Education Technology


TI-89 Activities for PreCalculus and AP Calculus

Activity Overview

In this Computer Algebra System (CAS) activity, students use the statistical, graphical, and symbolic capabilities of the calculator to make it a powerful tool for investigating and developing mathematical concepts.

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 - 21 from the attached PDF file for the class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Explore the numerous commands, features, and calculation capabilities of the calculator
  • Use the calculator to solve a system of equations by elimination method, substitution method, and matrix method
  • Find the inverse of a function


  • With the help of the statistical and graphical capabilities of the calculator, solve a given problem, and derive an equation that models the problem situation
  • Use the symbolic algebra capabilities to derive an equation that represents problem situations without using graphs
  • Enter the data for the problem situation and set up a scatter plot
  • Perform a quadratic regression
  • Explore other algebra-graph connection problems


  • Explore the summation commands
  • Use patterns to develop formulas for exponents, logarithms, rationalizing denominators, and factoring
  • Understand how parametric and trigonometric problems can be solved using the calculator
  • Develop the power rule from y = xn
  • Use the calculator to solve various problems that appeared on the AP Calculus exam


  • Determine where the derivative of a function is equal to zero
  • Find the derivative of a function and use the calculator to verify the result
  • Study the Chain Rule
  • 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