Re: how-to with TI86 please?
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Re: how-to with TI86 please?
That's a polynomial.
A polynomial:
ax^n + bx^n-1 + cx^n-2 + ... + dx^3 + ex^2 + fx + g = 0
the order of this polynomial is n, and the coeficients, which you need
to enter in the [2nd] [poly] rootfinder are a,b,c,d,e,f, and g.
then hit solve, and the answers roll on out.
NB: if you have something like x^3 + x, it's still a polynomial, with
coefficients 1,0,1,0. (there are no x^2 and x^0 terms.)
NB2: Make sure the thing equals zero.
NB3: When you learn about polynomials, they won't actually be very
important. When you get to calculus, you can first laugh at your
teacher for preaching low and high on the ti-83, since the 85/6 gets a
lot more useful. Then, you will first learn about derivatives, where
polynomials are by far easiest. integrals.. same thing, and finally
you get to (advanced math.. bc calc probably) the tylor and McClaren
series, which again centre on polynomials. They are quite important
structures.
example:
X^4-999.4*X^3-599.89*X^2-109.994*X-6=0
order = 4
coefs:
1, -99.4, -599.89, -109.994, -6.
hit solve.
et voila. it gives you all of them. things that look like this:
(5632, -54545)
is a complex number, 5632-54545i.
things like this:
(2,0)
means the calc had to use complex math to get there, but it is NOT a
complex number. its 2+0i, which is just plain old 2.
if you get two roots that are exactly the same, it's a double root.
ie: x^2 has a double root at 0.
References: