USING THE TI 83, TI 83 PLUS, OR TI 84 TO GRAPH QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES

The graphing calculator can be a great checking tool or a fast way to answer a multiple choice question. Example – suppose you graphed the following and wanted to check your answer: 0322 xxTurn on your calculator and input the expression into the Y= menu

To enter an inequality symbol, press the 2nd key and then the MATH button:

Scroll down to option 3 “>” and press enter

Press the zoom button and choose option 6

Here’s what we should get:

The graph tells us our solution set is a disjunction of x = -1 and x = 3

1x 3x

LimitiationsThe calculator does not tell us whether or not to use open or shaded circles. We have to look at the inequality to determine this.

Another problem might be that you see nothing after you press the graph button. Try changing the window.

Trouble shootingAre you getting the following error message?

This means that your calculator is trying to plot something that is not defined. This is a simple fix. Go back to the Y= menu

One or more of the plots are turned on. On my calculator, I have Plot1 turned on. To turn it off, scroll up to the Plot(s) that are on and press ENTER to turn them off.

Once all of the plots are turned off, it should graph like normal.

Are you getting this error message?

Easiest way to fix this is to press the ZOOM button the choose option 6 and it should graph normally

If you are getting a SYNTAX error, make sure you enter the inequality/equation correctly