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How to find the derivative at a point on a TI-84 Plus or TI-83 Plus

By E-Code · updated

Press MATH and 8 for nDeriv(, then type the function, the variable and the X value with commas between, close the bracket and press ENTER. nDeriv(X²,X,3) gives 6.

Step by step

  1. Open MATH. MATH Press MATH. Item 8, further down the list, is nDeriv(, the numerical derivative.
  2. Pick nDeriv(. 8 Press 8. nDeriv( is pasted on the home screen.
  3. Function and variable. X,T,θ,n X² , X,T,θ,n , Type X², a comma, X and a comma: the function, then the variable.
  4. The point. 3 ) Type 3 and ): the derivative at X = 3.
  5. Work it out. ENTER Press ENTER.
  6. Read the derivative. 6: the derivative of X² is 2X, and 2 × 3 = 6. nDeriv( estimates it, so other functions may show tiny rounding.

What the screen shows

6: the derivative of X² is 2X, and 2 × 3 = 6. nDeriv( estimates it, so other functions may show tiny rounding.

Look for nDeriv(X²,X,3) 6 on the screen.

Try it with the keys lit up

This guide is one of E-Code's Learn lessons. Open it on E-Code's TI-84 calculator and each key lights up in turn as you press it.

Try “Find the derivative at a point” on the TI-84 calculator

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