Knowledge Base

Solution 24631: The Computer Algebra System (CAS) and Texas Instruments Graphing Calculators.

What is the Computer Algebra System (CAS) and how does it relate to Texas Instruments calculators?

CAS stands for "Computer Algebra System" and it is software that allows the manipulation of mathematical expressions in symbolic form. The principal difference between a calculator with CAS and one without CAS is the ability to deal with equations symbolically rather than numerically.

Texas Instruments products that have the Computer Algebra System include:

Examples of symbolic manipulations include:

• Expanding expressions:
 (x+2)^2 = x^2+4x+4

• Factoring expressions:
 x^2-1 = (x+1)*(x-1)

•Simplification to the smallest expression:
  a+a = 2*a
  a*a = a^2

• Substitution of symbolic expressions:
  When f(x) = x^2+x+6. Find f(a-b):
   f(a-b) = a^2+a(1-2b)+b^2-b+6

• Precision: the ability to display a solution in exact (EXACT) and approximate (APPROX) form (in FIX and FLOAT decimal modes).

• Indefinite integration

• Limits computation

• Functions composition

• Derivatives and Differential Equations