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Ok guys and girls, this is a guide/reference for using the Ti-nspire for Specialist Maths. It will cover the simplest of things to a few tricks. This guide has been written for Version 3.1.0.392. To update go to http://education.ti.com/calculators/downloads/US/Software/Detail?id=6767 Simple things will have green headings, complicated things and tricks will be in red. Firstly some simple things. Also Note that for some questions, to obtain full marks you will need to know how to do this by hand. DONT entirely rely on the calculator.
Vectors
These way the Ti-nspire handles vectors is to set them up like a 1 X 3 matrix. E.g. The vector 2i+2j+1k would be represented by the matrix . You can enter a matrix by pressing [ctrl] + [x], then select the 3 X 3 matrix and enter in the appropriate dimensions. Its easier to work with the vectors if you define them. E.g. *Menu+ *1+ *1+ a = . The functions that can be applied to the vectors are: Unit Vector: [Menu] [7] [C] [1] - unitV( ) Dot Product: [Menu] [7] [C] [3] dotP( ) Magnitude: type "norm()" norm( ) E.g. a=2i+2j+k, b=6i+2j-16k, Find the Unit vector of a and a.b
Complex Numbers
There are two important functions related to complex numbers. They work the same as the original functions, but will give complex solutions aswell. cSolve: [Menu] [3] [C] [1] cFactor: [Menu] [3] [C] [1] E.g. Solve for z and factorise
Finding Arguments
1. Use the angle function (i.e. find it in the catalogue of type angle(*) E.g. Find the Argument of
Defining Domains
While graphing or solving, domains can be defined by the addition of |lowerbound<x<upperbound The less than or equal to and greater than or equal to signs can be obtained by pressing ctrl + < or > e.g. Graph for Enter into the graphs bar
This is particulary useful for fog and gof functions, when a domain is restriced, the resulting functions domain will also be restricted. E.g. Find the equation of when and 1. Define the two equations in the Calulate page. [Menu] [1] [1]
2. Open a graph page and type, f(g(x)) into the graph bar
The trace feature can be used to find out the range and domain. Trace: [Menu] [5] [1] Here where the Domain = (-1.5,1] and Range =[0,4)
Tangents at a point: [Menu] [4] [9] (terms, variable, point) Normals at a point: [Menu] [4] [A] - (terms, variable, point) E.g. Find the equation of the tangent and the normal to the curve
when
So for
So option B is correct.
Just remember to redefine the equations or use a different letter, e.g. g(x) and dg(x)
Implicit Differentiation
[Menu] [4] [E] impDif(equation, variable 1, variable 2) E.g. Differentiate with respect to x.
So
RADIAN MODE
DEGREES MODE
Integrals
[Menu] [4] [3] E.g. If find if and y=0 when x=0
NOTE 1: When entering y in the bar, you will have to enter y1. NOTE 2: If you want to plot a second differential equation that is not related to the first, you will need to either, open a new document (not just a graphing screen, for some reason the original equation that you plotted will be shown again) or clear out all the differential equations in the graph entry bar (i.e. y1, y2...) or open a new problem in the current document by pressing [Ctrl] [Home] [4] [1] [2] e.g. Sketch the slope field
e.g. Sketch the slope field of NOTE: Make sure you use y1
for
You will only need to draw the lines in the red box since you may lose marks e.g. Sketch the slope field for
Dont forget a slope field should have a table of values with it.
Shortcut Keys
Copy: Ctrl left or right to highlight, [Ctrl] + [c] Paste: [Ctrl] + [v] Insert Derivative: [CAPS] + [-] Insert Integral: [CAPS] + [+] : [Ctrl] + [i] Thanks to Jane1234 & duquesne9995 for the shortcut keys. Thanks to vgardiy for the real easy sketching of equations in their zero form. Remember you can always do other funs things like 3-D graphs. Enjoy.