Texas Instruments ti nspire cx Manual

Getting Started with the
TI-Nspire™ CX/
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Handheld
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 4.2. To obtain the latest version
of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

2
Important Information
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FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
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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.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.
Vernier DataQuest™ is a trademark of its respective owner.
© 2010 - 2016 Texas Instruments Incorporated

Contents
Important Information 2
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 7
About CAS 7
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Keys 8
Preparing the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld for Use 8
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time 9
Adjusting the Brightness of the Backlighting 11
Using the TI-Nspire™ Touchpad 11
Understanding the Scratchpad 12
Using the Home Screen 12
The TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Screen 14
Using Hints 15
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 16
Using the Scratchpad 21
Opening and Closing the Scratchpad 21
Calculating with Scratchpad 22
Inserting Items from the Catalog 23
Viewing the History 26
Editing Scratchpad Expressions 27
Graphing with the Scratchpad 28
Working with Variables in the Scratchpad 32
Saving the Scratchpad Contents 33
Clearing Scratchpad Contents 33
Working with Documents on TI-Nspire™ Handhelds 35
Opening a Document 35
Creating a New Document 35
Saving Documents 36
Working with Applications 38
Using the Application Menu 43
Context Menus 44
Working with Problems and Pages 44
Adding a Problem to a Document 45
Viewing and Reordering Pages in a Document 45
Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Problems 48
Renaming a Problem 49
Adding a Page to a Problem 49
Moving Through Pages in a Document 50
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Managing Documents 50
Closing a Document 54
Understanding the TI-Nspire™ Tools 54
Working with Images 59
Working with Images on a Handheld 59
Working in a TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ Teacher Software Classroom 63
Using Wireless Communication Hardware 63
Connecting to the TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ System 67
Understanding File Transfers 69
Configuring Handhelds 71
Checking Battery Status 71
Recharging the Handheld 71
Changing Handheld Settings 72
Changing a Preferred Language 73
Customizing the Handheld Setup 73
Customizing Document Settings 74
Customizing Graphs & Geometry Settings 78
Viewing Handheld Status 80
Replacing TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Batteries 81
Connecting Handhelds and Transferring Files 83
Connecting Handhelds 83
Transferring Files between Handhelds 84
Transferring Files Between Computers and Handhelds 86
Handling Errors Resulting from Sending Folders 87
Memory and File Management 89
Checking Available Memory 89
Freeing Memory 89
Resetting the Memory 92
Updating the Handheld Operating System 95
What You Need to Know 95
Finding Operating System Updates 96
Performing the OS Update 97
Updating the OS on Multiple Handhelds 100
OS Upgrade Messages 101

General Information 103
Texas Instruments Support and Service 103
Service and Warranty Information 103
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries 104
Korean Class A Warning Statement 105
Index 107
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Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
The TI-Nspire™ CX handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CX CAS handheld are the newest
handhelds in the TI-Nspire™ family of products. Featuring a backlit color display and a
slimmer form, the handhelds provide touchpad navigation, dynamic graphing, and
interactive computer features.
The handhelds 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™ CX handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CX CAS
handheld. While they operate identically in many ways, there are a few distinctions. If
the TI-Nspire™ CX 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.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 7

8 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Keys
Use the TI-Nspire™ Touchpad as you would a laptop touchpad. You can also press the outer edges to
move right, left, up, and down.
dRemoves menus
or dialog boxes from
the screen. Also stops a
calculation in progress.
»Opens the
Scratchpad for
performing quick
calculations and
graphing.
eMoves to the next
entry field.
gMakes the next
character typed upper-
case.
/Provides access to
the function or
character shown above
each key. Also enables
shortcuts in
combination with other
keys.
cTurns on the
handheld. If the
handheld is on, this
key displays the
home screen.
~Opens the
Document menu.
bDisplays the
application or
context menu.
.Deletes the
previous character.
hDisplays 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 select the option.
Preparing the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld for Use
The TI-Nspire™ CX handheld comes equipped with a Li-ion rechargeable battery. The
handheld also comes with the following accessories:

• Standard mini-A to mini-B USB cable for transferring files to another handheld
• Standard A to mini-B USB cable for transferring files to and from a computer and
for charging the battery
Charging the Handheld
▶Using one of the following options, charge the battery for at least four hours to
ensure optimum performance.
- Connect the handheld to a computer using a standard A to mini-B USB cable.
To download software that includes a driver, go to education.ti.com/software.
- Connect to a wall outlet using a TI wall adapter (sold separately in Europe and
Asia).
- If in a classroom setting, place the handheld or multiple handhelds in a
TI-Nspire™ CX Docking Station or a TI-Nspire™ Docking Station.
Note: The TI-Nspire™ CX handheld may have a Deep Sleep feature to maximize battery
life. Handhelds with this feature have a blue reset button. To wake the handheld from
Deep Sleep mode, press cfor at least 4 seconds or apply USB (computer or wall
adapter) or Docking Station power. After waking the handheld, you can turn it on
anytime by pressing c. To maximize battery life during extended storage periods,
enable Deep Sleep mode. To put the handheld in Deep Sleep mode, press and hold
down the reset button on the back of the handheld for at least 4 seconds.
Note: For more information about recharging batteries, see Configuring TI-Nspire™
Handhelds.
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time
▶After charging the battery, presscto turn on the handheld.
A progress bar is displayed while the operating system loads. Next, choose
preferences for language and font size when prompted.
Note: To turn the handheld off, press / c. The settings and memory contents
are retained.
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 cto turn the
handheld on and return to the last document or last 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 Configuring Handhelds.
Choosing a Language
After the OS is loaded, select a preferred language.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 9

10 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
1. Press ¢to open the drop-down list.
2. Press6to scroll through the languages, and then press xor·to select a
language.
3. Presseto highlight the OK button, and then press xor·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6to highlight the font size, and then press xor·to select it.
3. Presseto highlight the OK button, and then press xor·.
The Welcome! screen opens.

