How to Use a TI-84 Calculator (Top 10 Functions)
The TI-84 Plus CE is the most common calculator in high school math. Learn these ten functions and you’ll handle 95% of what you’ll need.
Quick answer
Master: graphing, intersect, evaluate at x, solver, table, regression, 1-var stats, normal distribution, store value, and using programs/apps. Each one is 30 seconds to learn and saves hours over a school year.
1. Graph a function
Press Y= → enter function → GRAPH. Adjust window with ZOOM or WINDOW.
2. Find intersections
Graph both curves. Press 2nd → TRACE → select 5: intersect → enter for first curve, enter for second, guess (move cursor near intersection), enter.
3. Evaluate function at a value
After graphing, press 2nd → TRACE → 1: value → type the x-value → enter. Returns y.
4. Use the equation solver
Math → Solver → enter equation set to 0 → enter starting guess → press ALPHA + ENTER. Returns the root.
5. Make a table of values
Press Y= → enter function. Then 2nd → GRAPH (TABLE). Adjust step with 2nd → WINDOW (TBLSET).
6. Linear and quadratic regression
STAT → 1: Edit → enter x in L1, y in L2. Then STAT → CALC → 4: LinReg(ax+b) → enter. For quadratic, choose 5: QuadReg.
7. One-variable statistics
STAT → 1: Edit → enter data in L1. Then STAT → CALC → 1: 1-Var Stats → enter. Gives mean, std dev, min, max, quartiles.
8. Normal distribution
2nd → VARS (DISTR) → 2: normalcdf( → enter lower bound, upper bound, mean, std dev). Returns probability.
9. Store and recall values
Type a number → STO→ → ALPHA + letter (e.g., A) → enter. Later, just type A to use it. Useful for long decimals.
10. Apps and programs
APPS shows installed apps. Many free programs exist (search “TI-84 programs” online) for things like quadratic solver, statistics, etc. Note: most standardized tests don’t allow custom programs — check rules.
What’s NOT on this list (but useful)
- Matrix operations (MATRIX button)
- Sequences (in MODE → Seq)
- Parametric/polar graphing
- Programming (advanced users only)