How to Solve Vector Problems on a TI-83

Multiply by Scalar

• 1

  Enter the scalar into your TI-83 calculator.

• 2

  Multiply the scalar by the vector.

• 3

  Display the result by inputting the equation then pressing "ENTER." For example, if your scalar is -6a and your vector is (4,-3) your equation would look like this:-7*{4, -3}. Press "2nd" then "(" to input a curly brace.

Dot Product

• 4

  Enter the "u" vector into your TI-83 calculator.

• 5

  Multiply the "u" vector by the "v" vector.

• 6

  Display the result by pressing "Enter." For example, if the "u" vector is [3,2,1] and the "v" vector is [2,-3,2] the syntax of your equation would look like this: sum({3,2,1} * {2,-3,2}).

Length of a vector

• 7

  Input the square root symbol by pressing "2nd x(2)."

• 8

  Press the "sum" button.

• 9

  Display the result by pressing "Enter." For example, if the vector in question is [3,-6,-4] the syntax of your computation will look like this: SQRT(sum({3,-6-4}SQ)). SQRT is the symbol for square root and the SQ means to square the equation.