

Using Calculator 45

Inserts

ANOVA, t test, z

Menu Name

Menu Option Function

Determinant Inserts det().

Inserts

ref().

rref().

Row-Echelon Form Inserts

Reduced Row-Echelon Form

Simultaneous Inserts

simult().

Create Lets you select from several

matrix-creation options, such as identity, diagonal, submatrix, and others.

Norms Lets you select

rowNorm(), or colNorm().

Dimensions Lets you select

rowDim(), or colDim().

Row Operations Lets you select

rowAdd(), mRow(), or mRowAdd().

norm(),

dim(),

rowSwap(),

Element Operations Inserts “dot” operators such as

.+ (dot add) and .^ (dot power).

Advanced Inserts

Vector Inserts

eigVl(), eigVc(), LU, or

QR.

unitV(), crossP(), dotP(),

8Polar, 8Rect ,8Cylind, or 8Sphere.

Functions & Programs

Program Editor Lets you view, open for editing,

import, or create a new program or function.

Func...EndFunc Inserts a template for creating a

function.

Prgm...EndPrgm Inserts a template for creating a

program.

Local Inserts the

46 Using Calculator

Local command.

Menu Name

Menu Option Function

Control Lets you select from a list of

function and program-control templates, such as

If...Then...EndIf, While...EndWhile, Try...E lse...End Try, and others.

Transfer Inserts transfer commands

Return, Cycle, Exit, Lbl, Stop,

or Goto.

Disp Displays intermediate results.

Mode Inserts commands for setting or

reading modes, such as display digits, angle mode, base mode, and others.

Add New Line Starts a new line within a

function or program definition.

Before you begin

f Open the computer software, and add the Calculator application to

a document.

Entering and evaluating math expressions

Options for entering expressions

Calculator lets you enter and edit expressions through several methods.

• By clicking keys on the virtual keypad, including the Catalog ( key. (To display the virtual keypad, click

• By selecting items from the Calculator menu

• By pressing shortcut keys on the computer keyboard.

View > Keypad.)

Entering simple math expressions

Note: To enter a negative number on the handheld, press v. To enter a

negative number on a computer keyboard, press the hyphen key (

Suppose you want to evaluate

1. Select the entry line in the Calculator work area.

Using Calculator 47

-).

2. Type 2^8 to begin the expression.

3. Press

4. Press Enter to evaluate the expression.

Note: If a result does not fit on the same line with the expression, it displays on the next line.

¢ to return the cursor to the baseline, and then type *43/12.

The expression displays in standard mathematical notation, and the result displays on the right side of the Calculator.

Controlling the form of a result

You might expect to see a decimal result instead of 2752/3 in the preceding example. A close decimal equivalent is 917.33333..., but that’s only an approximation.

By default, Calculator retains the more precise form: 2752/3. Any result that is not a whole number displays in a fractional or symbolic form (1/2,

p, , etc.). This reduces rounding errors that could be introduced by intermediate results in chained calculations.

You can force a decimal approximation in a result:

• By holding down expression.

Ctrl before pressing Enter to evaluate the

Pressing

• By including a decimal in the expression (for example,

43).

48 Using Calculator

· forces approximate result.

43. instead of

• By wrapping the expression in the approx() function.

• By changing the document’s

Auto or Approximate mode setting to

Approximate. (On the File menu, select Document Settings.) Note that this method forces all results in all of the document’s problems to approximate.

Inserting items from the Catalog

You can use the Catalog to insert system functions and commands, units, symbols, and expression templates into the Calculator entry line.

1. Click to open the Catalog.

Note: Some functions have a wizard that prompts you for each argument. If you prefer to enter the argument values directly on the entry line, you may need to disable the wizard.

2. Click the tab for the category of the item.

Using Calculator 49

contains all commands and functions, in alphabetical order

contains all math functions

provides the values for standard measurement units.

provides a symbol palette for adding special characters.

contains math templates for creating two dimensional objects, including product, sum, square root and integral.

shows Public library (LibPub) objects.

3. Click to select the item that you want to insert.

4. Press

Enter to insert the item into the entry line.

Using an expression template

The Calculator has templates for entering matrices, piecewise functions, systems of equations, integrals, derivatives, products, and other math expressions.

For example, suppose you want to evaluate

1. Click to display the Template palette.

2. Select to insert the algebraic sum template. The template appears on the entry line with small blocks

representing elements that you can enter. A cursor appears next to one of the elements to show that you can type a value for that element.

50 Using Calculator

3. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to each element’s position, and type a value or expression for each element.

4. Press Enter to evaluate the expression.

Creating matrices

1. Click to display the Template palette.

2. Select . The Create a Matrix dialog box displays.

3. Type the Number of rows.

4. Type the Number of columns, and then select OK.

Using Calculator 51

Calculator displays a template with spaces for the rows and columns. Note: If you create a matrix with a large number of rows and

columns, it may take a few moments to appear.

