How to Graph a Parabola on a TI-84

Go beyond a four function calculator.

The TI-84 series of calculators is manufactured by Texas Instruments and contains both the TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition calculators. They are similar to their predecessor, the TI-83, which provides all the functionality expected of a graphing calculator including, graphs, transcendental functions (trigonometric, exponential, etc.) and programmability. On the other end, the TI-84 Plus series of calculators does not provide quite as much functionality as the later TI-89 line, which includes the ability to perform symbolic integration and differentiation, functionalities related to calculus.

Instructions

1. Press the "y=" button located in the upper left corner of the calculator.

2. On the screen that appears, enter the expression "x^2" and press the "Graph" button in the top right corner of the calculator. "x^2" is the simplest equation that will yield a parabola.

3. Add a number to the equation, "x^2 + 4," and the extra digit will move the parabola vertically.

4. Add a number to the variable term, "(x-2)^2," to move the parabola horizontally.

References

• Texas Instruments. "TI-84 Plus TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Guidebook". Texas Instruments. 2005
• Mathbits: Finding your way around the TI-83, TI-84