Texas Instruments TI-nspire, TI-nspire CAS Handheld Getting Started
Getting Started with the
TI-Nspire™ /
TI-Nspire™ CAS Handheld
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 3.6. To obtain the latest
version of the documentation, go to
education.ti.com/guides
.
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Vernier DataQuest™ is a trademark of its respective owner.
© 2006 - 2013 Texas Instruments Incorporated
2
Contents
Important Information 2
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 7
About CAS 7
TI-Nspire™ Handheld Keys 7
Preparing the Handheld for Use 9
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time 9
Using the TI-Nspire™ T ouchpad 11
Using the Home Screen 12
Understanding the Scratchpad 15
The TI-Nspire™ Handheld Screen 15
Using Hints 16
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 17
Using the Scratchpad 23
Calculating with the Scratchpad 24
Inserting Items from the Catalog 25
Viewing the History 29
EditingScratchpad Expressions 30
Graphing with the Scratchpad 31
Working with Variables in the Scratchpad 36
Savingthe Scratchpad Contents 36
Clearing Scratchpad Contents 37
Working with Documents on TI-Nspire™ Handhelds 39
Opening a Document 39
Creating a New Document 40
SavingDocuments 40
Working with Applications 42
Using the Application Menu 47
Context Menus 49
Working with Problems and Pages 49
Adding a Problem to a Document 50
Viewing and Reordering Pages in a Document 51
Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Problems 54
Renaming a Problem 55
Adding a Page to a Problem 55
3
Moving Through Pages in a Document 55
Managing Documents 56
Closinga Document 59
Understanding the TI-Nspire™ Tools 59
Working with Images 65
Working with Images on a Handheld 65
Working in a TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software Classroom 69
Logging In 69
Pausing a ClassSession 70
Understanding File Transfers 70
Configuring Handhelds 73
Installing the AAA Batteries 73
Replacing AAA Batteries 75
Inserting the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery 75
Checking Battery Status 77
Recharging the Handheld 77
Changing Handheld Settings 78
Changing the Preferred Language 79
Customizing the Handheld Setup 80
Customizing Document Settings 81
Customizing Graphs & Geometry Settings 85
Viewing Handheld Status 87
Using Wireless Communication Hardware 88
Connecting Handhelds and Transferring Files 91
Connecting Handhelds 91
Transferring Filesto and from Handhelds 93
Transferring FilesBetween Computers and Handhelds 94
Handling Errors Resulting from Sending Folders 96
Memory and F ile Management 99
Checking Available Memory 99
Freeing Memory 100
Resetting the Memory 103
Updating the Handheld Operat ing System 105
4
What You Need to Know 105
Finding Operating System Updates 106
Updating the Operating System 107
Updating the OSon Multiple Handhelds 112
OS Upgrade Messages 112
Working in T I-84 Mode 115
Changing the Keypad 115
TI-84 Plus Mode Cables 116
Capturing Screens in TI-84 Mode 117
Upgrading the TI-84 PlusOS 117
Support and Service 118
Texas Instruments Support and Service 118
Service and Warranty Information 118
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries 119
Index 121
5
6
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
The TI-Nspire™ handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld are the second
generation handhelds in the TI-Nspire™ family of products. These handhelds
provide touchpad navigation, dynamic graphing, and interactive computer
features.
The handheld and the TI-Nspire™ software share the same functionality,
enabling you to transfer class assignments from the handheld to the computer
or transfer documents to the handheld when you need to be mobile. Start
assignments at school, and then finish the work at home to take advantage of
the software’s full-color display and easy-to-use navigation. Use the software to
download the latest software and handheld operating system updates as they
become available to ensure you have the latest enhancements.
This guide covers both the TI-Nspire™ handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CAS
handheld. While they operate identically in many ways, there are a few
distinctions. If the TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld has additional functionality, it is
pointed out and the CAS operation is described.
About CAS
With CAS, or the Computer Algebra System, you can:
• Perform both symbolic and numeric calculations.
• Factor and expand expressions and solve for common denominators.
TI-Nspire™ CAS technology makes it possible to recognize, simplify, and
calculate math expressions, preserving the symbols including variables and
terms such as “e” and p.
