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Solving Equations
The graphing calculator can be easily used to solve and/or check algebraic equations.

Example 1:   Solve for x:   4x + 1 = 9

Method 1: Solve using nSolve

  • From a Calculator page:
    MENU - #4 Calculations - #1 Numerical Solve (or use the Catalog)
  • Enter the equation, followed by a comma and the name of the variable, which in this case is x.
  • Hit ENTER.
  • Answer:   x = 2

Nsolve

nsolve answer

Method 2: Solve graphically

  • Enter the left side of the equation as f1(x).
  • Enter right side of the equation as f2(x).
  • Check to see if you need to adjust your window to see where the two graphs intersect.
  • Find the point of intersection (the answer).
    (MENU - #6 Points & Lines - #3 Intersection Points) Click on both graphs.
  • The ordered pair (2,9) is the intersection with the x-value being 2.
  • Answer:   x = 2
graph solve
Example 2:   Solve for x:   2x + 4 = 5x - 2

nSolve: x = 2
solve2a nsolve

Graphically: x = 2
solve2
Example 3:   Solve for x:  equation

nSolve: x = 2
nsolve7

Graphically: x = 2
nsolve8

Example 4:.   Solve for x:   15x – 3(3x + 4) = 6.  Choose the correct value for x.

(1) 1       (2)answer2       (3) 3       (4) answer4

nSolve: Choice 3: x = 3nsolve11
Graphically: Choice 3: x = 3
nsolve8

See "Quadratic Equations" for how to use nSolve with equations with more than one solution.

 



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