Recursive Sequences on the TI-83

MA 114

Nov. 30, 2001

The following instructions are for the TI-83. They explain how to use your calculator's sequence mode to store a recursive sequence in a list. By storing recursive sequences into L1 and L2 you can produce a scatter plot.

Storing a Sequence into a List

1. Press the Mode key. On the fourth line of the display, select Seq.

2. Press the Y= key. Enter 0 for nMin. Enter your recursive equation for u(n).

   To enter u(n-1), press 2nd then 7 for u and the X key (to the right of Alpha) for n.

3. Enter your initial recursive value for u(nMin).

4. The recursive equation is now set up. Press 2nd then Mode to return to calculation mode.

5. Now it's time to run the recursive system and store the values into a list. Enter the following:

   u(0,n,1) STO L1
   

   where u is obtained by pressing 2nd then 7, n is the number of recursive periods (an integer value), STO is the STO key, and L1 (List 1) is 2nd 1. Press Enter

   Note that you can store the sequence into any of the six lists.

6. Repeat steps 2--5 as necessary to store sequences into other lists.

7. Press Mode and select Func on the fourth line to return to function graphing mode.

8. You should now be able to graph your scatter plot.

Practice

Enter this system into L1 for : , . Next, enter this system into L2 for : , . Graph the resulting scatter plot.