This ability to enter and view equations and expressions on screen as they
appear in textbooks is especially useful for step-by-step, arithmetic, algebraic,
and calculus calculations.
TI-Nspire™ Handheld Keys
Use the TI-Nspire™ Tou chpa d as you would a laptop
touchpad. You can also press the outer edges to move right,
left, up, and down.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 7
d Removes
menus or dialog
boxes from the
screen. Also stops a
calculation in
progress.
» Opens the
Scratchpad for
performing quick
calculations and
graphing.
e Moves to the
next entry field.
/ Provides access
to the function or
character shown
above each key.
Also enables
shortcuts in
combination with
other keys.
c Turns
on the
handheld. If
the handheld
is on, this
key displays
the home
screen.
~ Opens
the
Document
menu.
b
Displays the
application
or context
menu.
. Deletes
the previous
character.
h
g Makes the
next character typed
upper-case.
Displays
stored
variables.
·
Evaluates an
expression,
executes an
instruction,
or selects a
menu item.
Note: A ¢ symbol on a key indicates access to multiple options. To access an option,
press º repeatedly or use the arrow keys on the Touchpad. Press · or click to
8 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
select the option.
Preparing the Handheld for Use
TI-Nspire™ handhelds are shipped with four alkaline AAA batteries and a
standard Amale to mini Bmale USB cable. Handhelds can also be powered
using the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery or an approved wall charger, which
are sold separately.
Before using the handheld, either install the AAA batteriesorinstall and charge
the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery (if purchased). You can also connect your
handheld to an external power source if you have the wall charger.
Note: For more information about installing batteries, see
Handheld
s.
Configuring
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time
1. Ensure that batteries have been installed or charged, or that the handheld
is connected to a power source.
2. Presscto turn on the handheld.
A progress bar displays while the operating system loads, and then you
are prompted to choose preferences for language and font size.
To turn the handheld off, press / c. The settings and memory contents are
retained.
Note: For more information about installing and charging batteries, see
Configuring Handhelds
Using Automatic Power Down™
To prolong battery life, the Automatic Power Down™ (APD™) feature turns off
the handheld after three minutes of inactivity. When this happens, press c
to turn the handheld on and return to the last document or menu accessed. To
change the default setting, press c 5 3 to access the Handheld Setup
screen where you can change the Power Standby setting.
Note: For more information about setting up the handheld, see
Handhelds
.
.
Configuring
Choosing a Language
After the OS is loaded, select a preferred language.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 9
1. Press ¢ to open the drop-down list.
2. Press¤to scroll through the languages, and then press xor· to
select a language.
3. Presseto highlight the OK button, and then pressxor·to save
the language selection.
Choosing a font size
Next, select a font size for the display.
1. Press ¢ to open the drop-down list.
2. Press¤to highlight the font size, and then pressxor·to select it.
3. Presseto highlight the OK button, and then pressxor· to save
the selection and open the Welcome! screen.
10 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
4. To continue, clickxor press·to select OK and open the Home
screen.
Using the TI-Nspire™ Touchpad
Use the Touchpad to navigate or complete any task that can be completed
using the arrow and Enter keys. Use the Touchpad to navigate in two ways:
• Use it like a computer touchpad by moving your fingertip in a sliding
motion on the center area of the Touchpad to activate and move the
mouse pointer. Click or tap the center of the Touchpad to select a menu
option or complete an action.
• Press the arrow keys on the outside edge of the Touchpad to nudge the
mouse pointer up, down, left, or right, and then clickxor press· to
complete an action.
If you hold down an arrow key, the mouse pointer continues to move in that
direction.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 11
Note: If the mouse pointer is visible on a command or file, click or tapxin the
center of the Touchpad to select that command or file. If the command or file is
highlighted, move the pointer over that item or press· to select it.
When working in an application, use the Touchpad to access more information
about problems. For example, hovering over a Graphs & Geometry object
displays information about variables used in that object and about tools that
are available.
Some users prefer to customize their Touchpad settings; to speed up or slow
down the pointer, or to enable tap to click. To change default settings for the
Touchpad see
Configuring Handhelds
.
Using the Home Screen
The Home screen opens when you power on your handheld for the first time.
The Home screen provides a starting point for all activities performed on a
handheld:
• Opening the Scratchpad for quick calculations and graphing
• Creating new documents
• Opening and managing existing documents
• Defining settings and viewing status
• Viewing hints for operating the handheld
• Accessing recent documents
• Returning to the current document
Note: To return to the Home screen from any other location, pressc.
Selecting Options on the Home Screen
• By default, the cursor is not active. To activate the cursor, swipe the
Touchpad with your fingertip.
• Use the Touchpad to click on any of the application icons or any of the
Scratchpad or Documents menu options.
• Press the arrows on the Touchpad (¡ , ¢, £,or¤) to move among the
options on the Home screen.
• Move the mouse pointer over each application icon to view a brief
description.
• Press xor·to select a highlighted option, or press the number or
letter associated with the option.
12 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Adjusting the Contrast
To lighten the display, press and hold/and tap-.
To darken the display, press and hold/and tap+.
Home Screen Options
Menu Option Purpose
Scratchpad
Use the Scratchpad menu options to open a Calculator or Graph application
without affecting your document.
While in Scratchpad, press » to toggle between Scratchpad applications:
Calculate and Graph.
Calculate Opens the Scratchpad with a Calculator application
active. From the Home screen, press A.
Graph Opens the Scratchpad with a Graph application active.
From the Home screen, press B.
Documents
To select options for working with documents, press the associated number
or use the Touchpad to select an icon then press x or ·.
New
Document
My Documents Opens the file browser where you can open existing TI-
Recent Lists the five most recently saved documents.
Current Goes to the document that is currently open.
Settings Check the status of the handheld and change settings.
Opens a new TI-Nspire™ document with available
applications listed.
Nspire™ documents or send files to others.
Application icons
To add a new page to the current document, select an application icon. If no
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 13
Menu Option Purpose
document is open, a new document opens with the selected application on
a new page.
Calculator
Graphs
Geometry
Lists &
Spreadsheet
Data &
Statistics
Adds a page to a document for entering and evaluating
math expressions.
Adds a page for graphing and exploring functions.
Adds a page for creating and exploring geometric
shapes.
Adds a page for working with data in tables.
Adds a page and provides tools used to visualize sets of
data in different types of plots and provides tools for
manipulating data sets to explore relationships between
the sets of data.
Notes
Vernier
DataQuest™
14 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Provides text editing functions for adding text to
TI-Nspire™ documents for use as notes or to share with
other users.
Adds a page for collecting and analyzing data from
sensors or probes.
To learn more about applications and documents, see the
Documents on TI-Nspire™ Handhelds.
Working with
Understanding the Scratchpad
Use the Scratchpad to make quick calculations and graphs without affecting
the current TI-Nspire™ document. For example, when you need a quick way to
test a calculation before you add it to a document, you can open the
Scratchpad application and perform the calculation. Then, you can either
discard the calculation or add it to a document. For more information about the
Scratchpad, please see
Using the Scratchpad
.
The TI-Nspire™ Handheld Screen
The icons on the handheld screen provide information about the status of
handheld operations and provide an easy way to access and change settings.
This screen shows the icons, which are described below.
Icon Function
À ¡ ¢
Á
Page scrolling arrows - Use the Touchpad and these
arrows to scroll through the pages in a document.
Page tabs - Indicate the problem number followed by the
page number. If problems are named, move the Touchpad
pointer over the tab to view the page name.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 15
Icon Function
Â
Ã
Ä
Å
Æ
Ç
Document name - Shows the current document name. Click
here to access the Documents menu. An asterisk by the
document name indicates changes were made since the
document was last saved.
Press to Test - Indicates that the handheld is in Press-to-
Test mode.
Login status - Shows whether the handheld is searching for
an access point (blinking), found an access point (solid),
not communicating, connected and ready to log in (a
blinking arrow), or logged in and charged (a solid arrow).
Click here to view Settings & Status.
g, /, orÊ status
Settings & Status:
• Hover the cursor over the icon to show the angle mode
setting in effect for the active application and the status
of the batteries.
