Exploring IB Maths

Activities for the

HP Prime

Chris Olley
Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
1. Studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Maths with an HP Prime .............................. 3
2. The Home Screen and the Toolkit ....................................................................................................... 4
3. The Computer Algebra System (CAS) .................................................................................................. 7
4. Working with Apps .............................................................................................................................. 9
5. Graphs and Functions ....................................................................................................................... 11
6. Solving Simultaneous Equation: Using Matrices............................................................................... 16
7. Sequences and Series........................................................................................................................ 18
8. Statistics: Probability Distributions and Inference............................................................................ 22
9. Calculus ............................................................................................................................................. 28
10: Identities. Sometimes True, Always True, Never True ................................................................... 30
11: Parametric Functions: Exploring Projectiles ................................................................................... 32
12 Using Your HP Prime in IBO Diploma Exams .................................................................................... 36

Introduction
This book is aimed at students studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma with advanced
Maths using an HP Prime calculator. The aim is to provide a range of activities which will help you
become a confident user of the calculator while developing your skills in different mathematical
topics. This book is not a replacement for the manual, it is not the best way to quickly find out to do
something specific. Use the manual or search the web. Also, there is no attempt to cover the entire
course, however there is a good range of topics covered. The power of this technology is in its
capacity to generate lots of mathematical information very quickly, so you can get a good feeling for
mathematical ideas. Mathematics needs to be explored and with your HP Prime you can get under
the skin of the ideas you need to learn about. I hope that you will try out the activities in this book
and get into the spirit of exploration that you can then use in all of the topics you need to study.

About the Author

Chris Olley was a secondary school maths teacher in a range of comprehensive schools in London
and East Africa. He currently directs the secondary maths PGCE course at King’s College London. He
has worked with graphing calculators since they first arrived in the late 1980s and has run sessions
nationally and internationally on different approaches to dynamic ICT in maths education, of which
graphing calculators are an excellent example.

Further Information and Support

Please visit www.hpgraphingcalc.org and join in the discussion threads. Share your ideas and your
understanding of mathematics with others.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

1. Studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Maths

with an HP Prime
The HP Prime is a very powerful calculator. It can find solutions to a vast
range of mathematical problems in algebra, calculus, probability and
statistics, complex numbers, matrices and much more. Press the Toolkit Key
b on the HP Prime to see the menu of commands and get a feeling for
how much this machine will do.

The big message for IB Diploma level maths students, is that you can use this
machine in your exams (those for which a calculator is allowed). I would
assume you have bought the calculator because you know this. It is really
important that you do not think that the calculator will answer the exam
questions for you. You actually have to do the steps in the process.
However, the main source of difficulty in an advanced level exam is making
small errors along the way. With this calculator you can quickly calculate the
solution and check that you have done it correctly and be able to move on
confidently. Knowing the answer first is often a very helpful way of deciding
what steps to take. Also, being able to see different representations of an
object quickly, helps you decide what the solution could be. With HP Prime
you can draw graphs and see tables of values of different types of functions, which you can zoom in
and out of, make calculations on, even do numeric integration and differentiation.

So, it won’t tell you how to solve the problem, but will get you confidently to a solution with a range
of better ways of seeing. HP Prime is a fantastically powerful tool and all of the evidence from
different countries where graphing calculators are used in exams says that if you can use it properly,
then it will give you an advantage.

However, it’s not just in the exam that the calculator is useful. While you are learning maths, it is
vital that you get a good intuitive feeling about how maths works. HP Prime is a fantastic tool for
exploring mathematics. What happens to the graph of a quadratic 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 when you
change the coefficients 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐? You would need to draw dozens of graphs to get a good feeling
for what goes on. With HP Prime you can draw as many as you like, changing the coefficients
selectively. Working this way helps you get out of the other big problem with advanced level exams.
Memorising methods is fine until you find a question you can’t recall the method for. That normally
means most of them, because they never come up just like you were expecting. Far better is to
understand what is going on and be able to see the mathematics from different starting points, then
you can work your way through even when you can’t decide which method to use. Maths is the
method and you make yourself a mathematician by exploring. The HP Prime is the best tool to make
that possible.

This book has a range of examples. Many of them will suggest areas of maths you can explore. But
remember, they are just examples. Use the ideas to explore any new area of maths you are learning.
By the time of your exam you will be so skilled in using the calculator that it will be able to support
you quickly and powerfully in the exam itself.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

2. The Home Screen and the Toolkit

When you switch the calculator on, you would naturally

start in the Home screen H. (Press this key to make sure
you are there). Here you can do any type of calculation. Not
just arithmetic, but using matrices, summing sequences,
calculus, complex numbers and so on.

In fact there are two calculators. The Home calculator H

and the CAS calculator C. You can do calculations in
either but there are some important differences. In general,
if you want to find a numeric answer to a problem or you want an approximate (decimal) answer,
then use the Home calculator H. If you want a symbolic (algebraic) answer or an exact (fraction)
answer, then use the CAS calculator C. First, we will look at the Home calculator H.

Pressing the Toolkit key b gives the menu for all of the operations you can do on the Home
screen. Notice the different menus available. To start with, look at the math menu (touch Math
onscreen). This menu has several sub menus to explore. To find out how everything works, there is a
comprehensive help system. Choose the function you want. It will be entered in the command line.
Now press the Help key ^ to see what you need to enter and an example.

