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Here are some videos on using scientific calculators:

Fractions

Combinatorics

Trigonometry

Powers and Radicals

Here are some videos on using graphing calculators:

Fractions

Combinatoric

Trigonometry

Powers and Radicals

Graphing

Linear Algebra

Statistics

Linear Regression

Quadratic Regression

 

 

Statistics Canada

Parametric Curves

Intro to Linear Algebra

 

Before programming, here are solutions to graphing problems that frequently occur.  This is a solution sheet for the TI-83/84This is a solution sheet for the Casio fx-9750/9860.

You can create programs on your calculator to simplify some repetitive or frequently used tasks.  I am only covering TI-83/84 Plus and Casio fx-9750/9860.  The Casio is a good alternative to the TI because it is cheaper, but it is harder to find stores selling them in Canada; it is easier to purchase them on-line.  For my class, the fx-9750 is sufficient and sells for $69.99.  The TI-84 Plus is about $139.99.  The TI-83 Plus is discontinued but if you look hard, you may still be able to find one for about $129.99.  It is very important to stick to my recommended models because it is impossible for me to find time to figure out how to use different models.

If you want to learn how to program, here is a site for the TI.  The site for Casio is not as good, but here it is.  Remember to start out small and work your way to larger projects.  It also helps to look at a lot of sample programs to see how other people create code.  Logic is one thing that you will have to master.

If you find it too tedious to program your calculator, you can download the programs on to a PC, then transfer them to your calculator.  Here's how to do it for your TI, and here's how to do it for your Casio.

It can be a daunting task learning how to get all the functions, but you can always use the catalog feature if you can't use the navigation buttons; the catalog will list all the functions in alphabetical order; just use the alphabet keys to quickly scroll to your function.  You may want to Google the functions to correctly code the parameters and check exactly what the functions do.  Even though a function may sound like it gives you what you want; you want to make sure so that you don't spend hours debugging your program.

Quadratic Formula

The factoring quadratics is a frequent operation.  If you're not sure whether it factors evenly (integers), just use the quadratic formula.  Remember that you need to check the discriminant to see if it is factorable or if there is a double root.  Here is the TI program.  And here is the Casio program.  If your program is not functioning properly, carefully compare the listing with what you have entered.  The Quadratic Formula is first used in PreCalc 11.  Here is the downloadable TI program.  And here is the downloadable Casio program.

Factoring

Along the factoring theme, you will need to be able to completely factor whole numbers.  So here are a subroutine (FACTSUB) to factor and two small programs that use the subroutine:  FACTORS and ISPRIME.  ISPRIME will tell you if the number is a perfect square in the case where it is not prime.  Here is the TI program.  And here is the Casio program.  Factoring is first used in Math 8.  Here are the downloadable TI programs: FACTSUB, FACTORS, ISPRIME.  And here are the downloadable Casio programs: FACTSUB, FACTORS, ISPRIME.

Factoring Polynomials

You can use graphing to find the zeros of a polynomial or you can use this program that uses the factor property.  The zeros are stored in List 1 and the possible factors are stored in List 2 and 3.  Here is the TI program and here is the Casio program.  This program is for PreCalc 12.  Here is the downloadable TI program.  And here is the downloadable Casio program.

Remainder and Modulus

Here are two more useful functions: remainder and modulus.  The Casio has the modulus function built-in but it only accepts integers.  These two functions will accept decimal values.  Here is the TI program and here is the Casio program.  Remainder and Modulus can be used anytime after the student learns about remainders.  This can be used at any grades but is meant for PreCalc 12.  Here are the downloadable TI programs: REM, MOD.  And here are the downloadable Casio programs: REM, MOD.

Newton's Method

Newton's method is used to find zeros in Calculus I.  Here is a very short program that makes iterations less painful.  Here is the TI program and here is the Casio program.  Here is the downloadable TI program.  And here is the downloadable Casio program.

Rectangular Approximation Method

RAM is used to find the approximate area under a curve by using equal partitions.  Since the graphing calculators find a fairly exact value, you need this program to do rougher approximations.  Here is the TI program and here is the Casio program.  This program is for Calculus II.  Here are the downloadable TI programs: RAM, RAML.  And here are the downloadable Casio programs: RAM, RAML.

 

Here are the requirements when making videos:

  • Video resolution should be 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) or higher.
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  • Any text should be legible especially hand-written.
  • You need to write out the complete question before recording (do not record writing out the question).
  • Use a good microphone.
  • For most mics:  point the mic upwards and speak across the mic instead of into the mic.  This reduces the "breathy" noise and plosives.
  • If you have a handheld mic, move the mic away from your mouth when you breathe.
  • If you have a stationary mic, you can try to turn your head away when breathing.  You can also add a "pop filter" to reduce plosives.
  • You can edit out the breathing if it seems annoying.
  • If you have a long stretch of writing without speaking, you can speed up that section of the video.
  • When you make a speaking or writing error, pause for a few seconds so it is easier to edit out.

Here is a video on how to edit using Camtasia on WindowsHere is a PDF, but I recommend watching the video.

If you want to do a really good edit job, expect to spend about 4 to 8 times the length of the video.

Math teaches us techniques to keep from getting stuck on problems.  Here is a list (not exhaustive) of techniques that you can try:

  • Find a pattern.  Start simple and work your way to a longer pattern and see if it holds.  Loosely, this is called inductive reasoning.
  • Draw a diagram.  Larger problems make it difficult to keep all the pieces in your head, so write it down and organize it then things may become clear.
  • Explain the problem to someone.  It doesn't even have to be someone who knows math.  The process of explaining it forces your brain to try to organize the problem.
  • Sleep on it.  Not all problems are solved in a single sitting.  Getting a little rest let's your subconscious do some of the work.
  • Try solving a simpler version of the problem.  If you can't solve a simpler problem, they maybe you have a misconception to work out.
  • Reverse engineer the problem.  If you know the solution, try doing the reverse operations to get to the start!
  • Make some intelligent guesses and test them.

 

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