Texas Instruments -84 Plus Manual

TI-84 Plus
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Guidebook

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Windows and Macintosh are trademarks of their respective owners.

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USA FCC Information Concerning Radio Frequency
USA FCC Information Concerning Radio FrequencyUSA FCC Information Concerning Radio Frequency
USA FCC Information Concerning Radio Frequency
Interference
InterferenceInterference
Interference
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, you can 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/television technician for help.
Caution: Any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved
by Texas Instruments may void your authority to operate the equipment.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 1
Chapter 1:
Chapter 1:Chapter 1:
Chapter 1:
Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver EditionOperating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Documentation Conventions
Documentation ConventionsDocumentation Conventions
Documentation Conventions
In the body of this guidebook, TI-84 Plus refers to the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.
Sometimes, as in Chapter 19, the full name TI-84 Plus Silver Edition is used to
distinguish it from the TI-84 Plus.
All the instructions and examples in this guidebook also work for the TI-84 Plus. All the
functions of the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI-84 Plus are the same. The two
graphing calculators differ only in available RAM memory, interchangeable faceplates,
and Flash application ROM memory.
TI-84 Plus Keyboard
TI-84 Plus KeyboardTI-84 Plus Keyboard
TI-84 Plus Keyboard
Generally, the keyboard is divided into these zones: graphing keys, editing keys,
advanced function keys, and scientific calculator keys.
Keyboard Zones
Keyboard ZonesKeyboard Zones
Keyboard Zones
Graphing — Graphing keys access the interactive graphing features.
Editing — Editing keys allow you to edit expressions and values.
Advanced — Advanced function keys display menus that access the advanced
functions.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 2
Scientific — Scientific calculator keys access the capabilities of a standard scientific
calculator.
TI-84 Plus
TI-84 PlusTI-84 Plus
TI-84 Plus
G
raphing Keys
Editing Keys
Advanced
Function Keys
Scientific
Calculator Keys

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 3
Using the Color
Using the ColorUsing the Color
Using the Color.
..
.Coded Keyboard
Coded KeyboardCoded Keyboard
Coded Keyboard
The keys on the TI-84 Plus are color-coded to help you easily locate the key you need.
The light colored keys are the number keys. The light gray keys along the right side of the
keyboard are the common math functions. The light gray keys across the top set up and
display graphs. The Œkey with the purple lettering provides access to applications such
as the Inequality Graphing application.
The primary function of each key is printed on the keys. For example, when you press
, the MATH menu is displayed.
Using the
Using theUsing the
Using the yand
andand
and ƒKeys
KeysKeys
Keys
The secondary function of each key is printed in blue above the key. When you press the
blue ykey, the character, abbreviation, or word printed in blue above the other keys
becomes active for the next keystroke. For example, when you press yand then
, the TEST menu is displayed. This guidebook describes this keystroke combination
as y:.
The alpha function of each key is printed in green above the key. When you press the
green ƒkey, the alpha character printed in green above the other keys becomes
active for the next keystroke. For example, when you press ƒand then , the
letter Ais entered. This guidebook describes this keystroke combination as ƒ[A].

