Education Technology

Solution 12006: Using the Numeric Solver on the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus.

How do I solve equations on the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus?

The numeric "Solver" is used to solve equations in the form 0=; therefore, any equation that is entered would need to equal zero. The example below will demonstrate how to use the numeric Solver feature.

Example:

Solve 4x-8=0

To Solve:

1) Press [MATH] [ALPHA][B] If no equation is stored, the screen will display eqn: 0=.

2) Input 4X-8.

3) Press [ENTER] The cursor will be blinking next to X=

4) Press [ALPHA] [ENTER] to solve the equation for X.

The screen will display X=2.

Terminology and Miscellaneous Notes:

  • bound={lower,upper}. lower and upper are the bounds between which the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus searches for a solution. This is optional, but it may help find the solution more quickly. The default is bound= {-1E99, 1E99}
  • The solution is displayed next to the variable for which you solved. A solid square in the first column marks the variable for which you solved and indicates that the equation is balanced. An ellipsis shows that the value continues beyond the screen.
  • When a number continues beyond the screen, be sure to press the right arrow (-->) to scroll to the end of the number to see whether it ends with a negative or positive exponent. A very small number may appear to be a large number until you scroll right to see the exponent
  • The values of the variables are updated in memory. 
  • left-rt=diff is displayed in the last line of the editor. diff is the difference between the left and right sides of the equation when evaluated at the calculated solution. A solid square in the first column next to left-rt indicates that the equation has been evaluated at the new value of the variable for which you solved

Please see the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus guidebooks for additional information.