Using Numbers
You can decide how results are presented using S +
H. Notably you can set the angle mode and the
accuracy of results. Also, notice that you can change the
language that the calculator works in.

1
Calculate the inverse sin of 2 in the default mode (radians)
then change the setting to degrees. Tap your first entry and
press copy, press the Eagain. It will be re-evaluated
in Radians.

Experiment with different settings for accuracy. ‘Fixed’

allows you to set the number of decimal places.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

You can also calculate with complex (imaginary) numbers.

You enter 𝑖 using S+2

Enter 3 + 4𝑖 either directly or as (3,4). Decide which you

prefer in the settings menu. Use brackets to make the
calculation you intend clear.

Practice by entering a calculation, work out the answer you

expect, then press Enter, to check.

If you want a mathematical function which is not on the

keyboard, then you will find it with the toolkit key b.
For example, permutations and combinations. Think about
the category you would expect to find them under, or
search by name alphabetically.

In the toolkit, follow Math, then Probability. Or use Catlg

(catalogue) and press C (you do not need to press the Alpha
key first in this menu) and navigate down. Press Help ^
to tell you how the function works.

Work with the toolkit b and help ^ to explore the

vast range of functions available in HP Prime. In general the
functions in the Math menu are most suitable in the Home
calculatorH and those in the CAS menu in the CAS
calculator C (see below). However, many work in both,
so you should not restrict your exploration!

If you are doing Physics and/or Chemistry as well, then you will be tempted to check the Units and
Const menus as well. Press Units using shift + template S + c to find both menus. Here,
you will find a comprehensive set of important constants that scientists need to know. Also, if you
make calculations with units, the answer will be given in the correct units. This is very powerful for
scientific work. Explore the possibilities using compound units that you know. Again, enter a
calculation, decide what you think the answer should be, then press Enter E.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Template Entry
To enter a number of important and popular functions you can use the template key c

Let’s calculate the differential of 𝑥 3 at 𝑥 = 7. We know the differential is 3𝑥 2 , so at 𝑥 = 7 the result

should be 3 × 72 = 147.
Choose the differential. Use d and the 𝑥 𝑦 key to enter
the expression then press E.

You may get an odd answer here because X is a variable

value and works as a memory, so it will have been evaluated
with whatever value X has.

We wanted X=7, so we must say so. Enter 7 and press the

Sto button on the screen and Enter.

Now press on the differential you entered before and press

Copy (on screen), then E. Now we have evaluated
the differential at X=7

Now we get the answer we were expecting.

On the HP Prime there are templates for many mathematical functions. You should explore them
now and see that you can make them work as you would expect.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

3. The Computer Algebra System (CAS)

You have been using the home screen H which is the basic calculating screen. However, HP
Prime has another calculating screen which looks almost identical. Press the CAS key C to see.
Notice in the top left hand corner of the screen you will see CAS. Otherwise it looks just the same.

Number Calculations
Use the CAS when you want to work with symbolic algebra or when you want an exact answer. The
CAS will naturally report answers to calculations as fractions. A good example where this makes a
difference is working with logarithms. With the template key c choose the logarithm template.
Enter log 3 81 and press E.

1
Now try log 3 . You were expecting the answer -2 but
9
LN(9)
instead you get − LN(3) . This is because CAS shows you
the steps in the calculation. So, you can see it is using
the change of base formula. This can be very useful in
exploring how things work. However, if you just want
the answer, press simplif (for simplify).

Now try log 3 √3. You should know what outcome to

expect. Practice with logarithms with different bases.

Try these again in the Home calculator H to see the difference. Also, look for the LOG command
in the toolkit b.
Note: you can change how much the CAS simplifies when your press E in the CAS settings
S+C
Symbolic Operations
On the home screen we calculate the differential of 𝑥 3 .
Do this again in the CAS.

Make sure that CAS is showing in the top left corner.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

As before, use the template key c and choose the differential. Use d and the 𝑥 𝑦 key to
enter the expression then press E. Notice that d enters a lower case x. This is very
important. In CAS all variables are lower case. This
distinguishes them from the use of letters in the Home
screen, where letters are unknowns, which can be given
values.

In CAS the differential is evaluated symbolically.

You can now explore the differentials of a range of

functions and investigate the differences made by
changing functions.

Using the template key you can explore integrals too.

However, you need to set limits (from 0 up to X) which
works fine for polynomials, but needs some
interpretation for other functions.

Much better is to find the functions directly and enter

the correct parameters. Explore the range of functions
available in the toolkit b CAS menu. When you
select a function, press ^ to get details on how the
function works. Using the int() functions allows you to
integrate directly (but you must include the +C in your
written answer).

You should explore the integrals of functions. See what

effect making slight changes to the functions makes.

CAS is an extremely powerful tool for exploration and you should explore any new functions you are
studying in this way.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

4. Working with Apps

The home screen is where you do calculations. You can always get back to the home screen by
pressing the Home button H. Pretty much everything else happens through Apps. Press the
Apps key and scroll down the list. You will see most of your advanced level topics are covered. All of
the Apps work the same way. The Symb @ Plot # and Num $ keys show you the three
representations of all the maths you can explore with Apps. Symb is for the algebraic view, Plot
shows the graph view and Num shows the numeric or table view. Different Apps start in different
views according to the maths, for example graphing Apps start in Symb mode, so you can enter a
function, but Statistics Apps start in Num mode, so you can enter the data. The bar at the top of the
screen tells you which App is running at any time. If you start up a new App, all of your data from
the last App you were using is saved automatically and you can come back to it any time.

There are lots of settings/setup screens, so you need to decide what you want to set up.

The Home and CAS screens have their own settings for operations affecting the whole calculator.
The settings for any App can be found with Symb @ Plot # and Num $. These settings
only apply within the App you are running (shown in the bar at the top of the screen).

For example, if you want to fix the size of the axes on a

function plot. This is a change to the Plot. So, press
S+#. Notice that there are two pages of settings. On
page 2 you can turn the axes and the grid on and off.

Finally, you can change the way the screen is organised using
the View Vkey. For example, you can split the screen and
see the graph and a table of values at the same time.

There are four main types of Apps:

1. Function Apps (Blue). Here you enter the data or the

function without restriction. (Function, Parametric,
Polar and Sequence)

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

2. Solver Apps (Orange). Here you get fast solutions to

specifics types of problems. (Solve, Linear Solver,
Triangle Solver and Finance). You should particularly
explore the finance App which has built in functions for
interest and depreciation. Explore using them, then
work out how they work and do the calculations directly.
You can use the app to check you have been successful.

3. Explorer Apps (Green). Here you get a pre-configured

set up to make exploring specific situation easy. These
also contain tests to check your understanding.
(Quadratic Explorer, Trig Explorer and Linear Explorer)

4. The Advanced Apps: Advanced Graphing, Geometry and Spreadsheet.

Hints and Tips

 If you are stuck on a menu press the Esc & key to cancel the menu or the setting.
 Keep looking at the Help ^ screens to see how things work.
 You can save apps with your settings preserved and attach notes to remind yourself what
you were doing. Press SHIFT + Notes S + 0 to add notes. Then select the App using
the cursor in the Apps menu. Click Save and give it a new name. You can then share this with
anyone else, or indeed online.
 Install the connectivity software onto your computer. This way, the main operating system
of the calculator can be updated when changes become available, you can upload and
download Apps and you can type notes for your Apps or Programme your calculator much
more efficiently with a keyboard!
 HP calculator users are a great enthusiast community and there are additional Apps created
and being created for you to download and add to the functionality of your machine. So,
check regularly to see what is available, and of course, contribute yourself. Check at:
o www.hpgraphingcalc.org which is a general purpose support site
o www.calc-bank.com which has programmes and activities

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

5. Graphs and Functions

You will need to explore different
families of functions:
Exploring Linear Functions
It is very important that you are able to look at a function Polynomial functions
and have a good feel for the size, shape and position of the 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏
graph of that function. Your HP Prime is the perfect tool for 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
exploring functions. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑
(etc.)
In the first instance you should do this for functions of the
form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) using the Function App. Later on you may Trigonometric functions
need to do the same for polar functions, parametric 𝑓(𝑥) = sin(𝑥)
functions and sequence functions, depending on the topics
𝑓(𝑥) = cos(𝑥)
you are studying. There are Apps for all of these, but for
𝑓(𝑥) = tan(𝑥)
now, let’s focus on the Function App. Press the! key,
choose Function, press RESET and OK to confirm, then Reciprocal Functions
START. (This makes sure that previous settings are cleared). 1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
You should be very familiar with (linear) functions of the
form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐. You will know that these are straight Exponential Functions
line graphs and that they have a gradient of 𝑚 and they 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥
cross the 𝑦-axis at (0, 𝑐) which is called the 𝑦-intercept.

First you should make sure you know the relationship

between the gradients of linear functions whose graphs are:

 Parallel
 Perpendicular

Your calculator is ready to receive an input for a function 𝐹1(𝑥),

so try a simple Linear Function, say 𝐹1(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 1

Just type 3, press on screen for the X (or press the d key or
press A + *), then +, then 1, then press OK.

(Notice that the F1 now has a tick next to it, which means that
when we choose Plot or Num modes, F1 will show up. You can
touch the tick  to turn it on and off).

Try a function for F2 which will be parallel to F1. The cursor has
already moved down to F2, so you can type this directly. Now
press the Plot key to see if you are correct.

Press the @ key, make sure the cursor is on the F2 line and try
a new function for F2. Keep trying different functions until you are
sure you know the relationship between the gradients.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Now do the same thing for Linear functions whose

graphs are perpendicular.

I’m sure you knew the relationships already. But this will
have helped you get used to entering and changing
functions and looking at their graphs.

Quadratic Functions
Next, you should explore Quadratic functions. There are three standard ways of expressing a
quadratic function:

1. Polynomial: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐
2. Factorised: 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏)
3. Completed square: 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)2 + 𝑐

The first one is most familiar, but the factorised form gives the most information quickly (if the
quadratic can be factorised). The completed square form probably gives the most complete picture,
but the algebra involved in changing to this form is trickier. The important thing is that all three give
different insights into the nature of the function. Your
calculator will can do the algebra for you (using CAS), but
you should practice converting between these three
forms with pencil and paper.

Press !, select Function, then Reset/Ok/Start and

enter a function F1 in factorised form, say
𝐹1(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 5) press OK, then press Plot.

On screen, press Menu, then Fcn and select either Root

by pressing near it on screen.

Now move the cursor so it is closer to the second root (or

touching near it on screen). Now press Menu/Fcn/Root
again.

