Using the Riemann-sum ("Rectngl") program on a TI-83/84:

[Get the program from a classmate or Prof. Janeba.  If you have a TI-89, ask for the different TI-89 version].

Suppose you want use the Rectngl program to find any of these:
All of these are found the same way.
[Note that if your function is given by some formula other than x2, substitute that other formula.]
  1. Put your function's formula into your calculator using the [Y=] button, e.g. Y1=X^2.
  2. Exit the [Y=] screen.
  3. Press [PRGM] and (if you have multiple programs installed) scroll down to RCTNGLE
    Press [ENTER] to paste "prgmRECTNGL" onto your main screen.  Press [ENTER]again to start the program.
  4. You will be reminded to "put the function in Y1" if you haven't already.  If you forgot, [2nd][QUIT] and start over.
  5. You will be asked for A, the left endpoint of your interval:  "A=?"  Type your value for A (1 in the example above), press enter.
  6. Then you're prompted for B, the right endpoint of your interval.  Enter it (3 in the example above), and press enter.
  7. Finally, you're asked for N, the number of subdivisions or subintervals or rectangles you want.  Enter that and...
  8. The program will tell you the left-hand sum and right-hand sum.
  9. PS:  Pressing [ALPHA][L] and [ALPHA][R] shows where the calculator has stored these sums, so typing "(L+R)/2" will give their average w/o a lot of retyping.
Sample problem:  Using x2 on the interval [1,3] with 10 subdivisions (N=10) should give a left-hand sum of 7.88 and a right-hand sum of 9.48.


Last Modified April 24, 2009.
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