TI 84 Calculator Mode Options

Your TI 84 graphing calculator has a lot of mode options. For example, it can calculate your answers in either normal or scientific notation; calculate trig functions in degrees or radians; and even allow calculations of imaginary/complex numbers.

Without further ado, here are some mode options and how to choose them for your calculator:

 

Introduction to Mode Options

 

Mode 1 (Normal, Scientific Notation, etc.)

This TI 84 mode option allows you to switch between normal, scientific, or engineering notation. For most of us, normal mode suffices for most applications. Should you want to have an answer in scientific notation, whether for your own convenience or to match answers for your test or quiz, you can do so. And no worries, you can switch back to normal notation quite easily.

You also have the option for engineering notation if you prefer that mode.

 

Mode 2 (Float, etc.)

If you want to change how many decimals appear in your answer, this line is the one you choose. The default for TI 84 mode options is Float. That means your calculator will decide the number of decimal places displayed based upon your inputted calculations. However, you can have your calculator display a specific number of decimal places. This is handy for you if your teacher always wants a set number of decimal places in her answers.

 

Mode 3 (Radians, Degrees, Gradient)

Ah, for those of you in trig, this is the most important of your TI 84 mode options. You will want to check this mode carefully if your answers are wrong. This is the most common cause of wrong answers in trigonometry.

Often, old school professors prefer to calculate exclusively in radians. Younger teachers/profs tend to alternate between degrees and radians. This latter choice makes it more difficult as you’ll have to keep on your toes.

 

Mode 4 (Function, Parametric, Polar, Sequential)

Most of you will only need to keep your TI 84 calculator on the default function mode. However, at the level of precalculus and above, you will start to calculate and graph parametric and polar equations. Fortunately, your calculator can graph these.

Be warned, there is a learning curve when calculating and graphing parametric and polar equations. You’ll likely want to match your graphing window to the mode you’re in. More on that later.

 

Mode 5 (Connected, Dot)

Ha! This is an easier way to change how your functions are graphed. Your lines and curves are connected by default. If you want to see the general form of your graph, you might want to choose dot. From those, you can choose thick dots or thin dots, depending on your calculator operating system. Have fun with these options.

 

Mode 6 (Sequential, Simultaneous)

You can graph your functions either sequentially or simultaneously. Play around with these as they can show you interesting aspects of your graphs. When you see two or more graphs displayed simultaneously, you’ll have more details about how it is shaped as x-values increase.

 

Mode 7 (Real, a + bi, re^theta i)

OK. This is the biggest help to students in high school and college math. You’ll more than likely want to set your calculator to a+bi mode. That way your calculator can provide you with complex number solutions. That is, only if need be.

For example, pretend you need to find the square root of negative 16. If you’re on Real mode, your calculator will respond with an error message. However, in a+bi mode, your calculator will show 4i.

Your calculator will show .2+.6i, rather than an error message. That’s fantastic. Now imaginary numbers and complex answers aren’t so frustrating.

You can use re^theta i mode for polar complex form. This is usually reserved for math classes from precalculus and above. Otherwise, you needn’t use this mode.

Oh, and if you’re worried that all answers will be given with an I, don’t worry. Your calculator will only show complex answers when there is an I in the solution.

 

Mode 8 (Full, Horizontal, G-T)

Normally, your calculator will be set on full mode. This is the default for graphing functions.

However, if you want to split your graphing screen, you can choose one of the other modes. Horizontal mode shows your graph in the upper part of the view and the home screen on the bottom. This is handy if you want to edit your graph, function, or table while showing the graph.

Next, the G-T mode, also known as Graph-Table mode displays the graph on the left side and the table on the right side. This is super convenient if you want to see both your graph and table simultaneously.

 

Mode 9 (Mathprint, Classic)

These options are available on the TI-84 Plus only. If your calculator is a TI-84 Plus CE, this is not a mode option for you.

 

Mode 10 (Numerator/Denominator, Mixed Number)

For those of you who prefer improper fractions while viewing a fraction, you can keep it on n/d mode. This will display fractions in the numerator over denominator format even when numerators are larger than denominators.

If you prefer to see mixed numbers, such as 1 1/2 rather than 3/2, please select Un/d mode.

 

Mode 11 (Auto, Decimal, Fraction)

Finally, you can have your calculator display your answers in auto mode, which allows your calculator to choose the answer as decimal or fraction. In DEC mode, you will see your answers as decimals only. For those of you who prefer fractions, you can select FRAC mode.

 

Good luck in becoming familiar with all the mode options of your TI-84 calculator. Choose whichever one suits you and remember that you can change them when you want.