How to Take Calculus Tests With the TI-89
- 1). Learn the topics of your calculus exam. Calculus is the branch of mathematics that covers function sequencing, function arguments, derivatives, infinite series and integrals. Even with the assistance of a TI-89, you still need to be able to read and comprehend the problems on the exam. Have an understanding of what the problem is asking so you can correctly calculate the solution.
- 2). Learn the basic functions of the TI-89. Before you can start solving calculus problems, you have to know the basic controls of the calculator. Several basic features that are not related to calculus will still come in handy, such a clearing previous work, copying and pasting, storing solutions, inputting special characters and troubleshooting your calculator.
- 3). Read the TI-89 guidebook to find out how to work the calculus functions on the TI-89. Focus on areas involving calculus functions, such as graphing functions and sequences, evaluating functions and limits of functions, computing derivatives and tangent lines, evaluating antiderivatives and definite integrals and solving partial and infinite sums.
- 4). Press the key labeled "Y=" to input your equations and functions you want to graph. Input your equation using the "X" key on your calculator for variables. Once you have graphed your function, you can test variables using the trace feature or check solutions using the intersection feature.
- 5). Change the graph mode to sequence to graph sequences instead of linear functions. Once you have changed the graph mode to sequence, input your sequence using the Y= key.
- 6). Input your function using the Y= key to evaluate a function. Once you input the function, use the table feature to evaluate the variables of the function. The table will show you the calculated y value for an x value. You can ask for a calculation of any real x value by using the ask feature on the table. Input the x value you want to test in the independent column.
- 7). Compute derivatives and tangent lines using the menu feature on the calculator. The menu key is labeled "F5" or "Math." Once you press "F5," scroll down to the option labeled "A: Tangent," and press "Enter" to access the tangent feature. Scroll down to the option labeled "6 Derivatives," and press "Enter" to access the derivatives feature. The menu feature also contains an option for solving definite integrals.