The TI graphing calculator does what the name implies -- graphing. Of course, that's not all that it does. For instance, it can analyze a graph interactively while you view it; it can show numeric output of functions in table format; it has a split screen setting that shows both graph and function list, data table, function table or home screen in the same window; it has pull-down menus for easy access to advanced functions without cluttering the keyboard; it can show box-and-whisker plots, median-median line, quadratic, cubic, and polynomial regressions; and it can define, save and graph 10 rectangular functions, 6 parametric equations, 6 polar equations and 2 recursively defined sequences to name but a few of its capabilities. It's a nice programmable number cruncher with plenty of advanced functions.
In this activity you will familiarize yourself with the TI-82
(or TI-83 or TI-85) graphing calculator. You will perform a number
of activities which will drive home both the utility and capability
of these powerful new calculators. You will learn how to generate
a few graphs of mathematical functions, program a few of the simple
examples, and perform a variety of regression procedures.
1. Obtain a TI-82 Graphics Calculator and Guidebook. (TI-83 and TI-85 calculators are also available to you if you prefer, but they have no guidebook.) Read through the guidebook and familiarize yourself with the basic graphing capabilities of the calculator.
2. Learn how to display a few graphs of mathematical functions over a restricted domain and explore the graph with the free-moving cursor, program a few of the simple examples (both from Chapter 3 of the TI-82 guidebook), perform a variety of statistical and regression procedures (see Chapter 12), and write and execute a simple program (see Chapter 13). Practice these activities until you become good at doing it.
This project will be evaluated during a demonstration interview with the course instructor. The instructor will give you the following tasks to perform:
The accuracy, speed, overall success, and independence of the student in performing the above tasks will be qualitatively assessed by the course instructor.