How to make a table of values on the Casio fx-CG50, TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire CX II
On the fx-CG50: MENU → 7 (TABLE) … F5 (SET) → F6 (TABLE).On the TI-84 Plus CE: y= → 2nd window (TBLSET) → 2nd graph (TABLE).On the TI-Nspire CX II: menu → Table → Edit Table Settings.
Fill in "complete the table" questions in seconds and spot sign changes for roots. Exact keystrokes for the fx-CG50 first, then the other calculators, a worked example you can check your answers against, the mistakes that cost marks, and the same thing in Desmos.
When you need it
Completing a table before sketching, checking a model against data, and finding an interval that contains a root. AI questions often give a partly filled table to complete from a model.
Practise it: SL AI graphing functions · SL AA graphing functions.
Which IB course and paper
| Course | GDC papers | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|
| AA SL | Paper 2 (Paper 1 is calculator-free) | Sketching, and locating a root before you solve for it. |
| AA HL | Papers 2 and 3 (Paper 1 is calculator-free) | As SL. |
| AI SL | Papers 1 and 2 | Completing a table from a model, and comparing a model with data. |
| AI HL | Papers 1, 2 and 3 | As SL. |
A GDC is allowed on every AI paper and on AA Papers 2 and 3; AA Paper 1 is calculator-free, so learn the method by hand as well.
Topic notes: Linear functions and modelling (AI SL) · Exponential growth and decay models (AI SL) · Exponential and logarithmic functions (AA SL).
Keystrokes on your calculator
Pick your calculator: the page remembers it next time.
Tables of values on the Casio fx-CG50
Written for OS 3.80 (menus unchanged from OS 3.60 onwards as far as we can tell). Casio fx-CG50: graphic (GDC).
Watch the key presses on the fx-CG5010 presses, one at a time
The walkthrough needs JavaScript. The same key presses are in the numbered steps below.
- MENU 7 (TABLE).
- Type Y1 = X² − 3X + 1 and EXE.
- F5 (SET): Start −1 EXE, End 4 EXE, Step 0.5 EXE, then EXIT.
- F6 (TABLE). Scroll with ▼. Change any X value in the table to see y there.
- Two functions (Y1, Y2) give two columns: handy for comparing a model with data or for f(x) and g(x).
Tables of values on the TI-84 Plus CE
Written for OS 5.8.x. TI-84 Plus CE: graphic (GDC); also the TI-84 Plus CE Python / CE-T Python Edition.
Watch the key presses on the TI-84 Plus CE5 presses, one at a time
The walkthrough needs JavaScript. The same key presses are in the numbered steps below.
- y=: Y1 = X² − 3X + 1.
- 2nd window (TBLSET): TblStart = −1, ΔTbl = 0.5, Indpnt: Auto.
- 2nd graph (TABLE). Scroll with the arrow keys.
- Set Indpnt: Ask to type in your own x values (useful for uneven tables).
Tables of values on the TI-Nspire CX II
Written for OS 6.x. TI-Nspire CX II: graphic (GDC), non-CAS (the CX II CAS is a different model: check the exam rules before using one).
- Graphs page: f1(x) = x² − 3x + 1.
- ctrl T shows the table next to the graph.
- menu → Table → Edit Table Settings: Table Start −1, Table Step 0.5.
For teachers: Show on the board Print a keystroke card Teaching GDC skills
Worked example
Complete a table of y = x² − 3x + 1 for x = −1 to 4 in steps of 0.5, and find two intervals that contain a root.
Answers (checked with Python)
For example f(0) = 1, f(0.5) = −0.25, f(2.5) = −0.25, f(3) = 1. The sign changes between 0 and 0.5 and between 2.5 and 3, so there are roots in [0, 0.5] and [2.5, 3] (they are x ≈ 0.382 and 2.618).
Now try it on an exam-style question
Use the keystrokes above on IB-style graphing functions questions. Free to try, no sign-up.
Common calculator mistakes
- Squaring negatives: typing −1² gives −1. The table uses X² correctly, but when you check a value by hand, bracket it: (−1)².
- Step too large: a step of 1 can jump straight over two roots close together.
- A sign change shows a root only if the function is continuous there: y = 1/x changes sign at 0 with no root.
- Plot points from the table accurately and join them with a smooth curve, not straight lines.
- Copying table values to fewer figures than the question asks for: tables in IB questions usually want 3 s.f. (or the accuracy of the given values).
