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Please let me know what helps, what should be changed, or what should be added.  Mrs. Bat

Calculator use on the AP Calculus exams as described on the College Board web site and in the "Acorn" book are as follows.  The "four basic calculator capabilities used extensively in calculus" and which students are expected to know are:  
       "1.plot the graph of a function within an arbitrary viewing window, 
        2.find the zeros of functions   (solve equations numerically), 
        3.numerically calculate the derivative of a function, and 
        4.numerically calculate the value of a definite integral."

• To convert from degrees to radians:
• Use the MODE key to select RADIAN mode.
• Enter the number of degrees.
• Use 2nd/ANGLE key, select 1:(degrees) and hit enter
• Use the ENTER key again.

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• To convert from radians to degrees:
• Use the MODE key to select DEGREE mode.
• Enter the number of radians.  Use parenthesis if needed..
• Use 2nd/ANGLE key, select 3:r and hit enter
• Use the ENTER key again.

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• To find f(c):  EVALUATE a function f at x=c:
• Use the Y = key to enter the function
• Use 2nd CALC and select 1:VALUE
• Enter c, the value of x, and ENTER
• The y = f(c) value is displayed.

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• Find the Zeros of a Function
• Use the Y = key to enter the function
• Use the GRAPH key to display the graph of the function
• Select a window that allows a view of all x-intercepts (zeros of the function).
• Use 2nd, CALC and select 2:ZERO
• You are asked to locate the left bound?  Use the arrow key to move the curser to the left of the x-intercept and ENTER
• You are asked to locate the right bound?  Use the arrow key to move the curser to the right of the x-intercept and ENTER
• You are asked to guess?  Simply use the  ENTER key and the coordinates of the zero of the function will be displayed.
• Repeat for all zeros.

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• Find the Zeros of a Function by Solving Equations Numerically
• Use the MATH key and select 0:Solver
• The screen should read "EQUATION SOLVER".  If a previous equation pops up, arrow up to the top line and CLEAR the old equation.
• Enter the equation and ENTER.  Note:  Instead of y = f(x), you will have 0= f(x)
• This brings the cursor to X=x.xxxxxxxx This is just a guess. 
• Enter ALPHA  SOLVE (green print)  This will display the solution (the zero).
• If you believe there is another solution, try entering a guess for X=    that is closer to the other solution than to the one just found.  

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• Plot the Graph of a Function
• Use the Y = key to enter the function
• Use the GRAPH key to display the graph of the function
• If you do not see a graph, it may be outside the window as presently set.
• In general, you may select ZOOM and enter 6:ZSTANDARD.  This will provide a window with an x interval of (-10,10), and a y interval of (-10,10).  Since the window is wider than it is tall, the unit length along the x-axis is larger than that on the y-axis.
• Alternatively, you may wish to select ZOOM, 5:ZSQUARE.  This provides a window with equal unit lengths, allowing the "square" appearance.  (For example, y=x will appear at 45 degree angles.)
• Finally, you may wish to specify your window by entering interval values for the axes directly.  To do this, select the WINDOW button.  Enter the lower and upper limits for both x and y.  You may also change the Xscal and Yscl values.  These values determine where on the axes the tick marks occur.

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•     To draw a line tangent to the curve at x=c:
  • Use the Y = key to enter the function
  • Zoom   6:STANDARD
  • 2ND DRAW   5:TANGENT(
  • Enter c, the value of x, and ENTER
  • Write the equation displayed on the screen using 3 decimal digits or equivalent fractions.

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  Web Master:  G. Battaly    Last updated on  01/17/01