Texas instruments TI-NSPIRE Math and Science Learning Technology User Manual

Math and Science

Learning Technology

Handheld

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.

FCC Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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

Contents

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

The TI-Nspire™ math and science learning handheld ................ 1

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

Where to find more information........................................... 2

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

Dual Keypads.................................................................................. 3

Changing the keypad.............................................................. 4

TI-Nspire™ handheld keys ............................................................. 5

Keyboard shortcuts ........................................................................ 6

Initial startup .................................................................................. 7

Replacing batteries......................................................................... 7

Battery Precautions................................................................. 7

Additional precautions for rechargeable batteries .............. 8

For proper disposal of used batteries .................................... 8

Adjusting the contrast ................................................................... 8

Turning the handheld on and off.................................................. 8

Automatic Power Down ......................................................... 8

Turning on your TI-Nspire™ handheld for the first time............. 8

Choosing a language .............................................................. 9

Choosing a font size................................................................ 9

The Home menu........................................................................... 10

Using the Home menu.......................................................... 10

The TI-Nspire™ handheld screen................................................. 11

Viewing status information......................................................... 12

Viewing system settings............................................................... 12

Document settings ....................................................................... 13

Document settings Options.................................................. 13

Changing document settings....................................................... 14

System settings ............................................................................. 14

Changing system settings ............................................................ 15

Handheld status............................................................................ 15

Checking available memory......................................................... 16

Freeing Memory ........................................................................... 16

Deleting items from memory ............................................... 16

Using connection cables............................................................... 17

USB cables.............................................................................. 17

TI-84 Plus Mode cables.......................................................... 17

Backing up files to another handheld ................................. 18

Connecting two TI-Nspire™handhelds with the USB

unit-to-unit cable ............................................................... 18

Sending a document............................................................. 18

iii

Connecting a TI-Nspire™ with TI-84 Plus Keypad to a TI-84

Plus handheld ..................................................................... 18

Connecting the TI-Nspire™ handheld to a computer ........19

Upgrading the Operating System................................................ 19

Important Operating System download information......... 19

Where to get Operating System upgrades .......................... 19

Backing up files to a computer............................................. 20

Resetting the memory..................................................................20

Displaying the About screen........................................................21

Viewing Hints................................................................................21

Using the catalog..........................................................................22

Opening the catalog ............................................................. 22

Using Wizards ........................................................................23

Entering special characters...........................................................23

Entering Math expressions........................................................... 23

Entering international language characters ...............................24

Working with Documents .................................................... 25

Documents ....................................................................................25

Page Sorter....................................................................................25

My Documents ..............................................................................26

Creating documents .....................................................................26

Creating a blank document ..................................................26

Adding an application...........................................................27

Creating a document with an application ..................................27

Working with applications...........................................................28

Application menu .........................................................................28

Using the Application menu................................................. 28

Context menu ...............................................................................29

Using the Context menu ....................................................... 29

Page Tools menu...........................................................................30

Using the Page Tools menu...................................................30

Changing the page layout ...........................................................30

Choosing a standard layout.................................................. 30

Creating a custom layout...................................................... 32

Repositioning applications on a page.........................................33

Swapping applications .......................................................... 33

Adding a problem to a document............................................... 34

Adding a page to a problem........................................................34

Moving through pages in a document........................................35

Saving a document ....................................................................... 35

Viewing and reordering pages in a document ...........................36

Opening the Page Sorter from a document ........................ 36

Reordering pages in a problem............................................ 37

Copying a page to another problem....................................38

Copying a page to another document ................................ 38

Document settings ....................................................................... 39

Changing document settings ............................................... 39

Managing documents .................................................................. 41

Opening My Documents....................................................... 41

Expanding folders ................................................................. 42

Expanding all folders ............................................................ 42

Renaming folders or documents.......................................... 42

Collapsing folders.................................................................. 43

Creating folders..................................................................... 43

File and folder naming conventions .................................... 43

Duplicating documents and folders..................................... 44

Recovering deleted documents ............................................ 44

Linking values on pages............................................................... 45

Creating TI-Nspire™ variables.............................................. 45

Special considerations for variables..................................... 47

Checking a variable’s value using the Calculator

application.......................................................................... 49

Using (linking) TI-Nspire™ variables.................................... 49

Removing a linked variable.................................................. 51

Libraries......................................................................................... 52