• Click the icon to open the Settings menu.
Close document - Click here to close the current document.
If information is unsaved, save or discard when prompted.
Using Hints
Hints are quick tips available throughout the software on the handheld. There
are several easy ways to access Hints:
• Press/ µ.
• Some dialog boxes contain a question mark icon. Click this icon to open
Hints for that task.
▶ To scroll through the Hints, use the Touchpad or arrow keys:
- To page down, press / 3.
- To page up, press / 9.
16 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
- To go to the end of the Hints file, press / 1.
- To go back to the beginning of the file, press / 7.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Use the following keyboard shortcuts to perform common functions. You can
also perform all shortcuts performed by selecting options from menus.
Getting Help
Open Hints
Editing Text
Cut
Copy
Paste
Undo
Redo
Toggle approximate and exact results
Change key to include appropriate accent
Inserting Characters and Symbols in a document
Display character/symbol palette
Underscore
/ µ
/ X
/ C
/ V
/ Z
/ d
/ Y
g d
/ ·
;
/ k
/ _
Display math template palette
Backslash (\ )
Manual data capture point
t
g p
/ ^
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 17
Clear
/ .
Caps Lock
Store
Square brackets
Curly brackets
Display Trig symbol palette
Equals symbol
Display pi symbols palette
(p, à, q, and so on),
Display equality/inequality palette
(>, <, É,≠, ≤, ≥, and | )
Display marks and letter symbols palette
(? ! $° ' " : ; _ \)
Square root
log
ln
/ g
/ h
/ (
/ )
µ
=
¹
/ =
º
/ q
/ s
/ u
ans
Managing Documents
Open document menu
Open document
Close document
Create new document
18 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
/ v
~
/ O
/ W
/ N
Insert new page
/ I
Select application
Save current document
Navigation
Top of page
End of page
Page Up
Page Down
Up a level in the hierarchy
Down a level in the hierarchy
Context menu for selection
Extends selection in direction of arrow
Navigating in Documents
Displays previous page
/ K
/ S
/ »
/ 7
/ 1
/ 9
/ 3
/ £
/ ¤
b
gAny arrow
/ ¡
Displays next page
Displays Page Sorter
Exits Page Sorter
Switch between applications on a split page
Moves focus backward within page
Wizards and Templates
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 19
/ ¢
/ £
/ ¤
/ e
g e
Add a column to a matrix after the current column
g @
Add a row to a matrix after the current row
Integration template
Derivative template
Math template palette
Fraction template
Modifying Display
Increase contrast
Decrease contrast
Power off
Using Application-Specific Shortcuts
Select all in Notes or Program Editor
Check syntax and store (in Program Editor)
Insert Data Collection console
@
g +
g -
tor / ;
/ p
/ +
/ -
/ c
/ A
/ B
/ D
Find (in Program Editor)
Hide/Show Entry Line (in Graph or Geometry)
Go To (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Program Editor)
Find and Replace (In Program Editor)
Insert math expression box (in Notes)
Open the Scratchpad
Recalculate (in Lists & Spreadsheet)
20 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
/ F
/ G
/ H
/ M
»
/ R
Add Function Table (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Graph,
and Geometry)
/ T
Group/ungroup
/ 4 / / 6
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 21
22
Using the Scratchpad
The Scratchpad is a feature of the TI-Nspire™ handheld that lets you quickly:
• Evaluate math expressions.
• Graph functions.
Opening and Closing the Scratchpad
▶ From the Home screen, press » to open the Scratchpad.
The first time you open the Scratchpad, a blank page opens with the
Calculator active.
▶ Press » to alternate between the Calculate and Graph pages.
Using the Scratchpad 23
▶ Press b to see the ScratchpadCalculate or ScratchpadGraph menu.
These menus are subsets of the TI-Nspire™ menus for the Calculator and
Graphs applications. For complete listings of those menus, see the
documentation for those applications.
▶ Press d to close the Scratchpad.
Calculating with the Scratchpad
From the ScratchpadCalculate page, type a math expression on the entry line,
and then press · to evaluate the expression. Expressions are displayed in
standard mathematical notation as you enter them.
