Control what part of a graph is visible and move between a curve, coordinates and a value table.
Understand the WINDOW fields
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Xmin / Xmax | Left and right edges of the graph |
| Xscl | Spacing between x-axis tick marks |
| Ymin / Ymax | Bottom and top edges |
| Yscl | Spacing between y-axis tick marks |
| Xres | Graph plotting resolution; 1 is the normal detailed setting |
Worked example: make y = 100x visible
A standard y-range of -10 to 10 hides most of this steep line. Keep Xmin = -10 and Xmax = 10, but set Ymin = -1000 and Ymax = 1000.
Use ZOOM presets intelligently
- ZStandard returns to approximately -10 to 10 on both axes.
- ZoomFit adjusts the y-range to the functions over the current x-range.
- ZoomIn/ZoomOut changes scale around the cursor.
- ZDecimal creates convenient decimal coordinate increments.
TRACE along a graph
Press TRACE, then move left or right. Use the up and down arrows to switch between multiple functions.
Read a table of values
TABLE displays x-values beside Y1, Y2 and other enabled functions. Configure the starting value and step through 2nd → WINDOW (TBLSET).
Practice
For Y1=X², set TblStart = -3 and ΔTbl = 1. What value appears when x = -2?
Reveal the answer
Y1 = 4 because (-2)² = 4.
Practice with the calculator open
Use the guide in one tab and the calculator in another.
Editorial note: This guide is independently written for classroom practice and was reviewed against the TI-84 Plus CE guidebook. Button labels and menu availability can vary by model and operating-system version.