The differentiate command is on the Calc menu and also available directly from the keyboard: 2nd 8. (The letter d is not the same thing.)
        
        It computes derivatives.
        To get the second derivative, enter d (x^5,x,2).
            d (x^5,x,-1) gives an antiderivative.
        To evaluate a derivative at a number, use the with bar.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're differentiating with respect to.
 

The integrate command is on the Calc menu and also available directly from the keyboard: 2nd 7.
                
        It computes integrals and antiderivatives. The first picture is with Pretty Print OFF, to show the syntax.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're integrating with respect to.
 

The limit command computes limits.
        
        For limits at infinity, you need the infinity key. You can also specify positive infinity or negative infinity by adding the + and (-) keys.
        Adding a third comma followed by any negative number asks for a limit from the left.
        Adding a third comma followed by any positive number asks for a limit from the right.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're taking a limit with respect to.
 

The sum command adds up a finite or (sometimes) infinite number of terms. You have to supply a formula.
        
        You may use any variable you like; n is just traditional.
        You can find the infinity key on the keyboard.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're summing with respect to.
 

The product command multiplies a finite or (sometimes) an infinite number of terms. You have to supply a formula.
        
 

fMin and fMax give the input values which produce the smallest outputs and largest outputs from a function or expression.
You don't need the capital M's if you type in the commands.
        
        To restrict the allowed inputs, use the with bar.
        (Click here for information about the less than or equal to and the and.)
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what the input variable is.
 

The arcLen command computes the length of the graph of the given expression between the inputs given.
You don't need the capital L if you type in the command.
        
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what the input variable is.
        Unfortunately, this command doesn't work with curves defined parametrically.
            For that you have to figure out (or remember) the integral that gives the right result.
 

The taylor command computes Taylor polynomials.
        
       The syntax is taylor(function,variable,degree[,optional center]).
        You need to provide a formula for the function, which means the calculator can compute values of the function (almost) exactly.
            Which means a Taylor polynomial approximation has only theoretical value.
            But you might want to know one anyway.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what the input variable is.
 

The nDeriv command computes derivatives numerically.
You don't need the capital D if you type in the command.
        
        The formula that gives nDeriv(f(x),x) is (f(x+h) - f(x-h))/2h.
            h is 0.001 unless you supply a different value.
        To evaluate the numerical derivative at a number, use the with bar.
        It's not clear why you would want a numerical derivative when you can get an exact derivative.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're differentiating with respect to.
 

The nInt command computes integrals numerically.
You don't need the capital I if you type in the command.
        
        This accomplishes the same thing as ordinary integration in APPROXIMATE mode.
        Even if there's only one variable visible, you have to tell the calculator what variable you're integrating with respect to.
 

The deSolve command solves differential equations symbolically.
You don't need the capital S if you type in the command.
        
        The derivative symbol (') is on the keyboard: 2nd B on the TI-92+ and 2nd = on the TI-89.
            Use it twice for second derivatives. The calculator can't solve differential equations with third or higher derivatives.
        You have to tell the calculator both the input variable and the output variable.
        The @1 symbol stands for an arbitrary constant.
            The second example has no arbitrary constant because we supplied an initial condition.
            (It's a mystery why the calculator chose to factor out an e^-t.)
            (It's another mystery what happened to @2 and @3 on this screen.)

Return to top of page.
Go to calculator index.