Program Editor ............................................................................. 53

Sending a document to another handheld ................................ 53

Rules for sending files........................................................... 53

Sending a document............................................................. 53

Receiving a document........................................................... 54

Canceling a transfer.............................................................. 54

Using Calculator....................................................................55

Getting started with the Calculator application ........................ 55

Before you begin................................................................... 60

Entering and evaluating math expressions ................................ 60

Options for entering expressions......................................... 60

Entering simple math expressions........................................ 60

Controlling the form of a result........................................... 61

Inserting items from the Catalog......................................... 62

Using an expression template .............................................. 63

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

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

Inserting into an expression in the entry line ..................... 64

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

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

Working with the Calculator history........................................... 65

Viewing the Calculator history............................................. 65

Reusing a previous expression or result............................... 66

Deleting an expression from the history.............................. 66

Clearing the Calculator history.............................................67

Where to find more information .........................................67

Using Graphs & Geometry ................................................... 69

The toolbar.................................................................................... 69

The work area...............................................................................79

The graphing view................................................................. 79

The plane geometry view .....................................................79

The analytic window .............................................................80

To remove the analytic window from the work area .........80

Creating and manipulating axes ..........................................82

Drawing a circle.....................................................................84

The entry line................................................................................85

Graphing inequalities............................................................86

Finding points of interest: zeroes, minima, maxima...........87

Animating objects.........................................................................88

Animating one point on an object.......................................88

The animation control panel ................................................89

Resetting animation..............................................................89

Stopping animation...............................................................89

Creating a Scatter Plot .......................................................... 90

More Information.................................................................. 91

Using Lists & Spreadsheet.................................................... 93

Getting started with tables..........................................................93

Navigating in a spreadsheet .................................................97

Methods of entering table data........................................... 97

Working with individual cells ......................................................98

Creating absolute and relative cell references .................... 98

Inserting items from the Catalog .........................................99

Deleting the contents of a cell or block of cells................ 101

Copying a cell or block of cells ...........................................101

Filling adjacent cells ............................................................102

Working with rows and columns of data..................................103

Selecting a row or column ..................................................103

Resizing a row or column....................................................103

Inserting an empty row or column.....................................103

Deleting entire rows or columns ........................................104

Copying rows or columns.................................................... 104

Moving a column.................................................................105

Using Data & Statistics ....................................................... 107

The Tool menu ............................................................................ 108

Working with Data & Statistics..................................................112

Creating plots from spreadsheet data ...................................... 112

Plotting data from Lists & Spreadsheet ............................. 112

Creating a split page with Data & Statistics and

Lists & Spreadsheet........................................................... 114

More Information ............................................................... 115

Using Notes .........................................................................117

Getting started with the Notes application.............................. 117

The Notes tool menu.................................................................. 118

Before you begin................................................................. 119

The Notes work area.................................................................. 119

Notes templates.......................................................................... 119

Applying a Notes template................................................. 120

Using the Q&A Template .................................................... 120

Using the Proof Template................................................... 120

Inserting comments.................................................................... 121

Formatting Notes text................................................................ 121

Selecting text....................................................................... 121

Applying a text format ....................................................... 121

Inserting geometric shape symbols.................................... 122

Entering and evaluating expressions ........................................ 122

Entering an expression ....................................................... 123

Evaluating an expression.................................................... 123

Data Collection ...................................................................125

Compatible sensors ............................................................. 125

Starting the Data Collection tool....................................... 125

Data Collection controls ..................................................... 126

Running an experiment and collecting data..................... 126

Data Collection names........................................................ 126

Storing collected data................................................................ 127

To save temperature data................................................... 127

To save motion data............................................................ 127

Appendix: Service and Support .........................................129

Texas Instruments Support and Service..................................... 129

For general information ..................................................... 129

Service and warranty information ..................................... 129

Service ......................................................................................... 129

Battery Precautions .................................................................... 129

Disposing of Batteries......................................................... 130

Index ....................................................................................131

vii

viii

Introduction

The TI-Nspire™ math and science learning handheld

This guidebook provides information about a powerful, advanced learning handheld available from Texas Instruments: the TI-Nspire™handheld.

Your learning handheld comes equipped with a variety of pre-installed software applications that have features relevant to different subjects and curriculums.

Extend the reach of your TI-Nspire™ handheld with accessories, such as the TI-Nspire™ computer software, TI-Nspire™ ViewScreen™ Panel and TI-Nspire™ Computer Link Software.

