Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Guidebook

computer software for

math and science

This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire software version 1.4. To obtain the latest version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

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.

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

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Getting started .......................................................................3

Exploring the TI-Nspire™ desktop software................................. 3

Using menus and toolbar icons ..................................................... 4

Menu and toolbar options ..................................................... 4

Defining settings ............................................................................9

Changing language................................................................. 9

Understanding document settings....................................... 10

Changing library properties ................................................. 12

Understanding desktop views ..................................................... 12

Changing the desktop view.................................................. 12

Using the Normal view ......................................................... 13

Using the Handheld Screen view ......................................... 13

Using the Presentation view................................................. 14

Using the virtual keypad.............................................................. 15

Displaying the keypad ..........................................................15

Understanding the TI-Nspire™ tools........................................... 15

Using variables ...................................................................... 16

Using the catalog .................................................................. 16

Entering special characters or math templates................... 17

Taking and viewing screen shots.......................................... 18

Working with documents.....................................................21

Creating a new document ........................................................... 21

Saving documents ........................................................................ 21

Saving a document with a new name ................................. 22

Working with applications........................................................... 22

Adding an application to a page ......................................... 23

Using multiple applications on a page ................................ 25

Changing the page layout for multiple applications.......... 25

Swapping applications on a page........................................ 27

Working with problems and pages............................................. 28

Adding a problem to a document ....................................... 28

Adding a page to a problem................................................ 28

Selecting and moving pages with the Page Sorter............. 28

Deleting pages ...................................................................... 29

iii

Opening LearningCheck™ files ...................................................30

Types of LearningCheck™ items that can be converted .....30

Opening LearningCheck™ items..........................................30

Important information about converting items..................31

Printing documents ......................................................................32

Using print preview...............................................................33

Using Variables..................................................................... 35

Linking values on pages............................................................... 35

Creating variables..................................................................35

Special considerations for variables ..................................... 38

Checking a variable’s value using the

Calculator application .....................................................39

Using (linking) variables........................................................39

Removing a linked variable ..................................................42

Using Calculator ................................................................... 43

Getting started with the Calculator application......................... 43

Before you begin...................................................................48

Entering and evaluating math expressions.................................48

Options for entering expressions .........................................48

Entering simple math expressions........................................48

Controlling the form of a result...........................................49

Inserting items from the Catalog ......................................... 50

Using an expression template...............................................51

Creating matrices...................................................................52

Inserting a row or column into a matrix..............................53

Inserting expressions using a wizard....................................53

Creating a piecewise function..............................................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.................. 58

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 .............61

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...................................................66

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............................................................................... 82

The Graphing view................................................................82

The Plane Geometry view..................................................... 83

The analytic window.............................................................84

To remove the analytic window from the work area......... 85

Creating and manipulating axes.......................................... 88

Moving about the work area ............................................... 91

Turning the grid on or off ....................................................91

Attaching an object to the grid ........................................... 92

The Zoom feature .................................................................92

Checking page contents ....................................................... 96

The entry line................................................................................ 96

Additional Graphs & Geometry features .................................... 97

Keystroke shortcuts............................................................... 97

Using the tab and arrow keys .............................................. 97

Using Sliders .......................................................................... 98

Opening and exporting files .............................................. 101

Attribute settings................................................................ 101

Changing the thickness and style of a line/outline........... 104

Locking measured values and points................................. 104

Working with functions............................................................. 105

Using the entry line............................................................. 105

Using the entry line expand button................................... 106

Graphing a family of functions .......................................... 107

Using the Text tool to enter functions...............................108

Graphing inequalities..........................................................109

Renaming f(x) ......................................................................110

Editing functions .................................................................111

Hiding a function on the work area...................................112

Deleting a function ............................................................. 113

Clearing the work area...............................................................113

The Trace tools ............................................................................ 113

Using Graph Trace ...............................................................114

Using Geometry Trace .........................................................115

