Re: TI-83 factoring program?
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In article <19961109193100.OAA20179@ladder01.news.aol.com>,
warren561@aol.com wrote:
> You know, MOST of us don't have the CASH to get a 92, so please don't rub
> it in, just answer the damn question.
>
If you are trying to factor f(x)=0 on the TI-83, you cannot get imaginary
answers. you can, however, get the real answers by graphing the
polynomial function and finding the x-intercepts. If c is an x-intercept,
then x-c is a factor. if you also graph y=0, you have a key that gives you
the intersections of the graphs and this will also give you the
x-intercepts (I can't remember where it is but it is somewhere with all
your graphing commands).
if you multiply all your real-answer factors, you can then divide the
answer into your original function, get the remaining polynomial and use
quadratic formula (as it will have an even degree).
Your TI-83, also has a "solver" key, but you need to know approximately
where the answers are to use it, so it's a drag.
By the way, the TI-85 can deal with imaginary numbers, and can find all
the zeros, real and imaginary of any polynomial function. Not that you
want to get it, but it's about $20 more than the TI-82. Some people I
know sell their TI-82's to pre-algebra, or algebra students and buy the
TI-85.
Good Luck.
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