Texas Instruments TI-83 Displaying Complex Results: The Quadratic Formula

8 Getting Started

8300GETM.DOC TI-83 international English Bob Fedorisko Revised: 02/19/01 11:06 AM Printed: 02/19/01 11:06

AM Page 8 of 18

Now solve the equation 2X2 N X + 3 = 0. When you set a+bi complex number

mode, the TI.83 displays complex results.

1. Press z † † † † † † (6 times), and

then press ~ to position the cursor over

a+bi. Press Í to select a+bi complex-

number mode.

2. Press y [QUIT] (above z) to return to

the home screen, and then press ‘ to

clear it.

3. Press 2 ¿ ƒ [A] ƒ [ : ] Ì 1

¿ ƒ [B] ƒ [ : ] 3 ¿ ƒ

[C] Í.

The coefficient of the X2 term, the

coefficient of the X term, and the constant

for the new equation are stored to A, B,

and C, respectively.

4. Press y [ENTRY] to recall the store

instruction, and then press y [ENTRY]

again to recall the quadratic-formula

expression,

−−−

bb ac

5. Press Í to find one solution for the

equation 2X2 N X + 3 = 0.

6. Press y [ENTRY] repeatedly until this

quadratic-formula expression is displayed:

−+−

bb ac

7. Press

Í to find the other solution for

the quadratic equation: 2X2 N X + 3 = 0.

Note: An alternative for solving equations for real numbers is to use the built-in Equation

Solver (Chapter 2).

Displaying Complex Results: The Quadratic Formula