Calculus workspace

TI-89 Titanium style calculator

Solve equations numerically, evaluate definite integrals and take derivatives at a point.

What this beta can and cannot do

It answers symbolically for algebra and standard calculus: factor(x^2-9) gives (x-3)(x+3), d(x^3+2x,x) gives 3x²+2, ∫(x^2,x) gives 1/3x³+C, and solve(x^2-2=0,x) gives the exact surds x = √2 and x = -√2.

Not simulated: trigonometric identities, limits, Taylor series, differential equations, matrices and symbolic integration beyond polynomials and the elementary functions. Those say so on screen rather than guessing an answer.

TI-89 Titanium style workspaceBeta
RADAUTOCAS-lite

Try factor(x^2-9), d(x^3,x) or ∫(x^2,x,0,3) — or tap an example below.

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Symbolic algebra covers polynomials and the common calculus rules. Trigonometric identities, limits, series and differential equations are not simulated — the screen says so instead of guessing.

The stored-variable trap

On a real TI-89, the most common surprise is a leftover value in x. If you once stored 5 → x, then solve(x^2-16=0,x) evaluates 5²−16 and reports false. Clear it with DelVar x, or from the home screen toolbar choose Clean Up → 1: Clear a–z (the Clean Up toolbar is reached with 2nd + F1, which is F6 on the TI-89 keyboard).

Exact answers versus decimals

Pressing ENTER on the handheld gives an exact result such as 1/3 or √2. To force a decimal, press the green ◆ key and then ENTER, or set MODE → Exact/Approx → APPROXIMATE. This simulator shows exact fractions where it can and decimals otherwise.

Exam rules: the CAS problem

The TI-89 is banned on the ACT because it has a computer algebra system. It is permitted on the SAT and on AP Calculus, Statistics and Physics exams. If you are taking the ACT, practise on the TI-84 Plus CE simulator instead. Approved lists change, so confirm with your exam board before test day.

Calculus on a TI-84 instead

If you only need numbers, the TI-84 can do the same work: its MATH menu has nDeriv( and fnInt(, and the CALC menu finds zeros, minimums, maximums and intersections on a graph. Our graphing guide walks through it — and the TI-84 is allowed on the ACT, which the TI-89 is not.