Texas Instruments TI-84 PLUS Guidebook - Page 100

12. Press r to obtain numerical results and answer the questions at the beginning of this section. Tracing begins at Tmin on the first parametric equation (X1T and Y1T). As you press ~ to trace the curve, the cursor follows the path of the ball over time. The values for X (distance), Y (height), and T (time) are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Defining and Displaying Parametric Graphs TI-84 Plus Graphing Mode Similarities The steps for defining a parametric graph are similar to the steps for defining a function graph. Chapter 4 assumes that you are familiar with Chapter 3: Function Graphing. Chapter 4 details aspects of parametric graphing that differ from function graphing. Setting Parametric Graphing Mode To display the mode screen, press z. To graph parametric equations, you must select parametric graphing mode before you enter window variables and before you enter the components of parametric equations. Displaying the Parametric Y= Editor After selecting parametric graphing mode, press o to display the parametric Y= editor. In this editor, you can display and enter both the X and Y components of up to six equations, X1T and Y1T through X6T and Y6T. Each is defined in terms of the independent variable T. A common application of parametric graphs is graphing equations over time. Selecting a Graph Style The icons to the left of X1T through X6T represent the graph style of each parametric equation. The default in parametric mode is ç (line), which connects plotted points. Line, è (thick), ë (path), ì (animate), and í (dot) styles are available for parametric graphing. Chapter 4: Parametric Graphing 93