TI-Nspire App Tutorial

Quadratic Formula Template

Summary

• In this tutorial, you’ll create a Quadratic Formula Template. The steps in the tutorial include:

– Creating a Calculator Window.

– Defining a Function for calculating the roots of a Quadratic Equation.

– Testing the Function for 2, 1, and 0 real roots.

Create a Calculator Window

Click on the + tool to activate this menu.

Create a Calculator Window

By default the keyboard is active. Click on the Keyboard button to deactivate it.

Access the Programming Tools

Click on Menu. Select Functions & Programs > Program Editor > New.

Configure the Slider

Name the new Function “quadform”. Make sure to specify the Type as “Function”. Press OK.

Define the Function

This is where you define the quadform() function.

Define the Function

The quadform() function will take in values for a, b, and c to use in the Quadratic Formula. Modify the Function as

shown above.

Define the Function

Next, input the word “Return” as shown above. Make sure there’s a word space after “Return.”

Define the Function

Since the output will have two solutions, create a 1 x 2 matrix to hold the solutions. Click on Utilities > Math Operators > Matrix

(make sure Wizard is ON) > Create > Matrix. Press Done.

Define the Function

Define the 1 x 2 Matrix as shown here. Press OK.

Define the Function

You’ll see the matrix with the two placeholders for the solutions. Next, you’ll input the Quadratic Formula into the

matrix.

Define the Function

Input the formula as shown above. Use the Fraction and Square Root buttons. Also, use variables, a, b, and c. This

formula has a plus sign after the –b term.

Define the Function

Highlight the term and select the Copy option.

Define the Function

Highlight the blank Matrix entry. Click again to bring up the Paste option.

Define the Function

Modify the formula so that a subtraction symbol follows the –b term. These are the two solutions using the Quadratic

Formula.

Define the Function

Check the Function. Press Menu and select Check Syntax & Store > Check Syntax & Store.

Define the Function

You’ll see a message that the Function has been programmed and stored successfully. Now you can test the

Function.

Define the Function

Input this term on the left side of screen. This corresponds to a quadratic equation for a = 1, b = 2, and c = 1. Press

Enter.

Define the Function

Identical solutions correspond to a quadratic equation with a single root.

Define the Function

Next, try this set of values for a, b, and c. This corresponds to a quadratic with two real solutions.

Define the Function

Finally, try a set of values that correspond to no real solutions.

Define the Function

You’ll see this message when the solutions to a quadratic are Complex.