The Seq Command
SEQ-MODE.GIF

Command Summary

Enables sequence graphing mode.

Command Syntax

Seq

Menu Location

While editing a program, press:

  1. MODE to access the mode menu.
  2. Use arrows to select Seq.

Calculator Compatibility

TI-83/84/+/SE

Token Size

1 byte

The Seq command enables sequence graphing mode.

Sequential mode is used for graphing sequences, which can be thought of as functions from the positive (or non-negative) integers. The TI-83 calculators let n be the independent variable in this situation, and the three sequences, instead of using subscripts, use the letters u, v, and w.

One of the main advantages of sequential mode is that it allows recursive definitions: u(n) can be defined in terms of u(n-1) and u(n-2). For recursive definitions to work, an initial case must be defined: this is done using the variables u(nMin), v(nMin), and w(nMin). The constant nMin is the initial case, for which the calculator will use a specific value rather than the formula.

For example, say a bunny population starts out at 100 and doubles each year. We can describe this situation using the recursive definition u(n)=2u(n-1) (this just says that the nth year population is twice the population of the previous year); then we set u(nMin)=100. Note that without u(nMin), the equation would be meaningless - without the initial population, we have no way to calculate any other population.

When you're using more than one previous value — both u(n-1) and u(n-2)) — you need more than one initial value, and then u(nMin) becomes a list.

Advanced Uses

Sequence graphing mode has several submodes that can be selected from the 2nd FORMAT screen. They are Time, Web, uvAxes, uwAxes, and vwAxes. Sequences are still defined in the same way, but these modes control the way that they're graphed.

The window variables that apply to sequence mode are:

  • nMin — Determines the minimum n-value calculated for equations.
  • nMax — Determines the maximum n-value calculated for equations.
  • PlotStart — Determines the first value of n that is actually graphed.
  • PlotStep — Determines the difference between consecutive graphed values of n.
  • Xmin — Determines the minimum X-value shown on the screen.
  • Xmax — Determines the maximum X-value shown on the screen.
  • Xscl — Determines the horizontal space between marks on the X-axis in AxesOn mode or dots in GridOn mode.
  • Ymin — Determines the minimum Y-value shown on the screen.
  • Ymax — Determines the maximum Y-value shown on the screen.
  • Yscl — Determines the vertical space between marks on the Y-axis in AxesOn mode or dots in GridOn mode.

Related Commands

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