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 4
Turning On and Turning Off the TI-84 Plus
Turning On and Turning Off the TI-84 PlusTurning On and Turning Off the TI-84 Plus
Turning On and Turning Off the TI-84 Plus
Turning On the Graphing Calculator
Turning On the Graphing CalculatorTurning On the Graphing Calculator
Turning On the Graphing Calculator
To turn on the TI-84 Plus, press É.
• If you previously had turned off the graphing calculator by pressing yM, the
TI-84 Plus displays the home screen as it was when you last used it and clears any
error.
The ykey
accesses the
second function
printed in blue
above each key.
The ƒkey
accesses the alpha
function printed in
green above each
key.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 5
• If Automatic Power Down™ (APD™) had previously turned off the graphing
calculator, the TI-84 Plus will return exactly as you left it, including the display, cursor,
and any error.
• If the TI-84 Plus is turned off and connected to another graphing calculator or
personal computer, any communication activity will “wake up” the TI-84 Plus.
To prolong the life of the batteries, APD turns off the TI-84 Plus automatically after about
five minutes without any activity.
Turning Off the Graphing Calculator
Turning Off the Graphing CalculatorTurning Off the Graphing Calculator
Turning Off the Graphing Calculator
To turn off the TI-84 Plus manually, press y M.
• All settings and memory contents are retained by Constant Memory™.
• Any error condition is cleared.
Batteries
BatteriesBatteries
Batteries
The TI-84 Plus uses five batteries: four AAA alkaline batteries and one SR44SW or 303
silver oxide backup battery. The silver oxide battery provides auxiliary power to retain
memory while you replace the AAA batteries. To replace batteries without losing any
information stored in memory, follow the steps in Appendix C.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 6
Setting the Display Contrast
Setting the Display ContrastSetting the Display Contrast
Setting the Display Contrast
Adjusting the Display Contrast
Adjusting the Display ContrastAdjusting the Display Contrast
Adjusting the Display Contrast
You can adjust the display contrast to suit your viewing angle and lighting conditions. As
you change the contrast setting, a number from 0 (lightest) to 9 (darkest) in the top-right
corner indicates the current level. You may not be able to see the number if contrast is too
light or too dark.
Note: The TI-84 Plus has 40 contrast settings, so each number 0 through 9 represents
four settings.
The TI-84 Plus retains the contrast setting in memory when it is turned off.
To adjust the contrast, follow these steps.
1. Press and release the ykey.
2. Press and hold †or }, which are below and above the contrast symbol (blue, half-
shaded circle).
•†lightens the screen.
•}darkens the screen.
Note: If you adjust the contrast setting to 0, the display may become completely blank. To
restore the screen, press and release y, and then press and hold }until the display
reappears.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 7
When to Replace Batteries
When to Replace BatteriesWhen to Replace Batteries
When to Replace Batteries
When the batteries are low, a low-battery message is displayed when you turn on the
graphing calculator.
To replace the batteries without losing any information in memory, follow the steps in
Appendix C.
Generally, the graphing calculator will continue to operate for one or two weeks after the
low-battery message is first displayed. After this period, the TI-84 Plus will turn off
automatically and the unit will not operate. Batteries must be replaced. All memory
should be retained.
Note: The operating period following the first low-battery message could be longer than
two weeks if you use the graphing calculator infrequently.
The Display
The DisplayThe Display
The Display
Types of Displays
Types of DisplaysTypes of Displays
Types of Displays
The TI-84 Plus displays both text and graphs. Chapter 3 describes graphs. Chapter 9
describes how the TI-84 Plus can display a horizontally or vertically split screen to show
graphs and text simultaneously.
Home Screen
Home ScreenHome Screen
Home Screen
The home screen is the primary screen of the TI-84 Plus. On this screen, enter
instructions to execute and expressions to evaluate. The answers are displayed on the
same screen.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 8
Displaying Entries and Answers
Displaying Entries and AnswersDisplaying Entries and Answers
Displaying Entries and Answers
When text is displayed, the TI-84 Plus screen can display a maximum of 8 lines with a
maximum of 16 characters per line. If all lines of the display are full, text scrolls off the
top of the display. If an expression on the home screen, the Y= editor (Chapter 3), or the
program editor (Chapter 16) is longer than one line, it wraps to the beginning of the next
line. In numeric editors such as the windowscreen (Chapter 3), a long expression scrolls
to the right and left.
When an entry is executed on the home screen, the answer is displayed on the right side
of the next line.
The mode settings control the way the TI-84 Plus interprets expressions and displays
answers.
If an answer, such as a list or matrix, is too long to display entirely on one line, an ellipsis
(...) is displayed to the right or left. Press ~and |to display the answer.
Returning to the Home Screen
Returning to the Home ScreenReturning to the Home Screen
Returning to the Home Screen
To return to the home screen from any other screen, press y5.
Entry
Answer
Answer
Entry

