Graph on a TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator

Generally, in lower-level mathematics classes, basic scientific calculators are used in order to speed up simple calculations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. As one approaches the study of calculus, however, graphing becomes trivial, just as simple operations were trivial in algebra. This is because in calculus and pre-calculus, there are several other difficult calculations that, when combined with graphing by hand, would add up to an unreasonable amount of time necessary to solve a single problem. It is for this reason that general knowledge of how to use a graphing calculator is valuable and helpful in saving time.

Instructions
1. Prepare the given equation(s) for graphing. Since the TI-83 only naturally graphs equations of the form "Y=", all equations must first be written with an isolated "y" variable before they can be graphed.

2. Turn on the calculator and press the "Y=" button, located right below the screen on the left, in order to enter the graphing interface.

3. Get rid of any past entries in the graphing log by hovering over each occupied line with the cursor and pressing "Clear."

4. Type in each equation of the form "Y=" in separate lines, beginning with line Y1 and continuing downward.

5. Press the "Graph" button (also below the screen, on the right side of the calculator), and wait for the graphs to appear on the XY-plane.

6. Copy the graph on paper if necessary and solve the problem by hand, or, if allowed, press "2nd-Trace" to calculate on the calculator itself. Remember that the graph displayed has a domain of {-10,10} and a range of {-10,10} when copying it onto paper.


Tips & Warnings
- Use parentheses liberally when entering an equation. When dealing with fractions, for example, it is best to enclose both the numerator and denominator in parentheses.
- Try zooming in or out of the default graph window by pressing the "Zoom" button and selecting the appropriate sub-option. Some parts of the graph may be invisible in the default window.
- Avoid excessive reliance on your graphing calculator, especially in timed situations. Sometimes it is easier to graph by hand, or skip graphing entirely if the problem does not require it.

Download Games Onto a Graphing Calculator

The first use for graphing calculator is, of course, to graph complex mathematic equations. However, like anything else, it doesn't take much time before there's a temptation to use it for entertainment. There are few high school students that graduate without at least one game on their graphing calculator. For those few, here's how to get them. Since Texas Instruments (TI) is the predominant brand, the instructions revolve around this type.

Instructions
1. Acquire the connectivity software. For most TI calculators, the TIConnect program will work. Visit the Texas Instruments education resources site, provided below, and click the "Downloads" button. Choose the "Apps & Software" option and click "Connectivity Software" under the "Computer Software" heading. Choose the correct version from the list and download it to your computer.

2. Run the program to install the software.

3. Download the game program or programs. The safest option is to download them directly from the TI site through the "Games" option in the "Downloads" menu. The next safest option is to download from a site linked on the TI site. The least safe option, but one that may provide the widest variety of options, is to do an Internet search for games for your particular model.

4. Connect your calculator to your computer using the provided cord. If the provided cable is a USB cable, which most are, your computer should detect your calculator as an external device automatically.

5. Open the TIConnect program and click the "TI Device Explorer" button. A window pops up and will try to connect to your calculator. Choose the port your calculator is connected to.

6. Ensure the folder where your game is located is open. Drag and drop the game file from that folder to the Device Explorer pop up Window.

7. Wait until the transfer is complete. Then disconnect your calculator and close the TIConnect program.