The TI-83 is a graphing calculator manufactured by Texas Instruments. The calculator is often used in classrooms and business offices to solve problems in algebra, geometry and calculus. The TI-83 is able to graph linear equations and functions using a built-in graphing tool. With just one additional step, users can also graph constraints for linear equations, making solving a linear equation with constraints a breeze.
Instructions
1. Rearrange the linear equations so that they are in slope-intercept form. Slope intercept form is y = ax + b, where "a" is the slope and "b" is the y-intercept. Your TI-83 will only graph an equation if it is entered in slope-intercept form.
2. Turn on your TI-83. Press the "Y=" key on the keyboard. Enter all of your equations.
3. Enter the constraints for the linear equations after you have entered the linear equation. A constraint for the y variable will have a slope; therefore, you can enter it just as you entered the linear equations. Make sure the constraint is entered in slope-intercept form. For instance, if you know that your y variable has to be lower than 5, simply enter Y = 5.
4. Use the directional arrows to navigate the cursor to the equal sign located right beside the y constraint. Press the "Enter" key to change the equal sign to the appropriate constraint sign. If the constraint demands the y variable be lower than 5, press the enter key until the sign changes to a square with the lower region shaded.
5. Enter the constraint for the x variable. Press the "ALPHA" key. Press "F5." Navigate the cursor to the "X" in the upper left corner of the screen. Press "Enter." Navigate the cursor to the equal sign located right beside the constraint X1. Press the "ALPHA" key. Press "F5." Confirm that the equal sign has been changed to a greater-than-or-equal-to sign. If the constraint demands the x variable be lower than or equal to, keep pressing the "Enter" key until the less-than-or-equal-to sign displays on your screen.
6. Press the "Graph" key on your keyboard. Wait for your TI-83 to graph the linear equations and the constraints. The linear equations should graph as lines or parabolas, depending on the equation. The constraints should graph as shaded areas. Depending on the nature of the problem, your solution will likely be found at one of the points where the equations and constraints intersect. You will have to test the intersection points by substituting the x and y coordinates into the equation given to you in the problem.
