Can i assign values while solving with nspire

Update: The CX II CAS version of the calculator is now available; I've updated the Amazon link accordingly.

The TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator is notoriously difficult to learn. I've posted a list of videos below to help you learn the calculator and will add to the list over time.

• The Nspire has a regular (CX) version and a more powerful (CX CAS) version. Make sure to get the CAS version, as the regular one doesn't have the algebra-solving features the Nspire is known for.
• The Nspire will make it easy for you to check your work, as it will solve most math problems if you set them up correctly.
• Most calculus teachers allow the use of the Nspire, but their tests may include non-calculator sections. In any case, if you need to show your work to receive credit, you'll have to know how to do problems by hand.
• It's allowed on the SAT and on any SAT Subject Tests and AP tests that will let you use a calculator.
• It's not allowed on the ACT.
• The Nspire has a steep learning curve, so don't buy one unless you can devote several weeks to learning it. If you're going to use it on a standardized test, where speed really matters, plan to spend a couple of months getting used to your calculator.
• You can switch quickly between the main calculator and graphing screens using the button with the picture of a calculator on it. (It's to the left of the left arrow key.)
• Press the book key (above the division symbol) to get all of the calculator's functions listed in alphabetical order. If you want to learn how to use a function, type the first letter of its name, then scroll down and highlight the function you're interested in. The bottom of the screen will show you what you have to put in between the parentheses to get a function to work.
  • For example, the polyRoots function needs (Poly, Var) inside the parentheses. That means that you have to type a polynomial in, then a comma, and then the name of the variable you want to solve for. The Nspire will automatically set the function to zero and solve for that variable.
  • The Catalog key (right above the multiplication key) is an easy way to access the calculator's advanced functions quickly.

  The Blue Keys

  Storing and Deleting Variables
  • Storing a value into a variable and then typing (or pasting in) an expression is a very fast way to solve problems.
  • If you store a value into x and then take a derivative with respect to x, your calculator will display the answer as a number instead of as an expression in terms of x. This can be a curse rather than a blessing if you actually wanted the value in terms of x.
    • For example, 7→x (7, ctrl, var, x) stores the value 7 into the variable x. Your calculator will think of x as "7" instead of thinking about it as a letter.
      Typing 100x will then return 700.
      d/dx (x 2 ) will return 14.
    • If you then erase the variable (Menu > Actions > Clear a-z), your calculator will think of x as a letter again.
      Typing 100x will give you 100•x.
      d/dx (x 2 ) will return 2•x.
    • "If you plan to do symbolic computations using undefined variables, avoid storing anything into commonly used, one-letter variables such as a, b, c, x, y, z, and so on." (Nspire reference guide, page 234 / PDF page 238)
    • You can do this by storing 2→x (2, ctrl, var, x), then scrolling to highlight the answer your calculator gave you, then hitting Enter twice to evaluate that expression with the assumption "x=2". Notice that your calculator will spit out an actual number this time instead of an answer in terms of x; you can compare that number to what you'd get by plugging 2 into the answer you derived by hand.
    • Remember to erase the variable (Menu > Actions > Clear a-z) when you're finished! If you forget, your calculator will assume that x=2 for all future calculations, not necessarily an assumption you want to make.

    Converting Between Fractions and Decimals

    • The easiest way to copy and paste is to use the "up" arrow key to scroll up and highlight some text. Hit the Enter key in order to automatically copy and paste that text into a new line that you can then edit.
    • Control (blue key)-C copies text, and control-V pastes it. Your calculator's keyboard isn't labeled with copy and paste functions, but they function like they would for a computer. It's a useful way to copy text and paste it inside an integral or derivative symbol.
    • Watch the video below if you're interested in using Copy/Paste features to store notes on your calculator.

    Defining a Function and Finding Its Derivative

    Finding the Equation of a Function's Tangent Line

    Implicit Differentiation
    

    Note: You can also do implicit differentiate without using the impDif function. Use the Catalog key (located above the multiplication key), choose d/dx, and type your equation in.
    For example, you can implicitly differentiate the volume of a cylinder with respect to time this way:
    d/dx ( v(t) = πr(t) 2 h(t) )

    • It's relatively easy to plug numbers in once your calculator has given you an answer. Store 2.5→x using cntrl-var, then use the arrow keys to highlight the expression you want to copy, and hit the enter key to paste it. Your calculator will re-evaluate the expression assuming that x=2.5.
    • You must remember to delete the variable when you're finished (Menu > Actions > Clear a-z). If you don't, your calculator will assume that you mean 2.5 every time you type x, a result you almost certainly don't want.