How to Solve Equations With a TI 83 Calculator

A graphing calculator is a convenient alternative to graphing functions by hand.

The TI-83 calculator is a graphing calculator manufactured by Texas Instruments. It is capable of performing much more complex functions than a standard or more common scientific calculator. The TI-83's span of capabilities includes doing several types of graphing operations, statistical analysis operations, random-number-based simulations, matrix algebra and executions of user-defined algorithms. It also includes an on-board "Solver" function that determines the solution of algebraic equations. The following steps will demonstrate how to use the Solver function.

Things You'll Need

• TI-83 Calculator

Instructions

Example: x - 3 = 5

1. Write down the equation you are interested in solving and set it equal to 0. For the example introduced, you would get (x - 3) - 5 = 0.

2. Press the [MATH] button the the TI-83 calculator. Several options will be displayed. Press "0" to enter the Solver.

3. Punch in the equation from Step 1 beginning with zero: 0 = (x - 3) - 5 and press [ENTER]. A solution will appear, but it is just an initial guess from the calculator's stored memory and it is most likely wrong.

4. Press [ALPHA] + [ENTER] to generate the correct solution. For the current example, the TI-83 calculator will display "X=8" on the line directly underneath the equation.

References

• Ohlone College: Solver Basics on the TI-83/84

Resources

• Texas Instruments: TI-83 User Manual