TI-73 Graphics Calculator Information

Top (first) 10 Things To Know To Use a TI-73 Calculator

1. 2nd –Quit – takes you to the home screen.
2. To get yellow things, hit the 2nd button and the button you want.
3. Mode – (sets the modes) Use the left-hand choices.
4. CLEAR – used to clear a line.
5. 2nd –ENTRY – gives you the last expression, so you can edit it.  It can be a big time-saver.  (can be used repeatedly)
6. ANS – means the last answer the calculator gave.
7. The calculator does use implied multiplication, just like in algebra. For example, 5x means five times x.
8. Functions – The TI-73 is great for functions
   • Enter equations using the Y= button.
   • zoom|6:ZStandard makes a good starting graph (and is good practice).  
     x runs from -10 to 10 and y runs from -10 to 10.  Then use,
   • window is used to adjust the viewing window.
   • trace – allows you trace a graph and look at ordered pairs.  left/right changes x; up/down jumps to a second function. Note: You can type in an x-value.
   • Table – takes you to a table. Use tblset to set up your table.
   • Graph – yep, takes you back to the graph.
9. DEL and INS – used for editing. DEL deletes. INS allows you to insert (squeeze in).
10. π – There is a pi button. Use it.

Advanced Features

1. Solver – Hit Math-6.  You can put in an equation, such as 2x-12 = 4(x+3), and the calculator will solve it. You do have to hit enter three times. The answer will have a small square next to it.
2. List and plot can be used to graph data.
3. Stat can be used to calculate statistics.

Online Resources

TI-73 Explorer™ graphing calculator page

• Guidebook
• Guide for Teachers

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Page created by: Jim Olsen, Ph.D. ~ Western Illinois University ~ Shout-out to the West Prairie math students!