Texas Instruments TI-Nspire User manual

Getting Started with the
TI-Nspire™ /TI-Nspire™ CAS
Handheld
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 3.6. To obtain the latest
version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

2
Important Information
Except as otherwise expressly stated in the Licence 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
licence 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.
Vernier DataQuest™ is a trademark of its respective owner.
© 2006 - 2013 Texas Instruments Incorporated

Contents
Important Information 2
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 7
About CAS 7
TI-Nspire™ Handheld Keys 7
Preparing the Handheld for Use 9
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time 9
Using the TI-Nspire™ Touchpad 11
Using the Home Screen 12
Understanding the Scratchpad 15
The TI-Nspire™ Handheld Screen 15
Using Hints 16
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 18
Using the Scratchpad 23
Calculating with Scratchpad 24
Inserting Items from the Catalogue 25
Viewing the History 30
Editing Scratchpad Expressions 32
Graphing with the Scratchpad 32
Working with Variables in the Scratchpad 38
Saving the Scratchpad Contents 38
Clearing Scratchpad Contents 39
Working with Documents on TI-Nspire™ Handhelds 41
Opening a Document 41
Creating a New Document 42
Saving Documents 42
Working with Applications 44
Using the Application Menu 50
Context Menus 51
Working with Problems and Pages 52
Adding a Problem to a Document 52
Viewing and Reordering Pages in a Document 53
Copying, Pasting and Deleting Problems 57
Renaming a Problem 58
3

4
Adding a Page to a Problem 58
Moving Through Pages in a Document 59
Managing Documents 59
Closing a Document 64
Understanding the TI-Nspire™ Tools 64
Working with Images 69
Working with Images on a Handheld 69
Working in a TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software Classroom 73
Logging In 73
Pausing a Class Session 74
Understanding File Transfers 74
Configuring Handhelds 77
Installing the AAA Batteries 77
Replacing AAA Batteries 79
Inserting the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery 80
Checking Battery Status 83
Recharging the Handheld 83
Changing Handheld Settings 84
Changing the Preferred Language 85
Customising the Handheld Setup 86
Customising Document Settings 87
Customising Graphs & Geometry Settings 92
Viewing Handheld Status 94
Using Wireless Communication Hardware 96
Connecting Handhelds and Transferring Files 99
Connecting Handhelds 99
Transferring Files to and from Handhelds 101
Transferring Files Between Computers and Handhelds 103
Handling Errors Resulting from Sending Folders 105
Memory and File Management 109
Checking Available Memory 109
Freeing Memory 110
Resetting the Memory 113
Updating the Handheld Operating System 115

What You Need to Know 115
Finding Operating System Upgrades 116
Upgrading the Operating System 118
Upgrading the OS on Multiple Handhelds 122
OS Upgrade Messages 122
Working in TI-84 Mode 125
Changing the Keypad 125
TI-84 Plus Mode Cables 127
Capturing Screens in TI-84 Mode 128
Upgrading the TI-84 Plus OS 128
Texas Instruments Support and Service 130
Service and Warranty Information 130
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries 130
Index 131
5

6

Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
The TI-Nspire™ handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld are the second
generation handhelds in the TI-Nspire™ family of products. These handhelds
provide touchpad navigation, dynamic graphing and interactive computer
features.
The handheld 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-colour 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™ handheld and the TI-Nspire™ CAS
handheld. While they operate identically in many ways, there are a few
distinctions. If the TI-Nspire™ 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 recognise, 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.
TI-Nspire™ 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.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 7

