Texas Instruments TI-84 - Plus - Edition Graphing Calculator Manual

TI-84 Plus
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
Guidebook

ii
Important Information
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 purchase price of this product. Moreover, Texas
Instruments shall not be liable for any claim of any kind whatsoever
against the use of these materials by any other party.
© 2004Texas Instruments Incorporated
Windows and Macintosh are trademarks of their respective owners.

iii
USA FCC Information Concerning Radio Frequency
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.

iv
About the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition is the same as the TI-84 Plus except:
• it has more memory, and thus more spaces for graphing calculator
software applications (Apps).
• it has interchangeable faceplates that let you customize the
appearance of your TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.
Since all the functions of the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI-84 Plus
are the same, this guidebook can be used for either the TI-84 Plus or the
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.
The CD included with your TI-84 Plus / TI-84 Plus Silver Edition package
also includes an electronic guidebook, which is a complete reference
manual for the TI-84 Plus / TI-84 Plus Silver Edition. If the CD is not
available, you can download a copy of the electronic guidebook from the
Texas Instruments web page at:
education.ti.com/guides
The TI-84 Plus / TI-84 Plus Silver Edition has some graphing calculator
software applications (Apps) preinstalled. For information about these
Apps, see the electronic documentation files on the Texas Instrument
web page at:
education.ti.com/guides
About this book
This guidebook gives a quick overview of each topic, along with
keystroke instructions for easy examples. All examples assume that the
TI-84 Plus is using default settings. For complete information on any
topic, see the electronic guidebook on the CD that came with your
graphing calculator.

Contents
v
Important Information................................................................... ii
About the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition....................... iv
About this book............................................................................. iv
1 Getting Started..................................................................1
TI-84 Plus keys................................................................................. 1
Turning the TI-84 Plus on and off.................................................. 2
Home screen ................................................................................... 3
yand ƒkeys ........................................................................ 5
‘and y5....................................................................... 6
Entering an expression................................................................... 7
Interchangeable Faceplates ........................................................... 8
Using the Clock............................................................................... 9
TI-84 Plus menus ........................................................................... 12
Editing and deleting .................................................................... 15
Using ¹and Ì............................................................................. 17
Using parentheses ........................................................................ 18
Storing a value.............................................................................. 20
Graphing a function..................................................................... 22
Changing mode settings .............................................................. 24
Setting the graphing window ..................................................... 27
Using q................................................................................... 29
Building a table ............................................................................ 30
Using the CATALOG...................................................................... 32
Performing simple calculations ................................................... 33
Using the equation solver............................................................ 36
Entering data into lists................................................................. 38
Plotting data................................................................................. 40
Calculating a linear regression .................................................... 43
Calculating statistical variables.................................................... 44
Using the MATRIX Editor ............................................................. 45
Grouping....................................................................................... 48
Ungrouping .................................................................................. 50
Error messages.............................................................................. 51
Resetting defaults ........................................................................ 52
Installing applications .................................................................. 53
Running applications ................................................................... 54
Quick reference ........................................................................... 55
Battery precautions ...................................................................... 56
2 Activities ..........................................................................57
The Quadratic Formula ................................................................ 57

vi
Box with Lid ..................................................................................61
Comparing Test Results Using Box Plots......................................69
Graphing Piecewise Functions ..................................................... 72
Graphing Inequalities ................................................................... 73
Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations....................................75
Using a Program to Create the Sierpinski Triangle.....................77
Graphing Cobweb Attractors.......................................................79
Using a Program to Guess the Coefficients................................. 80
Graphing the Unit Circle and Trigonometric Curves ..................82
Finding the Area between Curves ...............................................83
Using Parametric Equations: Ferris Wheel Problem ................... 84
Demonstrating the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus ............. 87
Computing Areas of Regular N-Sided Polygons .........................90
Computing and Graphing Mortgage Payments .........................93
3 Memory and Variable Management .............................. 97
Checking Available Memory ........................................................ 97
Deleting Items from Memory.....................................................100
Clearing Entries and List Elements.............................................101
Archiving and UnArchiving Variables........................................102
Resetting the TI-84 Plus..............................................................106
Grouping and Ungrouping Variables ........................................110
Garbage Collection.....................................................................114
ERR:ARCHIVE FULL Message ......................................................118
4 Communication Link..................................................... 119
Getting Started: Sending Variables ...........................................119
TI-84 Plus LINK.............................................................................121
Selecting Items to Send ..............................................................123
Receiving Items ...........................................................................127
Backing Up RAM Memory ..........................................................129
Error Conditions..........................................................................130
A Appendix A:
Functions and Instructions .......................................... 131
B Appendix B:
Reference Information................................................. 175
Variables ......................................................................................175
Statistics Formulas.......................................................................177
Financial Formulas ......................................................................181
Important Things You Need to Know About Your TI-84 Plus ..185
Error Conditions..........................................................................188
Accuracy Information .................................................................196

vii
C Appendix C:
Service and Warranty Information ..............................199
Texas Instruments Support and Service..................................... 199
Texas Instruments (TI) Warranty Information........................... 200
Battery Information ................................................................... 202
In Case of Difficulty .................................................................... 204
Index ..............................................................................207

viii

Getting Started 1
1
Getting Started
TI-84 Plus keys
yProvides access
to the function or
character shown
above each key.
ƒProvides
access to the
characters shown
above each key.
ŒDisplays a
menu that lists
Applications
installed on the
TI-84 Plus.
ÉTurns on the
TI-84 Plus.
} ~ † | Let you
move the cursor in
four directions.
‘Clears
(erases) the entry
line or deletes an
entry and answer
on the home
screen.
ÍEvaluates an
expression,
executes an
instruction, or
selects a menu
item.