5. Type the matrix values into the template, and press Enter to define the matrix.

Inserting a row or column into a matrix

f To insert a new row, hold down Alt and press Enter. f To insert a new column, hold down

Shift and press Enter.

Inserting expressions using a wizard

You can use a wizard to simplify entering some expressions. The wizard contains labeled boxes to help you enter the arguments in the expression.

For example, suppose you want to fit a y=mx+b linear regression model to the following two lists:

{1,2,3,4,5} {5,8,11,14,17}

1. Click to open the Catalog.

2. Click to show an alphabetic list of functions.

3. Press

4. Press

5. If the Use Wizard option is not checked, click it.

6. Press

52 Using Calculator

¤, and then press L to jump to the entries that begin with “L.”

¤ as necessary to highlight LinRegMx.

Enter.

A wizard opens, giving you a labeled box to type each argument.

7. Type {1,2,3,4,5} as X List.

8. Press Tab to move to the Y List box.

9. Type

{5,8,11,14,17} as Y List.

10. If you want to store the regression equation in a specific variable, press Tab, and then replace Save RegEqn To with the name of the variable.

11. Select OK to close the wizard and insert the expression into the entry line.

Calculator inserts the expression and adds a statement to display the variable stat.results, which will contain the results.

LinRegMx {1,2,3,4,5},{5,8,11,14,17},1 : stat.results Calculator then displays the stat.results variables.

Note: You can copy values from the stat.results variables and paste them into the entry line.

Using Calculator 53

Creating a piecewise function

1. Begin the function definition. For example, type the following.

Define f(x,y)=

2. Click to display the Template palette.

3. Select . The Piecewise Function dialog box displays.

4. Type the

Number of Function Pieces, and select OK.

Calculator displays a template with spaces for the pieces.

5. Type the expressions into the template, and press Enter to define the function.

6. Enter an expression to evaluate or graph the function. For example, enter the expression f(1,2) on the Calculator entry line.

Creating a system of equations

1. Open the Template palette.

2. Select . The Create a System of Equations dialog box displays.

3. Type the Calculator displays a template with spaces for the equations.

Number of Equations, and select OK.

54 Using Calculator

4. Type the equations into the template, and press Enter (·) to

define the system.

Deferring evaluation

You don’t have to complete and evaluate an expression as soon as you begin typing it. You can type part of an expression, leave to check some work you did on another page, and then come back to complete the expression later.

Working with variables

When you first store a value in a variable, you give the variable a name.

• If the variable does not already exist, Calculator creates it.

• If the variable already exists, Calculator updates it. Variables within a problem are shared by TI-Nspire™ math and science

learning technology applications. For example, you can create a variable in Calculator and then use or modify it in Graphs & Geometry or Lists & Spreadsheet within the same problem.

Exception: Variables created with the defined function or program are not accessible outside that function or program.

Storing a value in a variable

This example creates a variable named num and stores the result of the expression 5+8

1. On the Calculator entry line, type the expression

in that variable.

Local command within a user-

5+8^3.

2. Press

3. On the virtual keypad, click

Using Calculator 55

¢ to expand the cursor to the baseline.

/h and then type the variable

name

num.

This means: Calculate 5+83 and store the result as a variable named num.

4. Press

Enter.

Calculator creates the variable num and stores the result there.

Alternative methods for storing a variable

As alternatives to using & (store), you can use “:=” or the Define command. All of the following statements are equivalent.

5+8

& num

num := 5+8

Define num=5+8

Checking a variable’s value

You can check the value of an existing variable by entering its name on the Calculator entry line.

f On the Calculator entry line, type the variable name

Enter.

The value most recently stored in num displays as the result.

num and press

Using a variable in a calculation

After storing a value in a variable, you can use the variable name in an expression as a substitute for the stored value.

1. Type

2. Type

56 Using Calculator

4*25*num^2 on the entry line, and press Enter.

Calculator substitutes 517, the value currently assigned to num, and evaluates the expression.

4*25*nonum^2, and press Enter.

Because the variable nonum has not been defined, it is treated algebraically in the result.

Updating a variable

If you want to update a variable with the result of a calculation, you must store the result explicitly.

Entry Result Comment

a := 2

a := a

& a

8 Result not stored in variable a.

2 8Variable a updated with result.

64 Variable a updated with result.

Types of variables

You can store the following TI-Nspire™ math and science learning technology data types as variables:

Data type Examples

Expression

2.54 1.25E6 2p 2+3i (xN2)

List {2, 4, 6, 8} {1, 1, 2}

Matrix

123

This can be entered as:

[1,2,3;3,6,9]

369

Character string “Hello” “xmin/10” “The answer is:”

Function myfunc(arg) ellipse(x, y, r1, r2)

Entering multiple statements on the entry line

To enter several statements on a single line, separate them with a colon (“:”). Only the result of the last expression is shown.

