MEI Tasks for Casio Graphical Calculators
Introduction to Differentiation on the fx-9860
Plotting a curve and some tangents
1. Open the Graphs screen:
2. Enter Y1=X²:
p Y
fsl
3. Toggle the Graph view:
u
4. Add the tangent tool using Sketch >Tang:
rw
5. Use the left and right cursors to select a point
on the curve and press l to draw the tangent.
Can you explain what is happening to the tangent as you move along the curve?
Finding the expression for the gradient of the tangent to the curve at a point
1. Switch on the derivative: Lp (SET UP),
select Derivative and press q
2. Use trace and the left and right arrows to find
the gradient of the tangent at different points
on the curve.
Can you give you give an expression for the gradient of the tangent to the curve at a point?
3. Select the Table screen: p
4.
i
Enter your expression for the gradient
function in Y2: 2f
5. Toggle the table view: u
You can edit the range of values in the table on the Table Function screen using y.
Repeat the above task to find the gradient function for different functions such as:
Y1 = X², Y1=X³, Y1=X4, Y1=5X², Y1=X²+3X
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v1.0 28/08/13