TI-84 Plus CE Getting Started Guide

Complete documentation for using the online TI-84 Calculator. Learn how to perform calculations, create graphs, and use all the features of this powerful calculator.

Using Your TI-84 Plus CE

The TI-84 Plus CE is a powerful graphing calculator with a wide range of features. This section provides an overview of basic calculator usage and navigation.

Home Screen

The home screen is the primary interface for entering calculations and viewing results. It shows:

  • Current entry line at the bottom
  • History of previous calculations
  • Results from calculations
  • Status indicators in the top row

Home screen image placeholder

Overview

The TI-84 Plus CE keyboard is organized into several key areas:

  • Numeric keypad (0-9, decimal point)
  • Basic operations (+, -, ×, ÷)
  • Function keys ([Y=], [WINDOW], [ZOOM], etc.)
  • Navigation arrows and [ENTER]
  • Special function keys ([2nd], [ALPHA], [MATH], etc.)

Keyboard overview image placeholder

Function Keys

Function keys provide quick access to the calculator's primary capabilities:

Graph Functions

  • [Y=] - Enter and edit functions to graph
  • [WINDOW] - Set the viewing window
  • [ZOOM] - Change the graph scale
  • [TRACE] - Move cursor along a graph
  • [GRAPH] - Display the graph screen

Calculation Keys

  • [MATH] - Access mathematical operations
  • [APPS] - Open applications menu
  • [PRGM] - Access programming functions
  • [VARS] - Access variables menu
  • [STAT] - Statistical tools and data analysis

Navigation Keys

  • [MODE] - Set calculator modes
  • [DEL] - Delete characters
  • [CLEAR] - Clear screen or input
  • Arrow keys - Move cursor
  • [ENTER] - Execute commands or confirm

Alpha Keys

The Alpha keys allow you to enter letters and special characters:

  • Press [ALPHA] to access letters (shown in green above keys)
  • Press [ALPHA] [ALPHA] to lock alpha mode
  • Use [2nd] [ALPHA] to access the catalog of all functions
  • The alphabet is arranged in QWERTY layout above the keys
  • Press [ALPHA] + [◀] for A-LOCK to keep typing letters

Common Alpha Use Cases

  • Naming programs and variables
  • Adding text to graphs and displays
  • Writing messages in programs
  • Creating custom menus
  • Entering string variables

Tip: When a letter appears on screen with a black background, alpha-lock is on.

Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts can save time when using your calculator:

Navigation Shortcuts

  • [2nd] [MODE] - Return to home screen (QUIT)
  • [2nd] [ENTER] - Access previous entries (ENTRY)
  • [2nd] [▲] or [▼] - Jump to beginning/end of long screens
  • [2nd] [◀] or [▶] - Jump to beginning/end of line
  • [ALPHA] [F1-F5] - Access menu options in certain screens

Operation Shortcuts

  • [2nd] [MATH] - Test menu for comparisons (=, <, >)
  • [2nd] [APPS] - Access Quick Reference Guide
  • [2nd] [PRGM] - Access drawing functions
  • [2nd] [▶] - Insert symbol menu
  • [ON] + [▼] - Contrast adjustment

Quick Tip: The [2nd] key accesses the functions printed in blue above each key, while the [ALPHA] key accesses the green letters printed above each key.

Basic

To perform basic calculations:

  1. Enter your expression using the keypad
  2. Use [+], [-], [×], [÷] for arithmetic operations
  3. Use [^] for exponents
  4. Use [MATH] for additional math functions
  5. Press [ENTER] to evaluate the expression

Example: To calculate 5 × (3 + 4), type 5 × (3 + 4) and press [ENTER]. The result 35 will be displayed.

Navigation

To navigate through calculator functions:

  • Use arrow keys to move through menus and options
  • Press [ENTER] to select an option
  • Press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT) to exit menus or operations
  • Press [CLEAR] to clear the current entry line
  • Press [2nd] [ENTER] (ENTRY) to recall previous entries

Key Calculator Features

Graphing

Plot functions, explore coordinates, analyze data with the powerful graphing features.

Learn more →

Statistics

Analyze data, create plots, calculate regressions, and work with distributions.

Learn more →

Programming

Create custom programs to solve complex problems or automate calculations.

Learn more →

Using Variables

The TI-84 Plus CE allows you to store values in variables for later use:

  1. Enter the value you want to store
  2. Press [STO→] (the store key)
  3. Press the variable key ([X], [Y], etc.) or use [ALPHA] to access more variables
  4. Press [ENTER] to complete the storage

Example: To store 5 in variable X, type 5 [STO→] [X,T,θ,n] [ENTER].

Using Functions

The calculator includes many built-in functions:

  • Press [MATH] to access math functions
  • Use [SIN], [COS], [TAN] for trigonometric functions
  • Press [LOG] or [LN] for logarithmic functions
  • Press [2nd] before a trig function for inverse functions
  • Use [2nd] [CATALOG] to browse all available functions

Key Sections for Getting Started

Explore these sections to learn more about using your TI-84 Plus CE:

Tips for New Users

  • Take time to explore the calculator's menus and features
  • Use [2nd] [CATALOG] to discover available functions
  • Press [2nd] [MODE] (QUIT) if you get stuck in a menu
  • Adjust the contrast if the display is difficult to read
  • Save important calculations or programs to avoid losing work
  • Use [CLEAR] instead of repeatedly pressing [DEL] to clear a line