How to use the Algebra Solver on the TI-84 Plus

Andrew Borne
20 Jul 201311:41

TLDRMr. Bourne's video tutorial teaches how to use the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus calculator, covering solving multi-step equations, understanding the solver's limitations, and addressing issues like roundoff errors. He also demonstrates the process for both color and non-color TI-84 Plus models, providing a PDF guide for further assistance.

Takeaways

  • 📚 Mr. Bourne, a math teacher from Minnesota, presents a tutorial on using the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus calculator.
  • 🔍 The video is designed to be concise, focusing on teaching how to solve algebra equations with the solver and its limitations.
  • 📈 The tutorial covers both color and older non-color TI-84 Plus calculators, noting differences in using the solver.
  • 📝 A PDF document is available at Andy Bourne's website for reference, eliminating the need for note-taking during the video.
  • 🔢 The solver on the TI-84 Plus does not show the steps to solve an equation but directly provides the solution, such as solving for X in a multi-step equation.
  • 📱 Demonstration of using the solver on the TI-84 Plus color edition involves entering the equation and using specific keys to input variables.
  • 👉 To find the solution for X, the cursor must be placed next to X and the alpha key followed by the enter key must be pressed on the keypad.
  • ⚠️ Roundoff errors can occur due to the calculator's internal digital circuitry, which may require manual rounding of the solution.
  • 🚫 The solver has limitations, such as not being able to handle equations with multiple correct answers or no solutions at all.
  • 📉 Quadratic equations might only show one solution when there are actually two, and the solver may not find the correct range of solutions.
  • 💡 For absolute value equations or equations with no solutions, the calculator might indicate a solution where there is none, highlighting the need for user awareness.
  • 📲 On older TI-84 Plus calculators, equations must be in terms of zero before using the solver, which requires additional steps for equation setup.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video by Mr. Bourne?

    -The main topic of the video is how to use the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus calculator.

  • What are the three points Mr. Bourne covers in the video?

    -Mr. Bourne covers how to use the solver to solve algebra equations, the limitations of the solver, and how to use the solver on older TI-84 Plus calculators that are not color.

  • Where can viewers find a PDF with examples from the video?

    -Viewers can find a PDF with examples at AndyBourne.com/slash/math.

  • How does the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus handle multi-step equations?

    -The algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus can solve multi-step equations by inputting the left and right sides of the equation and pressing 'solve' to get the result for X.

  • What is one limitation of the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus mentioned in the video?

    -One limitation is that the solver might not show all the steps involved in solving the equation and can sometimes result in roundoff errors.

  • Why might the solver on the TI-84 Plus not find all solutions for a quadratic equation?

    -The solver might not find all solutions for a quadratic equation due to the internal digital circuitry limitations, which can lead to 'bad guess' errors.

  • How can you adjust the solver's search bounds on the TI-84 Plus to find a specific solution?

    -You can adjust the solver's search bounds by editing the lower and upper bounds to focus the calculator's search on a specific range of numbers.

  • What kind of equations might result in no solution when using the solver on the TI-84 Plus?

    -Equations with absolute values that cannot be negative and equations that are logically unsolvable, like X = X + 1, might result in no solution.

  • How does the algebra solver on older, non-color TI-84 Plus calculators differ from the color edition?

    -On older, non-color TI-84 Plus calculators, the solver must have the equation in terms of zero, requiring an additional step of subtracting a constant from both sides of the equation before solving.

  • What key combination is used to input the variable 'X' on the TI-84 Plus calculator?

    -The variable 'X' is inputted by pressing the key marked with an 'X', which is located next to the alpha key on the keypad.

  • What does Mr. Bourne suggest doing if you encounter a 'bad guess' error on the TI-84 Plus solver?

    -If you encounter a 'bad guess' error, Mr. Bourne suggests being aware of the limitations of the calculator and possibly manually checking for solutions within the specified bounds.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Algebra Solver on TI-84 Plus

Mr. Bourne introduces himself as a math teacher from Minnesota and outlines the purpose of the video: to demonstrate the use of the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus calculator. He emphasizes the video will be concise, teaching viewers how to solve algebra equations, understand the solver's limitations, and specifically address the solver's operation on older TI-84 models. He also mentions a supporting PDF available on his website, which will provide examples without the need for note-taking during the video.

05:04

🔍 How to Use the Solver and its Limitations

This section covers the process of using the algebra solver on the TI-84 Plus, starting with a multi-step equation example. Mr. Bourne explains that while the calculator will solve for 'X', it won't show the steps involved. He demonstrates how to input the equation into the calculator and retrieve the solution, noting the potential for round-off errors due to the calculator's internal circuitry. He then discusses the limitations of the solver, such as handling quadratic equations that may have two solutions, and the importance of setting bounds correctly to find the desired solution. He also highlights other limitations, such as the solver's inability to find solutions for certain absolute value equations and equations with no solution, like 'x = x + 1'.