Using Erase Geometry Trace ...............................................116

Manually manipulating functions .............................................117

Manipulating a linear function ..........................................118

Manipulating a quadratic function.................................... 118

Manipulating a sine or cosine function .............................119

Working with multiple objects at one time..............................120

Selecting multiple objects...................................................120

Deleting multiple selections ...............................................121

Moving multiple selections.................................................121

Drawing and working with points and lines ............................121

Points...........................................................................................122

Creating a point...................................................................122

Creating a point on a specific object..................................122

Defining an intersection point(s)........................................123

Labeling (identifying) a point.............................................123

Naming a point ...................................................................124

Redefining a point...............................................................125

Linear objects..............................................................................126

Creating a line .....................................................................126

Creating a ray ......................................................................127

Creating a line segment......................................................127

Creating a line segment with defined midpoint...............128

Creating a parallel line........................................................129

Creating a perpendicular line.............................................130

Creating a vector .................................................................131

Moving a vector...................................................................132

Resizing a vector..................................................................132

Creating a tangent ..............................................................132

Creating and working with objects (shapes) ............................ 133

Creating a circle...................................................................133

Moving a circle.....................................................................134

Resizing a circle....................................................................134

Creating a triangle .............................................................. 137

Moving a triangle................................................................137

Reshaping a triangle ...........................................................138

Creating a rectangle............................................................138

Creating a polygon .............................................................139

Moving a polygon............................................................... 140

Reshaping a polygon .......................................................... 140

Creating a regular polygon ................................................ 141

Creating a circle arc............................................................. 142

Transferring Measurements....................................................... 143

Transferring a measurement .............................................. 143

Transferring a numerical text entry to an axis ..................144

Transferring a measurement onto a circle......................... 145

Measuring graphs and objects .................................................. 146

Identifying equations for circles and lines......................... 146

Measuring length................................................................ 146

Finding the area of a circle, polygon, rectangle or

triangle........................................................................... 148

Finding the perimeter of a circle, polygon,

rectangle or triangle ..................................................... 149

Finding the measure of an angle....................................... 149

Defining an angle with three points ................................. 150

Repositioning a measured value........................................ 151

Finding the slope of a line, ray, segment or vector........... 151

Adding text to the work area ............................................ 152

Moving text .........................................................................152

Using the Calculate tool ..................................................... 152

Exploring functions, graphs, and objects.................................. 154

Finding points of interest: zeroes, minima, maxima......... 154

Finding the definite integral of a function ....................... 155

Finding the derivative of a function at a point

(the slope)...................................................................... 156

Transformations.......................................................................... 157

Exploring symmetry ............................................................ 158

Exploring reflection ............................................................ 158

Exploring translation .......................................................... 159

Exploring rotation............................................................... 160

Exploring dilation................................................................ 161

Other investigations................................................................... 163

Bisecting a segment defined on a line............................... 163

Bisecting a segment ............................................................ 164

Bisecting an implied segment ............................................ 165

Bisecting an angle............................................................... 166

Bisecting an implied angle ................................................. 167

Creating a locus................................................................... 168

Animating objects ...................................................................... 170

Animating one point on an object .................................... 170

The animation control panel.............................................. 171

Changing the animation of a point in motion.................. 172

Pausing and resuming animation ...................................... 172

vii

Resetting animation............................................................172

Stopping animation.............................................................172

Plotting collected data............................................................... 173

Creating a scatter plot.........................................................173

Using Lists & Spreadsheet.................................................. 177

Getting started with tables........................................................177

Before you begin.................................................................181

Navigating in a spreadsheet ...............................................181

Inserting a cell range into a formula.................................. 182

Methods of entering data...................................................184

Entering a math expression, text, or spreadsheet

formula...........................................................................185

Working with individual cells ....................................................185

Creating absolute and relative cell references .................. 185

Inserting items from the Catalog .......................................187

Deleting the contents of a cell or block of cells................188

Copying a cell or block of cells ...........................................189

Filling adjacent cells ............................................................191

Sharing a cell value as a variable........................................191

Linking a cell to a variable..................................................192

