Education Technology


Solving Equations

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will use various features of the calculator to investigate the solutions to a variety of equations, and to solve finance problems.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 51 - 64 from the attached activity PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

    Solving a System of Linear Equations:

  • Enter the number of equations
  • Enter the equations and record the coefficients
  • Obtain the solution to the system


  • Finding Roots of Polynomials:
  • Enter the order and the coefficients of the polynomial
  • Find the solution to the system and store the value of the roots


  • Solving Equations Using the SOLVER Function:
  • Enter a non-polynomial equation
  • Graph the expression
  • Set the Trace value of x as the initial value
  • Solve to obtain the second solution of the equation


  • Solving an Integral Equation:
  • Enter the equation
  • Enter an initial guess for the main variable
  • Solve for the value of the main variable


  • Multivariable Equations:
  • Enter the equation and the coefficients
  • Set the values for the variables
  • Graph the expression, with one variable being treated as a constant
  • Change the value of the variable and graph the expression again
  • Obtain the solution of the system


  • Finding Zeros of a Function:
  • Enter the expression
  • Assign values to the variables
  • Obtain the solution for the equation
  • Graph the expression and observe the number of solutions
  • Trace the graph and obtain all solutions


  • Solving a Matrix Equation:
  • Enter the matrix equation
  • Determine the initial value of x and set the bound
  • Plot the graph
  • Trace the most negative solution
  • Solve the equation
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

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