10:05

📱 Solver Operation on Older TI-84 Plus Models

Mr. Bourne provides guidance for using the algebra solver on older, non-color TI-84 Plus calculators. He explains that equations must be in terms of zero for the solver to work correctly and demonstrates how to adjust an equation accordingly. He walks through the process of accessing the solver on these older models and inputting the equation, ensuring it is set to zero, and then solving it. He concludes by reminding viewers of the importance of understanding the solver's limitations and how to work around them for accurate results.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Algebra Solver

The Algebra Solver is a feature on the TI-84 Plus calculator that allows users to solve algebraic equations. In the video, Mr. Bourne demonstrates how to use this tool to find solutions for equations that would typically require multiple steps to solve manually. The Algebra Solver is integral to the video's theme as it is the main tool being explained and utilized throughout the tutorial.

💡TI-84 Plus

The TI-84 Plus is a graphing calculator produced by Texas Instruments. It is widely used in educational settings for its advanced mathematical capabilities, including the Algebra Solver. The video specifically addresses how to operate the Algebra Solver on this model, making it a central concept in the tutorial.

💡Distributive Property

The Distributive Property is a fundamental algebraic principle that allows for the simplification of expressions involving multiplication and addition or subtraction. In the script, it is mentioned as one of the steps that would be required to solve a multi-step equation manually, highlighting the calculator's ability to bypass such steps.

💡Multi-Step Equation

A multi-step equation is an algebraic equation that requires more than one operation to solve, such as distributing, combining like terms, and simplifying. The video provides an example of solving such an equation using the Algebra Solver, showcasing the calculator's efficiency in handling complex problems.

💡Roundoff Error

Roundoff error refers to the inaccuracy that can occur in numerical calculations due to the limitations of the calculator's internal circuitry. Mr. Bourne mentions this concept when discussing the limitations of the Algebra Solver, noting that solutions might not always be exact due to these errors.

💡Quadratic Equation

A quadratic equation is a second-degree polynomial equation. The video script includes an example of a quadratic equation and demonstrates how the Algebra Solver can find one of its solutions. It also points out a limitation where the calculator might not find all possible solutions due to its algorithmic processes.

💡Absolute Value Equation

An absolute value equation involves the absolute value function, which returns the non-negative value of a number. The video explains that the Algebra Solver may not always provide a solution for such equations, as there might be no value that satisfies the equation when considering the absolute value.

💡Bad Guess

In the context of the video, a 'bad guess' refers to a situation where the Algebra Solver does not find a solution because the initial assumptions or bounds set by the user are incorrect. This term is used to illustrate one of the limitations of the solver when dealing with equations that have multiple solutions.

💡Non-Color TI-84 Plus

The non-color TI-84 Plus refers to older models of the calculator that do not have color screens. The video differentiates the process of using the Algebra Solver on these older models from the color edition, showing that there are slight variations in how equations must be formatted for solving.

💡Zero Terms

In algebra, 'zero terms' refers to setting an equation to equal zero, which is a common step in solving linear equations. The video script mentions that equations must be in terms of zero for the Algebra Solver to work, indicating a necessary step in preparing equations for the solver on the TI-84 Plus.

Highlights

Introduction to the Algebra Solver on the TI-84 Plus by Mr. Bourne.

Learning to use the solver for algebra equations and understanding its limitations.

Instructions for using the solver on older TI-84 Plus models without color screens.

Accessing the solver feature by pressing the math key and navigating to the submenu.

How to input an equation into the solver and the importance of using the correct keys.

Entering the variable 'X' using the key marked with 'X, T, θ, n'.

Using the downward directional arrow key to input the equal sign in equations.

The process of solving an equation and interpreting the calculator's output.

Understanding the limitations of the calculator, such as roundoff errors.

Handling quadratic equations and the potential for multiple solutions.

Editing the lower and upper bounds to find specific solutions within a range.

The importance of recognizing when the calculator might not provide the correct solution.

Dealing with absolute value equations and the possibility of no solution.

Identifying equations with no solutions, such as 'x equals x plus one'.

How the calculator's digital circuitry might fail to recognize no solution scenarios.

Adjusting equations for the older TI-84 Plus models to fit the solver's requirements.

The necessity of setting equations to zero terms for the older calculator models.

Final tips and resources for further learning on using the TI-84 Plus.