The relationship between the roots and the factorised

form is pretty clear. Try a few more examples to make
sure.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Now get a feel for the completed square form. Replace

your F1 with a function in completed square form, say
𝐹1(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)2 − 4 (use the 𝑥 2 key to enter the
‘squared’). Now look at the position of the minimum
point with Menu/Fcn/Extremum.
Also, check the positions of the roots as before.

You will need to do some exploration before you can be sure of the relationship between the roots,
the extremum and the values of 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 in 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)2 + 𝑐, so keep going until you are
quite sure. Then test your theory on new functions in this form.

Now you should be ready to take on the task of exploring the effect of changing 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 in the
form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 . Work on each one independently. The effect of changing the 𝑐 is quite
straightforward. The effect of changing the 𝑎 is a bit counter-intuitive. However, just changing the 𝑏
on its own is quite hard to describe. So, spend some time exploring until you are quite sure you have
a good theory that you can describe accurately and simply.

Polynomials
Now you should explore other functions. Firstly, get a feel for
cubic functions. Remember that different algebraic forms
give different insights into the nature of the function. It is
quite hard to imagine the graph of a cubic in the form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 3 + 𝑏𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 but much easier in the form
𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏)(𝑥 + 𝑐), so factorising first, if
possible, is always a good thing.

Try some quartic and quintic functions as well, to get a feeling for the differences between different
polynomial functions.

Other Functions
You should explore rational/reciprocal, trigonometric and
exponential functions in the same way. Then explore
composite functions (like 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 sin(𝑥) ) and the inverses of
functions.

When you have a good feel for the general shape and
position of these functions, you can explore how the graphs
of functions can be manipulated generally.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

1
For example, start with a reciprocal function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 and ensure that you can translate and stretch
it horizontally and vertically. Repeat with an exponential function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 and use
HOME/Sto/ALPHA/A to change the value of A.

Using the Explorer Apps

The Explorer Apps are great to test yourself when you feel ready. You only have Explorer Apps for
Linear, Quadratic and Trigonometric functions, but that will be good to test your understanding of
the transformations of graphs.
Press ! and select Quadratic Explorer.
Use the cursor to move the graphs up, down, left and
right and spread the graph in and out with the + and 
keys. Look at the effect this has on the function.

Work through the 4 levels of difficulty (LEV1 to LEV4) and

TEST yourself.

Now do the same with the Trig Explorer applet.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Piecewise functions
We can graph piecewise functions i.e. ones that are defined differently over different parts of their
domain.

For example, we can graph a function for which 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 when 𝑥 < 1 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 when 𝑥 ≥ 1

2𝑥 𝑥<1
We write this function as 𝑓(𝑥) = {
2 𝑥≥1

Press Apps and launch the Function applet.

(Reset/OK/Start)

For F1(X) you should use the template menu c and enter 2X then the domain X<2 using the
menu with S + cthen enter 2 with domain x1 and E

Finally press Plot to see the effect. You should explore setting up different piecewise functions.

To set up piecewise functions with more than 2 parts needs the PIECEWISE() function. However this
can only be used if the calculator is in algebraic entry mode. Go to settings H and on page 1
change the Entry mode to Algebraic (by default it is set to ‘Textbook’). Now go back to the Function
App Symb page and type e.g. PIECEWISE(X,X<1,2X,X=1,3X,X>1). It works with up to 8 parts like this.

To save typing, you can use the toolkit menu b and navigate to the PIECEWISE function.

Now you can make some very exciting multi-part functions.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

6. Solving Simultaneous Equation: Using Matrices

Mainly you will be using matrices for Linear Algebra. The Matrix Editor is opened with S
+4. Here you can create Matrices in a convenient way. You can also type matrices directly
onto the Home screen. When you have created a matrix,
you should store it as a variable like M1, M2 etc.

Let’s do a task. Solve the linear system:

2𝑥1 + 3𝑥2 − 5𝑥3 = 13

𝑥1 − 3𝑥2 + 8𝑥3 = −13
2𝑥1 − 2𝑥2 + 4𝑥3 = −6

Use the Matrix editor to enter the matrix of coefficients.

This matrix is already called M1 by the editor. Just press Edit to get started and use the cursor keys
and OK to enter each value. The Editor quickly works out the size of the matrix. When you are
finished, press Home.

To solve the problem above we pre-multiply the

solution matrix, by the inverse of the coefficients
matrix. So, create a second matrix M2 with the right
hand sides of the equations. This is a column matrix.

Use the matrix editor to enter M2.

Now we are ready to find the solutions …

On the Home screen type M1−1 × M2

(use the 𝑥 𝑦 key fand type −1)

So, we have solutions: 𝑥1 = 1, 𝑥2 = 2, 𝑥3 = −1

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Press the Toolkit key b to find the Matrix section of the Math menu to see the range of
operations we can apply to our matrix.

Entering the matrices can be a bit time consuming, but

when they are entered you have an enormous amount
that you can do with the matrices. So, now explore the
other matrix functions available on the Math menu.

You can find the determinant.

You can find inverse matrices (notice that M2 has no

inverse, so will generate a syntax error if you try this).

HP Prime shows the matrix in textbook format by

default.

You can find Eigen Values and Vectors and do row and
column operations. You should experiment to get a feel
for all of the available functions and operations.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

7. Sequences and Series

You will be very familiar with different continuous functions. You will have explored the relationship
between the function, its graph and tables of values. With your HP Prime you can get a feeling for
the variation in functions which are not continuous, by exploring sequences and series.