4. To continue, pressxor·to select OK.
The Home screen opens.
Adjusting the Brightness of the Backlighting
The screen on the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld is backlit making it easier to use in all
lighting conditions. By default, the brightness setting is medium. To adjust the
backlight brightness:
•Dimmer: Press and hold/and tap-.
•Brighter: Press/and tap+.
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.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 11

12 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
• Press the arrow keys on the outside edge of the Touchpad to nudge the mouse
pointer up, down, left, or right, and then click e xor press·to complete
an action.
If you hold down an arrow key, the mouse pointer continues to move in that
direction.
Note: If the mouse pointer is visible on a command or file, click or tapxin 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
their pointer, or to enable tap to click. To change the default settings for the Touchpad,
see Configuring Handhelds.
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, see Using the Scratchpad.
Using the Home Screen
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, pressc.
Home Screen Options
Menu Option Purpose
Scratchpad
Use the Scratchpad menu options to open a Calculator or Graph application without

Menu Option Purpose
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, type A.
Graph Opens the Scratchpad with a Graph application active. From the
Home screen, type B.
Documents
To select options for working with documents, press the associated number or use the
Touchpad to select an icon then press xor ·.
New Document Opens a new TI-Nspire™ document with available applications
listed.
My Documents Opens the file browser where you can open existing TI-Nspire™
documents or send files to others.
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.
Application icons
To add a new page to the current document, select an application icon. If no
document is open, a new document opens with the selected application on a new
page.
Calculator Adds a page to a document for entering and evaluating math
expressions.
Graphs Adds a page for graphing and exploring functions.
Geometry Adds a page for creating and exploring geometric shapes.
Lists & Adds a page for working with data in tables.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 13

14 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
Menu Option Purpose
Spreadsheet
Data & Statistics 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 Provides text editing functions for adding text to TI-Nspire™
documents for use as notes or to share with other users.
Vernier
DataQuest™
Adds a page for collecting and analyzing data from sensors or
probes.
To learn more about applications and documents, see Working with Documents on
TI-Nspire™ Handhelds.
The TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld Screen
When you are working in a document on a handheld, icons at the top of the screen
provide information about the status of handheld operations and provide an easy way
to change settings. The icons are described below.
Icon Function
¡ ¢ Page scrolling arrows - Use the touchpad to click these arrows and scroll
through the pages in a document.
Page tab - Labels the problem number and page number of the active page.
For example, a label of 1.2 identifies Problem1, Page2. If problems are

Icon Function
named, hover the pointer over a tab to view the page name.
*Doc Document name - Shows the current document name. An asterisk by the
document name indicates changes were made since the document was last
saved. Click the name to open the Documents menu.
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.
CAPS Shows status of the g,/, andÊkeys.
RAD Angle Mode - Shows an abbreviation of the angle mode (Degrees, Radians, or
Gradians) in effect. Hover the pointer over the indicator to see the full name.
Settings & Status - Shows an indicator of the current charge level of the
battery. Hover the pointer over the indicator to read the status as a percent.
Click the icon to open the Settings & Status menu.
Close document - Click the icon 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.
• To go to the end of the Hints file, press / 1.
• To go back to the beginning of the file, press / 7.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld 15

16 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
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 / µ
Editing Text
Cut / X
Copy / C
Paste / V
Undo / Z
/ d
Redo / Y
g d
Toggle approximate and exact results / ·
English: Change key to include appropriate accent
Chinese: Insert character
;
Inserting Characters and Symbols in a document
Display character/symbol palette / k
Underscore / _
Display math template palette t
Backslash (\ ) g p
Manual data capture point / ^
Clear /.
Caps Lock / g

Store / h
Square brackets / (
Curly brackets / )
Display Trig symbol palette µ
Equals symbol =
Display pi symbols palette
(p,à,q, and so on), ¹
Display equality/inequality palette
(>, <, É,≠, ≤, ≥, and | )
/ =
Display marks and letter symbols palette
(? ! $°' " : ; _ \) º
Square root / q
log / s
ln / u
ans / v
Managing Documents
Open document menu ~
Open document / O
Close document / W
Create new document / N
Insert new page / I
Select application / K
Save current document / S
/ »
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 17

18 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigation
Top of page / 7
End of page / 1
Page Up / 9
Page Down / 3
Up a level in the hierarchy / £
Down a level in the hierarchy / ¤
Context menu for selection b
Extends selection in direction of arrow gAny arrow
Navigating in Documents
Displays previous page / ¡
Displays next page / ¢
Displays Page Sorter / £
Exits Page Sorter /6
Switch between applications on a split page / e
Moves focus backward within page g e
Wizards and Templates
Add a column to a matrix after the current column g @
Add a row to a matrix after the current row @
Integration template g +
Derivative template g -
Math template palette tor / ;

Fraction template / p
Modifying Display
Increase contrast / +
Decrease contrast / -
Power off / c
Using Application-Specific Shortcuts
Select all in Notes or Program Editor, and select all
items in the Press-to-Test dialog / A
Check syntax and store (in Program Editor) / B
Insert Data Collection console / D
Find (in Program Editor) / F
Hide/Show Entry Line (in Graph or Geometry)
Go To (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Program Editor)
/ G
Find and Replace (In Program Editor) / H
Insert math expression box (in Notes) / M
Insert chemical equation box (in Notes) / E
Open the Scratchpad »
Recalculate (in Lists & Spreadsheet) / R
Add Function Table (in Lists & Spreadsheet, Graph, and
Geometry) / T
Group/ungroup / 4 // 6
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 19

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