TI-84 Plus Calculator Basic Features - Lesson 1

Steve Sobec introduces a series of video lessons focused on the TI-84 graphing calculator. He begins by demonstrating how to evaluate expressions on the calculator, emphasizing the device's adherence to the correct order of operations. He also shows how to use parentheses for complex expressions and corrects common mistakes. The video covers additional calculator features, such as changing decimals into fractions, using the 'change to fraction' function, and reducing fractions. Steve also explains how to retrieve previous expressions and edit them, which is useful for correcting mistakes without retyping entire expressions.

This section covers advanced editing techniques on the TI-84 calculator, including inserting and deleting characters within expressions. Steve illustrates how to use the 'insert' and 'delete' functions to modify expressions efficiently. He also discusses the use of the 'ANS' variable, which stores the most recent answer for quick retrieval and use in further calculations. The paragraph highlights the importance of using the correct keys for negative signs to avoid syntax errors and demonstrates how to switch between degree and radian modes for accurate trigonometric evaluations.

Steve explains how the TI-84 calculator represents very large numbers in scientific notation, using a capital 'E' to indicate a power of ten. He clarifies that this notation should not alarm users, as it is a standard way to express large values. The lesson continues with instructions on how to calculate square roots and cube roots using the calculator's math menu. Steve also addresses situations where the calculator's mode might be inadvertently changed and shows how to quickly return to the home screen using the 'QUIT' function.

The video script discusses logarithmic calculations, explaining how to use the calculator to find the base 10 logarithm of a number. It also covers the use of the constant 'e' and how to calculate logarithms with different bases, either directly or by expressing them in terms of base 10 logarithms. Steve demonstrates the use of the Pi constant and implicit multiplication on the calculator, highlighting the calculator's ability to understand multiplication without the explicit use of a multiplication operator when variables or constants are involved.

This part of the script deals with temperature conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit using a formula. Steve shows how to perform a single conversion and then introduces the table feature on the TI-84 for rapid conversion of multiple temperatures. He also discusses the importance of using the correct key for negative signs to avoid syntax errors and demonstrates the calculator's functionality in degree and radian modes for accurate trigonometric evaluations.

Steve introduces the table feature on the TI-84, which allows for quick evaluation of expressions by substituting different values. He explains how to set up the table to convert Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit and shows how to change the mode to 'ASK' for manual input of values. The table feature is highlighted as a powerful tool for rapid fire evaluation of expressions, making it easier to perform numerous calculations without repetitive typing.

The final paragraph of the script focuses on the TI-84's ability to store values in variable locations, which is essential for later retrieval and use in calculations. Steve demonstrates how to store numbers in variables such as 'X' and the alphabetic variables 'A', 'B', and 'C'. He shows how these stored values can be used in further calculations and emphasizes the importance of this feature, especially when programming with the TI-84. The script concludes by highlighting the calculator's versatility and the many resources available for users who wish to explore its full potential.