Arc Length

We suppose that a function is entered in the Y= editor and a graph is displayed on the screen. For illustration, we find the arc length of y = .3(x - 5)(x - 1)(x + 3) from x = -1 to x = 2. Enter the function in the Y= editor, then press F2 to access the Zoom menu, then press 6 to select 6:ZoomStd. From the graph screen, press to select the Math menu. Scroll down and highlight B:Arc, then press . Alternatively, after pressing type .

The prompt "1st Point?" is displayed. Indicate the leftmost point of the arc by either moving the cursor to the desired point or by typing its x-value (here, -1), then press . The left point is marked and the "2nd Point?" prompt appears. Indicate the rightmost point of the arc either by moving the cursor to the desired point or by typing its x-value (here, 2), then press . Finally, the length of the arc is displayed and the two entered points are marked with a +.