Education Technology


TI-89 Workshop Algebra and Calculus

Activity Overview

This Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity encourages students to investigate the various functions and applications of the CAS calculator. They study and practice various types of problems in algebra and calculus with the help of the calculator.

Before the Activity

  • Install TI Connect™ using the TI connectivity cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print the attached PDF file for the class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Study and learn to use various features and functions of the CAS calculator


  • Find the maximum and minimum values of a function from its graph
  • Study the algebra menu and solve linear equations using various methods
  • Reproduce screen snap with the help of the calculator


  • Solve equations and inequalities by various methods


  • Use the calculator to solve functions and to evaluate their inverses
  • Study different types of transformations
  • Explore the relationship between sine and cosine functions


  • Calculate limits of functions and evaluate them when the limit tends to zero, or any other value
  • Examine the different techniques for finding limits
  • Determine the derivative of a function by different methods and rules
  • Find the equation of a tangent line at a point on the curve, and study the increasing/decreasing concept


  • With the help of the calculator, evaluate different integral functions
  • Use integration to find area under a curve or area between 2 functions


  • Study various types of matrices and understand their properties and applications
  • Solve a set of simultaneous equations using determinants
  • Determine the co-factor, adjoint, and inverse of a given matrix
  • Use Gaussian elimination to reduce a matrix to its echelon form
  • 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