2 Getting Started
Turning the TI-84 Plus on and off
To turn on the TI-84 Plus, press É. The Ékey is located at the lower
left corner of the TI-84 Plus.
To turn off the TI-84 Plus, press the ykey followed by the Ékey. OFF
is the second function of É.
When you turn off the TI-84 Plus, all settings and memory contents are
retained. The next time you turn on the TI-84 Plus, the home screen
displays as it was when you last used it.
Automatic Power Down™
To prolong the life of the batteries, Automatic Power Down™ (APD™)
turns off the TI-84 Plus automatically after about five minutes without
any activity. The next time you turn on the TI-84 Plus, it is exactly as you
left it.

Getting Started 3
Home screen
When you turn on your TI-84 Plus the first time, you should see this
screen:
To clear this text from your screen, press ‘twice. You should now see
the home screen, a blank screen with a flashing cursor. The home screen
is where you enter problems and see results.
If you pressed ‘above and you still do not see a blank home screen,
press the ykey followed by the zkey (to select QUIT).
Example: Add 2 + 3 on the home screen.
Note: Results are displayed on the next line (the answer line), not on the
entry line.
Press Result
2Ã3
Í
Entry line Answer line

4 Getting Started
Example: Multiply 5 x 4.
Press Result
5¯4
Í

Getting Started 5
y and ƒ keys
Most keys on the TI-84 Plus can perform two or more functions. To use a
function printed on a key, press the key. To use a function printed above
a key, you must first press the ykey or the ƒkey.
ykey
Second functions are printed above the keys (the same color as the y
key). Some secondary functions enter a function or a symbol on the
home screen (sinL1or ‡, for example). Others display menus or editors.
To view the ANGLE menu, for example, look for ANGLE above the Œ
key near the top of the TI-84 Plus keyboard. Press the ykey (and then
release it) and then press Œ. In this guidebook the key combination is
indicated by y;, not yŒ.
Note: The flashing cursor changes to Þwhen you press the ykey.
ƒkey
The ƒkey lets you enter the alphabetic characters and some special
symbols. To enter T, for example, press ƒ(and then release it) and
then press ¶. In the guidebook this key combination is indicated by
ƒ[T].
If you have several alphabetic characters to enter, press y7to
avoid having to press the ƒkey multiple times. This locks the alpha
key in the On position until you press ƒa second time to unlock it.
Note: The flashing cursor changes to Øwhen you press the ƒkey.

6 Getting Started
‘ and y 5
‘key
The ‘key erases the home screen. This key is located just below the
four arrow keys at the upper right corner of the TI-84 Plus keyboard. If
you press ‘during an entry, it clears the entry line. If you press
‘when the cursor is on a blank line, it clears everything on the
home screen.
Although it does not affect the calculation, it is frequently helpful to
clear the previous work from the home screen before you begin a new
problem. As you work through this guide, we recommend that you press
‘each time you begin a new Example.This removes the previous
example from the home screen and ensures that the screen you see
matches the one shown in the example.
y5
If you accidentally press a menu key, pressing ‘will usually return
you to the home screen, but in most cases pressing y5to leave the
menu and return to the home screen.

Getting Started 7
Entering an expression
An expression consists of numbers, variables, operators, functions, and
their arguments that evaluate to a single answer. 2X + 2 is an expression.
Type the expression, and then press Íto evaluate it. To enter a
function or instruction on the entry line, you can:
• Press its key, if available. For example, press «.
— or —
• Select it from the CATALOG, if the function appears on the
CATALOG. For example, press y N, press †to move down to
log(, and press Íto select log(.
— or —
• Select it from a menu, if available. For example, to find the round
function, press , press ~to select NUM, then select 2:round(.
Example: Enter and evaluate the expression pQ2.
Press Result
y B ¯ 2
Í

8 Getting Started
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
Installing New Faceplates
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.
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.

Getting Started 9
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.
Displaying 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.
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.

10 Getting Started
Error Messages
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.
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.

Getting Started 11
Using the Mode Screen to turn the clock on
Using the Catalog to turn the clock on
Turning the Clock Off
1. If the Clock is turned off, Press † to
highlight TURN CLOCK ON.
2. Press 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 ÍÍ.
ClockOff will turn off the Clock display.

12 Getting Started
TI-84 Plus menus
Many functions and instructions are entered on the home screen by
selecting from a menu.
To select an item from the displayed menu:
• Press the number or letter shown at the left of that item.
— or —
• Use the cursor arrow keys, †or }, to highlight the item, and then
press Í.
Some menus close automatically when you make a selection, but if the
menu remains open, press y5to exit. Do not press ‘to exit,
since this will sometimes delete your selection.
Example: Enter on the home screen entry line.
Press Result

4
— or —
††† Í
27¤
Í
27
3
Menus containing
an arrow next to
the final item
continue on a
second page.