As a math teacher, I understand that calculators can take away from students number sense. However, we all get stressed around the time of standardized testing and are looking for shortcuts to help our struggling learners succeed. Here is a quick graphing calculator review of three shortcuts:
1.) Fractions Students struggle with fractions, no matter what level they are at in math. There is a way that you can make fraction operations, simplifying fractions, and converting decimals to fractions easier using a TI-83 or TI-84.
Here is a graphing calculator review of the fraction function: a.) Enter in the problem you want to calculate. b.) Press MATH. c.) Select the 1st option, "Frac," and press ENTER. d.) Press ENTER again, and the graphing calculator will give you an answer infraction form!
2.) Evaluating functions Let's say you want to find f(-3), when f(x) = -x - 15.
Negative numbers are such a pain for students, aren't they? I spend a lot of time reviewing with students negative numbers, but I also show them this graphing calculator review of the shortcut: a.) Press the Y= button on the TI-83 or TI-84. b.) Enter in -x - 15 c.) Press 2nd, TRACE to select the CALC menu. d.) Select the first option, "value." e.) Enter in the number in the domain you want to evaluate the range for (in the above example, it would be -3). Press enter. The answer should appear at the bottom of the screen.
3.) Finding the equation of a line through two points
This is a complicated problem to do by hand, and you may want to use this feature to show students how to check their work. Here is my graphing calculator review: a.) Press STAT, and select Edit. b.) Enter in the x-coordinates of the two points in L1, and the y-coordinates of the two points in L2. c.) Press STAT again, and this time select Calc. d.) Select option 4, LinReg. Press ENTER. e.) The calculator will tell you the slope in terms of a, and the y-intercept in terms of b.
Yes, this is the same method that students would use to find the line of best fit of a scatter plot. However, it also works perfectly well for just finding the equation of a line through two points!
Whether you already know these methods, or are just looking for a graphing calculator review, these methods can be a great tool for your students. All three will save students time from having to make difficult calculations. They will help them make checking their work easier.
For more great tutorials, check out my website at http://www.ticalculatorreview.com.
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