Education Technology
Sign Up for TI Emails
Polygon 3
Activities

Calculus with the TI-89

Author
Mary Connors and Edward Connors
Alignment
Standards Alignment
Textbook Alignment
Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Derivatives
Math: Calculus: Antiderivatives and Slope Fields
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
Activity Time
90 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-89 / TI-89 Titanium
Applications
Accessories
CBL™ 2
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
CAS Required
Report an Issue

Calculus with the TI-89

Activity Overview

In this Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity, students will explore the concept of limits of functions, and use CAS to demonstrate the definition of derivative.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the CBR 2™ and CBL 2™ to the calculator
  • Install TI Connect™ using the TI connectivity cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 1 - 6 from the attached PDF file for the class

    • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Explore the concept of the limit of a function f(x) as x approaches zero, infinity, or any other arbitrary value
  • Investigate the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of a rational function; graphically, numerically, and symbolically
  • Examine other important limits


  • Use the CBL™/CBR™ to collect distance data
  • Analyze the distance-time and velocity-time graphs using the calculator programs
  • Find the relationship between distance and time graphs


  • Understand that CAS can be used to demonstrate the definition of the derivative using the difference quotient
  • Visualize the area under a curve using Riemann sums


  • Model data using the logistic equation, study slopefields, and approximate the solution using Euler's method or the Runge-Kutta method
  • Use the deSolve command to obtain an analytical solution

    • After the Activity

    Students answer questions on the Activity sheet.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    • icon-download-lm
    Download Files
    Before the Activity Files
    TI-CAS_023.pdf TI-CAS-AppA.pdf TI-CAS-AppB.pdf TI-CAS-AppD.pdf
    Author
    Mary Connors and Edward Connors
    Alignment
    Standards Alignment
    Textbook Alignment
    Subject Area
    Math: Calculus: Derivatives
    Math: Calculus: Antiderivatives and Slope Fields
    Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    90 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-89 / TI-89 Titanium
    Applications
    Accessories
    CBL™ 2
    Resource Types
    Lessons
    Format
    CAS Required
    Report an Issue
    iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
    Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.
    Products
    Product Support
    Teacher Resources
    Administrator Resources
    Lessons and Activities
    General Information

    © Copyright 1995-2025 Texas Instruments Incorporated. All rights reserved.

    TrademarksSoftware Data PolicyPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms of UseTerms of Sale & ServicesSupply Chain Transparency
    About UsNews CenterContact TI