Texas Instruments TI-86 - Manual (Page 37)

Chapter 1: Operating the TI -86 25
01OPER.DOC TI-86, Chap 1, US English Bob Fedorisko Revised: 02/13/01 2:18 PM Printed: 02/13/01 2:59 PM Page 25 of 22 01OPER.DOC TI-86, Chap 1, US English Bob Fedorisko Revised: 02/13/01 2:18 PM Printed: 02/13/01 2:59 PM Page 25 of 22
Using Functions in Expressions
A function returns a value. Some examples of functions are ÷ , L , + , ‡ , and log . To use
functions, you usually must enter one or more valid arguments.
When this guidebook describes the syntax of a function or instruction, each argument is in
italics. For example:
sin angle. Press = to enter sin , and then enter a valid angle
measurement (or an expression that resolves to angle). For functions or instructions with
more than one argument, you must separate each argument from the other with a comma.
Some functions require the arguments to be in parentheses. When you are unsure of the
evaluation order, use parentheses to clarify a function’s place within an expression.
Using an Instruction
An instruction initiates an action. For example, ClDrw is an instruction that, when executed,
clears all drawn elements from a graph. You cannot use an instruction in an expression.
Generally, the first letter of each instruction name is uppercase on the TI
-86. Some
instructions take more than one argument, as indicated by an open parenthesis ( ( ) at the
end of the name. For example, Circl( requires three arguments, Circl( x , y , radius ) .
Entering Functions, Instructions, and Operators
You can enter a function, instruction, or operator in any of three ways ( log 45 , for example).
♦
Paste it to the cursor location from the keyboard or a menu (< 45 ).
♦
Paste it to the cursor location from the CATALOG (- w & ã L ä & & b 45 ).
♦
Enter it letter by letter ( - n 1 ã L д г O д г G ä ¤ 1 1 45 ).
As you can see in the example, using the built-in function or instruction typically is easier.
In this guidebook, optional
arguments are shown in
brackets (
ã and ä ). Do not
include these brackets when
you enter the arguments.
The A to Z Reference
describes all TI
- 86 functions
and instructions, including
their required and optional
arguments.
In the CATALOG, to move to
the first item beginning with a
letter, press that letter (as in
ã L ä in the example).