So. If you're in any math class in high school or above, you probably have a Texas Instruments calculator to help you out. I know that at least at my school, everyone has at least a TI-82. The most recent iteration being the TI-89, I think. I myself have a TI-83, which works for me.

The best thing about these calculators is that you can write programs in them to do certain equations and stuff for you. I.E.

Know that pesky Quadratic Formula? The one that you are told to memorize for Algebra and Geometry?



Gives you the answer after inputing 3 numbers. Easy.

So. I believe I am proficient in writing these codes. Anyone need any help?

Some calculators, mainly the texas instrument graphing calculators are being banned from test use, because they can use word processing programs to save crib notes for cheating. A teacher once told me that nowadays math class is to teach students how to use calculators, and what formula to use in what problem.

Having your calculator able to save formulas like this, and solve equations simply by entering in the correct numbers, is taking the highway to having them banned outright.

The line between calculator, laptop, and palmtops is being blurred, and one day you might find yourself on a worksite, perhaps construction. Not knowing how to solve a problem, because you left your calculator with the formulas on it, at home.

More commonly, you might find yourself on a gameshow, not knowing how to solve a problem to win that million dollars!

Short version:

If you don't feel like reading my ramblings, think about how important memorizing your times tables was to your school career. You didn't always have a calculator handy for 7 x 8.

You shouldn't need a calculator for 7x8 anyway.

You shouldn't need a calculator for any XXX times YYY calculation. The same applies to long division. You should just be able to do it, because its the root of all mathematics.

♥♥♥♥ luddites. The calculator is a tool, not a crutch. It's an aide, not an assistant. Responsible use of technology over the abolition of it.

Sorry if I'm going off-topic.

The problem is that many people use the calculator as a crutch. Some education programs are horrible to start with, and on top of that people gimp themselves.

These calculator programs can be useful, but don't rely on them.

There's no problem in relying on them. The average human brain is physically incapable of remembering ever formula spat out to it sine third grade.

It is a tool to aid in cataloging and recalling formulas (to stick with the example). Couldn't it be said that one's notes, a textbook, and a teacher serve the same function?

Perhaps we should abolish note-taking, textbooks, and teachers. They help students keep track of information the human mind is typically incapable of storing on a large, en mass scale.

Do you understand what I'm saying? Calculators that store formula's serve the same functions as those aforementioned items and people. But a calculator--being a creation of technology and science--is frequently blamed for the problems of society.

This is indicative of technology in general.

Goddamnit, off topic in a thread I was like LOL NO OFFTOPIX

So. Cool stuff episode one.

As far as I've seen, most TI-8X calculators come with the App called "Start-Up".

1. Use DRAW (2nd-PGRM) and the POINTS option "Pt-Change(" to create this image:


2. Use DRAW and the STO option "StorePic" to save it. (Usage: StorePic X, where X is any number 0-9)

3. Use PRGM -> NEW -> Create New -> Name it "START" -> Enter this code:
(Look in the Catalog for commands that you don't see.)


4. Go to Apps and run the "Start-Up" app.
Set Display to ON
Set Type to PRGM
Set Name to "START"
Finish

Epic, or what?

yeah, im doing quadratics also. my lab is due on friday and this week were doing calculator programming. and tim that picture is epic! i hope its easy for a noob.