Part 1. Basics and algebra on the TI-84 Plus

Your graphing calculator is a powerful tool and helpful ally for math, science, and more. Part 1 of this book lays the foundation for you to use your calculator effectively. It begins by immersing you head-first in five examples demonstrating what your calculator can do, and it touches on performing arithmetic and basic math, graphing, using variables, and manipulating lists and matrices. By the end of this part, you’ll have a toolkit of basic skills for using your calculator, and you’ll be prepared to learn the specialized skills taught throughout the rest of the book. Each chapter grounds the skills taught in exciting examples and also includes sidebars for quick reference if you’re in a hurry.

Chapter 1 begins with five examples of the tools your calculator includes to help you solve difficult problems, from computing the volume of a box to finding the area under a curve. It discusses what your calculator is and what you’ll need to use this book effectively. It concludes with a discussion of the recent MathPrint operating systems included on the latest TI-84 Plus family calculators and how those features will affect how you use your calculator.