How to use this guidebook

This guidebook is intended to provide instruction for the basic operation of the TI-Nspire™ handheld.

The chapters in this guidebook include:

Getting Started - Provides start up information for the learning handheld, and offers students and educators an overview of the basic operations of the TI-Nspire™ handheld.

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.

Service and Warranty Information - Includes service and warranty

information and contact information for technical support.

Introduction 1

Where to find more information

The remainder of the product information is available in electronic form. The comprehensive guidebook for using the TI-Nspire™ handheld is included on the CD-ROM that came with your learning handheld. This guidebook is also available online as a free download at education.ti.com/guides.

2 Introduction

Getting Started

Your TI-Nspire™ handheld operates in two modes:

•TI-Nspire

• TI-84 Plus Silver Edition

There are two keypads, one for each mode, but your handheld has only one operating system. The operating system for the TI-84 Plus keypad is bundled with the TI-Nspire™ operating system. Both mode operating systems are updated when you update the OS for the handheld. The TI-84 Plus mode OS cannot be installed separately using a stand-alone TI-84 Plus OS.

To learn about the capabilities and features of the TI-84 Plus mode, see the TI-84 Plus guidebook on your CD or at education.ti.com. The capabilities and features of the TI-Nspire mode are described in this guidebook.

Note: There are many TI-84 Plus applications (Apps). Apps that are certified by TI to be compatible with your TI-Nspire handheld will operate correctly. All apps preinstalled on your handheld are certified. Other applications that have not been certified may also operate correctly, but some will not.

Dual Keypads

Your TI-Nspire™ handheld works with two keypads: the first is the TI-Nspire™ keypad and the second is the TI-84 Plus keypad.

TI-84 Plus keypad (on left) and TI-Nspire keypad (attached to handheld)

Getting Started 3

Changing the keypad

Caution: When changing keypads, be certain that the handheld is

completely powered down before removing the keypad. Removing the keypad before the display clears may result in loss of data.

1. Remove the cover, and turn the handheld over. Slide the latch release to the right.

The keypad releases.

2. Turn the handheld right side up, and slide the keypad away from the display screen.

3. Lift the keypad off the handheld.

4. Insert the other keypad.

Ensure that it fits comfortably into the guides on the bottom and sides of the handheld.

Note: The keypad does not slide in from the bottom edge of the unit. Instead, fit it into the guides just above the batteries.

5. When the keypad is properly seated on the handheld, push the keypad toward the display screen.

The keypad clicks into place when properly seated and completely inserted into the handheld.

4 Getting Started

TI-Nspire™ handheld keys

d Removes

menus or dialog boxes from the screen.

e Moves to the

next entry field.

/ Provides

access to the function or character shown above each key.

g Makes the next

character typed upper-case.

w Turns on the

TI-Nspire handheld.

cDisplays the

home menu.

bDisplays

application or context menu.

. Clears

(erases) the entry line or deletes selected object.

kDisplays the

catalog for entering commands.

· Evaluates an

expression, executes an instruction, or selects a menu item.

xClick button

Selects an object on the screen.

NavPad

Press 3, 4, 5,or6 to move the cursor.

Getting Started 5

/ + x or pressing and holding x

Displays the grab cursor ÷ so you can grab an object on the screen.

Keyboard shortcuts

Use the following keyboard shortcuts to perform common

functions.

Editing Text

cut

copy

paste

undo

redo

Inserting Characters, Symbols

display character palette

not equal to

underscore

{

semi-colon (;)

display math template palette

/X

/C

/V

/Z

/Y

/k

/=

/_

/>

/<

/:

/r

% /j

degree symbol

backslash ( \ )

Managing Documents

create new document

/N

save current document

Navigation

Home

End

Page Up

Page Down

Up a level in the hierarchy

Down a level in the hierarchy

Navigating in Documents

displays previous page

displays next page

displays Page Sorter

Wizards and Templates

add a column to a matrix

add a row to a matrix

integration template

derivative template

Modifying Display

increase contrast

decrease contrast

power off

/S

/£

/ 6

/¡

/¢

/£

g+

g-

/+

/-

/w

insert new page

select application

6 Getting Started

/I

Initial startup

The TI-Nspire™ math and science learning handheld uses four AAA batteries, which are provided with the product.

