Graph a function
Type an equation such as y = x² − 4 and draw its graph, then check a point on it.
Graphing calculators keep a list of functions. You type the right-hand side (what y equals), then ask for the graph.
The example is y = x² − 4, a parabola that opens upward with its lowest point at (0, −4). After drawing it, the trace cursor starts at x = 0 and shows that point.
Classic Graphing 84
Start on the main screen: Press 2nd then mode (QUIT) to get back to the home screen. Pressing clear on a menu also backs out of it.
Press y= to open the function list. Type X² − 4. The X key is the X,T,θ,n key.
y=X,T,θ,nx²−4Press graph to draw it.
graphPress trace to put a cursor on the curve. It starts at x = 0.
trace
You should seeY1=X²−4 X=0 Y=⁻4
Natural Color Graphing
Start on the main screen: Press MENU then 1 to open Run-Matrix, the main calculation screen. Press EXIT to back out of a bar or screen, and SHIFT then EXIT (QUIT) to return to the app start.
Open the Graph app from the main menu (MENU, then 3). Type X² − 4 for Y1 and press EXE.
MENU3X,θ,Tx²−4EXEPress F6 to draw.
F6Press F1 (TRACE) to put a cursor on the curve.
F1
You should seeY1=X²−4 X=0 Y=-4
Classic CAS
Start on the main screen: Press home to open the Home menu (Calculator, Graphs, Settings, and more). Choose Calculator, or press esc to go back to the calculation page.
Press doc to go to the graphs page. Type x squared minus 4. Use the ^ key for the power, then the right arrow to leave the exponent.
docx^2▶−4Press enter to draw the graph. A trace cursor appears at x = 0.
enter
You should seef1(x)=x^2-4 x=0. y=-4.
Tips
- If you see nothing, your window may not show the curve. Try the standard zoom (see the zoom guide).
- To type a second function, move down to the next line and enter it there. Each one gets its own colour or style.