I. Entering the Function in the Graph Window

A. Polynomial Functions

The three keys you will use to begin entering functions are shown below.

Example: Enter the polynomial in the graph window. (You may want to review how to use the menu keys.)

Access the graph menu by pressing ; then enter the function in the window as shown below. To enter the variable you can use , which will enter the x, or you can use the key.

Press	Press	Enter f(x).

Polynomial functions are relatively easy to enter on the TI-86. Generally, you don't need parentheses around rational or radical coefficients. However, you may wish to include them to help you see the definition more clearly.

Example: Enter the function twice, both with and without parentheses. This function has both a rational coefficient and a radical coefficient so that you can compare the results in the graphs shown.

Without Parentheses	Graph	With Parentheses	Graph

Note: You can also enter a function such as as shown in this screen.