TI-Nspire: Entering Values and Expressions

We will be working with the Calculator application.

Let's take a look at how values and expressions can be entered on this screen.

Entries will vary slightly between the CAS and non-CAS versions of the TI-Nspire.
Differences will be noted where applicable.

1. Automatic parentheses:
Entries requiring parentheses show BOTH sides of the parentheses immediately. No need to worry about a lost right hand parenthesis.

Notice how both parentheses appear when the sin function in entered.

2. "Pretty Print": Math statements will "look" like true math statements once they are entered. Consider:

While entries may still be typed into the calculator as a single line entry, when the ENTER key is hit, these fractions will appear in a textbook stacked format.

3. Templates and Symbols:
(Access with

- for access over TOP of a key.)

When using the templates, the process is much like using the software MathType.

Symbols - above book
Math Templates	$Math List$ ESC will close a template.
above ÷	Quick Fraction template: located above the division key.

Things to remember about templates:

Once "inside" a template, when you click on your choice, the template will print the entry and close.

If you want to close the template without having made a choice, hit .

4. Approximation:
If your calculator is set to AUTO and you enter 3/4, your answer will be 3 over 4.

If you want the decimal equivalent (approximation), hit

,
after entering the fraction.

5. Variable Names:
Be careful: This calculator is not limited to the 26 single letters of the alphabet as variable names. For example, the calculator will accept ab as a variable name.

On this calculator ab does not mean a•b.
Also, xy does not mean x• y.

6. Defining Variables: When a variable is defined, it will turn BOLD.
(On non-CAS): Prior to "defining", if you type "a" and hit ENTER, you will most likely get a message telling you "The Variable is Undefined".

(On CAS): If you type "a" and hit ENTER, you will get "a" as a response.

1. To define a value using the STO command:
the store command, is above the key.

Type the numerical value you wish to store, hit , type the variable name, and hit
Example: 12 a

NOTE: The values you define, will only be defined for the problem upon which you are working.
Starting a new problem will empty these variables.

2. To define a value using the "colon equal" symbol found above the key.
Type the variable name, followed by colon equal, followed by the value to be stored, and hit .
Example: b : = 7

3. To define a value, temporarily, using "such that" notation. The "such that" symbol ( | ) is found above the key. (It is a vertical bar.)
Type the expression you wish to evaluate, followed by "such that", followed by the variable name set equal to its assigned value, and hit .

x • (x + 5) | x = -12

This method will ONLY assign the value of -12 to x for this one computation. The -12 will not be stored in x for future use.

7. Retrieving Past Entries:
To retrieve a past entry, use the TouchPad to up arrow until you highlight the entry you need. Simply press

and that entry will appear on a new line.

8. To Clear All Entries
To clear the screen of all entries (all history),

, #1 Actions, arrow right, #5 Clear History.

#1 - right arrow - #5

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