Using Calculator 57

Rules for naming variables

Note: In the unlikely event that you create a variable with the same

name as one used for statistical analysis or by the Finance Solver, an error condition could occur. If you begin entering a variable name that is already in use in the current problem, the software shows the entry in

bold to let you know.

• Variable names must be in one of the forms xxx or xxx.yyy. The xxx part can have 1 to 16 characters. The yyy part, if used, can have 1 to 15 characters. If you use the xxx.yyy form, both xxx and yyy are required; you cannot start or end a variable name with a period “.”

• Characters can consist of letters, digits, and the underscore character (_). Letters can be U.S. or Greek letters (but not Π or p), accented letters, and international letters.

• You can use uppercase or lowercase letters. The names AB22, Ab22, aB22, and ab22 all refer to the same variable.

• You cannot use a digit as the first character of xxx or yyy.

• Do not use spaces.

• If you want a variable to be treated as a complex number, use an underscore as the last character of the name.

• If you want a variable to be treated as a type of unit (such as _m or _ft), use an underscore as the first character of the name. You cannot use subsequent underscores in the name.

• You cannot use a preassigned variable, function, or command name, such as Ans,

Note: For a complete list of TI-Nspire™ functions, refer to the Reference Guide.

• Library documents and library objects are subject to additional naming restrictions. For details, see the “Libraries” section of the documentation.

Here are some examples:

min, or tan.

Variable names Valid?

Myvar, my.var Yes

My var, list 1 No. Contains a space.

a, b, c Yes

Log, Ans No. Preassigned to a system function or variable.

Log1, list1.a, list1.b Yes

58 Using Calculator

Variable names Valid?

3rdTotal, list1.1 No. xxx or yyy starts with a digit.

Reusing the last answer

Each instance of Calculator automatically stores the last calculated result as a variable named Ans. You can use Ans to create a chain of calculations.

Note: Do not link to Ans or any system variable. Doing so could prevent the variable from being updated by the system. System variables include statistics results (such as Stat.RegEqn, Stat.dfError, and Stat.Resid) and Finance Solver variables (such as tvm.n, tvm.pmt, and tvm.fv).

As an example of using Ans, calculate the area of a garden plot that is 1.7 meters by 4.2 meters. Then use the area to calculate the yield per square meter if the plot produces a total of 147 tomatoes.

1. On the Calculator entry line, type

2. Type

147/ans, and press Enter to find the yield.

1.7*4.2, and press Enter.

As a second example, calculate and then add

3. Type

4. Type

3.76/(-7.9+sqrt(5)), and press Enter.

ans+2*log(45), and press Enter.

2*log(45).

Using Calculator 59

Temporarily substituting a value for a variable

Use the “|” (such that) operator to assign a value to a variable for just a single execution of the expression.

a:=200.12 200.12

a2 | a=100

a 200.12

10000

Creating user-defined functions and programs

You can use the Define command to create your own functions and programs. You can create them in the Calculator application or in the Program Editor and then use them in other TI-Nspire™ applications.

For information on programming with the Program Editor, see the “Programming” and “Libraries” sections of the documentation.

Defining a single-line function

Suppose you want to define a function named cube() that calculates the cube of a number or variable.

1. On the Calculator entry line, type

Enter.

The message “Done” confirms that the function has been defined.

2. Type

cube(2) and press Enter to test the function.

Define cube(x)=x^3 and press

Defining a multiple-line function using templates

You can define a function consisting of multiple statements entered on separate lines. A multiple-line function may be easier to read than one with multiple statements separated by colons.

Note: You can create multiple-line functions only by using the command. You cannot use the := or & operators to create multiple-line definitions. The Func...EndFunc template serves as a container for the statements.

60 Using Calculator

Define

As an example, define a function named g(x,y) that compares two arguments x and y. If argument x > argument y, the function should return the value of x. Otherwise, it should return the value of y.

1. On the Calculator entry line, type

Enter yet.

Define g(x,y)=. Do not press

2. On the Functions & Programs menu, select Func...EndFunc. Calculator inserts the template.

3. On the

If...Then...Else...EndIf.

Functions & Programs menu, select Control, and then select

Calculator inserts the template.

4. Type the remaining parts of the function, using the arrow keys to move the cursor from line to line.

5. Press

Enter to complete the definition.

6. Evaluate g(3,-7) to test the function.

Using Calculator 61

Defining a multiple-line function manually

Note: To start each new line without completing the function definition,

you hold down As an example, define a function

cumulative sum of integers from 1 through x.

1. On the Calculator entry line, type

Enter yet.

Alt and press Enter.

cum_sum(x) that calculates the

Define cum_sum(x)=. Do not press

2. On the

Functions & Programs menu, select Func...EndFunc.

Calculator inserts the template.

3. Type the following lines, pressing

4. After typing

Return temp_sum, press Enter to complete the

Alt Enter at the end of each line.

definition.

