Learning to use your TI-30XA Scientific Calculator

by

Delbert L. Hall, Ph.D.

ETCP Certified Rigger

ETCP Recognized Trainer

      The TI-30XA scientific calculator is the one that I recommend, and this page covers the features of this calculator that you will use in this primer.  Other calculators can be used to help solve the problems in this primer, but the instructions in this primer are written specifically for the TI-30XA.

Your calculator's keys

On and Clear – Turns the calculator ON and Clears the display

Off – Turns the Calculator OFF

Arithmetic function keys – Allows user to indicate which arithmetic function (division, multiplication, subtraction, or addition) should be performed

Calculate results- The [=] key tells the calculator to compute the result of the equation that has been entered

Number and Decimal point keys – Allow for the entry of numbers

Square and Square root keys – The [X²] key (pressed after a number has been entered) squares that number (multiplies it by itself).  The [] key (pressed after a number has been entered) results in the square root of the number being displayed

Scientific functions – These keys (pressed after a number {representing an angle} has been entered) and indicate which scientific function (SIN, COS, or TAN) should be performed. 

2^nd function key – When the [2^nd] key is pressed, "2^nd" appears in the display.  Now when any other key is pressed, its second or alternate function, indicated in Yellow type above the key, is performed.  The only time this key will be needed in this primer is when you need to use the arc tangent function (denoted as "TAN-1" on your calculator). 

Angle format key – DRG stands for Degrees, Radians, and Grads; the three formats that angles can be represented.  Since we will always be indicating angles by degrees, press the [DRG] key until "DEG" appears in the display.  Done.  You should never have to change it again (at least for the lessons in this primer).

Conventions

       You may have already noticed that when I reference a particular key that is to be pressed I have enclosed it is square brackets [ ].   This will be true in the early lessons of the primer, until you get used to entering data into your calculator.  Numbers will NOT be enclosed in brackets, so if I want you to add 36 and 5.5, you will see "36 [+] 5.5 [=]. "   After some example problems, you will see a number in parentheses (     ). This is the answer to the problem.  You should get this answer when you do the calculation.  If you get a different number, try again.  Before you start a new calculation, you should Clear the display by pressing the [ON/C] key.  This is easy to forget, and I will remind you to do this in the early lessons.  Later on, you will have to remember it for yourself. 

       Before you start with the lessons, practice using your calculator (including using the scientific function keys – even if you do not know if the answers are correct).  Once you feel comfortable with it, go the Home Page and start the first lesson.