Preventing name conflicts...................................................192

Working with rows and columns of data..................................194

Selecting a row or column ..................................................194

Resizing a row or column....................................................194

Inserting an empty row or column.....................................195

Deleting entire rows or columns ........................................195

Copying rows or columns.................................................... 196

Moving a column.................................................................197

Clearing column data .................................................................198

Sorting data ................................................................................199

Sorting a range of cells in a column...................................199

Sorting a rectangular region ..............................................201

Sorting entire columns........................................................202

Generating columns of data ......................................................203

Creating column values based on another column...........204

Generating a list of random numbers................................204

Generating a numerical sequence......................................205

Creating and sharing spreadsheet data as lists.........................207

Sharing a spreadsheet column as a list variable................ 207

Linking to an existing list variable......................................209

Inserting an element in a list..............................................210

Deleting an element from a list..........................................210

Graphing spreadsheet data........................................................210

Capturing data from Graphs & Geometry................................. 212

viii

Capturing data manually....................................................213

Capturing data automatically ............................................ 214

Creating function tables ............................................................ 216

Showing and Hiding function tables................................. 216

Generating a function table............................................... 217

Adding a function table from Graphs & Geometry .......... 218

Viewing values in a function table .................................... 219

Editing a function ............................................................... 219

Changing the settings for a function table....................... 220

Deleting a column in the function table ........................... 220

Using table data for statistical analysis..................................... 220

Plotting statistical data....................................................... 221

Statistical calculations ................................................................ 222

Performing a statistical calculation.................................... 222

Supported Statistical Calculations...................................... 225

Distributions ...............................................................................229

Calculating distributions.....................................................230

Supported Distribution functions ...................................... 231

Confidence Intervals................................................................... 237

Supported Confidence Intervals......................................... 237

Stat tests...................................................................................... 240

Supported Statistical tests .................................................. 240

Statistics Input Descriptions....................................................... 247

Exchanging data with other computer software..................... 248

Example - copying data from TI DataEditor...................... 249

Example - copying cells from an Excel® spreadsheet ....... 250

Using Data & Statistics .......................................................253

The Tool menu............................................................................ 254

Getting started with Data & Statistics....................................... 262

Creating plots from spreadsheet data ...................................... 262

Plotting data using the Quick Graph tool .........................262

Plotting data on a new Data & Statistics page.................. 265

Numeric plot types ..................................................................... 269

Dot plots ..............................................................................269

Box plots ..............................................................................270

Histograms........................................................................... 276

Normal probability plots..................................................... 283

Scatter Plots......................................................................... 284

X-Y line plots ....................................................................... 286

Creating multiple plots....................................................... 287

Categorical plot types ................................................................ 288

Dot charts.................................................................................... 288

Creating a dot chart............................................................ 289

Bar charts............................................................................. 291

Pie charts..............................................................................292

Plotting data using a Categorical split...............................294

Exploring data.............................................................................297

Moving points or bins of data............................................297

Selecting multiple points ....................................................299

Selecting a range of points.................................................301

Changing plot type..............................................................304

Rescaling a graph ................................................................305

Adding a movable line........................................................308

Rotating a movable line...................................................... 309

Showing regression lines.....................................................312

Showing residual squares....................................................313

Showing a residual plot ......................................................314

Removing a residual plot....................................................315

Using Window/Zoom tools.........................................................316

Graphing Functions ....................................................................318

Graphing functions using the Plot Function tool ..............318

Entering functions from other applications ...................... 319

Editing a function................................................................322

Using Data & Statistics functions in other

applications....................................................................322

Using Show Normal PDF......................................................322

Using Shade Under Function ..............................................323

Using Graph Trace.......................................................................325

Using other Data & Statistics tools ............................................ 327

Inserting text........................................................................327

Hiding text ........................................................................... 328

Using Sliders.........................................................................328

Using Statistical Tools .................................................................332

Using Notes......................................................................... 333

Getting started with the Notes application..............................333

The Notes tool menu..................................................................334

Before you begin.................................................................335

