Eight Things You Should Know How to do on Your CAS Calculator

Our CAS calculators are powerful tools essential for success in Methods, especially for the final Year 12 Calculator Active exam, which is 40% of the overall score.

Key Functions on CAS Calculators

This guide covers basic functions for both the TI-Nspire and Casio Classpad.

1. Solving Algebraic Equations

• Useful for: Long equations.
• Classpad: Keyboard > Math 1 > Solve()
• TI-Nspire: Menu > 3. Algebra > Solve
• Procedure: Type equation, add a comma, specify variable, close bracket, press enter.

2. Specifying Domains

• Useful for: Defining solution ranges, such as for trigonometric equations.
• How to: Append a vertical line and specify the domain using inequalities.
• Vertical Line on Classpad: Keyboard > Math 3 > Last Box, Fourth Row.
• Vertical Line on TI-Nspire: ctrl = and select the line.

3. Defining Functions

• Useful for: Questions with repetitive function use.
• Classpad: Interactive > Define
• TI-Nspire: Menu > 1:Actions > 1:Define
• Procedure: Name the function and use function notation.

4. Expanding/Factorising Equations

• Useful for: Expanding brackets and factorising expressions.
• Classpad:
  • Expand: Interactive > Transformation > Expand
  • Factorise: Interactive > Transformation > Factor
• TI-Nspire:
  • Expand: Menu > 3.Algebra > 3.Expand
  • Factorise: Menu > 3.Algebra > 2.Factor

5. Graphical Analysis

• Useful for: Sketching graphs and analyzing features.
• Classpad: Graph and Table
  • Type function where it says y1..y2
  • Use Analysis > G-Solve for roots, intercepts, intersections.
• TI-Nspire: Open Graphing window, type function into f1(x)=
  • Use Menu > 6. Analyse Graph for intercepts and intersections.

6. Simplifying Equations

• Useful for: Combining fractions, expanding and factorising.
• Classpad: Interactive > Transformation > Simplify

7. Converting Between Decimal and Exact Form

• Useful for: Converting answers between forms.
• Classpad: Use the button under the settings sign.
• TI-Nspire: Menu > 2.Number > Options to Convert.

8. Solving Simultaneous Equations

• Context: Exam questions with multiple equations and unknowns.
• Classpad: Keyboard > Math 1 > Third Box, Fourth Row
• TI-Inspire: Menu > 3. Algebra > Solve
  • After typing equations, specify the variables.
  • Add more equations by pressing the function.

Conclusion

Your CAS calculator is a powerful tool for Methods. Spend time learning its functions for maximum benefit. More features exist beyond this guide.

Download free notes here.