5. Evaluate cum_sum(5) to test the function.

62 Using Calculator

Defining a program

Defining a program is similar to defining a multiple-line function. The

Prgm...EndPrgm template serves as a container for the program

statements.

As an example, create a program named arguments. Based on the comparison, the program should display the text “x greater than y” or “x not greater than y” (showing the values of x and y in the text).

1. On the Calculator entry line, type Define prog1(x,y)=. Do not press

Enter yet.

g(x,y) that compares two

2. On the

Functions & Programs menu, select Prgm...EndPrgm.

Calculator inserts the template.

3. On the Functions & Programs menu, select Control, and then select

If...Then...Else...EndIf.

Calculator inserts the template.

4. Type the remaining parts of the function, using the arrow keys to move the cursor from line to line.

Using Calculator 63

5. Press Enter to complete the definition.

6. Execute prog1(3,-7) to test the program.

Recalling a function or program definition

You might want to reuse or modify a function or program that you have defined.

1. On the A dialog box appears with a list of defined functions and programs.

2. Select the name from the list. The definition (For example

entry line for editing.

Actions menu, select Recall Definition.

Define f(x)=1/x+3) is pasted into the

Editing

Although you cannot edit an expression in the Calculator history, you can copy all or part of an expression from the history and paste it to the entry line. You can then edit the entry line.

Calculator

expressions

Positioning the cursor in an expression

f Press Tab to cycle through the parameters of a template.

– or –

64 Using Calculator

Press ¡, ¢, £, or ¤ to move the cursor through the expression. The cursor moves to the closest valid position in the direction that you

press.

Note: An expression template may force the cursor to move through its parameters, even though some parameters may not be exactly in the path of the cursor movement. For example, moving upward from the main argument of an integral always moves the cursor to the top limit.

Inserting into an expression in the entry line

1. Position the cursor at the point where you want to insert additional elements.

2. Type the elements that you want to insert.

Note: When you insert an open parenthesis, Calculator adds a temporary close parenthesis, displayed in gray. You can override the temporary parenthesis by typing the same parenthesis manually or by entering something past the temporary parenthesis (thereby implicitly validating its position in the expression). After you override the temporary gray parenthesis, it is replaced with a black parenthesis.

Selecting part of an expression

1. Click a starting point in the expression.

2. Press and hold the Shift key and press ¡, ¢, £, or ¤ to select.

– or –

Drag through the expression to select.

Deleting all or part of an expression on the entry line

1. Select the part of the expression to delete.

2. Press Delete.

Financial calculations

Several TI-Nspire™ CAS functions provide financial calculations, such as time value of money, amortization calculations, and return on investment calculations.

The Calculator application also includes a Finance Solver. It lets you dynamically solve several types of problems, such as loans and investments.

Using the Finance Solver

1. On the Algebra menu, select Finance Solver.

Using Calculator 65

The solver displays its default values (or previous values, if you have already used the solver in the current problem).

2. Enter each known value, using the

tab key to cycle through the

items. – The help information at the bottom of the solver describes each

item.

– You might need to temporarily skip the value that you want to

calculate.

– Make sure to set PpY, CpY, and PmtAt to the correct settings (12,

12, and END in this example).

3. Press Tab as necessary to select the item that you want to calculate, and then press

Enter.

The solver calculates the value and stores all the values in “tvm.” variables, such as tvm.n and tvm.pmt. These variables are accessible to all TI-Nspire™ CAS applications within the same problem.

66 Using Calculator

Finance functions included

In addition to the Finance Solver, TI-Nspire™ CAS built-in finance functions include:

• TVM functions for calculating future value, present value, number of payments, interest rate, and payment amount.

• Amortization information such as amortization tables, balance, sum of interest payments, and sum of principal payments.

• Net present value, internal rate of return, and modified rate of return.

• Conversions between nominal and effective interest rates, and calculation of days between dates.

Notes:

• Finance functions do not automatically store their argument values or

results to the TVM variables.

• For a complete list of TI-Nspire™ functions, refer to the Reference

Guide.

Working with the

As you enter and evaluate expressions in the Calculator application, each entry/result pair is saved in the Calculator history. The history gives you a way to review your calculations, repeat a set of calculations, and copy expressions for reuse in other pages or documents.

Calculator

history

Viewing the Calculator history

The history of the expressions you have entered accumulates above the entry line, with the most recent expression at the bottom. If the history does not fit in the Calculator work area, you can scroll through the history.

Note: You may notice a processing slowdown when the history contains a large number of entries.

f Press £ or ¤.

– or –

Drag the scrollbar slider.

Using Calculator 67

À Scrollbar buttons Á Scroll position indicator

Reusing a previous expression or result

You can copy an expression, subexpression, or result from the Calculator history and paste it into the entry line or into other TI-Nspire™ applications.

1. Scroll to the item that you want to copy.

2. Select the item.

Note: The float setting for the current document may limit the number of decimal places displayed in a result. To capture the result in its full precision, select it either by scrolling with the up and down arrow keys or by triple-clicking it.