Each evaluated expression and result becomes part of the Scratchpad history,
displayed above the entry line.
Entering Simple Math Expressions
Note: To enter a negative number, press v and then type the number.
Suppose you want to evaluate
1. Select the entry line in the work area.
2. Type 2 l 8 to begin the expression.
3. Press ¢ to return the cursor to the baseline, and then complete the
expression by typing:
r 43 p 12
4. Press · to evaluate the expression.
The expression displays in standard mathematical notation, and the result
displays on the right side of the page.
Note: You can force a decimal approximation in a result by pressing
/ · instead of ·.
24 Using the Scratchpad
Pressing
Note: Results formatting can also be adjusted in settings. For more information
about customizing settings, see
/ ·
forces the approximate result.
Configuring Handhelds
.
Inserting Items from the Catalog
You can use the Catalog to insert functions and commands, symbols, and
expression templates into the entry line.
1. Press k to open the Catalog. By default, the first tab is displayed, which
lists all commands and functions in alphabetical order.
Catalog for a nonCAS handheld
Catalog for a
CAS handheld
Using the Scratchpad 25
2. If the function you are inserting is visible in the list, select it and press ·
to insert it.
3. If the function is not visible:
a) Press a letter key to jump to the entries that begin with that letter.
b) Press ¤ or £ as necessary to highlight the item you are inserting.
c) Click a numbered tab to list functions by category: math functions,
symbols, math templates, library objects, and value for standard
measurement units (CAS).
d) Press · to insert the item into the entry line.
Using an Expression Template
Templates help you enter matrices, piecewise functions, systems of equations,
integrals, derivatives, products, and other math expressions.
For example, suppose you want to evaluate
1. Press t to open 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.
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 · to evaluate the expression.
26 Using the Scratchpad
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. Press k 1 to open the Catalog and show the alphabetic list of
functions.
2. Click inside the list, and then press L to jump to the entries that begin with
“L.”
3. Press ¤ as necessary to highlight LinRegMx.
4. If the Wizards On option is not checked, press e e to highlight
Wizards On.
5. Press · to change the setting.
6. Press e e to highlight LinRegMx again.
LinRegMx
function in a nonCAS handheld
Using the Scratchpad 27
LinRegMx
function in a CAS
handheld
7. Press ·.
A wizard opens, giving you a labeled box to type each argument.
8. Type {1,2,3,4,5} as X List.
9. Press e to move to the Y L ist field.
10. Type {5,8,11,14,17} as Y List.
11. If you want to store the regression equation in a specific variable, press
e, and then replace Save RegEqn To with the name of the function
variable (f1 through f99).
12. Click OK to close the wizard and insert the expression into the entry line.
The expression is inserted along with statements to copy the regression
equation and display the variable stat.results, which will contain the
results.
LinRegMx {1,2,3,4,5},{5,8,11,14,17},1: CopyVar stat.RegEqn,f1: stat.results
28 Using the Scratchpad
The Scratchpad then displays the stat.results variables.
Note: You can copy values from the stat.results variables and paste them
into the entry line.
Viewing the History
Each evaluated expression and result becomes part of the Scratchpad history,
displayed above the entry line.
▶ Press £ or ¤ to scroll through the history.
À
Current entry/total entries
Copying a History Item to the Entry Line
You can quickly copy an expression, subexpression, or result from the history
into the entry line.
Using the Scratchpad 29
1. Press £ or ¤ to move through the history and select the item that you want
to copy.
2. Optionally, select part of the expression or result by using g in
combination with the arrow keys.
3. Press · to copy the selection and insert it into the entry line.
Clearing the 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.
▶ From the Actions menu, click Clear History.
—or—
Press b 1 5.
All expressions and results are removed from the history.
Editing Scratchpad Expressions
Although you cannot edit a ScratchpadCalculate expression in the 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.
Inserting Elements into the Entry Line
1. Press e, ¡, ¢, £, or ¤ to position the cursor in the expression.
The cursor moves to the closest valid position in the direction that you
press.
2. Type the elements.
—or—
30 Using the Scratchpad
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