Welcome to a website that is dedicated to showing HOW to use the TI 83 and TI 86 graphing calculators. Many of my students ask me why these calculators are necessary and why they can't just "get by" with a scientific calculator that only costs about $10. Scientific calculators have not always been as inexpensive as they are now. In the 80's the average price a quality scientific calculator that would do more than basic arithmetic was about $50- 60. The graphing calculator is the most cost effective and convenient way for a student to perform some calculations as opposed to having to go to a computer lab or purchase a laptop. If you are an instructor and are concerned about the cost for students, try working out a rental program or buy back program with the bookstore at your college. Bookstores can make a healthy profit by buying back calculators at the end of the term as they would any book.
This website does not provide any information on programming or games. Please be patient with its loading because there are several graphics to load. Screen shots of the calculator window and graphics of the buttons are included. It is dedicated to the beginning level calculator user. After mastering some of the basics, try "playing" with your calculator to see what it can show and help with. Remember that the calculator is still just a tool, not unlike a hammer to a carpenter. The math is still the most important aspect.
Any items can be downloaded and printed from this site provided that proper credit is given to this website.
If you are a beginning algebra student, the basic math, basic algebra and basic graphing sections would be worth your time.
If you are a intermediate/advanced algebra student, all of the pages except the statistics page would be advisable.
If you are a statistics student, the basic math, basic graphing, and statistics pages will assist in statistical studies.
My name is Dottie Walton and I am an assistant professor at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, OH. I teach all levels of math courses. If you would like more information on CCC visit the web site at www.tri-c.cc.oh.us.
Questions or comments are welcomed and can be sent via email. I will try to get back with you as soon as possible. Thank you for visiting my site and I hope that you find it helpful in your quest for information about using and applying TI graphing calculators.
General Information: dottie.walton@tri-c.cc.oh.us