Thread: Step By Step Derivatives, Limits

I have a ti-89 so it can do both limits and derivatives and I use it mostly just to check my homework. I also have a ti-83plus because 89's arent allowed to be used on the exams. My problem is sometimes I cant figure out how the 89 is giving me a certain answer. so even though its right I'm not really learning anything because it doesnt show how it got there.
I was wondering if anyone knows of a program or some way to on either an 83plus or a ti-89 the do limits and/or derivatives but have it actually show the work of what its doing.
I did a search but wasnt able to find anything very helpful but I apologise if this has been covered.

Originally Posted by ShtrMcGavin

I have a ti-89 so it can do both limits and derivatives and I use it mostly just to check my homework. I also have a ti-83plus because 89's arent allowed to be used on the exams. My problem is sometimes I cant figure out how the 89 is giving me a certain answer. so even though its right I'm not really learning anything because it doesnt show how it got there.
I was wondering if anyone knows of a program or some way to on either an 83plus or a ti-89 the do limits and/or derivatives but have it actually show the work of what its doing.
I did a search but wasnt able to find anything very helpful but I apologise if this has been covered.

Often you can factor or expand the function to determine how it is getting there. As far as a calculator showing you the work, I doubt there are any programs that can do this. My advice is to not rely on a calculator, but instead use it as a tool to help check answers. That is, if you're given a long derivative, and for instance, have to do the chain rule, use the calculator to see if you're on the right path along the way. That is, use it to see if you're differentiating correctly at each step.

On most of the College/University final Exams in the United States you cannot use a calculator to compute limits and derivatives. So break out the paper and do them by hand.

There is a program that you can buy that will work them out for you step-by-step. Like I said you must buy the program, and it isn't cheap ($100.00). You can download it at Calculus Trig Geometry Matrix and Sudoku Made Easy for the Ti89/Titanium/Ti-92+/Voyage200. However, I am warning you that this is something that you do not want to get addicted to. You must learn how to do them on your own. A friend gave this program as a gift, yet I have learned to the key concepts and have near mastered the technique. This program will kill you in the end for the final if you rely on it, because like I said there are no calculators on the finals. To a certain degree it reminds me of MapleSoft only in a more compressed undersized bundle. Again I am warning you; learn the material and do not waste your time sitting around pressing buttons.