8 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
dRemoves
menus or dialogue
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.
/Provides
access to the
function or
character shown
above each key.
Also enables
shortcuts in
combination with
other keys.
gMakes the
next character
typed upper-case.
cTurns
on the
handheld. If
the handheld
is on, this
key displays
the home
screen.
~Opens
the
Document
menu.
b
Displays the
application
or context
menu.
.Deletes
the previous
character.
h
Displays
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 ºrepeatedly or use the arrow keys on the Touchpad. Press ·or click to

select the option.
Preparing the Handheld for Use
TI-Nspire™ handhelds are shipped with four alkaline AAA batteries and a
standard Amale to mini Bmale USB cable. Handhelds can also be powered
using the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery or an approved wall charger, which
are sold separately.
Before using the handheld, either install the AAA batteries or install and charge
the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery (if purchased). You can also connect your
handheld to an external power source if you have the wall charger.
Note: For more information about installing batteries, see Configuring
Handhelds .
Turning On the TI-Nspire™ Handheld for the First Time
1. Ensure that batteries have been installed or charged, or that the handheld
is connected to a power source.
2. Presscto turn on the handheld.
A progress bar displays while the operating system loads, and then you
are prompted to choose preferences for language and font size.
To turn the handheld off, press /c. The settings and memory contents
are retained.
Note: For more information about installing and charging batteries, see
Configuring Handhelds .
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 c
to turn the handheld on and return to the last document or menu accessed. To
change the default setting, press c53to 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™ Handheld 9

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

4. To continue, clickxor press ·to select OK and open the Home
screen.
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 centre area of the Touchpad to activate and move the
mouse pointer. Click or tap the centre of the Touchpad to select a menu
option or complete an action.
• Press the arrow keys on the outside edge of the Touchpad to nudge the
mouse pointer up, down, left or right, and then click xor press·to
complete an action.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 11

12 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
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
centre 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 customise their Touchpad settings; to speed up or slow
down the pointer, or to enable tap to click. To change default settings for the
Touchpad see Configuring Handhelds .
Using the Home Screen
The Home screen opens when you power on your handheld for the first time.
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.
Selecting Options on the Home Screen
• By default, the cursor is not active. To activate the cursor, swipe the
Touchpad with your fingertip.
• Use the Touchpad to click on any of the application icons or any of the
Scratchpad or Documents menu options.
• Press the arrows on the Touchpad (¡,¢,£or¤) to move among the
options on the Home screen.
• Move the mouse pointer over each application icon to view a brief
description.

• Press xor·to select a highlighted option, or press the number or
letter associated with the option.
Adjusting the Contrast
To lighten the display, press and hold/and tap-.
To darken the display, press and hold/and tap+.
Home Screen Options
Menu Option Purpose
Scratchpad
Use the Scratchpad menu options to open a Calculator or Graph application
without 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.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 13

14 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Menu Option Purpose
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 &
Spreadsheet
Adds a page for working with data in tables.
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 the Working with
Documents on the TI-Nspire™ 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, please see Using the Scratchpad .
The TI-Nspire™ Handheld Screen
The icons on the handheld screen provide information about the status of
handheld operations and provide an easy way to access and change settings.
This screen shows the icons, which are described below.
Icon Function
À ¡ ¢ Page scrolling arrows - Use the Touchpad and these arrows
to scroll through the pages in a document.
ÁPage tabs - Indicate the problem number followed by the
page number. If problems are named, move the Touchpad
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 15

16 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Icon Function
pointer over the tab to view the page name.
ÂDocument name - Shows the current document name. Click
here to access the Documents menu. An asterisk by the
document name indicates changes were made since the
document was last saved.
ÃPress to Test - Indicates that the handheld is in Press-to-Test
mode.
ÄLogin 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.
Åg,/,orÊstatus
ÆSettings & Status:
• Hover the cursor over the icon to show the angle mode
setting in effect for the active application and the level of
the battery supply.
• Click the icon to open the Settings menu.
ÇClose document - Click here 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 dialogue 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™ Handheld 17

18 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 / ·
Change key to include appropriate accent ;
Inserting Characters and Symbols in a document
Display character/symbol palette /k
Underscore /_
Display maths 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,qand 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
Using Keyboard Shortcuts 19

20 Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Select application /K
Save current document /S
/»
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 /¤
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@