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.