Some graphing calculator models include an integrated computer algebra system (CAS) for performing symbolic calculations. A symbolic approach to problem solving can be much more informative than a numerical approach. The following steps apply specifically to HP graphing calculator models with CAS, but the same general approach applies almost universally.
Instructions
1. Hit the "CAS" button in the home view of the graphing calculator to enter the CAS environment. The menus for CAS appear on the bottom of the screen and offer a range of functions and adjustable parameters.
2. Configure the CAS settings. Depending on the type of problem you're solving, you may need to set the parameters carefully. Alternatively, if you want just the basic default settings, configure the settings to default using the "ALGB" menu and the "CFG" option.
3. Enter the equation or expression that you want to manipulate or solve. If you're working with a single variable, you can just use the "X, T, Theta" button to quickly enter the variable. Otherwise, use the "ALPHA" button to enter a different variable. You can use the arrow buttons for highlighting expressions.
4. Highlight the expression or equation when you're ready to perform a manipulation or to get a solution. Use the menus at the bottom of the screen to choose the operation, whether it be factoring, differentiation, integration, solution or another type of operation. You can also simply hit "ENTER" to perform an evaluation.
5. Reformat the solution if necessary. The result may not be in the format you want, so you may need to expand it, for example. Simply go back to Step 4 to do this.
Tips & Warnings
- The owner's manual is the best reference for the details concerning all the different possible uses of a graphing calculator CAS. Different manufacturers may have different syntaxes or procedures for using the CAS on their graphing calculator models.
- Experimentation is the best way to learn how to use the CAS feature on a graphing calculator. The more time you spend with it, the more familiar you'll become.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Display a Graph on a Calculator
Displaying a mathematical graph requires a special device called a graphing calculator. Users input math functions into the calculator and then it plots those functions on a grid. Displaying a graph on a calculator often helps understand how a function appears in the physical world. It only takes a few minutes to set up a graph display. Different calculators used different terms for the relevant functions, but work in basically the same way.
Instructions
1. Turn on the graphing calculator by pressing the "Power" button, which will most likely be labeled "On." Check your graphing calculator's manual for the specific location of the power button.
2. Navigate to the graph plotting menu. The graph menu button can be called different names in different calculators. For example, in the Casio FX-9750 graphing calculator, you reach the menu by pressing the "Graph" button. Enter the mathematical function you wish to graph with the numbered buttons. The function must include a variable letter like "X" to graph properly. Press the "X" button to enter the "X" variable into your function. Review your graphing calculator's user manual for information on creating more complex functions.
3. Press the "Graph" button and view the new graph. In the TI 83 calculators you should press the "Graph" button while in the Casio FX-9750 you should press the "Draw" button. The calculator will automatically display the mathematical function as a graph.
4. Re-size the graph window to display the image more clearly. Your graph will likely either appear too small on the calculator or too large. If the graph looks too small you should zoom in on the image. You can do this on the TI-83 graphing calculator by pressing the "Zoom" button. The button may be called something different on your specific calculator however. Continue pressing the button to make the image larger. If the image you graph looks too large you should zoom out. You can do this on Casio FX-9750 by pressing the "F4" button. Continue to use the "Zoom Out" button until you like appearance of the graph.
Instructions
1. Turn on the graphing calculator by pressing the "Power" button, which will most likely be labeled "On." Check your graphing calculator's manual for the specific location of the power button.
2. Navigate to the graph plotting menu. The graph menu button can be called different names in different calculators. For example, in the Casio FX-9750 graphing calculator, you reach the menu by pressing the "Graph" button. Enter the mathematical function you wish to graph with the numbered buttons. The function must include a variable letter like "X" to graph properly. Press the "X" button to enter the "X" variable into your function. Review your graphing calculator's user manual for information on creating more complex functions.
3. Press the "Graph" button and view the new graph. In the TI 83 calculators you should press the "Graph" button while in the Casio FX-9750 you should press the "Draw" button. The calculator will automatically display the mathematical function as a graph.
4. Re-size the graph window to display the image more clearly. Your graph will likely either appear too small on the calculator or too large. If the graph looks too small you should zoom in on the image. You can do this on the TI-83 graphing calculator by pressing the "Zoom" button. The button may be called something different on your specific calculator however. Continue pressing the button to make the image larger. If the image you graph looks too large you should zoom out. You can do this on Casio FX-9750 by pressing the "F4" button. Continue to use the "Zoom Out" button until you like appearance of the graph.
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