Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX User manual

Getting Started with the
TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 3.0. To obtain the
latest version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

ii
Important Information
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© 2011 Texas Instruments Incorporated

Contents
iii
Important Information................................................................... ii
Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld ...............1
About CAS....................................................................................... 1
TI-Nspire™ CX handheld keys........................................................ 2
Preparing the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld for use ........................... 3
Turning on the TI-Nspire™ handheld for the first time............... 3
Adjusting the brightness of the backlighting .............................. 5
Using the TI-Nspire™ Touchpad .................................................... 5
Understanding the Scratchpad...................................................... 6
Using the Home screen .................................................................. 6
The TI-Nspire™ handheld screen................................................... 8
Using Hints.................................................................................... 10
Using the Scratchpad ............................................................11
Opening and closing the Scratchpad .......................................... 11
Calculating with the Scratchpad ................................................. 12
Inserting items from the Catalog ................................................ 13
Viewing the history ...................................................................... 17
Editing Scratchpad expressions ................................................... 19
Graphing with the Scratchpad .................................................... 19
Working with variables in the Scratchpad.................................. 24
Saving the Scratchpad contents .................................................. 24
Clearing Scratchpad contents ...................................................... 25
Working with documents on the CX handheld ...................27
Opening a document ................................................................... 27
Creating a new document ........................................................... 28
Saving a document....................................................................... 28
Working with applications........................................................... 30
Using the Application menu........................................................ 35
Context menus.............................................................................. 36
Working with problems and pages ............................................. 36
Adding a problem to a document............................................... 37
Viewing and reordering pages in a document........................... 38
Copying, pasting, and deleting problems................................... 40
Renaming a problem.................................................................... 41
Adding a page to a problem ....................................................... 42
Moving through pages in a document ....................................... 42
Managing documents .................................................................. 43

iv
Closing a document ...................................................................... 46
Understanding the TI-Nspire™ tools ........................................... 46
Working in a TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Teacher Software
classroom ........................................................................ 51
Logging in to class ........................................................................ 51
Pausing a class session .................................................................. 52
Responding to Quick Poll questions ............................................ 52
Configuring the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld........................... 55
Checking battery status................................................................ 55
Recharging the handheld.............................................................55
Changing handheld settings ........................................................ 56
Changing the preferred language...............................................57
Customizing the handheld setup.................................................58
Customizing General settings ......................................................59
Customizing Graphs & Geometry settings .................................. 63
Viewing handheld status..............................................................66
Replacing TI-Nspire™ Rechargeable Battery .............................. 67
Using wireless communication hardware ................................... 68
Connecting handhelds and transferring files .................... 73
Connecting handhelds.................................................................. 73
Transferring files to and from handhelds ................................... 74
Transferring files between computers and handhelds...............76
Handling errors resulting from sending folders .........................78
Memory and file management............................................ 83
Checking available memory .........................................................83
Freeing memory............................................................................84
Resetting the memory.................................................................. 86
Updating the handheld operating system.......................... 89
What you need to know ..............................................................89
Finding operating system upgrades ............................................90
Upgrading the Operating System................................................91
Upgrading the OS on multiple handhelds ..................................95
OS Upgrade Messages ..................................................................95
Using Keyboard Shortcuts ................................................... 99
Keyboard shortcuts....................................................................... 99

v
Appendix: Service and Support .........................................103
Battery Precautions .................................................................... 103
Texas Instruments Support and Service..................................... 103
Index ....................................................................................105

vi

Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld 1
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, 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.

2 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.
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.
cTurns on the
handheld. If the
handheld is on, this
key displays the home
screen.
~Opens the
Document menu.
·Evaluates an
expression,
executes an
instruction, or
selects a menu
item.
gMakes the
next character typed
upper-case.
.Deletes the
previous character.
»Opens the
Scratchpad for
performing quick
calculations and
graphing.
dRemoves menus
or dialog boxes from
the screen. Also stops
a calculation in
progress.
hDisplays
stored variables.
bDisplays the
application or
context menu.
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.

Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld 3
Preparing the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld for use
The TI-Nspire™ CX handheld comes equipped with an Li-ion
rechargeable battery. Like a cell phone or other similar device, charge the
battery for at least four hours to ensure optimum performance. The
handheld also comes with the following accessories:
• Standard mini-B 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
Use one of the following options to charge the battery in the TI-Nspire™
CX handheld:
• Connect the handheld to a computer using a standard A to mini-B
USB cable. If the driver is not found when the handheld is connected
to the computer, insert the CD to install the correct driver. 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).
• Place the handheld or multiple handhelds in a TI-Nspire™ CX Docking
Station or TI-Nspire™ Docking Station.
Note: For more information about recharging batteries, see Configuring
the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld.
Turning on the TI-Nspire™ handheld for the first
time
fAfter charging the battery, press cto 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.