Replacing batteries

Caution: When removing the keypad to change batteries, be certain that the handheld is completely powered down. Removing the keypad before the display is cleared may result in loss of data.

1. Remove the keypad from the handheld.

2. Carefully remove the batteries.

Caution: You may need to use a tool to remove the batteries as they fit tightly in the unit. If you use a tool, be careful not to damage either the batteries or the handheld.

3. Insert fresh batteries.

Ensure that the + side of each battery faces away from the display screen.

4. Replace the keypad.

Battery Precautions

Take these precautions when replacing batteries.

• Do not leave batteries within the reach of children.

• Do not mix new and used batteries. Do not mix brands, or types within brands, of batteries.

• Do not mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.

• Install batteries according to polarity (+ and -) diagrams.

• Do not place non-rechargeable batteries in a battery recharger.

• Properly dispose of used batteries immediately.

Getting Started 7

• Do not incinerate or dismantle batteries.

• Seek medical advice immediately if a cell or battery has been swallowed.

Additional precautions for rechargeable batteries

• Use only the charger recommended for the cell or battery, or the one that was provided with the original equipment.

• Remove the cell or battery from the charger or alternating current adapter when not in use or being charged.

• Use of the battery in other devices may result in personal injury or damage to equipment or property.

For proper disposal of used batteries

• Do not mutilate, puncture, or dispose of batteries in fire. The batteries can burst or explode, releasing hazardous chemicals. Discard used batteries according to local regulations.

Adjusting the contrast

To lighten the display, press and hold / and tap -.

To darken the display, press / and tap +.

Turning the handheld on and off

To turn the handheld on, press w.

To turn the handheld off, press handheld, it is in the same state as when you left it. The settings and

memory contents are retained.

/w. The next time you turn on the

Automatic Power Down

To prolong battery life, Automatic Power Down turns off the handheld after several minutes of inactivity. The next time you turn on the TI-Nspire™ handheld, it is exactly as you left it.

Turning on your TI-Nspire™ handheld for the first time

f After installing the batteries included with your new handheld,

w to turn the handheld on.

press

A progress bar displays while the operating system loads.

8 Getting Started

Choosing a language

When loading is complete, you are prompted to select the language to display on the handheld.

1. Press 6 until the language you wish to display is highlighted, and

then press the click button on the NavPad (

x)or· to select it.

2. Press

e to highlight the OK button, and press x or · to select

it.

Choosing a font size

Next, you are prompted to select the font size you wish to use to display text on the handheld.

1. Press

2. Press

6 until the font size you wish to display is highlighted, and

then press

x or · to select it.

e to highlight the OK button, and press x or · to select

it.

Note: You can reset the font size on your handheld at any time by changing the system settings.

Getting Started 9

When you have selected the font size, the Welcome screen displays. This screen describes a few of the basics of using your new handheld.

Press 6 on the NavPad to scroll down through the document.

Once you have finished with the welcome screen, press e to highlight the OK button, then press x or · to display the home menu.

The Home menu

The Home menu provides a starting point for all activities on your handheld. Use the Home menu to perform the following tasks:

• creating new documents

• opening and managing existing documents

• viewing and changing system and document settings

• viewing hints for operating the handheld.

Using the Home menu

The Home menu displays when you power on your handheld for the first time.

Note: To return to the Home menu from any other location, press

10 Getting Started

1. Press the arrows on the NavPad (3, 4, 5,or6 ) to move among the

options on the Home menu.

A brief description of what each option does displays at the bottom of the screen.

Note: Not all options are available at all times. If an option is not available, its icon is grayed-out on the home menu.

2. Press

x or · to select a highlighted option, or press the number

associated with the option.

For example, press

To learn more about applications and documents, see the Working with Documents chapter.

6 to open a new document.

The TI-Nspire™ handheld screen

The handheld screen provides information about the document you are working in, as well as the system settings and status. The example below illustrates the main elements of the handheld screen. A description of each element follows.

Getting Started 11

Ê Page tabs - indicate the problem number followed by the page

number.

Ë System Settings - display the system settings in use, what modifier

keys are in use, and provides a snapshot of battery status.

Ì Status icons - indicate whether any modifier keys are active, and

display battery and memory status.

Viewing status information

The icons that display across the top of the handheld screen provide a quick look at the operating status of the handheld. Icons indicate whether any modifier keys are active, and display the current page number and the total page number. Battery status and low memory indicators also display in this area.

