Foundations
Using a Calculator
You will be graphing polynomials on a calculator until you learn more about the characteristics of polynomial graphs. In order to graph the polynomial f(x) = 3x3 - 4x2 + 2x + 1 on a TI83/84 calculator, use the following instructions:
Access the graph menu by pressing and then enter the function. To type the variable, use the variable key
.
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When the polynomial has radical coefficients, the parentheses must be closed before the variable is entered. Failure to do so will result in an incorrect graph. For example, y = x2 - x must be entered as