3. Press Ctrl C to make the copy.

4. Select the location where you want the copy.

5. Press

68 Using Calculator

Ctrl V to paste the copy.

Note: If you copy an expression that uses variables into a different

problem, the values of those variables are not copied. You must define the variables in the problem where you paste the expression.

Deleting an expression from the history

When you delete an expression, all variables and functions defined in the expression retain their current values.

1. Drag or use the arrow keys to select the expression that you want to delete.

2. Press

Delete.

The expression and its result are removed.

Clearing the Calculator history

When you clear the history, all variables and functions defined in the history retain their current values. If you clear the history by mistake, use the undo feature.

1. On the All expressions and results are removed from the history.

Actions menu, select Clear History.

Using Calculator 69

70 Using Calculator

Using Graphs & Geometry

Getting started with Graphs & Geometry

The Graphs & Geometry application enables you to:

• Graph and explore functions.

• Create and explore geometric shapes.

• Animate points on objects or graphs and explore their behavior.

• Graph data collected by the Data Collection tool.

• Explore graphical and geometric transformations.

• Explore and investigate concepts of calculus.

• Link to data created by other applications and utilize it in Graphs & Geometry.

À Graphs & Geometry toolbar (displays when a Graphs & Geometry

work area is active)

Á Sample Graphs & Geometry work area in Plane Geometry View with

Analytic Window shown

Â Graphs & Geometry data entry line

Using Graphs & Geometry 71

Getting acquainted with Graphs & Geometry

f Open the TI-Nspireé computer software, and add the Graphs &

Geometry application to your page.

When you add Graphs & Geometry to a page, your work area contains the x and y axes for a graph, as well as a function entry line and Graphs & Geometry-specific tools.

The basic components of the Graphs & Geometry application are the:

• Tool menu line

• Work area (which contains the axes)

• Entry line.

The Tool menu

The Graphs & Geometry tool menu appears immediately above the work area on the screen. It displays icons for menus that contain tools which enable you to graph and explore different types of functions, draw and explore geometric structures, as well as other capabilities which will be covered in this chapter.

The following tables contain a brief summary of what each menu contains or tool enables you to do within the Graphs & Geometry work area.

Menu Option List Overview of Tool Actions

Actions Provides tools to access the pointer, hide or

show various graph features, add text, delete all objects in the work area, access the calculate tool, and access the attributes for an object or function.

View Provides tools to manipulate the work area

features and display.

Graph Type Enables you to select the type of graph to

plot in the work area: function, parametric, polar, or scatter plot. The entry line below the work area shows the notational conventions to use to specify a function for the selected graph type.

Window Provides different Zoom settings as well as

the ability to define the x- and y-axis minimums and maximums.

72 Using Graphs & Geometry

Menu Option List Overview of Tool Actions

Trace Creates and activates a trace on the graph.

Sets the trace increment and enables you to create and remove geometric trace.

Points & Lines Provides tools for drawing various types of

points, lines, segments, rays, tangents, and vectors.

Measurement Provides tools for measuring angles, lengths,

areas, integrals, and slope.

Shapes Provides tools for drawing circles, triangles,

rectangles, and polygons.

Construction Provides tools to define perpendicular and

parallel lines, bisectors, midpoints, locus, compass, and perform measurement transfers.

Transformation Provides tools for symmetry, reflection,

translation, rotation, and dilation.

Action Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Pointer Selects, moves, and manipulates

objects.

Hide/Show Enables you to hide or display any

object, function, or feature on the work area.

Attributes Enables you to change the attributes

of a selected object in the work area. Attributes vary depending upon the object selected.

Delete All Removes all objects and graphed

functions from the page.

Text Places user-created alpha-numeric

values on the page. Numerical values can be applied to objects. The tool can be used to enter a function and graph it.

Coordinates and Equations

Using Graphs & Geometry 73

Displays the coordinates of a point or the equation of a line or circle.

Tool name Tool function

Calculate Opens the calculate tool to perform

calculations using measurements, numerical values, or calculation results. This tool is different from the Calculator application.

Redefine Redefines a previously defined point

to a new location. For example, it can define a point in free space to a location on an object or from one object to another object.

Data Collection Adds the Data Collection tool to the

current Graphs & Geometry page. See the Data Collection chapter for details on using this tool.

View Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Graphing Places the work area in graphing mode.

When you add Graphs & Geometry to a page the Cartesian axes displays in the work area with a function entry line below.

Plane Geometry Places the work area in geometry mode.

Show scale displays, but no axes, grid, or entry line displays.

Show Analytic Window

Opens a small graphing window on a plane geometry work area. Places the Graphs & Geometry work area in modeling mode. This tool can be used only after Plane Geometry is selected.

Hide (Show) Axes Hides the axes if they are currently

displayed on the page. Displays the axes if none are displayed on the page.