Icon Indicator Action

critical

good

low

Active key

Battery Status Indicates battery life.

Indicates whether keys are active.

/ or g

Viewing system settings

The system information menu allows you to view the following system information:

12 Getting Started

• Document settings

• System settings

• Handheld status

• About screen

Not all options are accessible at all times. For example, if no document is open, you cannot view document settings. When an option is not available, it appears in light gray on the menu.

Document settings

Document settings control how the handheld displays and interprets information in each document. All numbers, including elements of matrices and lists, display according to the document settings.

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 Real

Rectangular Polar

Exact or Approx. Auto

Exact Approximate

Vector Format Rectangular

Cylindrical Spherical

Getting Started 13

Field Values

Base Decimal

Hex Binary

Changing document settings

1. Press /c16to display the Document Settings dialog box.

2. Press

3. When you reach the setting that you want to change, press

4. Press the

5. Press the

6. Press

e to move down through the list of settings. (Press 3 if you

need to move back up through the list.)

6 to

expand the selection list.

5 and 6 keys to highlight the option you wish to select

and press

x or · .

4 key until the OK button is highlighted.

x or · to apply the new document settings.

Note: If you want to apply the new settings to the device, highlight

Apply to System and press x or ·.

System settings

System settings apply default settings to all documents on the handheld. When you create a new document, by default, it uses the system settings to control how the document displays and interprets information. Document settings applied to an individual document override the system settings. System settings also control the language and the font size for the handheld.

14 Getting Started

Changing system settings

1. Press c82to open the System Settings window.

2. Press e until the category of settings you want to change is

highlighted.

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

6. When you have changed all the settings to suit your needs, press

6 to display the list of possible settings.

6 to highlight the setting you wish to select.

x or · to select the new setting.

e until OK is highlighted, and press x or · to apply your

changes.

Note: Click

Defaults to return the handheld to the factory settings.

Handheld status

The Handheld Status screen shows the amount of memory (in bytes) used by all documents and variables on your TI-Nspire™ handheld. The Handheld Status screen displays the following information:

Getting Started 15

• Storage Capacity

•Space Used

• Free Space

• Battery Status

Checking available memory

1. Press c83.

2. Press

x or · to dismiss the Handheld Status screen.

Freeing Memory

If you have insufficient memory to store documents on your handheld, you must free memory to create the space you need. To free memory, you must delete documents and/or folders from memory. If you wish to keep the documents and folders for use later, you can back them up to another handheld or to a computer.

Deleting items from memory

If have documents stored on your handheld that you no longer need, you can delete them from memory to create additional space.

Before you delete documents from memory, consider restoring sufficient available memory by copying files to another handheld.

1. Open My Documents.

c7.

Press

2. Press

3. Press

16 Getting Started

£ or ¤ to select the folder or document you want to delete.

4. Press x or · to confirm that you want to delete the file.

Note: Press

d to cancel the deletion. Press /Z to cancel.

Using connection cables

Your TI-Nspire™ handheld comes with connection cables that allow you to share files with both a computer and another device. Different cables work with each keypad.

USB cables

You can use USB cables to connect two TI-Nspire handhelds, to connect a TI-Nspire handheld to a computer, or to connect one TI-Nspire™ handheld using TI-Nspire™ TI-84 Plus keypad to another.

TI-Nspire™ USB connection cable to connect handheld to a computer using TI-Nspire Computer Link software.

TI-84 Plus Mode cables

If you already have TI-84 Plus handhelds and use the I/O port for connectivity, you can use the same cables to connect to a TI-Nspire handheld using the 84 keypad.

TI-Nspire™ handheld miniUSB cable to connect two TI-Nspire handhelds

USB connection cable to connect handheld to a computer using TI Connect software.

Getting Started 17

TI-84 Plus I/O device-to-device connection cable

Backing up files to another handheld

To back up files to another TI-Nspire™ handheld, follow the steps below. Complete instructions for connecting two handhelds are included in the electronic version of the handheld guidebook, provided on the CD that came with your handheld.

Connecting two TI-Nspire™handhelds with the USB unit-tounit cable

The TI-Nspire™ handheld USB A port is located at the center of the top of the handheld.

