Using the TI-86 for the M&M Exponential Function Experiment



To enter data into the calculator (STEP 3 and STEP 7):
Press (STAT) button
Press (F2) to Edit data.
Now enter the data for xStat(1), yStat(1), and fStat(1). Enter a one for each fStat() value. Then enter xStat(2), yStat(2), and fStat(2), and so on until you run out of data (xStat(11), yStat(11), and fStat(11) would be the last).

To determine the exponential function for your data (STEP 3 and STEP 7):
First enter the data into the calculator.
Return to the STAT menu.
Press (F1) for calc.
Then press (F5) for EXPR (exponential function).
The exponential function is given in the form y = a bx.
The calculator provides the values of a and b, as well as the correlation coefficient and the number of ordered pairs entered.

To graph the points and your exponential function on the calculator (STEP 4 and STEP 8):
Press (Graph).
Press (F2) for Window.
Enter the following values:
XMIN = -2
XMAX = 12
XSCL = 1
YMIN = -10
YMAX = 66
YSCL = 2
XRES = 1
Then Press (Exit).
Press (STAT), then (F3) for PLOT, then (F1) for PLOT1, and then (F1) for Plot1. Press (ON) for this plot. Then Press (EXIT) twice.
Then press (STAT) and then (F4) for Draw and (EXIT).
You should see the scatterplot of the points.

Now press (Graph), then (F1) for y(x)= and enter your exponential function.
Then press (EXIT) and then (F5) for Graph.
You should see the scatterplot of the points along with the graph of the exponential function..


Send any comments or questions to: David Pleacher