4 Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld
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
c53to access the Handheld Setup screen where you can change
the Power Standby setting.
Note: For more information about setting up the handheld, see
Configuring the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld.
Choosing a language
After the OS is loaded, select a preferred language.
1. Press ¢to open the drop-down menu.
2. Press 6to scroll through the languages, then press xor ·to
select a language.
3. Press eto highlight the OK button, then press xor ·to save
the language selection.
Choosing a font size
Next, select a font size for the display.
1. Press ¢to open the drop-down menu.
2. Press 6to highlight the font size, then press xor ·to select it.

Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld 5
3. Press eto highlight the OK button, then press xor ·to open
the Welcome! screen.
4. To continue, press xor ·to select OK and open the Home
screen.
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.

6 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, then click exor
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 xin 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 the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld.
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.
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
• Opening the scratchpad for quick calculations and graphing
• Defining settings and viewing status
• Viewing hints for operating the handheld
• Accessing recent documents
• Returning to the current document

Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld 7
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 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.

8 Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld
To learn more about applications and documents, see the Working with
Documents on the TI-Nspire™ handhelds.
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.
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.
Menu Option Purpose

Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld 9
Icon Function
À34Page 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.
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
À
ÁÂ
ÃÄ
Å
ÆÇÀ

10 Getting started with the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld
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.
fTo 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.
ÆSettings & status - Shows the level of the battery
supply. Click here to change settings.
ÇClose document - Click here to close the current
document. If information is unsaved, save or discard
when prompted.
Icon Function

Using the Scratchpad 11
Using the Scratchpad
The Scratchpad is a feature of the TI-Nspire™ handheld that lets you
quickly:
• Evaluate math expressions.
• Graph functions.
Opening and closing the Scratchpad
fFrom the Home screen, press »to open the Scratchpad.
The first time you open the Scratchpad, a blank page opens with the
Calculator active.
fPress »to alternate between the Calculate and Graph pages.

12 Using the Scratchpad
fPress bto see the Scratchpad Calculate or Scratchpad Graph menu.
These menus are subsets of the TI-Nspire™ menus for the Calculator
and Graphs & Geometry applications. For complete listings of those
menus, refer to the documentation for those applications.
fPress dto close the Scratchpad.
Calculating with the Scratchpad
From the Scratchpad Calculate page, enter a math expression on the
entry line, then press ·to evaluate the expression. Expressions display
in standard mathematical notation as you enter them.
Each evaluated expression and result becomes part of the Scratchpad
history, displayed above the entry line.
Entering simple math expressions
Note: To enter a negative number, press vand then enter the number.
Suppose you want to evaluate
1. Select the entry line in the work area.
2. Type 2l8to begin the expression.
3. Press ¢to return the cursor to the baseline, and then complete the
expression by typing:
r43 p12
4. Press ·to evaluate the expression.
The expression displays in standard mathematical notation, and the
result displays on the right side of the page.
Note: You can force a decimal approximation in a result by pressing
/·instead of ·.

Using the Scratchpad 13
Note: Results formatting can also be adjusted in Settings. See Working
with documents on the TI-Nspire™ handheld for more information about
Settings.
Inserting items from the Catalog
You can use the Catalog to insert functions and commands, units,
symbols, and expression templates into the entry line.
1. Press kto open the Catalog. By default, the first tab is displayed,
which lists all commands and functions in alphabetical order.
Pressing /·forces the approximate
result.
Catalog
for a non-
CAS
handheld

14 Using the Scratchpad
2. If the function you are inserting is visible in the list, select it and press
·to insert it.
3. If the function is not visible:
a) Press a letter key to jump to the entries that begin with that letter.
b) Press ¤or £as necessary to highlight the item you are inserting.
c) Click a numbered tab to list functions by category: math functions,
symbols, math templates, library objects, and value for standard
measurement units (CAS).
d) Press ·to insert the item into the entry line.
Using an expression template
Templates help you enter matrices, piecewise functions, systems of
equations, integrals, derivatives, products, and other math expressions.
For example, suppose you want to evaluate
1. Press tto open the Template palette.
2. Select to insert the algebraic sum template.
The template appears on the entry line with small blocks representing
elements that you can enter. A cursor appears next to one of the
elements to show that you can type a value for that element.
Catalog for
a CAS
handheld