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:
- a Riemann sum for f(x)=x2 on the interval [1,3].
- An estimate for the area under the graph of f(x)=x2 above the interval [1,3].
- An estimate of the total distance travelled by an object from t=1 to t=3, when its velocity at time t is f(t)=t2.
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.]
- Put your function's formula into your calculator using the [Y=] button, e.g. Y1=X^2.
- Use Y1 and the variable X, even if your problem calls the variable t.
- Exit the [Y=] screen.
- 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.
- You will be reminded to "put the function in Y1" if you haven't already. If you forgot, [2nd][QUIT] and start over.
- 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.
- Then you're prompted for B, the right endpoint of your interval. Enter it (3 in the example above), and press enter.
- Finally, you're asked for N, the number of subdivisions or subintervals or rectangles you want. Enter that and...
- The program will tell you the left-hand sum and right-hand sum.
- 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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