NEW CALCULATOR EXPANDS VISION OF MATHEMATICS IN
                           MIDDLE-SCHOOL CLASSROOMS
 
 
      A new calculator from Texas Instruments offers middle-school and 
beginning Algebra students capabilities previously found only in scientific 
calculators. The TI-80 Graphics Calculator responds to teachers' requests 
for a calculator that bridges the gap between basic four-function calculators 
and more advanced graphing models.

      The first middle-school-level calculator to combine graphing, tables and
data analysis with fraction capability, the TI-80 was introduced at the
Mathematical Association of America Conference in January. Its enhanced
display, available until now only in higher-end calculators, lets students
view entire mathematical expressions with their results, which promotes
patterning -- the foundation for understanding mathematics.

      TI developed the TI-80 when middle-school teachers began asking for a
graphing calculator affordable enough to equip entire classrooms. TI
introduced its first graphing calculator developed specifically for
mathematics education in 1990. Since then, these tools have become widespread
in teaching high-school mathematics. The TI-80 marks the expansion of graphing
calculators to the middle-school and beginning Algebra levels.
 
      "We are finding that graphing calculators are being used in lower and
lower grades," says Gay Riley-Pfund, product manager for instructional products 
in the Texas Instruments Personal Productivity Division. "We anticipate that we 
will see literally thousands of these graphics units in middle-school 
classrooms."
 
      The TI-80 is the result of listening to educators and curriculum
developers.  "One of the most exciting things for teachers is when we become
problem-solvers with our students," says Pam Giles, one of the teachers who
helped test the TI-80 in the classroom. "This calculator helps us do that. It
captures children's interest and enhances their ability to solve problems,
reason and make connections."
 
      Giles, who is a mathematics specialist for grades K-12 in the Jordan
School District in Sandy, Utah, says she believes using the calculator helps
students' reasoning abilities. "Because of its data and statistical
capabilities, we find students are making conjectures and suggesting
conclusions more than before," she says. The district is using a State of Utah
technology grant to equip 15 sixth-grade classrooms with the TI-80.
 
      Using the calculator, students also can enter fractions and perform the
full range of arithmetic operations, such as multiplying, dividing, adding,
subtracting and finding square roots. Besides simplifying fractions to lowest
terms automatically, the TI-80 offers a manual mode that helps instructors
teach fractions "pedagogically" by allowing students to view the mathematical
sequence step by step.
 
      "Because students can see the mathematical language they actually enter
into the calculator as well as the result the calculator returns, they can
edit their input and investigate patterns," says Giles.  "We have begun to see
our students value arithmetic more as they extend their mental and paper-and-
pencil skills and expand their vision of mathematics."

      The TI-80 features superior data analysis and graphing features. It
defines, saves and graphs up to four rectangular functions, three parametric
equations and four plot types, including scatter plots, box-and-whisker plots,
xy-lines and histograms. Students can perform, quadratic, cubic and quadratic
polynomial regressions. They also can determine probability using random
number generators, permutations, combinations and factorials.
 
      The calculator's large 8-line by 16-character display lets students view
up to 10 digits along with a two-digit exponent. Shading features show
intersections of function values, including vertical, horizontal and diagonal
shading patterns. Seven built-in zoom features and easy-to-use pulldown(TI's
style is one word) menus make the TI-80 student-friendly.
  
Graphing features of the TI-80 Graphics Calculator let students:
* Define, save, graph and analyze up to four rectangular functions at once.
* Automatically plot selected functions in the display window with one key
  press.
* Trace using cursor keys along any of the graphed functions, displaying X and
  Y coordinate values simultaneously.
* Save, graph and analyze up to three parametric equations, using trace and
  zoom features.  

Data analysis features include the capability to:
* Perform linear, logorithmic, exponential, power and quadratic regressions.
* Define and store up to three statistical representations including scatter
  plots, box-and-whisker plots, xy-lines and histograms.
* Deduce probability using random number generators, permutations,
  combinations and factorials.
 
In working with fractions, students can:
* Perform manipulations and operations.
* Convert between fractions, mixed numbers and decimals.
* Simplify fractions to lowest terms, either automatically or step by step.
 
Using the TI-80, pupils also can construct tables consisting of up to six
columns of 99 elements each. Statistical analysis features consist of
five regression models and four plot types.

The TI-80 Graphics Calculator has 7 kilobytes of memory for data and programs.  
It measures 6.4 x 3.0 x 0.6 inches, weighs less than five ounces and is powered 
by two CR2032 lithium batteries. An enhanced model designed for teachers can 
be used with a ViewScreen(TM) unit and with TI-GRAPH Link(TM) software for 
overhead projection and screen captures. Scheduled for shipment in March, 
the TI-80 Graphics Calculator will sell for about $20 less than the TI-82.

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  Texas Instruments Calculators      TI GRAPHING PRODUCTS TEAM
  P.O. Box 650311  M/S 3908          Internet: ti-cares@ti.com
  Dallas, Texas  75265               Fax: 214-917-7103
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