Appendix A - Using the Casio ClassPad II in senior mathematics

Learning intentions:

In this section we will examine:

• The basic settings of the Casio ClassPad II CAS calculator.
• Clearing the calculator memory to overcome errors and issues.
• Key commands available in the main menu of the calculator.
• Features and analysis tools of the graphical representation.

The ClassPad II in Mathematical Methods

Settings

For VCE Mathematical Methods you need to have the following settings on your Casio ClassPad II:

• Standard - this will give you answers that are in exact form as the default.
• Real - we use the real number system in this subject (see section 1A)
• Radian - in this subject we use radians to measure angles in preference to degrees (see section 9A?)

A screen shot of the settings you should have is displayed below:

Figure 2 - Required ClassPad II settings

Remember you can change the settings by pressing on the options with your stylus or finger until the desired option is displayed on the screen (as above)

Clearing the calculator memory

When you use your CAS calculators, you may store variables with or without your notice. Therefore, you should regularly clear the calculators memory. Often when you are experiencing difficulty using your ClassPad II it is because you have too many variables stored. There are two levels for storing variables, you need to clear both when you are experiencing difficulties with your ClassPad II.

Level 1 - "Clear All Variables"

The "Clear All Variables" command is located under Edit.

Figure 3 - "Clear All Variables" command.

This command sound like it should do the trick; however, it is a very basic and in many situations it will not solve the problems you are experiencing. Nevertheless, it is a useful starting place.

Level 2 - Variable manager

The "Variable Manager" is located under Settings (the cog):

Figure 4 - Getting to the Variable Manager

The Variable Manager is the deeper layer of memory which will most likely solve many of the issues you come across in class, SACs or Exams - please do not forget about it! Once you have gone into the variable manager the following screen will be displayed:

Figure 5 - Inside the Variable Manager

To clear, check the main box (as shown above) and click Edit → Delete. You will be prompted with the following window, please hit "OK":

Figure 6 - The delete window, to proceed please hit "OK".

The following window will be displayed informing you that the folder cannot be deleted. Please do not panic, just hit "OK" to proceed:

Figure 7 - Can't Delete window, to proceed please hit "OK".

The number of variables should now be 0 as highlighted below:

Figure 8 - The Variable Manager showing that all variables have now been cleared.

You have now successfully clear all of the variable sin the main folder. If any other variables are present in different folders you can perform the same procedure to clear them too.

Swapping between exact and decimal answers

If you have correctly set up the settings on you calculator (standard, real, radian), the answers displayed on the calculator will be in exact form. Therefore, fractions will be given in preference to decimals. You can swap between exact and decimal form using the icon highlighted below:

Figure 9 - Toggling between exact and decimal answers on the ClassPad II.

Simply highlight the answer you want changed and the decimal or exact will be swapped for the other (shown below).

Figure 10 - An example of toggling between exact and decimal answers.

The soft keyboard

The soft keyboard refers to the on-screen key board that is displayed by pressing the keyboard button. When you use the Casio ClassPad II you need to be exceptionally careful of the input - this is where the soft keyboard comes in. Wherever possible use the commands in Math1, Math2 and Math3 to set of expressions and equations.

Figure 11 - The Math1, Math2 and Math3 menus on the soft keyboard.

Always remember that the calculator may not interpret inputs the same as you do, for example:

Figure 12 - Interpretation issues on CAS calculators.