Activity Overview
In this activity, students explore the important computational, algebraic, tabular, and editing features of the TI-86, with simple numerical examples. They also investigate its advanced graphing capabilities.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 1 - 22 from the attached PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Explore how to enter and edit values for variables in the Compound Interest formula and calculate the amount present after 15 years for the investment
Change the values and compute the new amount
Store the values for the variables in the formula and compute the amount present after 15 years
Use the Table feature to tabulate how a principal amount invested at a particular rate compounded monthly grows each year
Specify the function, and the starting and incrementing values
Generate the table of values
Enter the function(s) in the graphing editor and set the window settings to view the graph
Experiment with the seven different graphing styles available
Use the Trace feature to determine the intersection point of two graphed functions
With the help of the zoom-in feature, get better estimates of the coordinates of the intersection point
Understand how Zoom factors change the window values
Enter and graph a composite function y3 = y1 + y2
Observe that y1, y2, and y3 are graphed in sequence
Use the Select feature for graphing individual functions
Evaluate the graphed functions for values of x between xMin and xMax
Select options from the Format graph menu to alter the presentation of the graph
With the help of the ZSQR option, make the length of one unit on the x-axis equal to one unit on the y-axis
Improve the graphing resolution by understanding the Xres variable
After the Activity
Students solve problems on the exercise page.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary