Plotting Parametric Equations on the TI-83+ and TI-84+

We at Calcblog hope you had a great winter vacation! So far, we’ve posted tutorials on graphing in rectangular/Cartesian and polar coordinates, but there are other ways to specify functions. One of these is as a function of a parameter, …
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Video: Using Variables on Your TI Graphing Calculator

We just posted our second video tutorial to YouTube! This tutorial covers the basic use of variables to help with calculations, a technique that will help you use your calculator more effectively and avoid making mistakes when entering quantities. We …
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How to Enter Logarithms on Your Graphing Calculator

Most graphing and scientific calculators have the ability to calculate logarithms, but you might come across questions which require you to use a different base than your calculator’s built-in functions. Thankfully, there is a simple formula called the “change of …
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Filed under Difficulty: Easy, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, TI-89, TI-92 Plus | 7 Comments

How to Graph Polar Equations on the TI-83+ and TI-84+

Polar coordinates are another way of representing a two-dimensional space, just like Cartesian (rectangular) coordinates. Instead of x and y, points are described using r, a radius, and θ (theta), the angle counterclockwise from the positive x axis. In this …
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Filed under Algebra, Difficulty: Easy, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus | 3 Comments

Sums and Sequences on the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus

While they may not have the calculus capabilities of the TI-89, the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus have two great functions for dealing with series and sums, the “seq” and “sum” functions. This tutorial explains how to use these features …
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Filed under Calculus, Difficulty: Medium, TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus | 2 Comments

NEW: TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus Function Reference

For the past two weeks, we’ve been working hard on putting together a complete function appendix for the TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus. This is naturally an ongoing process, due to the magnitude of the product, though we are proud …
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SAT Calculator Strategies – SAT Test Prep #5

There are a lot of misconceptions about calculator use on the SAT. This article covers some basic strategies on how to use your calculator “smarter.” It also attempts to dispel some of the myths you’ve probably heard about calculators and …
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How to Round Numbers on the TI-84 Plus and TI-89

Sometimes it’s useful to work in units with only a certain number of decimals. For example, if you’re doing money calculations, you probably don’t want to think about fractions of cents. If you want to change the number of decimals …
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SAT Prep #4: Using Your Calculator’s Fraction Features

Both the TI-83/TI-84 Plus and the TI-89 have built-in features for dealing with fractions, which can help to solve many of the fractions problems on the SAT. For example, on the TI-84, you can convert a decimal into a fraction …
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Ace the SAT – Our New Test Prep Book!

We’re very proud to announce Calcblog’s test preparation book, Ace the SAT Using Your TI Calculator: Using the TI-84 Plus and TI-89 to Crack the SAT Math Section! This book is packed with tips, tricks and test taking strategies on …
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