Application Guide

Variables Overview

A variable is a defined value that can be used multiple times in a problem. You can

define a value or function as a variable within each application. Within a problem,

variables are shared by TI-Nspire™ applications. For example, you can create a variable

in Calculator, and then use or modify that variable in Graphs, Geometry, or Lists

&Spreadsheet within the same problem.

Each variable has a name and definition. The definition can be changed, and when you

change the definition, all occurrences of the variable in the problem are updated to use

the new definition. In the TI-Nspire™ software, a variable has four attributes:

• Name - User-defined name assigned when the variable is created.

• Location - Variables are stored in memory.

• Value - Number, text, mathematical expression, or function.

• Type - Type of data that can be stored as a variable.

Variables created with the Local command within a user-defined function or program

are not accessible outside of that function or program.

Using Variables in a Problem

• When first created, a variable is available only to the problem where it is defined.

• A variable can be used multiple times in applications that are part of the same

problem.

• If the value of the variable is changed in the original application, the change is

reflected in all applications where the variable is used.

• A variable is not available to other problems or documents until you define the

variable as a library object and copy it to a library folder. See Libraries for more

information.

Defining Variables

Any portion or attribute of an object or function created within an application can be

stored as a variable. Examples of attributes that can become variables include the:

• Area of a rectangle

• Radius of a circle

• Value contained in a spreadsheet cell

• Contents of a row or column in a spreadsheet

• Function expression

When you create a variable, it is stored in memory.

Types of Variables

You can store the data types listed in the following table as variables.

Variables Overview 38