How to use your TI-84 calculator: The Basics

Here are my favorite TI-84 calculator tricks. Some of these tips you probably already know, but some might leave you scratching your head wondering why your Algebra teacher didn't show you how to do this.

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Essential skills you need to know

Turn a decimal into a fraction

Press [ MATH ] [ ENTER ] [ ENTER ]

Enter a number or expression as a fraction

Press [ ALPHA ] [ y = ] [ ENTER ]

Make an x-y table and input any number for x

The first time only, press [ 2nd ] [ WINDOW ] to bring up the TBLSET menu, change Indpnt to Ask and hit [ ENTER ]

Then, after you've entered an equation into y₁ = press [ 2nd ] [ GRAPH ] to bring up the TABLE. Enter whatever you like in the x-column to find the y-value.

Find the intersection point(s) between two functions

Press the [ y = ] button and enter the two equations into y₁ = and y₂ =. Hit [GRAPH ] and then press [ 2nd ] [ TRACE ] [ 5 ] followed by [ ENTER ] three times.

If the are multiple intersections, it will find the nearest one. Use the left/right arrows beforehand to move the cursor closer to the desired intersection.

If it doesn't find any, try zooming out by pressing [ 2nd ] [ ZOOM ] [ 3 ] then [ ENTER ] and trying again.

Find the x-intercepts (a.k.a. zeros a.k.a. roots) of a function easily

Follow the instructions above for finding the intersection point(s) between two functions, but enter y₂ = 0 as the second equation.

Tips and tricks

Square root your previous answer

Press [ ^ ] [ . ] [ 5 ]

Enter a number using scientific notation

Press [ 2nd ] [ , ] to enter a number like 2.99 x 10⁸ as 2.99E8 (the E replaces the "times 10 to the" part)

Reset the graph window to standard [-10, 10]

[ ZOOM ] [ 6 ]

Access the built-in Periodic Table

Press [ APPS ] [ 7* ]

*On some calculators the numbering may be different, so look for Periodic

More advanced skills

Use imaginary numbers

Press [ 2nd ] [ . ] to enter the imaginary number i

Open the F2 menu for quick access to absolute value, logs with different bases, calculus and statistics tools

Press [ ALPHA ] [ WINDOW ]

[ 1 ] abs for absolute value

[ 3 ] nDeriv to calculate a derivative at a point [ 4 ] fnInt to calculate a definite integral [ 5 ] logBASE to enter a log with a base other than 10 or e

[ 6 ] ˣ√ to find the xth root [ 7 ] nPr to calculate a permutation [ 8 ] nCr to calculate a combination [ 9 ] ! for a factorial (number goes in front)

Graph conic functions like circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, and parabolas

Press [ APPS ] [ 4 ]

Use the function keys (f1, f2...) to graph or exit.

Quickly enter a matrix

Press [ ALPHA ] [ ZOOM ]

Use the arrow keys to move around and enter the matrix's size, then press OK

(Insert nerdy red-pill, blue-pill joke here)

Switch between radian and degree mode

Press [ MODE ], then select either Radians or Degrees and hit [ ENTER ]

Convert an angle from radians to degrees

Enter the angle in radians first (use the fraction shortcut), then hit [ 2nd ] [ APPS ] [ 3 ]

Convert an angle to degrees, minutes, and seconds (and back)

To go from decimal to degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS), enter the angle, then hit [ 2nd ] [ APPS ] [ 4 ]

To convert to a decimal, enter the angle in DMS and hit [ ENTER ]

Degrees (°) [ 2nd ] [ APPS ] [ 1 ]

Minutes (') [ 2nd ] [ APPS ] [ 2 ]

Seconds (") [ ALPHA ] [ + ]

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More TI-84 Basics Coming Soon

We’ll continue adding calculator guides for the tools students use most often in math, science, and standardized test prep — from graphing and tables to statistics, matrices, equations, and more advanced problem-solving features.

A quick reminder: the TI-84 is a powerful tool, but it is not magic. It can help students calculate, graph, check, and explore, but it works best when they understand the math behind the steps.

Need Help Building Calculator Confidence?

Many students own a TI-84 for years without realizing how much it can do. Learning a few essential tools can make homework, tests, and problem-solving feel much less overwhelming.

At Freudigman & Billings, we help students strengthen both the underlying math and the practical skills that make the calculator useful — from middle school math and algebra through calculus, statistics, physics, and standardized test prep.

For more support, explore our Academic Instruction and Standardized Test Prep programs, or contact us to start a conversation.