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 9
Busy Indicator
Busy IndicatorBusy Indicator
Busy Indicator
When the TI-84 Plus is calculating or graphing, a vertical moving line is displayed as a
busy indicator in the top-right corner of the screen. When you pause a graph or a
program, the busy indicator becomes a vertical moving dotted line.
Display Cursors
Display CursorsDisplay Cursors
Display Cursors
In most cases, the appearance of the cursor indicates what will happen when you press
the next key or select the next menu item to be pasted as a character.
If you press ƒduring an insertion, the cursor becomes an underlined A (A). If you
press yduring an insertion, the underlined cursor becomes an underlined #(#).
Graphs and editors sometimes display additional cursors, which are described in other
chapters.
Cursor Appearance Effect of Next Keystroke
Entry Solid rectangle
$A character is entered at the cursor; any existing
character is overwritten
Insert Underline
__ A character is inserted in front of the cursor location
Second Reverse arrow
ÞA 2nd character (blue on the keyboard) is entered
or a 2nd operation is executed
Alpha Reverse A
ØAn alpha character (green on the keyboard) is
entered or SOLVE is executed
Full Checkerboard rectangle
#No entry; the maximum characters are entered at
a prompt or memory is full

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 10
Interchangeable Faceplates
Interchangeable FaceplatesInterchangeable Faceplates
Interchangeable Faceplates
The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition has interchangeable faceplates that let you customize the
appearance of your unit. To purchase additional faceplates, refer to the TI Online Store
at education.ti.com.
Removing a Faceplate
Removing a FaceplateRemoving a Faceplate
Removing a Faceplate
1. Lift the tab at the bottom edge of
the faceplate away from the TI-84
Plus Silver Edition case.
2. Carefully lift the faceplate away
from the unit until it releases. Be
careful not to damage the
faceplate or the keyboard.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 11
Installing New Faceplates
Installing New FaceplatesInstalling New Faceplates
Installing New Faceplates
Using the Clock
Using the ClockUsing the Clock
Using the Clock
Use the Clock to set the time and date, select the clock display format, and turn the clock
on and off. The clock is turned on by default and is accessed from the mode screen.
1. Align the top of the faceplate in the
corresponding grooves of the TI-84
Plus Silver Edition case.
2. Gently click the faceplate into
place. Do not force.
3. Make sure you gently press each
of the grooves to ensure the
faceplate is installed properly. See
the diagram for proper groove
placement.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 12
Displaying the Clock Settings
Displaying the Clock SettingsDisplaying the Clock Settings
Displaying the Clock Settings
Changing the Clock settings
Changing the Clock settingsChanging the Clock settings
Changing the Clock settings
1. Press z
2. Press the †to move the cursor to SET CLOCK.
3. Press Í.
1. Press the ~or | to highlight the date format you
want, example: M/D/Y. Press Í.
2. Press † to highlight YEAR. Press ‘and type
the year, example: 2004.
3. Press † to highlight MONTH. Press ‘and
type the number of the month (a number from 1–
12).
4. Press † to highlight DAY. Press ‘and type
the date.
5. Press † to highlight TIME. Press ~or | to
highlight the time format you want. Press Í.
6. Press † to highlight HOUR. Press ‘and type
the hour. A number from 1–12 or 0–23.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 13
Error Messages
Error MessagesError Messages
Error Messages
Turning the Clock On
Turning the Clock OnTurning the Clock On
Turning the Clock On
There are two options to turn the clock on. One option is through the MODE screen, the
other is through the Catalog.
7. Press † to highlight MINUTE. Press ‘and
type the minutes. A number from 0–59.
8. Press † to highlight AM/PM. Press ~or | to
highlight the format. Press Í.
9. To Save changes, press †to select SAVE. Press
Í.
If you type the wrong date for the month, for example:
June 31, June does not have 31 days, you will receive
an error message with two choices:
• To Quit the Clock application and return to the
Home screen, select 1: Quit. Press Í.
— or —
• To return to the clock application and correct the
error, select 2: Goto. Press Í.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 14
Using the Mode Screen to turn the clock on
Using the Catalog to turn the clock on
Turning the Clock Off
Turning the Clock OffTurning the Clock Off
Turning the Clock Off
1. If the Clock is turned off, Press † to highlight
TURN CLOCK ON.
2. Press Í Í.
1. If the Clock is turned off, Press y N
2. Press † or } to scroll the CATALOG until the
selection cursor points to ClockOn.
3. Press ÍÍ.
1. Press y N.
2. Press † or } to scroll the CATALOG until the
selection cursor points to ClockOff.
3. Press Í.
ClockOff will turn off the Clock display.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 15
Entering Expressions and Instructions
Entering Expressions and InstructionsEntering Expressions and Instructions
Entering Expressions and Instructions
What Is an Expression?
What Is an Expression?What Is an Expression?
What Is an Expression?
An expression is a group of numbers, variables, functions and their arguments, or a
combination of these elements. An expression evaluates to a single answer. On the
TI-84 Plus, you enter an expression in the same order as you would write it on paper. For
example, pR2is an expression.
You can use an expression on the home screen to calculate an answer. In most places
where a value is required, you can use an expression to enter a value.
Entering an Expression
Entering an ExpressionEntering an Expression
Entering an Expression
To create an expression, you enter numbers, variables, and functions from the keyboard
and menus. An expression is completed when you press Í, regardless of the cursor
location. The entire expression is evaluated according to Equation Operating System
(EOS™) rules, and the answer is displayed.
Most TI-84 Plus functions and operations are symbols comprising several characters.
You must enter the symbol from the keyboard or a menu; do not spell it out. For
example, to calculate the log of 45, you must press «45. Do not enter the letters L, O,
and G. If you enter LOG, the TI-84 Plus interprets the entry as implied multiplication of the
variables L, O, and G.

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 16
Calculate 3.76 P(L7.9 + ‡5) + 2 log 45.
Multiple Entries on a Line
Multiple Entries on a LineMultiple Entries on a Line
Multiple Entries on a Line
To enter two or more expressions or instructions on a line, separate them with colons
(ƒ[:]). All instructions are stored together in last entry (ENTRY).
Entering a Number in Scientific Notation
Entering a Number in Scientific NotationEntering a Number in Scientific Notation
Entering a Number in Scientific Notation
To enter a number in scientific notation, follow these steps.
1. Enter the part of the number that precedes the exponent. This value can be an
expression.
2. Press y D. âis pasted to the cursor location.
3. If the exponent is negative, press Ì, and then enter the exponent, which can be one
or two digits.
3Ë76 ¥ £ Ì 7Ë9Ã
y C 5¤ ¤ Ã 2«45 ¤
Í

Chapter 1: Operating the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition 17
When you enter a number in scientific notation, the TI-84 Plus does not automatically
display answers in scientific or engineering notation. The mode settings and the size of
the number determine the display format.
Functions
FunctionsFunctions
Functions
A function returns a value. For example, ÷, L, +, ‡(, and log( are the functions in the
example on the previous page. In general, the first letter of each function is lowercase on
the TI-84 Plus. Most functions take at least one argument, as indicated by an open
parenthesis ( () following the name. For example, sin( requires one argument, sin(value).
Instructions
InstructionsInstructions
Instructions
An instruction initiates an action. For example, ClrDraw is an instruction that clears any
drawn elements from a graph. Instructions cannot be used in expressions. In general,
the first letter of each instruction name is uppercase. Some instructions take more than
one argument, as indicated by an open parenthesis ( () at the end of the name. For
example, Circle( requires three arguments, Circle(X,Y,radius).
Interrupting a Calculation
Interrupting a CalculationInterrupting a Calculation
Interrupting a Calculation
To interrupt a calculation or graph in progress, which is indicated by the busy indicator,
press É.
When you interrupt a calculation, a menu is displayed.
• To return to the home screen, select 1:Quit.
• To go to the location of the interruption, select 2:Goto.