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
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including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and
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Instruments, regardless of the form of action, shall not exceed the amount set
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by any other party.
FCC Statement
Note: 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, 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.
© 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 17
Using the Scratchpad 23
Calculating with the Scratchpad 24
Inserting Items from the Catalog 25
Viewing the History 29
Editing Scratchpad Expressions 30
Graphing with the Scratchpad 31
Working with Variables in the Scratchpad 36
Saving the Scratchpad Contents 36
Clearing Scratchpad Contents 37
Working with Documents on TI-Nspire™ Handhelds 39
Opening a Document 39
Creating a New Document 40
Saving Documents 40
Working with Applications 42
Using the Application Menu 47
Context Menus 49
Working with Problems and Pages 49
Adding a Problem to a Document 50
Viewing and Reordering Pages in a Document 51
Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Problems 54
Renaming a Problem 55
Adding a Page to a Problem 55
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4
Moving Through Pages in a Document 55
Managing Documents 56
Closing a Document 59
Understanding the TI-Nspire™ Tools 59
Working with Images 65
Working with Images on a Handheld 65
Working in a TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software Classroom 69
Logging In 69
Pausing a Class Session 70
Understanding File Transfers 70
Configuring Handhelds 73
Installing the AAA Batteries 73
Replacing AAA Batteries 75
Inserting the TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery 75
Checking Battery Status 77
Recharging the Handheld 77
Changing Handheld Settings 78
Changing the Preferred Language 79
Customizing the Handheld Setup 80
Customizing Document Settings 81
Customizing Graphs & Geometry Settings 85
Viewing Handheld Status 87
Using Wireless Communication Hardware 88
Connecting Handhelds and Transferring Files 91
Connecting Handhelds 91
Transferring Files to and from Handhelds 93
Transferring Files Between Computers and Handhelds 94
Handling Errors Resulting from Sending Folders 96
Memory and File Management 99
Checking Available Memory 99
Freeing Memory 100
Resetting the Memory 103
Updating the Handheld Operating System 105

What You Need to Know 105
Finding Operating System Updates 106
Updating the Operating System 107
Updating the OS on Multiple Handhelds 112
OS Upgrade Messages 112
Working in TI-84 Mode 115
Changing the Keypad 115
TI-84 Plus Mode Cables 116
Capturing Screens in TI-84 Mode 117
Upgrading the TI-84 Plus OS 117
Support and Service 118
Texas Instruments Support and Service 118
Service and Warranty Information 118
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries 119
Index 121
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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-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™ 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 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.
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 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.
/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
Handheld s.
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 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™ 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 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.
• 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.
If you hold down an arrow key, the mouse pointer continues to move in that
direction.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 11

12 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
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 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, press A.
Graph Opens the Scratchpad with a Graph application active.
From the Home screen, press 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
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 13

14 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Menu Option Purpose
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 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
pointer over the tab to view the page name.
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 15

16 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
Icon Function
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Êstatus
ÆSettings & Status:
• Hover the cursor over the icon to show the angle mode
setting in effect for the active application and the status
of the batteries.
• 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 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.
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 math template palette t
Backslash (\ ) g p
Manual data capture point / ^
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 17

18 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
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
/ »
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 gAny 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
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld 19

20 Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld
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 tor / ;
Fraction template / p
Modifying Display
Increase contrast / +
Decrease contrast / -
Power off / c
Using Application-Specific Shortcuts
Select all in Notes or Program Editor / 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
Open the Scratchpad »
Recalculate (in Lists & Spreadsheet) / R