Look at a simple sequence: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, …

The first term is 3 and the rule is that each number is 2 more than the previous number (we have
𝑢1 = 3 and 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑢𝑛−1 + 2).

(You may know this as an arithmetic progression with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑑 = 2).

Let’s look at this with the sequence app.

Press!, select Sequence then Reset/OK/Start

U1 is a sequence. We can enter its first term U1(1), its

second term U1(2) and a rule for the 𝑛th term. You only
need to enter what is needed. The first and second terms
are not necessarily needed. In our case, we have a first
term and a rule.

Enter the first term U1(1)=3

Then navigate down to U1(N). Notice that onscreen

options have been added including (N-1) which we will
need.

Use this to enter 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑢𝑛−1 + 2 as U1(N)=U1(N-1)+2

Press $ to see the sequence.

I pressed F4 to turn off the BIG font so you can see more of
the sequence.

Use the down arrow to see even more.

Notice that using the up arrow will not allow us to go back

further than the first term, because we entered a value for
U1(1) saying that this is where the sequence starts.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Now press #to see what the sequence looks like

graphically.

Press S+#to see the plot setup options.

I have changed the plot type to Cobweb and increased the

end of the Y range (YRNG) to 50 to see more of the
sequence.

We have specified the sequence with a term-to-term rule. Now we can compare with a position to
term rule, i.e. a rule for the 𝑛th term.

The first term is three and the sequence is increasing by

two for each extra position so the position-to-term rule
must be 𝑢(𝑛) = 2(𝑛 − 1) + 3. Notice it must be 𝑛 − 1
because the first term has zero 2s added on.

Press @ and enter this rule as the second sequence

U2. Enter the rule as U2(N)=2(N-1)+3

Notice that when you do this U2(1) and U2(2) are greyed,
because with a position-to-term rule, any value can be
calculated, so the initial terms are irrelevant.

Press $and compare the sequences.

This provides an excellent platform to explore different

sequences and practice finding position-to-term rules to
match term-to-term rules.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Now that we know the position-to-term rule, we can find

values for the corresponding series.

To find 3+5+7+9+11, we are summing terms in the

sequence from 𝑛 = 1 to 𝑛 = 5

So, we find ∑51 2(𝑛 − 1) + 3

Use the template key c and choose the sum template.

Enter the values using A to enter the N.

Check that you agree with the result! (3+5+7+9+11 = 35)

You can easily change the values by using the cursor to

select the entry, then pressing Copy and editing. You should
explore the effect of making changes to the limits and to
the rule.

Explore the ∑ template in CAS. Use a variable to sum up

to.

You can easily explore more complicated sequences. An

excellent example would be Fibonacci sequences.

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …

Here, we know the first and second terms and a rule that
each term is the sum of the preceding two.

Relaunch the sequence applet and reset it, ready to enter

the new sequence.

We have U1(1)=1, U1(2)=1 and U1(N)=U1(N-1)+U1(N-2)

Check that it has worked by looking at the table by

pressing N.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Squares into Quarters: A Series Exploration

A square is divided into quarters and one quarter is shaded. A quarter

of the opposite unshaded quarter is shaded. A quarter of this quarter
is shaded and so on as shown. What fraction of the original square is
shaded?

1 1 1
If the original square has unit area, then the shaded part is + + +⋯
4 16 64

1 𝑛
That is, adding up the terms of the sequence with 𝑢𝑛 = ( )
4

So, see what happens to this value as 𝑛 increases.

1 𝑛
Enter ∑11 (4)

Press a↔b/c to see the outcome as a fraction.

Use the up arrow to COPY and EDIT the sum. Keep

increasing the last term to see how the sum is changing.
What value does it tend towards as the number of
terms increases?

Try to explain how you know that the shaded area must
be this fraction of the whole.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

8. Statistics: Probability Distributions and Inference

For statistical work, you should use the three statistics applets:

 1 variable statistics (for box plots, histograms etc. with central tendency and spread)
 2 variable statistics (for scatter plots, correlation and regression)
 Inference (for inferential statistics and confidence intervals)

Also, press Math and look at the following sub menus:

 Distribution (binomial, normal, poisson, etc.)

 Probability (permutations, combinations, random
numbers, etc.)

One Variable Data

Get started by entering some data for 2 single variable lists.

Apps/Statistics 1Var/Reset/OK/Start

For example, the ages of visitors to a swimming pool on

Friday are as follows:

{12, 13, 12, 12, 12, 12, 3, 38, 12, 13, 12, 13, 12, 12, 12, 13}
enter this under D1

… and on Saturday are as follows:

{3, 56, 23, 12, 14, 15, 7, 5, 35, 28, 17, 2, 6, 15, 21}
enter this under D2

Press Symb and change Plot 1 and Plot 2 from Histogram to

BoxWhisker (notice the wide range of other plot types …
experiment to see what they are like)

Also, enter D2 for the list associated with plot H2.

Press Plot (then Menu/Zoom/Autoscale) to compare the

two distributions.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Press Num and Stats to see the summary statistics.

Click OK to exit the STATS view.

For grouped data use one list e.g. D1 for the values and a second list for the frequencies e.g. D2.

