Activity Overview
In this Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity, students' learn to store calculation steps in the text editor of the calculator as a script file. This file is later accessed, modified, and used to solve other similar problems.
Before the Activity
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 your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Study a helix in parametric form and use the given script to compute its length over a closed interval
Save the script
Access the script, modify the script, and replace the coordinate functions and the limits of integration to find the length of a DNA helix
Prove the equality of mixed partial derivatives, store the steps, and use it to verify results of other functions
Study the script involving harmonic functions
Modify the script and apply the second derivatives test to find the local extrema of a real valued function of two or three variables
Examine Lagrange's multipliers, and solve a problem with a system of 4 non-linear equations
Study the script to explore Riemann Sums in introductory integral calculus
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