©2007 Key Curriculum Press Discovering Algebra Calculator Notes for the Texas Instruments TI-83 and TI-83/84 Plus 1
Note 0A • Fractions
Your calculator will convert a decimal number to a fraction. Enter the decimal
number and press
(
Frac) . This is the “convert to fraction”
command. If the number is a repeating decimal number, be sure to enter about
fifteen digits of the pattern. If the calculator can’t find a fraction with a
denominator of less than five digits, it will display your original decimal number.
The division sign and the fraction bar are the same key on this calculator. The
key shows ÷; the screen shows /. To work with simple fractions like
4
7
and
improper fractions like
7
4
, simply enter them into your calculator using the
key. To see the answer displayed as a fraction, you must use the “convert
to fraction” command from the math menu.
The calculator will reduce, add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Often
you don’t need to use parentheses around a fraction, but when in doubt, put in
the parentheses.
Working with Mixed Numbers
When working with mixed numbers like 11
4
7
,you must insert an addition sign
between the whole number and the fraction.
To conver t an improper fraction to a mixed number, first subtract the
whole-number part of the decimal number, then enter the “convert to
fraction” command.
Note 0B • Exponents
There are several ways to raise a number to a power by using the calculator. The
simplest way to square a number (raise it to the second power) is to use the
key. Enter the number you want to square and then press . When you press
, the calculator will multiply the number by itself. You can calculate x
3
by
ENTER
x
2
x
2
ENTER1MATH
CHAPTER 0 Calculator Notes for the TI-83 and TI-83/84 Plus
(continued)
DA2CN_773_00.qxd 10/19/05 9:51 Page 1
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