TI-83 Plus Activities 568
Solving a System of Nonlinear Equations
Problem
Using a graph, solve the equation X3 N 2X = 2cos(X). Stated another
way, solve the system of two equations and two unknowns: Y = X3N2X
and Y = 2cos(X). Use ZOOM factors to control the decimal places
displayed on the graph.
Procedure
1. Press z. Select the default mode settings. Press o. Turn off all
functions and stat plots. Enter the functions.
2. Press q 4 to select 4:ZDecimal. The display shows that two
solutions may exist (points where the two functions appear to
intersect).