For example, here is a distribution showing the sizes of mens’ shoes:

Size 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Frequency 7 13 21 35 39 28 21 8 1

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Two Variable Data

Start the 2 variable statistics applet: Apps/Statistics 2Var/RESET/OK/START

Enter some paired data, e.g. data comparing shoe size with handspan:
Shoe Size 6 9 11 9 10 12 9 7 5 12 9 7 8 9 4 8
Hand Span (cm) 18 23 25 22 26 27 24 23 19 28 21 22 20 24 19 20
Enter Shoe size as C1 and Handspan as C2

Press @and notice that the defualt is to plot C1

against C2 which is what we want.

Press Plot/Menu/Zoom/Autoscale to see a scatter plot

with the linear regression line, or simply drag the points
into view.

Pressing Fit on the Symb screen will turn the line on and
off.

Press $and Stats to see the summary statistics with

the correlation coefficient and covarience.

Notably, the correlation coefficient 𝑟 = 0.87 (t 2 d.p.)

shows a reasonably strong relationship.

Press OK to leave the stats screen.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Press @again and notice that the details for the regression line
are now shown.

The line is 𝑓(𝑥) = 1.14𝑥 + 12.9 (to 3 s.f.) and our 𝑥 values (i.e.
the first list) showed shoe size. This suggests a model of the
relationship between show size and handspan as:

𝐻 = 1.14𝑆 + 12.9 where 𝐻 =handpsan and 𝑆 = shoesize.

If we want to see if we would get a better fit with a different

model, then we can change the model with the Type options.
Navigate to the Type1 entry and choose Quadratic.

Press Num and Stats to calculate the statistics (many of which are
undefined in this new model) then press OK and press Symb again
to see the coefficients for the new model.

This gives us a new model of 𝐻 = 0.94𝑆 2 − 0.4𝑆 + 18.8 where

𝐻 =handpsan and 𝑆 = shoesize.

Press Plot to see the new model.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Confidence Intervals
We have some data about the shoe sizes of thirty female maths students. We want to use this data
to answer the question, “What is the mean shoe size for UK female maths students?”

Here we are using a sample to ‘infer’ something about the whole population. This is called inferential
statistics. The issue will be how confident we can be in the outcomes. We can say that with a given
level of probability, the mean will lie within a certain interval. At a 95% level of confidence, we can
calculate the range within which the mean will lie, with a probability of 0.95.

To do this, we need to know the mean and standard

deviation and the number of data values of the sample.

First, we enter the sample data into the 1 variable

statistics applet. Press !, choose Statistics 1Var then
Reset/OK/Start then enter the data into list D1

The data is: {2, 7, 6, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 4, 3, 5, 4, 4, 3, 5, 6, 6,

8, 6, 7, 8, 4, 3, 9, 5, 7, 6, 4}

Now start the inference applet:

Press !, choose Inference then Reset/OK/Start

Choose to change the Method to Confidence Interval and

the Type to T-Int 1

Press $ to get the statistics we entered earlier.

Press Import. Check that we will import list D1 from the

Statistics 1Var applet (which it will be expecting) and click
OK

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

You can now see the sample mean 𝑥, the sample standard
deviation 𝑠 and the number of sample data points 𝑛. You
need to ch ange the confidence interval C to 0.95

Press Calc to make the calculations.

This tells us that the probability is 0.95 that the shoe sizes
of the whole population will fall between 4.55 and 5.85 (to
2 d.p.)

Press # to see this graphically.

As usual, experiment! See what impact changing the confidence interval has. Look at the other tests
available. Research them. See what difference they make.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

9. Calculus
It is important to remember that the HP Prime has both numeric and symbolic modes. This section
lets you explore how calculus works using the numeric mode.

Differentiation
Let’s explore the differential of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . The differential is the function which gives values of the
slope of the original function at all values of 𝑥.

Open and reset the Function applet:

Apps/Function/Reset/OK/Start

Enter the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2

Press # to see the graph.

Make sure that Trace is on (the little dot is showing next

to Trace) and move the cursor to the furthest right hand/positive end of the visible graph. Now press
Fcn and choose Slope.

Before you move the cursor, guess what the slope values will be as you move the cursor to the left
hand/negative end of the visible graph. When you have formed a good idea, move the cursor and
see.

Look to see the relationship between the value of the

slope and the value of 𝑥. (It is easiest to see at key
points like the one shown where the slope is 4 and you
can see the value of 𝑥 is 2).

You can see the relationship more clearly by splitting

the screen. Press %. Choose the second option
(Split Screen: Plot table).

Press Fcn and choose slope, then choose another value

of 𝑥 in the table and find the slope.

Jot down the pairs of values if 𝑥 and the corresponding

slopes that you have found and decide what function
shows the relationship between 𝑥 and the slope. Go
back to the Symb page and enter this function for
F2(X). Press Num and check that the values for F2(X)
are the same as the ones you jotted down.

Repeat this process with a range of functions. The sine function is very interesting. Make slight
changes to the functions and see what difference it makes.
(e.g. change 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 to 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 1)
Get a good feel for the differential functions generated by different types of functions.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Integration
You can apply the same process to get a feel for the integral function. This time we are looking at the
area under the graph.
Launch and reset the function applet.
Enter the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 and Plot it.
Press Menu then Fcn and select Signed area. The cursor will already be at the origin, if not, move it
there. Press OK. Now move the cursor to 𝑥 = 1 and click OK.
Now repeat the process starting from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 2 … then from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 3

Writing the values as fractions makes things clearer:

𝑥 0 1 2 3
Area from 1 8 27
0
0 to 𝑥 3 3 3

Decide what you think the area function (the integral) is,
Press @ and enter it as F2(X). Press $ and check
that this generates the same values.