The Notes work area .................................................................. 335

Notes templates..........................................................................336

Applying a Notes template.................................................336

Using the Q&A Template ....................................................336

Using the Proof Template ...................................................336

Inserting comments ....................................................................337

Formatting Notes text ................................................................337

Selecting text ....................................................................... 338

Applying a text format........................................................338

Inserting geometric shape symbols....................................338

Entering and evaluating math expressions...............................339

Entering an expression ....................................................... 339

Evaluating an expression....................................................339

Evaluating part of an expression ....................................... 339

Using Question....................................................................341

Understanding the Question toolbar........................................ 341

Navigating in the Question application.................................... 341

Answering questions.................................................................. 341

Answering single-answer questions................................... 342

Answering questions with multiple answers..................... 342

Working with TI-Nspire™ libraries.....................................343

What is a library?........................................................................ 343

Creating libraries and library objects........................................ 344

Private and Public library objects .............................................. 344

Using short and long names............................................... 345

Using library objects................................................................... 345

Using a public library object............................................... 346

Using a private library object ............................................. 346

Creating shortcuts to library objects......................................... 346

Included libraries........................................................................ 347

Restoring an included library .................................................... 347

Changing the designated library folder ................................... 348

Programming ......................................................................351

Overview of the Program Editor ............................................... 351

The Program Editor menu ......................................................... 352

Defining a program or function................................................355

Starting a new Program Editor .......................................... 355

Entering lines into a function or program ........................ 356

Inserting comments............................................................. 357

Checking syntax................................................................... 358

Storing the function or program ....................................... 358

Viewing an existing program or function................................. 358

Opening an existing function or program................................ 359

Importing a program from a library ......................................... 360

Creating a copy of a function or program................................ 360

Renaming a program or function ............................................. 361

Changing the library access level .............................................. 361

Finding text................................................................................. 362

Finding and replacing text......................................................... 362

Closing the current function or program ................................. 362

Running programs and evaluating functions........................... 362

Using short and long names............................................... 363

Using a Public library function or program ....................... 363

Using a Private library function or program......................364

Running a non-library program or function......................364

Interrupting a running program ........................................ 365

Getting values into a program...................................................365

Example of passing values to a program...........................366

Displaying information...............................................................366

Using local variables ................................................................... 367

Example of a local variable.................................................367

What causes an undefined variable error message?......... 367

You must initialize local variables ......................................368

Differences between functions and programs .........................368

Calling one program from another........................................... 369

Calling a separate program ................................................369

Defining and calling an internal subroutine .....................369

Notes about using subroutines...........................................370

Avoiding circular-definition errors ..................................... 370

Controlling the flow of a function or program........................370

Using If, Lbl, and Goto to control program flow......................371

If command..........................................................................371

If...Then...EndIf structures...................................................371

If...Then...Else... EndIf structures.........................................372

If...Then...ElseIf... EndIf structures......................................372

Lbl and Goto commands .....................................................372

Using loops to repeat a group of commands ...........................373

For...EndFor loops ................................................................ 374

While...EndWhile loops.......................................................375

Loop...EndLoop loops..........................................................376

Repeating a loop immediately ...........................................377

Lbl and Goto loops ..............................................................377

Changing mode settings ............................................................ 377

Setting a mode ....................................................................377

Debugging programs and handling errors ...............................377

Techniques for debugging..................................................378

Error-handling commands ..................................................378

Data Collection ................................................................... 379

Compatible sensor interfaces.....................................................379

Analyzing experimental data.....................................................379

Launching the Data Collection Console....................................380

Using Auto Launch ..............................................................380

Manually starting the Data Collection Console.................381

Getting started with the Data Collection Console ...................385

Using the Data Collection Console..................................... 385

Accessing the context menu ...............................................386

Data Collection Console buttons........................................386

xii

Data Collection Console menus................................................. 388

Running an experiment and collecting data............................ 391

Data Collection variable names.................................................394

Storing collected data................................................................ 394

Retrieving stored experimental results ..................................... 394

Troubleshooting the Data Collection Console.......................... 394

Appendix: Service and Support .........................................397

Texas Instruments Support and Service..................................... 397

For general information ..................................................... 397

Service and warranty information ..................................... 397

Index....................................................................................399

xiii

xiv

Introduction

The TI-Nspire™ computer software for math and science

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

How to use this guidebook

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 software. Working with Documents - Provides instruction for creating and

working with documents. Using Variables - Shows how to define variables that represent portions

of values and functions and use them across applications.

