Get started with TI-84 Plus CE Calculator
June 17, 2025
Get started with TI-84 Plus CE Calculator
- James Cooper
- Guide
Opening a new TI 84 Calculator is always an exciting moment for me. You get accessories along with your calculator including a charging cable. Confused about how to turn on the calculator or about the welcome message?
We explain everything including how to get started with TI-84 Plus CE Calculator for the first time, what comes along with a new TI 84, how to perform basic operation, modes, shortcuts and how to store your numbers/values in a variable to use again. These things are explained by a step by step guide with images and tutorial video.
Table of Contents
How to Turn on TI 84 Calculator First Time
You can turn on the calculator from the key “on”. It will show you a welcome message with some instructions (We have discussed all these instructions in detail in https://graphingti84calculator.com/how-to-use-the-keypad-on-the-ti-84-plus-ce-graphing-calculator/). It also has an option to select if you want to see this message again or not. You can press “1” key if you for “Do not show this message” or press “2” key continue. After pressing any key, it will take you to the home screen of the calculator.
Basic Operations to Get started with TI-84 Plus CE Calculator
How to Perform Basic Calculations on the TI-84 Plus CE. In Basic calculations we can perform add, subtract, division and multiplication. You can use TI 84 Calculator Online as well to perform these operations.
Addition: To add the numbers, you have to input the numbers using the keys. For example you want to add 56 + 14:
- You have to input 56 using number keys
- Press the “+” key
- Input the 14 again using the number keys
- Click on the “enter” key
Subtraction: To subtract the numbers, you have to input the numbers using the keys first. For example you want to subtract 67-29:
- Input 67 using the keys
- Press the “-” key
- Input the 29 using the number keys
- Click on the “enter” key
Multiplication: To multiply the numbers you have to input the numbers and use the “x” key. For example you want to multiple 88*31:
- Input 88 using the number keys
- Press the “X” key
- Input the 31 using the number keys
Division: To divide the numbers, you have to input the numbers and use the “÷” key. For example you want to divide 8÷2:
- Input 8 using the number keys
- Press “÷” key
- Input the 2 using the number keys.
If you want to scroll up to use or edit any of these calculations, you can use the arrows keys. You can move up and press the “enter” key. It will copy that calculation and you can use it to edit. You can just move the cursor to the number and input any number. It will replace that number with the new input number. But if you want to add any number between any value.
For example: You perform 7623+31344. But you want to make 7623+313744.
- Click the ‘Enter’ key to copy and paste the question again.
- You have to move your cursor at 4 which is after 3. Because we want to add 7 which is after
- Now you have to activate the insert function. Press the “2nd” key then “del” key.
- Press key “7” and it will be inserted.
There are more basic calculation options like square, square roots trigonometry and log keys same like any other scientific calculator.
Mode Button
There is a row at the top of your calculator. Normally it is written as: NORMAL, FLOAT, AUTO, REAL, RADIAN, MP.
To change any or all of these modes, you have to open the mode setting. Press the “mode” key only. It will open the options to change these modes.
If you are on any screen and want to come to the home screen of your calculator, click on the “2nd” key then “mode” key. It will return to the home screen every single time.
Shortcut Keys on the TI-84 Plus CE
It’s a very amazing feature of this graphing calculator. You can access it by pressing the key “alpha” and then F1 to F4 (y=, window, zoom, and trace).
Let me guide you about how you can use these shortcuts and paste the template to solve any problem. The following steps will perform a fraction by using shortcut keys and pasting its template. Then we will convert the answer into decimal.
- Press the “alpha” key then “F1 (y=)” key
- You can move down or up to choose any option which you want to use. In the first place we have: 1. n/d which shows a template for fraction. Just press the key “1” or enter to paste this template into the screen.
3. Insert the numbers into this template and press enter. It will give you its answer.
4. To convert it into decimal, again press the “alpha” key then “F1 (y=)” key.
5. Choose option 4. F◀▶D by pressing 4 or move the cursor to this option and press enter.
6. It will paste the template with your answer inserted.
7. Press the “enter” key and it will convert the fraction into decimal.
8. If you press the “enter” key again, it will convert the decimal into fraction again and vice versa.
Similarly, you can perform the derivatives and integrals including many other options when you press the “alpha” key then “F2 (window)“.
You can open the matrix function when you press the “alpha” key then “F2 (zoom)”. It is a shortcut and quick key to use the matrix as compared to the main ‘matrix’ key.
If you press “alpha” then “F4 (trace)”, you can use YVAR which is a very useful function in statistics.
How to Use the Store Functionality on the TI-84 Plus CE
Many students face the issue that they need to input long numbers again and again. They want to store the numbers in variable and can use it later.
To store any number:
1. Input the number and press the “enter” key. Let’s assume you input 768 and press the enter key.
2. Press the “sto→” key
3. Press the “alpha” key and press any key of variable like: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K or L. Press the “math” key to save in the “A” because “A” is written above the “math” key.
- Press “enter” and the value is saved in the variable “A”.
5. You can perform operations like: A+1 or Ax2 or A-6 or so on. Press “Alpha” key then “math” key to input A and perform any operation with it.
Video Tutorial
It is an official video by the TI Instrument youtube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
What comes in the box with a new TI-84 Plus CE Calculator?
You receive the TI-84 Plus CE calculator, a USB charging cable, a data cable, and a slidable protective cover. TI Instruments recommend using a wall charger but it is not included in the box.
How do I turn on the TI-84 Plus CE Calculator for the first time?
Press the “on” key. You will see a welcome message with two options. 1: To skip the welcome message in the future. 2: To continue.
What are the basic operations I can perform on this calculator?
You can perform basic operations: addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷). You can also perform scientific operations like root, square roots, exponents, trigonometric and logarithmic functions.
What does the MODE button do?
You can control display type (NORMAL/FLOAT), angle units (RADIAN/DEGREE), and many other mode options.
How do I use shortcut keys on the TI-84 Plus CE?
Press the “alpha” key then from F1 to F4 key.
- F1 (Y=) for fractions and decimal converters
- F2 (WINDOW) for derivatives/integrals
- F3 (ZOOM) for matrix tools
- F4 (TRACE) for YVAR functions
How do I store a number in a variable?
- Input the value
- Press “STO→”
- Press any alphabet
- Press “enter” key
How do I return to the home screen from any other screen?
Yes, use the up arrow key to load the previous calculations and use the down arrow key to load the latest calculations.
References:
These screenshots are taken from the TI 84 Plus CE Official Manual. This manual is released officially by TI instruments.
Final Words
After this guide about how to get started with the latest TI 84 Plus CE Calculator. We use step by step images of every key and every command to explain things to you. Moreover we have also added the official video of TI Instruments about how to use the keypad. You will be able to turn on your calculator with confidence. You can now perform the Basic Operations and have full understanding about the modes and shorts in TI 84. You will not face the problem of storing the large number again after this tutorial and guide.
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
Oldest
Recent Blogs
Recent Blogs
James Cooper
My name is James Cooper, the author of https://graphingti84calculator.com/. I am a high school math teacher with over 15 years of experience. I also taught the engineering students. I specialized in Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and standardized test preparation. In the United States, I have spent my career in teaching math and engineering students especially with the TI-84 calculator.
I have a passion to make the tough math concepts very easy to understand for my students. I have created this website to guide the students, teachers and other math learners about the TI-84 Calculator. From graphing equations to solving the linear system, I have worked and brought this website for you. With my blogs, guidelines and tutorials, you will be a master in mathematics.