Press # and TRACE over F2(X) to check.

Again, do this with different types of functions. Make small

changes to existing functions. The aim is to get a feeling for
how the area function varies. To be able to work out
exactly what the function is from this small amount of data
would be very difficult for most functions. But the key point
is to experiment and get that all important feeling for how
calculus works.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

10: Identities. Sometimes True, Always True, Never True

If we look at the statement 3𝑥 + 1 = 16 we can say immediately that this is true only when 𝑥 = 5.
Compare that to the statement 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 5𝑥. That is true for any value of 𝑥. It doesn’t matter what
𝑥 is, 2 times a number plus 3 times the same number is always the same as five times that number.
Now compare with the statement sin(𝑥) = 2. There is no value of 𝑥 where sin(𝑥) = 2 because the
values of sin(𝑥) are always between negative and positive one.

So:

 3𝑥 + 1 = 16 is sometimes true … in fact true in one

instance 𝑥 = 5
 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 5𝑥 is always true … it is true for all 𝑥
 sin(𝑥) = 2 is never true.
See what happens when we type these statements into the
Advanced Graphing App in HP Prime.

1. Click !
2. Select Advanced Graphing
3. Type the statement into the line for S1
4. Click #
5. Press Menu then Defn (you can drag the graph into a
more suitable position if you like)
6. Click @ to edit the statement, press backspace to
delete, then type the next statement and continue as
before.
The graph for 3𝑥 + 1 = 16 is a graph of 𝑥 = 5. These two statements are the same. The solution is
𝑥=5

The graph of 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 5𝑥 is everything. It is always true.

The graph of sin(𝑥) = 2 is nothing. It is never true.

Mathematically we are very interested in situations of the first

two types. An equation which is always true is called an
identity. Essentially the statements are identical. Equations
which are sometimes true have solutions and we are
interested to know which equations have solutions and how
many they might have.

In both cases we can take the statement

and manipulate the algebra to see if we Note: Just because the screen shows all, some or none
can find statements which are solutions or shaded does not prove that these are the only outcomes, just
are identical. in the range that the screen is showing. You could zoom out
(press the – key a few times, which is more convincing, but
For 3𝑥 + 1 = 16 the solution is 𝑥 = 5 you cannot see an infinite range!) Nonetheless this gives a
very good visual indication.
But 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 5𝑥 is always true so it is an
identity. We write it: 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 ≡ 5𝑥

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Activity 1
Test these statements with the Advanced Graphing App. Are they sometimes, always or never true?
In each case, if it is sometimes true, what is/are the solution(s)? If it is always true, then the
statement is an identity, so re-write it with the identity symbol. If it is never true, explain why.

1. 2sin(𝑥) = 2 (remember the calculator is probably set to radians)

2. 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 6
3. 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 − 6 Note: In written algebra when we
1 write 𝑥𝑦 we mean 𝑥 × 𝑦. However,
4. 𝑥+2 = 0
1 𝑥𝑦 is a perfectly good name for a
5. 𝑥+2 = 1
single variable and so there is a
6. 5𝑥(𝑥 − 3) + 2(𝑥 + 1) = 5𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 + 2
7. 3𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑥 = 𝑥𝑦 possible confusion. In computer
2 2
8. 𝑥 − 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 − 𝑦) systems you should always type 𝑥 ×
2 𝑦 i.e. X*Y
9. 𝑥 + 6 = 𝑦 − 5𝑥
10. (𝑥 − 1)2 = 4 − 𝑦 2
We hope that you noticed that with one variable (just 𝑥), ‘sometimes true’ gave one or more
solutions. However, with both variables involved (𝑥 and 𝑦) ‘sometimes true’ gave a relationship. One
was a circle, one was a parabola. With one statement on its own we have three types of outcome:

1. An equation with (or without) solutions;

2. An identity;
3. A relationship (most generally called mapping).

Activity 2
Use the advanced graphing App to construct your own examples in each of these three categories.

Equation
Identity Mapping
With solution(s) Without solution(s)

Extend the table as you explore.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

11: Parametric Functions: Exploring Projectiles

We can set up graphs with variable coefficients. In this way we can explore the effect of changing
the coefficients. A good example of this is to graph a general projectile.

We know the horizontal equation of motion is 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝐴)

The vertical equation is 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝐴) − 0.5𝑔𝑡 2

Where 𝑢 is the initial velocity, A the angle of projection, 𝑔 acceleration due to gravity and 𝑡 the time
taken.
So, we have two parametric equations with parameter 𝑡

First, we enter the equations: (note that T is the parameter so you can use the d key).

Press !, find Parametric, press Reset/OK/Start

For X1(T) type A U  T  COS(A A) then OK

For Y1(T) type A U  T  SIN(A A)  0.5  A G  T

l then OK

If you press Plot now, you will see nothing, since the value of
all of the variables defaults to zero. So, we assign values to the
variables. First, we will take 𝑔 = 9.8

Press H, type 9.8 press STO A G E

Now choose some sensible values for the other variables,

(say):

30 STO A A E

5 STO A U E

Press S+ H Settings and set the Angle Measure to

degrees.

Now press Plot again.

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

Use TRACE to find key points in the motion. For example find
the time at the highest point and when the projectile lands
again. You can pinch and scroll to zoom in on these points.
We can go back to the original zoom level using
Menu/Zoom/Decimal.
Having set this up you can now explore changing the
variables. How much difference does it make if we double
the initial angle?