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. Working with TI-Nspire™ Libraries - Provides instruction for creating

and using Libraries. Using Program Editor - Provides instruction for creating and modifying

Programs using the Program Editor.

Data Collection - Provides an overview of the Data Collection tool. Service and Warranty Information - Includes service and warranty

information and contact information for technical support.

Introduction 1

2 Introduction

Getting started

Exploring the TI-Nspire™ desktop software

The desktop software provides the tools to create documents and work with problems. This screen illustrates the menu and toolbars, the page sorter, and the application work area.

À Á

À Menu bar - Provides tools for working with documents and

modifying system settings.

Á Toolbar - Provides quick access to tools for working with documents. Â Page Sorter - Provides a thumbnail view of each page in the

document.

Ã Application work area - Displays a single page in a document.

Getting started 3

Using menus and toolbar icons

Menus and toolbar icons help you create and edit documents and problems and modify system settings.

Menu and toolbar 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 software, note that menu options may not always be available.

Toolbar icons are another way to perform tasks. Each application also has its own toolbar, providing functions unique to that application. Application-specific tools are discussed in each application chapter.

When you move your cursor slowly over a tool icon, a brief text description of it displays on the screen.

Toolbar Icon

File

Menu Option Purpose

New Document

Open Document

Close Closes the document. Ctrl + W (“ +

Save Document

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

Displays a file browser window to let you open an existing TI-Nspireé file. LearningChecké and Cabrié II Plus files also can be opened with the Open Document option.

Saves the document currently in the work area.

Keyboard Shortcut

Ctrl + N (“ N on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + O O on your Macintosh®)

W on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + S (“ + S on your Macintosh®)

(“ +

4 Getting started

Toolbar Icon

Menu Option Purpose

Save As Saves the current

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

Export Lets you export a file as a

Cabrié II Plus .fig file.

Keyboard Shortcut

Edit

Print Opens the Print dialog

box and enables you to print one or more pages in the open document.

Settings 8 Enables you to change

languages, modify and apply document settings to the system, or change library locations.

Exit Closes all applications and

prompts to save the currently active document.

Undo Cancels your latest action

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

Redo Re-applies the action

undone by the Undo command. Redo is not available unless you first perform an Undo command.

Ctrl + P

(“ +

P on your Macintosh®)

Alt + F4

Ctrl + Z

(“ +

Z on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + Y (“ + Y on your Macintosh®)

Cut Removes the selected text

or objects on the active page that you want

Ctrl + X (“ + X on your Macintosh®)

removed.

Getting started 5

Toolbar Icon

Menu Option Purpose

Keyboard Shortcut

View

Copy Makes a copy of the

selected information.

Paste Inserts information, either

cut or copied, at a designated location.

Delete Deletes the selected

objects, text, applications, pages, or problems.

Select Application

Selects the application (border is highlighted to indicate that the application is selected)

Swap Application

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

Normal The default work area

view.

Handheld Screen

Limits the work area to the space constraints of the handheld screen.

Ctrl + C (“ + C on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + V

(“ +

V on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + K (“ + K on your Macintosh®)

Presentation Removes the Page Sorter

from the display and displays pages at full size.

Keypad View a virtual handheld

keypad you can use to manipulate objects and perform calculations, in the same way as the handheld keypad.

6 Getting started

Toolbar Icon

Menu Option Purpose

Collapse All Collapses all pages in the

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

Expand All Expands the problems in

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

Keyboard Shortcut

Insert

Takes you to the previous page in a document.

