Can the TI-89 Titanium Solve Symbolic Equations and Compute Specific Values?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the capabilities of the TI-89 Titanium calculator, specifically its ability to manipulate symbolic equations and compute specific values. Participants explore whether the calculator can solve for a variable symbolically and then compute numerical values based on given inputs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires if the TI-89 Titanium can solve an equation symbolically for a specific variable, such as W, given an equation involving multiple variables.
  • Another participant questions the feasibility of relying on calculators for symbolic manipulation, suggesting that limitations exist and that simpler equations may be necessary.
  • There is a request for clarification on whether the calculator can isolate a variable, such as returning a from the equation a + b + c = d.
  • A later reply suggests that the calculator can indeed perform such operations using the solve() function, providing an example of its use.
  • Several participants share their experiences with the calculator, indicating that it can perform symbolic manipulations and numerical computations as desired.
  • Links to external resources and manuals are shared to assist in understanding the calculator's capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confidence regarding the calculator's capabilities. While some affirm that it can perform the desired tasks, others caution that there may be limitations, indicating that the discussion remains somewhat unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of the calculator may depend on the complexity of the equations and the specific functions used. There are mentions of potential limitations in handling more complicated expressions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering the purchase of a TI-89 Titanium calculator, particularly students and engineers looking for tools to assist with symbolic manipulation and numerical calculations.

Saladsamurai
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It says (the TI site) that the TI-89 Titanium can manipulate symbolically and what not. Well I just have 2 quick questions:

let's say I punch in some equation like \frac{dE}{dt}=\dot{Q}-\dot{W}+\sum_i\dot{m_i}h_i-\sum_e\dot{m_e}h_e

1.) I could somehow select W (for example) and the calculator would know to solve the expression symbolically for W?

2.) I could then input numerical values for all of the other variables and it would give me the numerical value of W?

Thanks!
 
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Anyone have this calculator?
 
Seriously, answer me. Please :smile: So I can buy it for myself for X-mass.
 
I don't know but I think you are asking for way too much ...

I wouldn't rely on calculators for these things

but I see that it does solve DEs
http://www.rowan.edu/open/depts/math/HASSEN/ODE/TI89_for_ODE.pdf

and this says that it can solve for one variable
http://ti-89.org/forums/post-97.html

then there are always limitations.. these equations need to be dumb simple

(I only used it in grade 12 only.. now I have casio fx. It do many conversions and has constant values and solve simple algebraic, quadratic, cubic equations, etc, .. and had it for about 15$)
 
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Asking way too much? All I want to know is if I punch in a+b+c=d can the calculator return that a=d-b-c

and if d=1
b=1/2
c=1/2

Can I input those and have it tell me that a=0.

I don't think that is too much... or is it? I have never rellied on calculators to do algebra. But as an engineer entering his junior year, I am sick of doing algebra :smile:
 
Saladsamurai said:
Asking way too much? All I want to know is if I punch in a+b+c=d can the calculator return that a=d-b-c

and if d=1
b=1/2
c=1/2

Can I input those and have it tell me that a=0.

yep, I think so .. see that thread:

"you can use solve() function to do it (in algebra menu), put the equation first, then a comma, the the varible you want to isolate. in your example, it would be: solve(x+y=z,x) and it will return you x=z-y. Similarly, if you want isolate y, put: solve(x+y=z,y) and it will return you y=z-x"

I thought you wanted something like
df/dt = Q(t) + W(t) + sigma (f(t)) + sigma (z(t))

I been using casio for my engineering ...

I would recommend going through all the TI manual:
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_ti89ti.html?bid=6

and comparing it to what you will be doing.. and if your TI calculator would be allowed in the finals.
 
Cools! :smile: thanks for the links!
 
Saladsamurai said:
Seriously, answer me. Please :smile: So I can buy it for myself for X-mass.

Yes, I own one (for ~4 years now), and yes, it will do what you want (use the solve, nsolve, and desolve functions). Also, if you get it, download http://www.ibiblio.org/technicalc/packages/mathtools/main.htm" and install it on your ti.

Merry schnappsmas. :cool:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
asdfggfdsa said:
Yes, I own one (for ~4 years now), and yes, it will do what you want (use the solve, nsolve, and desolve functions). Also, if you get it, download http://www.ibiblio.org/technicalc/packages/mathtools/main.htm" and install it on your ti.

Merry schnappsmas. :cool:

Nice, thanks for the tip!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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