Texas Instruments TI-92+, Tip List

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[1.17] Quick tips
This section summarizes things that perplex some new users. If you read this one page, you'll be able
to use your calculator much more effectively.
1. To run a program, type in the program name followed by "()", then press [ENTER]. For example:
game() [ENTER]. If the program is not in the current folder, type the folder name with a backslash
before the name, for example: main\game() [ENTER].
2. Make sure the GraphLink cable is plugged in firmly to the calculator connector. Push hard. The
TI-89 has this problem more than the TI-92 Plus.
3. Use new batteries when upgrading the AMS with the GraphLink, or the upgrade may fail, and then
you will have to install the AMS from a computer.
4. The latest version of the GraphLink software from TI may fix linking problems. Get it here:
http://education.ti.com/product/accessory/link/down/download.html. Also make sure you have
chosen the correct cable type (black or gray) and the right serial port.
5. If you want exact fraction results (like 1/3), press [MODE] and set Exact/Approx to Exact or
AUTO. For approximate fractions (like 0.3333), set Exact/Approx to APPROXIMATE. Or, include a
decimal point with one of the numbers: 1./3. Or, press [DIAMOND] [ENTER] instead of [ENTER].
6. There are no cube root or nth-root keys or functions. To find the cube root of x, use x^(1/3). To
find the nth root, use x^(1/n).
7. There is no key for 'log', the base-10 logarithm. To find log(x), type in [L] [O] [G] [ ( ] [x] [ ) ]
[ENTER]. Or select log( from the [MATH] menu.
8. To find the base-b logarithm of x, use log
b
(x) = log(x)/log(b) = ln(x)/ln(b).
9. To plot a vertical line in the Y= function editor at x=a, use y1(x)=when(x<a,-9E999,9E999)
10. There are no built-in functions for secant, cosecant and cotangent. You can define these functions
yourself.
11. There is no built-in interpolation function. Define your own interpolation function with
Define intrp(xa,xb,ya,yb,x)=ya+(x-xa)/(xb-xa)*(yb-ya). xa and xb are the x-values, ya and yb are
the y-values, and x is the value at which to interpolate for y.
12. Temperature conversions are not in the UNITS menu. Instead, use tmpCnv() (to convert
temperatures) and „tmpCnv() (to convert temperature ranges or differences).
13. The STAT VARS screen (ShowStat command) shows sample standard deviation, not population
deviations. Display the population standard deviation by entering
σ
x or
σ
y. To enter the
σ
character, use [DIAMOND] [ ( ] [alpha] [S] on the TI-89, or [2ND] [G] [S] on the TI-92 Plus.
14. To find double and triple integrals, nest integral functions, for example,
·(·(f(x,y),y),x)
.
15. On the TI-89, the 'space' character is [alpha] [ (-) ].
16. There is no built-in quadratic equation solver. Use zeros(a*x^2+b*x+c,x)
17. Previous results stored in variables can cause wrong results. Press [F6] (for the Clean Up menu),
then use Clear a-z or NewProb to delete old variables.
18. The small manual that comes with the calculator does not cover all features. For the full manual,
go to http://education.ti.com/global/guides.html. You can also buy a printed manual from TI.
19. ticalc.org has games.
20. Most TI-89 programs will run on the TI-92 Plus and vice versa. Exceptions are ASM programs,
programs which use specific key codes, and programs which use the larger TI-92+ display.
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