Show (Hide) Grid Turns the grid on or off on the page.

Objects can be attached to the grid when the grid is displayed.

Hide (Show) Entry Line Hides or displays the entry line on the

page.

74 Using Graphs & Geometry

Tool name Tool function

Show (Hide) Scale Toggles between showing and hiding the

scale legend on the work area. When the scale is shown, the value and/or units can be changed to desired values/units. This applies only to geometric constructions.

Add Function Table Launches the Lists & Spreadsheet

function table. When launched from Graphs & Geometry, it is pre-populated with all functions defined in the problem with the exception of hidden functions. More information on using Function Tables is available in the Lists & Spreadsheet chapter of this document.

Graphing Type Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Function Displays the function mode entry line at

the bottom of the work area.

Parametric Displays the parametric mode entry line

at the bottom of the work area. This display shows the t-min, t-max, and t-step values. The defaults are 0-2p max, and p/24 for t-step.

Polar Displays the Polar mode entry line at the

bottom of the work area. This display shows the q-min, q-max, and q-step values. The defaults are 0-2p and q-max, and p/24 for q-step.

Scatter Plot Displays the Scatter Plot mode entry line

at the bottom of the work area.

for t-min, t-

for q-min

Window Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Window Settings Displays the Window Settings dialog

that enables you to enter the x-min, x-max, y-min, and y-max values for the axes.

Using Graphs & Geometry 75

Tool name Tool function

Zoom - Box Enables you to define an area that

you want to enlarge.

Zoom - In Enables you to define the center

point of the zoom in location. The Zoom In factor is approximately 2.

Zoom - Out Enables you to define the center

point of the zoom out location. The Zoom Out factor is approximately 2.

Zoom - Standard Automatically sets x-min, x-max, y-

min, and y-max to center the origin. The x and y scale factors are equal. This is the default axes setting when Graphs & Geometry is first added to a page.

Zoom - Quadrant 1 Automatically sets x-min, x-max, y-

min, and y-max to emphasize the first quadrant. The x and y scale factors are equal.

Zoom - User If you have modified any window

settings (such as x-min), Zoom-User saves the present settings. If you have not modified any window settings since last selecting ZoomUser, Zoom-User restores those settings.

Zoom - Trig Automatically sets x-min and x-max

to integer multiples of p. The x and y scale factors are equal.

Zoom - Data Redefines the axes so that all

statistical data points are displayed.

Zoom - Fit Recalculates y-min and y-max to

include the minimum and maximum y values of all functions between the current x-min and x-max. Hidden functions are not included.

76 Using Graphs & Geometry

Trace Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Graph Trace Places and activates a trace point on

the graph, enabling you to trace a function and identify points of interest as they are encountered during the trace.

Trace Setting Enables you to set the increment to use

between consecutive values jumped to during Graph Trace.

Geometry Trace Enables you to view the pathway of a

geometric or analytic object (such as a function graph) on the work area. The pathway has a delayed fade. As more movement occurs on the work area, older portions of the pathway fade. If you temporarily halt movement, a portion of the trace path remains displayed.

Erase Geometry Trace Halts geometric trace and erases all

persistent pathways on the work area.

Points and Lines Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Point Constructs a point defined in free space,

on an object, or at the intersection of two objects.

Point On Constructs a point defined on an object.

When the object is a function graph, the coordinates are displayed.

Intersection Point Constructs a point at each intersection of

two selected objects.

Line Constructs an infinite line defined by

two points or by a point and a direction. If you press Shift while creating the line, you limit its orientation, relative to the x-axis or the horizontal aspect of the screen, by 15- increments.

Using Graphs & Geometry 77

Tool name Tool function

Segment Constructs a segment, defined by two

end points, which may be created or defined in free space or on a defined object. If you press Shift while creating the segment, you limit its orientation, relative to the x-axis or the horizontal aspect of the screen, by 15- increments.

Ray Constructs a ray, defined by two points

or by a point and a direction, extending infinitely. If you press Shift while creating the ray, you limit its orientation, relative to the x-axis or the horizontal aspect of the screen, by 15- increments.

Tangent Creates a tangent line.

Vector Constructs a vector with magnitude and

direction defined by two points. If you press Shift while creating the vector, you limit its orientation, relative to the x-axis or the horizontal aspect of the screen, by 15- increments.

Measurement Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Length Displays the distance between two

selected points or the length of a segment, perimeter, circumference, or radius.

Area Displays the area of a selected polygon

or circle.

Slope Displays the slope of a selected line or

segment. A vertical slope is represented by %.

Angle Displays the measure of an angle or an

angle defined by three selected points.

78 Using Graphs & Geometry

Tool name Tool function

Integral Calculates and displays the numerical

value of the integral of a selected function, and shades the area between the curve and the x-axis from point a to point b.

Shapes Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Circle Constructs a circle. The center point is

defined by the first click on the page and the radius is determined by the second click.