Press H and 60 STO A A E, then Plot.

Two Projectiles
Now we can add a second projectile to explore when and where projectiles may meet. We can allow
for the possibility that either starts at a different height by
adding another variable to the vertical equation.

Press @ . Make sure the cursor in the line for X1(T) and press
Edit. Use the cursor to move to the beginning of the equation
and add H+ to make the equation Y1(T)=H+U*T*SIN(A)-.5*G*T²
and press OK

Now enter X2(T)=V*T*COS(B) and Y2(T)=J+V*T*SIN(B)-.5*G*T²

(You can use Copy, Paste and Edit, or you can just type directly).

On the home screen set initial values as before. I would

recommend starting with the same values for the second
projectile as you have for the first, but setting J=1 which is the
initial height of the second projectile.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

Press Plot to see the paths of the two projectiles.

Now explore:

What initial angle for the second projectile is sufficient for it to

meet the first projectile before they hit the ground?

(Keep returning to the home screen and trying new values for B
using e.g. 40 STO A B E)

Click on the point of intersection to position the cursor, then

use the + key to zoom in. Now you can see the position and
time of intersection to any level of accuracy you like. (Press
Menu if you cannot see the values because the menu items are
in the way). Also, use S+H and change the Number
Format to (e.g.) Fixed 3 to see the values clearly.

Note: If you want to return to the initial screen view: press

Menu, then Zoom, scroll down to find Decimal and press that.

Experiment to find the value of B which makes the collision exactly on the ground.

Inclined Planes

You can also add an inclined plane to your model.

Press @ and enter X3(T)=T and Y3(T)=K*T

In the home screen set a gradient for the plane e.g. K=0.2 using

0.2 STO A K E

You can now explore the interrelationship between the

variables:

Remember:

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

U and V are the initial speed and A and B the angle of projection of the two projectiles.

H and J are the initial height above the ground for the two projectiles.

G is acceleration due to gravity for both projectiles.

K is the gradient of the inclined plane.

One final parameter you can explore in your model is time. This is the parameter T which links the
two parametric equations, so it is an independent variable. You will have noticed that the inclined
plane does not extend to the end of the screen. This is because the domain for T is pre-set, so the
calculator does not have to calculate too many values of X and Y. Pressing S+#gives access
to this setting. The range of T (T Rng) is initial set form 0 to 12. We can see what happens if we go
back in time by changing the initial setting to -12. (Use the +/- key m not the subtract key)

Be careful not to set the range too large or the graph will take
some time to draw.

Now press # to see the outcome.

You now have a model with two projectiles with variable initial
height and a variable inclined plane able to move in positive
and negative time.

Create your own problems varying these parameters looking

at the time and position of collisions between the projectiles
themselves and the projectiles and the ground with varying
conditions.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

12 Using Your HP Prime in IBO Diploma Exams

It is important to be aware that you are allowed to use your HP Prime in the IBO diploma examinations.
So, you should practice using your calculator when you prepare for your exams. There are certain
functions which are not allowed in the Exam and your teachers will be responsible for making sure
that your calculator complies with the rules. The most important restriction is that CAS functions are
not allowed, however, many other facilities need to be turned off as well.

So, when you are getting ready for your exam and practicing with past papers, we would recommend
that you set your calculator as it must be in the exam. To do this, you set an exam mode. A VERY
important point to note is that if you set a password protected exam mode and forget the password,
then your calculator will be permanently set. BEWARE!

To set the exam mode:

Press S+ H and navigate to page 3.

In the exam the following options must be ticked.
 Erase memory:
 Blink LED:
However, there is no need to do this when you are
practicing.

Now press Config and select options to select (and therefore block) as follows.
Press the + next to system Apps to show more options. Then the + next to Statistics 2Var.
Now select:
 PredX
 PredY

… scroll down to …
 Linear Solver
 Triangle Solver
 Linear Explorer
 Quadratic Explorer
 Trig Explorer
 Geometry
 Advanced Graphing

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 IB Maths Activities HP Prime

… scroll down to …
 User Apps
 Physics
 CAS
 Notes and Programs
 New Notes and Programs

Scroll down and press the + next to Mathematics.

Then the + next to Matrix, then next to vector.
 Vector
 CROSS
 DOT

Then press OK.

You can choose how long you want the exam mode to
last with the Timeout option. Choose a short period of
time. DO NOT set a password. Now press Start and the
exam mode will start. You know you are in exam mode
because the top of the screen is now orange.

The exam mode will automatically switch off after the

time you chose. (You can only turn the exam mode off
before this time if you set a password).

HP Prime is an amazingly powerful tool. If you are well practiced and used to using it in exam
conditons working with exam questions, then you are sure to find it very helpful. But, do not forget,
it will not answer the questions for you, it will simply support you to be an effective mathematician
and to free up some thinking space. So, work hard at your maths and you will be successful. We wish
you the very best for your International Baccalaureate Diploma with advanced Maths exams and
your future work in mathematics.

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Exploring IB Maths at Diploma Level

For further information and educational support contact:

The Maths Zone

10 Staplehurst Road

London

SE13 5NB

T: (+44) (0)20 8318 6380

F: (+44) (0)20 8318 6610

[email protected]

www.themathszone.co.uk

www.hpgraphingcalc.org

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