Abstract: This is a description on the functions and mechanisms of a TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator. This piece reports the inside workings of a calculator and explains why it works the way it does.

Graphing Calculator

Introduction

A graphing calculator is a learning tool designed to help students visualize and better understand concepts in mathematics and science. They are also more sophisticated than basic calculators and are capable of plotting graphs, solving simultaneous equations, and performing other tasks with variables. These devices are integrated into the instruction of many math and science courses, including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Statistics, Engineering, Business and Finance. They are even permitted on the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP exams. Texas Instruments (TI), Casio, and HP are the most popular companies that manufacture these gadgets and each brand has various models of calculators available. One of the most favored graphing calculators in the world is the TI-84 Plus. 

TI-84 Plus: Applications

The TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator made by Texas Instruments which was released in early 2004. It is manufactured with a slide in case meant to protect the device when not in use. When in use, the case can be slid fixed to the back side of the calculator. The gadget is available in the standard model which is in black color and the silver edition. It is an upgraded version of its forerunner, the TI-83 Plus. Both the models have the same capability and usage for the most part but the TI-84 features some improved hardware and software. It has a 8 line by 16 character text display in a normal font and is powered by four AAA batteries with a lithium battery backup. 

The TI-84 Plus comes in with the following built in functions:

• Graphs ten rectangular functions, six parametric equations, six polar expressions, and three repeating sequences.
• Numbers computed to fourteen digit accuracy and displayed with ten digits plus a two digit exponent (significant figures).
• User determined list names. Lists store up to 999 elements.
• Fourteen zoom features.
• Pull down display menus with the advanced operations.
• Evaluation of equation values, roots, maximums, minimums, integrals and derivatives.
• Matrix functions with inverse, determinant, transpose, augment, reduced row echelon form and elementary row operations. Transform matrices to lists and lists to matrices.
• Business functions including Time Value of Money (TVM) and cash flows. Full screen interactive editor for solving TVM problems.
• Fifteen probability distribution functions including Chi-square and Binomial.
• Equation solver editor for solving for different variables in an equation.
• Horizontal and vertical split screen choices.
• List based one and two variable statistical analysis (includes logistic, sinusoidal, median, linear, logarithmic, exponential, power, quadratic polynomial, cubic polynomial, and quadratic polynomial regression models).
• Sequence graphing mode shows time series plot, phase plots, and stair step plots.
• Alphabetical CATALOG of all TI calculator operations in one menu.

Behind the Scenes

The calculator is programmed using TI BASIC coding language on the Z80 processor, a data processing circuit inside the calculator. Using the TI BASIC interpreter, a computer program that directly executes instructions written in TI BASIC code, the calculator will mark the program text and replace the textual programming components with short numerical symbols. The device’s software contains the standard operator precedence, a collection of rules followed by computer programming to evaluate a given mathematical expression, such as PEMDAS or BODMAS. For example, if the user inputs the expression 2 + 3 × 4, the calculator will interpret the problem to have the value 2 + (3 × 4) = 14, and not (2 + 3) × 4 = 20.

TI BASIC enables various data types to be stored within the calculator. Strings is a sequence of characters or function names stored on the calculator as long as there is available memory. Equation variables are strings which store equations. They are evaluated to return a value when used in an expression or program, for example, inputting Y= 4X+8 will show the graph and the outputs of the equation. Numerical variables allow real numbers or complex numbers to be stored using the significant figures method, for example, 12345678 will be shown as 1.2345678*10⁷. Lists and Matrices enable the user to store numbers which may be limited depending on the storage available. The TI-84 also features the latest upgrade of MathPrint, a feature that displays mathematical expressions how you would expect to see them on a research paper. This ability enables fractions to be viewed on top of each other instead of side by side, for example, 12+ 32instead of 1/2 + 3/2. MathPrint also allows easy search through past calculations for quick look back of inputs and outputs. The user has an option to view calculations as decimals or fractions, and they can view their answers in different display modes. 

The TI-84 Plus possesses 480 kilobytes (KB) of memory and 24 KB of RAM, a form of computer memory. Even so, the TI-84’s processing speed is twice as fast as the TI-83. The TI-84 contains a built-in USB port and with an adapter, it can also be linked to other TI presentation tools. One of such tools, the TI-SmartView Emulator Software, lets teachers project a portrayal of the calculator’s display to the entire class. It is a very convenient tool for showing math and science topics to the entire classroom. 

Conclusion

The invention of the graphing calculator has changed the system of teaching and studying mathematics. It has a simple operation from the user’s side (despite its complex programming) that enhances learning of math and science and helps the students understand the concept better with its plethora of usages. Among this world of graphing calculators, the TI-84 Plus is a very powerful gadget that can be used to solve most problems pertaining to science, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and finance. Its operating system is designed to provide an easy user experience. The graphing calculator has made it possible for everyone to experience the benefits of a computer generated visualization without the expense of a computer. 

Works Cited

“84 Plus.” TI,
education.ti.com/en/products/calculators/graphing-calculators/ti-84-plus?category=specifications.

“Basic Developer.” TI,
tibasicdev.wikidot.com/starter-kit.

LaMaster, John. “Super Size Your TI-84 Plus Operating System to v2.53MP.” (PDF)

TI-84 Plus.
images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/710McXcV5iL.AC_SX679.jpg

“Press-to-Test for TI-84 Plus & TI-84 Plus Silver Edition” (PDF)
“Top 7 Uses for a Graphing Calculator.” HP® Tech Takes,
store.hp.com/us/en/tech-takes/top-7-uses-for-graphing-calculator

“What Is the Real Difference Between TI 83 & TI 84 Graphing Calculators?” Techwalla,
www.techwalla.com/articles/what-is-the-real-difference-between-ti-83-ti-84-graphing-calculators