1. Firmly insert either end of the USB unit-to-unit cable into the USB A port.

2. Insert the other end of the cable into the receiving unit’s USB A port.

Sending a document

1. Press c7 to open My Documents on the sending unit.

2. Press the 5 and 6 keys to highlight the document you want to send.

3. Press

4. When the file transfer is complete, a message displays on the

/c15 to select Send from the Document menu.

receiving unit.

Connecting a TI-Nspire™ with TI-84 Plus Keypad to a TI-84 Plus handheld

TI-Nspire™ TI-84 Plus keypad I/O link port is located at the bottom edge of the keypad. The TI-84 Plus I/O link port is located at the top left edge of the graphing calculator.

1. Firmly insert either end of the I/O unit-to-unit cable into the port.

2. Insert the other end of the cable into the other graphing calculator’s I/O port.

18 Getting Started

Connecting the TI-Nspire™ handheld to a computer

1. Firmly insert the mini-USB end of the cable into the port at the top of your handheld.

2. Firmly insert the USB end of the cable into the USB port of the computer.

Upgrading the Operating System

You can upgrade the OS on your TI-Nspire™ handheld using your computer and TI-Nspire™ Computer Link Software. You can also transfer the OS from one handheld to another.

Warning: Upgrading the operating system will delete all TI-84 applications and files. Before installing an OS upgrade, you should use TI Connect to back up all TI-84 applications and files to a computer. You can copy them back to the handheld when the OS upgrade is complete.

If there is not enough room on the receiving handheld for the upgrade, the sending handheld is notified. The only time documents can be affected by an OS installation is if the receiving handheld has a corrupted OS. In this situation, documents may be affected by OS restoration. It is a good practice to back up your important documents and folders before installing an updated operating system.

See the important information below concerning batteries before performing an OS upgrade.

Important Operating System download information

It is always a good practice to install new batteries before beginning an OS download.

When in OS download mode, the Automatic Power Down feature does not function. If you leave your handheld in download mode for an extended time before you begin the downloading process, your batteries may become depleted. You will then need to replace the batteries with new batteries before downloading.

(APD)

Where to get Operating System upgrades

For up-to-date information about available OS upgrades, check the Texas Instruments Web site at http://education.ti.com.

Getting Started 19

You can download an OS upgrade from the Texas Instruments Web site to a computer, and use a USB computer cable to install the OS on your TI-Nspire™ handheld.

For complete information, refer to the instructions in the chapter on TI-Nspire™ Computer Link Software.

Backing up files to a computer

Use the TI-Nspire™ Computer Link Software or TI Connect (with the TI-84 Plus keypad) to back up the contents of your handheld to a computer. TI-Nspire™ Computer Link Software and TI Connect software are available on the product CD that came with your handheld.

Resetting the memory

The Reset button on the underside of the handheld resets all memory. When resetting all memory on the TI-Nspire™ handheld, RAM and Flash memory is restored to factory settings. All files will be deleted. All system variables are reset to default settings.

Caution: Before you reset all memory, consider restoring sufficient available memory by deleting only selected data. If you reset all memory, the pre-installed apps on your handheld will be deleted.

To reset all memory on the handheld, follow these steps.

1. Use a paper clip or ball point pen to press the Reset button on the underside of the handheld.

2. Hold for three seconds, and release.

Handheld memory is cleared.

When you clear memory, the contrast cometimes changes. If the screen is faded or blank, adjust the contrast by pressing

20 Getting Started

/+ or /-.

Displaying the About screen

The About screen displays information about theTI-Nspire™ handheld type, the Operating System (OS) Version, and Product Identification (ID).

To dis p l a y t he About screen, press

For information regarding OS updates, see the chapter Transferring Files in the electronic version the the handheld guidebook. This guidebook is available on the CD that came with your handheld, or on the Texas Instruments web site: http://education.ti.com/guides.

c84.

Viewing Hints

Hints provide helpful information for navigating the handheld. To view Hints, press c9.

Getting Started 21

Using the catalog

Use the catalog to access a list of TI-Nspire™ commands and functions, units, symbols and expression templates. Commands and functions are listed alphabetically. Commands or functions not beginning with a letter are found at the end of the list. (&, /, +, -, etc.).

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.

Opening the catalog

1. Press k to open the catalog.

2. Press the number key for the category of the item.

For example, press 4 to show a table of symbols.

3. Press

22 Getting Started

6 until the item you want to insert is highlighted.

+ 114 hidden pages