Notes on using graphing calculators

These notes apply specifically to the TI-83. The same results can usually be obtained on other calculators, but the procedure may be different.

· Producing a table of values for a function .

    1)Enter the function rule in the "Y=" list.
    2)Set up the table by specifying beginning and increment values of x (the independent variable).
    3)View the table.
Example: Produce a table of values for the function 

    1)Press the "Y=" key, and enter abs(x-1)/(x-2) for any available function (suppose Y₁ for this example).To enter the
        absolute value function, press the MATH key, then tap the right-arrow key. Notice that the highlight is on choice 1,
        "abs(". Then press ENTER, and abs( is pasted into the location.
 
    2) Press the "2nd" key, then the WINDOW key (this chooses TBLSET). Now enter 2 for your TblStart value
        (or whatever value you want the table to begin with). Press ENTER. This takes you to the D Tbl line. For the
        D Tbl value enter 1.
    3) Press the "2nd" key, then the GRAPH key (this chooses TABLE). You will now see a column of values of x,
        and columns for each entered function in the "Y=" list. If you entered abs(x-1)/(x-2) for Y₁, then beside the
        column of x-values, you will see values for Y₁. Notice that "ERROR" is given instead of a value for Y1 in
        the x = 2 row. This lets you know that the function (for whatever reason) does not have a real number value at x = 2.
        By using the down- or up-arrow keys, you can view additional values of x and Y₁.
          Absolute Value        Y = key                   Table Set Menu        Tables