Ti-84 Plus Graphing Calculator For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 16

Probability

In This Chapter

Evaluating permutations and combinations

Using the Binomial Theorem

Generating random numbers

Seeding your calculator

Do you need to calculate the number of ways you can arrange six people at a table or the number of ways you can select four people from a group of six people? Are you learning about factorials or the Binomial theorem in math class? Or do you just need an unbiased way of selecting people at random? If so, this is the chapter for you.

Evaluating Factorials

Did you know you can type an exclamation point on your calculator? Mathematically, the exclamation point is called a factorial. Usually students learn about factorials in pre-algebra and then forget what they are by the time they need to use factorials to solve tough probability problems. Here is a quick refresher on factorials.

4! = 4*3*2*1 and 7! = 7*6*5*4*3*2*1. See Figure 16-1. If you haven’t done so already, press `M to get to the Home screen. All the calculations in the chapter use the Home screen. Follow these steps to type a factorial in your calculator:

1. Enter the ...