Triangle Constructs a triangle, defined by three

points (vertices), which may be created or defined in free space or on a defined object.

Rectangle Constructs a rectangle.

Polygon Constructs an n-sided polygon. Each click

defines a vertex, and the polygon is completed by clicking the initial vertex or by pressing Enter.

Regular Polygon Constructs an n-sided regular polygon.

Construction Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Perpendicular Constructs a line perpendicular to a

selected line, segment, ray, vector, axis, or side of a polygon, and passing through a created or selected point.

Parallel Constructs a line parallel to a selected

line, segment, ray, vector, axis, or side of a polygon, and passing through a created or selected point.

Perpendicular Bisector Constructs a perpendicular line that

bisects two points, a segment, or side of a polygon.

Using Graphs & Geometry 79

Tool name Tool function

Angle Bisector Constructs a line that bisects an angle

identified by three selected points where the second point is the vertex.

Midpoint Constructs a midpoint of two selected

points, a segment, or side of a polygon.

Locus Constructs the locus of a point or

object defined by the movement of a driver point along a pathway. Pathways are geometric shapes and function graphs.

Compass Constructs a circle from a center point

with a radius defined by a selected segment or the distance between two points.

Measurement Transfer Transfers an entered or measured

value to a selected object, axis, or function graph. If the original value changes, the change is also reflected in the transferred measurement.

Transformation Menu Tools

Tool name Tool function

Symmetry Creates the image of an object rotated

- around a point.

180

Reflection Creates the image of an object reflected

across a line, segment, ray, vector, axis, or side of a polygon.

Translation Creates the image of an object translated

by a specified vector.

Rotation Creates the image of an object rotated

around a point by a specified angular value.

Dilation Creates the image of an object dilated

from a point by a specified factor.

80 Using Graphs & Geometry

Note: When you select a tool to use, that tool’s icon displays in the upper left corner of the Graphs & Geometry page. It is there to remind you which tool is currently active.

Using the Context menu

The context menu provides the tools most commonly used with the selected object, function, or axes.

To display the context menu, right click on an object, function, or anywhere on the work area.

The first two options on this menu are:

•Recent 4: lists the 9 most recent tools you used. This is a session-

level listing. The tools used on any Graphs & Geometry page are shown, regardless of the document in which they are used.

• Attributes: enables you to access the attributes appropriate for

the function, object, or work area

Additional options that are appropriate for your selection also display on the menu. For example, the Context menu for a triangle also contains the Hide/Show, Delete, Length, and Area options.

The following examples show the context menu for a function and a circle.

Context menu for a function (analytic object)

Context menu for a geometric object

The work area

There are two work area views available:

•Graphing

• Plane Geometry

Using Graphs & Geometry 81

The graphing view

The graphing view is the default Graphs & Geometry work area display. It contains:

• the default Cartesian axes in the Zoom Standard format (1:1 scale).

• the entry line from which you can graph up to 100 functions.

Axes, entry line, and grid can all be displayed or hidden, but in this view, no scale for any drawn shapes (e.g. Circle, etc.) can be displayed. All objects created in this view are analytic objects. Therefore, their displayed size and proportion are affected only by the scale of the axis system (the command "Show Scale" has no effect).

The plane geometry view

The plane geometry view removes the axes and entry line from the work area to enable you to draw geometric shapes and explore them. In this view, you can display and set a scale for your drawings.

To change to Plane Geometry view:

1. From the View menu, select the Plane Geometry View tool.

2. The display refreshes to clear the axes and entry line and display a default scale. Any graphs or drawings created in graphing view are not displayed on the plane geometry area.

To return to graphing mode:

f From the View Menu, select the Graphing View tool.

82 Using Graphs & Geometry

The display refreshes to show the axes and entry line. Note: Any geometric constructions created while in the plane

geometry view are retained and displayed along with any previouslycreated graphs.

The analytic window

The analytic (graphing) window is available in the plane geometry view. It adds an analytic (graphing) window on top of a portion of the plane geometry work area. This provides a combination work area that enables you to use both work area types without toggling the view between them.

To open the analytic window:

1. Ensure that the work area is in Plane Geometry view.

2. From the View menu, select Show Analytic Window .

3. A reduced size graphing window opens on the lower left corner of the plane geometry space.

Using Graphs & Geometry 83

Graphing area

Modeling view - shows the previous two views and the work done on both.

Plane Geometry area

You can alter the work area, without changing the view, to temporarily:

• hide the axes. Any graphs or objects remain displayed on the work area.

• hide the entry line.

• hide the scale.

• resize the axes using the zoom tools or by dragging tic marks.

To display more of the plane geometry area, pan the screen.

To remove the analytic window from the work area

1. From the View menu, select Hide Analytic Window .

Object behavior in different views

When you create an object in the graph area, it is called an analytic object, and all points of the object reside on the graph plane. When you change the axes scale, you automatically affect the appearance of the object. If you calculate a value associated with the object such as the area, only generic units are assigned (u for unit). These objects remain associated with the coordinate plane until you delete them or redefine them to the plane geometry area. When working with a modeling view work area, you cannot move an analytic object onto the plane geometry area.