Next Page Takes you to the next

page in a document.

Insert Allows you to insert a

problem space, page, or add applications to the current page.

Layout 8 Lets you select one of

eight page layouts.

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.

Ctrl + Left (“ + Left on your Macintosh®)

Ctrl + Right (“ + Right on your Macintosh®)

(“ + I

Ctrl + I on your Macintosh®)

Getting started 7

Toolbar Icon

Menu Option Purpose

Keyboard Shortcut

To ol s

Graphs & Geometry

Adds the Graphs & Geometry application to the selected page.

Lists & Spreadsheet

Adds the Lists & Spreadsheet application to the selected page.

Notes Adds the Notes

application to the selected page.

Data & Statistics

Adds the Data & Statistics application to the selected page.

Program Editor 8

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

Data Collection

Lets you collect experimental data from a sensor and automatically display it in a list or graph for analysis.

Variables Allows you to link a

variable to another page in the current problem.

Ctrl + D

(“ +

D on your Macintosh®)

(“ +

Ctrl + L L on your Macintosh®)

Catalog Allows you to insert

functions, units, symbols, and expression templates.

Symbols Lets you insert symbols.

Math Templates

8 Getting started

Allows you to insert expression templates.

Toolbar Icon

Menu Option Purpose

Keyboard Shortcut

Help

Screen Shot 8Lets you take and view

screen shots of the current application work area.

Refresh Libraries

TI-Nspireé Help

Activate... Allows you to activate

About Displays information

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

Provides help information for this software.

your software if you are using a trial copy. This option is only available when using a trial version of the software.

about the TI-Nspire™ product.

Ctrl + J (“ + J on your Macintosh®)

Defining settings

You can change the settings your system uses, including language, document settings, and the library location.

Changing language

You specify the language for the software to display when you install it. You can change the language at any time by doing the following:

1. Select File > Settings > Change Language.

The Choose a Language dialog box displays.

Getting started 9

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

effect.

Understanding document settings

You can change document settings 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.

Document settings options

The following table lists the document settings and their selectable 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

Auto or Approximate Auto

Approximate

Vector Format Rectangular

Cylindrical Spherical

10 Getting started

Field Values

Base Decimal

Hex Binary

Unit System SI

Eng/US

Changing document settings

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

2. Use the drop-down 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.

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.

Getting started 11

Changing library properties

To change the library location:

1. Click

2. Click

3. Navigate to the folder for the desired library location and click

4. Click

5. To return to the default library location, click

File > Settings > Library Properties. The Library Properties

dialog box opens.

Change. A Windows® Explorer dialog box opens.

The Windows® Explorer dialog box closes.

OK to accept the new library location.

Default > OK. The

default location is saved.

Understanding desktop views

You have a variety of options for viewing your work in the software:

•Normal

• Handheld Screen

• Presentation

Changing the desktop view

To change the desktop view:

f Click f To return to Normal view, click

View on the tool menu and select the desired view.

View > Normal View.

OK.

12 Getting started

Using the Normal view

The Normal view is the default view in your desktop software.

Using the Handheld Screen view

The Handheld Screen view allows you to preview documents as they will appear on the handheld screen. It limits your screen size to the limits you would have on the handheld.

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Using the Presentation view

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

The Presentation view can be used with either the Normal view or the Handheld Screen view.

14 Getting started

Using the virtual keypad

The desktop software allows you to display and use a virtual keypad, which duplicates the behavior of the handheld keypad. Use the keypad to enter expressions and perform calculations with the desktop software, just as you do with the handheld.

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.

Displaying the keypad

f To display the keypad, select View > Keypad or click .

The keypad displays.

Understanding the TI-Nspire™ tools

As you gain more experience working with documents, you will use the tools described briefly in this section: variables, catalog, symbols, math templates, and screen shot. This section gives a quick overview of the tools and their functions.

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Using 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. Variable definitions are contained within a problem and do not carry over from problem to problem within a document.

You can find more information about variables in

Using Variables.

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 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.

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