Guide to Using the TI-Nspire for SPECIALIST – The intricate and tightly packed

[tiktokcheekaboom]

Hi, have a really quick question about a noob CAS technique

I remember someone telling me once that you should be able to get specific points (with decimal places and all) from a graph by somehow linking the graph to a spreadsheets page, but how exactly do you do that? I'm just worried that I may end up using an extremely inaccurate value from the graphing screen in section two :S

Really appreciate any help or advice! Thanks in advance

[daliu]

Hey b^3, this helped a ton yesterday in the tech active Exam 2. I ended up using a ton of stuff from this guide that I otherwise wouldn't have (graphing slope field equations, for example) so seriously, thanks heaps

[b^3]

Hey b^3, this helped a ton yesterday in the tech active Exam 2. I ended up using a ton of stuff from this guide that I otherwise wouldn't have (graphing slope field equations, for example) so seriously, thanks heaps

No problem guys Hope you all did well.

[jadams]

Thanks for this b^3....very much appreciate it.

[DisaFear]

Thanks brocub3d, helping with some parts of uni maths too

[b^3]

No problem guys, hope it helps. If I get around to (and can find the original files on my computer somewhere (before it was made into a pdf)), then I'll try and up a version to the notes section with the mistakes fixed.

[theya]

cheers for the guide OP

though just a suggestion here. the ti nspire already has capabilities of handling polar form without defining your own function for cis

read here:
https://epsstore.ti.com/OA_HTML/csksxvm.jsp?nSetId=120079

[SmartWorker]

Version 2.00
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

Any additions or better methods are welcomed. Also let me know if you spot any mistakes.

Guide to Using the Ti-nspire for METHODS - The simple and the overcomplicated: http://www.atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=125386.msg466347#msg466347
Printer Friendly PDF version: http://www.atarnotes.com/?p=notes&a=feedback&id=661

NOTE: There is a mistake in the printable version. Under the shortcut keys the highlighting should read "Copy: Ctrl left or right to highlight, [SHIFT (the one with CAPS on it)] + [c]"

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. DON’T entirely rely on the calculator. Remember this should help speed through those Multiple Choice and to double check your answers for Extended Respons quickly.

Solve, Factor & Expand
These are the basic functions you will need to know.
Open Calculate (A)
Solve: [Menu] [3] [1] – (equation, variable)|Domain
Factor: [Menu] [3] [2] – (terms)
Expand: [Menu] [3] [3] – (terms)
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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.
It’s 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
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E.g. a and b are perpendicular

Graphing Vectors Equations
Normally expresses as a function of t. Graphed as parametric equations. Select the graph entry bar, [ctrl] + [Menu] [2:Graph Type] [2:Parametric]
Enter in the i coefficient as x1(t) and the j coefficient as x2(t)
e.g. Graph
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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
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Quicker Cis(θ) Evaluations
1. Define ([Menu] [1] [1]) cis(θ)=\cos(θ)+i\sin(θ)
2. Simply plug in the value of theta
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Finding Arguments
1. Use the angle function (i.e. find it in the catalogue of type “angle(*)”
E.g. Find the Argument of
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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
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This is particulary useful for fog and gof functions, when a domain is restriced, the resulting function’s 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]
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2. Open a graph page and type, f(g(x)) into the graph bar
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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)

Completing the Square
The easy way to find the turning point quickly. The Ti-nspire has a built in function for completing the square.
[Menu] [3] [5] - (function,variable)
e.g. Find the turning point of
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So from that the turning point will be at (-2,1)

Easy Maximum and Minimums
In the newer version of the Ti-nspire OS, there are functions to find maximum, minimums, tangent lines and normal lines with a couple of clicks, good for multiple choice, otherwise working would need to be shown. You can do some of these visually on the graphing screen or algebraically in the calculate window.
Maximums: [Menu] [4] [7] – (terms, variable)|domain
Minimums: [Menu] [4] [8] – (terms, variable)|domain
E.g. Find the values of x for which has a maxmimum and a minimum for
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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 .
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Visualisation of Addition of Ordinates
Graph f(x) and g(x), then graph f(x)+g(x)
E.g. Graph
Then
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Finding Vertical Asymptotes
Vertical Asymptotes occur when the function is undefined at a given value of x, i.e. when anything is divided by 0. We can manipulate this fact to find vertical asymptotes by letting the function equal and solving for x.
e.g. Find the vertical asymptotes for
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So for there is a vertical asymptotes at and
Don’t forget to find those other non-vertical asymptotes too.


The x-y Function Test
Every now and then you will come across this kind of question in a multiple choice section.
If , which of the following is true?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
 You could do it by hand or do it by calculator. The easiest way is to define the functions and solve the condition for x, then test whether the option is true. If true is given, it is true otherwise it is false.
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So option B is correct.

The Time Saver for Derivatives
By defining, f(x) and then defining df(x)= the derivative, you won’t have to continually type in the derivative keys and function. It also allows you to plug in values easily into f’(x) and f’’(x).
Derivative:  [Menu] [4] [1]
E.g. Find the derivative of
Define f(x), then define df(x)
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The same thing can be done for the double derivative.
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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.
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Solving For Coefficients Using Definitions of Functions
Instead of typing out big long strings of equations and forgetting which one is the antiderivative and which one is the original, defined equations can be used to easily and quickly solve for the coefficients.
E.g. An equation of the form cuts the x-axis at (-2,0) and (2,0). It cuts the y-axis at (0,1) and has a local maximum when . Find the values of a, b, c & d.
1. Define (Make sure you put a multiplication sign between the letters)
2. Define the derivative of the f(x) i.e. df(x)
3. Use solve function and substitute values in, solve for a, b, c & d.
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So and and the equation of the curve is

Deriving Using the Right Mode
The derivative of circular functions are different for radians and degrees. Remember to convert degrees to radians and be in radian mode, as the usual derivatives that you learn e.g. are in radians NOT degrees.
RADIAN MODE                                                          DEGREES MODE
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Getting Exact Values On the Graph Screen
Now for what you have all been dreaming of. Exact values on the graphing screen. Now the way to do this is a little bit annoying.
1. Open up a graph window
2. Plot a function e.g.
3. Trace the graph using [Menu] [5] [1]
4. Trace right till you hit around 0.9 or 1.2 and click the middle button to plot the point.
5. Press ESC
6. Move the mouse over the x-value and click so that it highlights, then move it slightly to the right and click again. Clear the value and enter in
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Using tCollect to simplify awkward expressions
Sometimes the calculator won’t simplify something the way we want it to. tCollect simplifies expressions that involves trigonometric powers higher than 1 or lower than -1 to linear trigonometric expressions.
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Differntial Equation Solver
[Menu] [4] [D] – DeSolve(equation, variable on bottom, variable on top)
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Integrals
[Menu] [4] [3]
E.g. If find if and y=0 when x=0
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Plotting Differential Equations + Slope Fields
Firstly you will need to open a graphing screen.
Then you need to setup up the mode for differential equations. This can be done in two ways:
A. Select the graph entry bar and press [Ctrl] [Menu] then select [2] (Graph Type) [6] (Differential Equation)
or
B. [Menu] [3] [6]
Now the interface comes up.
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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
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e.g. Sketch the slope field of  for
NOTE: Make sure you use y1
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You will only need to draw the lines in the red box since if you draw the unrequited lines you may lose marks
e.g. Sketch the slope field for with initial conditions x=1 when y=0
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Don’t forget a slope field should have a table of values with it.

Graphing Circles, Elipses, Hyperbolas in 1.5 easy steps
This allows you to plot equations in their zero form easily without having to rearrange for y and forming two (or more) equations.
Step 0: Firstly what you have to is rearrange the equation so that it equals 0.
e.g. becomes
becomes
becomes
Now remove the part
Step 1: Enter in the graph bar zeros(equation, dependent variable)
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Shortcut Keys
Copy: Ctrl left or right to highlight, [SHIFT (the one with CAPS on it)] + [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. Yey 800^th post.
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Hi,

Is there a current guide for the Ti-nspire CX CAS for methods and specialist for version 4.5.0.1180. The images are blurred for this guide.

Thanks