84 Using Graphs & Geometry

When you create an object in the plane geometry area, it is a geometric object. These objects can have an assigned scale, such as miles or centimeters, instead of u for units. You can lock a point, such as one vertex of a triangle, on the work area, but since the object is not tied to a coordinate plane, you cannot display coordinates for that vertex. When working with a modeling view work area, you can move a geometric object into the graphing work area. The object remains a geometric object, and is not associated with the axes.

The examples below shows a modeling work area and the two types of objects: A is an analytic object while B is a geometric object.

While the two circles appear identical, they do not behave in the same way. Analytic objects are impacted when the graph area is altered. In the next example, the axes were altered. Notice that only Circle A’s appearance is affected by the change.

Using Graphs & Geometry 85

If you construct an object while the axis is hidden, the object created will be a geometric object. However, if you construct an analytic object and later hide the axis, the object remains an analytical one.

Triangle as it appears in Graphing view. The unlabeled vertex remains a geometric point.

86 Using Graphs & Geometry

Summary of differences

Feature Graph Area Plane Geometry Area

Aspect Ratio Adjustable; initially 1:1 Always 1:1 (static)

Units of Measure Generic (displayed as u) User-defined (per scale)

Area Graph Type Cartesian (default) or

Polar

Uses • Define and graph

functions to: – Graph

functions of the form f (x)

– Create scatter

plots

– Graph polar

equations

– Graph

parametric functions

• Construct analytic objects

• Label equations

• Identify coordinates for discrete points

Behavior Analytic constructions

must remain in the analytic area.

Euclidian

• Construct Euclidean objects

• Create transformations

•Determine measurements (e.g., length, angle, area)

Geometric constructions can be moved into the analytic area but remain geometric in nature.

Creating and manipulating axes

When you add the Graphs & Geometry application to a page, Cartesian axes displays by default.

You can change the appearance of your axes in the following ways:

1. Adjust the length of the axes:

• When using Plane Geometry mode with Show Analytic Window, – Select an axis and retype the domain or range labels.

Using Graphs & Geometry 87

– Select an axis and drag to increase or decrease the numbers

on the scale and tic mark spacing.

The aspect ratio of the axes is retained. To modify the scale of only one axis, press the Shift key as you adjust the value or drag the line.

Default range and domain

Extended domain

2. Use the Zoom tool options to adjust the view.

3. Adjust the end style of the axes using the Attributes tool. Display the Attributes tool by:

• selecting it from the menu or

• right clicking on an axis between two tic marks. Press the left and right arrow keys to display the desired end style.

The attributes list for the axes also enables you to select a Zoom option.

4. Adjust the axes scale and tic mark spacing manually.

a) Click and hold one tic mark, and move it on the axis. The

spacing and number of tic marks increases (or decreases) on both axes.

88 Using Graphs & Geometry

Texas instruments TI-NSPIRE CAS Computer Software

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Important Information

License

Introduction

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software for math and science

How to use this guidebook

Getting Started

The TI-Nspire™ CAS computer software Home Screen

Using menus

Menu Options

Using tool bars

Tool bar contents

The Page Sorter

Using the Work Area

Multiple work areas on one page

Creating multiple work areas

Adding an application to a page

Repositioning (swapping) applications on a page

Deleting pages or applications

The TI-Nspire™ Keypad

Using the TI-Nspire™ keypad

Language Settings

Changing the Language:

Document Settings

Customizing document settings

Applying document settings to the system

Using the catalog

Opening the catalog

Entering special characters or templates

Changing the desktop view

Presentation View

Working with Documents

Creating a new document

Adding an application to a page

Adding multiple applications to a page

Adding a problem to a document

Adding a page to a problem

Using the Page Sorter

Selecting pages in the Page Sorter

Rearranging pages in the Page Sorter

Saving documents

Saving a document with a new name

Printing documents

Using Print Preview

Linking values on pages

Creating TI-Nspire™ variables

Special considerations for variables

Checking a variable’s value using the Calculator application

Using (linking) TI-Nspire™ variables

Removing a linked variable

Using Calculator

Getting started with the Calculator application

Before you begin

Entering and evaluating math expressions

Options for entering expressions

Entering simple math expressions

Controlling the form of a result

Inserting items from the Catalog

Using an expression template

Creating matrices

Inserting a row or column into a matrix

Inserting expressions using a wizard

Creating a piecewise function

Creating a system of equations

Deferring evaluation

Working with variables

Storing a value in a variable

Alternative methods for storing a variable

Checking a variable’s value

Using a variable in a calculation

Updating a variable

Types of variables

Entering multiple statements on the entry line

Rules for naming variables

Reusing the last answer

Temporarily substituting a value for a variable

Creating user-defined functions and programs