- Accuracy: unless the question says otherwise, IB markschemes want answers exact or to 3 significant figures. Keep the full calculator value for later parts and round only the answer you write down (x = 2.094551… is written 2.09, not 2.1 or 2.0946).
If you get an error
fx-CG50: Ma ERROR
Ma ERROR Casio's Math ERROR: the result is outside the allowable calculation range, or you are trying to do an illegal mathematical operation, such as dividing by zero. Check: Look for a zero denominator, sin⁻¹ or cos⁻¹ of a number bigger than 1 (often a wrong side or angle in the sine or cosine rule), the log of 0 or of a negative number, and a value stored in a variable earlier that you forgot about. Fix: Casio's advice: check your input values and change them so the result is within the allowable range.
TI-84 Plus CE: ERR:DOMAIN, ERR:INVALID DIM, ERR:SYNTAX
ERR:DOMAIN A value given to a function or instruction is outside the values it accepts. In a regression, TI says it means the data do not suit the model you chose. Check: Is every input allowed? σ must be positive, p between 0 and 1, and sin⁻¹ or cos⁻¹ needs a number from −1 to 1. Exponential and power models need positive data. Fix: Change the value that is out of range, or choose a model that suits the data.
ERR:INVALID DIM TI's knowledge base: one or more stat plots are turned on, but the lists they use are empty. Check: A stat plot left on from a statistics question, so the error appears when you graph a function. Fix: Turn off the stat plots you are not using, or put the data back in the lists.
ERR:SYNTAX The command contains a syntax error: a misplaced function, argument, bracket or comma. Check: TI points out that subtract − and negative (−) are different keys, and using the wrong one causes this error. Then check the brackets and commas. Fix: Find the misplaced function, argument, bracket or comma and correct it.
TI-Nspire CX II: Domain error, Syntax error
Domain error An argument must be in a specified domain, and this one is not (TI's example: rand(0)). Check: Is every input allowed? σ must be positive, p between 0 and 1, and sin⁻¹ or cos⁻¹ needs a number from −1 to 1. Fix: Change the value that is out of range.
Syntax error The syntax checker found a problem. Check: A missing bracket or comma. Fix: Correct the expression and try again.
Do it in Desmos
Not in the exam. Desmos is not an approved calculator for IB exams, so never rely on it for Paper 2. It is excellent for learning, checking a GDC answer and building graphs for your Internal Assessment (IA).
- Define f(x) = x^2 − 3x + 1.
- Add a table (+ → table), put x₁ values −1, −0.5, … and f(x₁) as the second column heading: Desmos fills it in.
- The points appear on the graph; the curve shows where it crosses the axis.
Open desmos.com/calculator (free, in any browser) and type:
f(x)=x^{2}-3x+1table: x_1 = -1, -0.5, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4; y_1 = f(x_1)
Questions
Can I use a calculator for tables of values in the exam?
In IB Maths you can use one approved GDC on every AI paper and on AA Papers 2 and 3, in exam mode. AA Paper 1 is calculator-free, so learn the method by hand as well.
What are the fx-CG50 keystrokes for tables of values?
MENU 7 (TABLE). Then Type Y1 = X² − 3X + 1 and EXE. Then F5 (SET): Start −1 EXE, End 4 EXE, Step 0.5 EXE, then EXIT. The full steps and the other calculators are in the keystrokes section above.
Does this work on other calculators?
Yes. This page has keystrokes for the Casio fx-CG50, TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire CX II. The worked example has the same answers on every model, so use it to check.
What should I write as working?
Write the maths, not the key presses: say what you are finding in normal notation (the equation, the probability statement or the integral), then the calculator's answer exact or to 3 significant figures unless the question says otherwise. Keep full accuracy in later parts.
More calculator skills
Sources
- Casio fx-CG50 Software User's Guide, OS 3.70 (PDF) : Casio fx-CG50, OS 3.80 (menus unchanged from OS 3.60 onwards as far as we can tell).
- TI-84 Plus CE guidebook (Texas Instruments) : TI-84 Plus CE, OS 5.8.x.
- TI-Nspire CX II guidebooks (Texas Instruments) : TI-Nspire CX II, OS 6.x.
- Desmos Help Center for the Desmos functions.
Menu names are taken from each manufacturer's manual for the models shown. Menus can move slightly between OS updates: if a screen looks different on yours, the manual for your version is the reference, and please tell us so we can update this page. A calculator with no tab here has no checked steps for this skill yet. Worked-example answers were recomputed independently in Python.