Expert: Scott A Wilson - 1/22/2010

Question
Can you tell me how to solve a problem like this step by step:

When x=3 and y=5, by how much does the value of 3x^2 - 2y exceed the value of 2x^2 - 3y

and is it possible to do these type of problems on a TI calculator, and if so, how?

Answer
It is known the 3² = 9 and 5² = 25.
Using these, the values of the above equations can be seen.
They are 3*9 - 2*5 = 27 - 10 = 17 and 2*9 - 3*5 = 18 - 15 = 3.

Is that a TI reverse polish calculator?
3<enter>(x²)
3*
5<enter>
2*-
That, I believe, is what 3*3² - 2(5).

The other would be
2<enter>(x²)
2*
3<enter>
5*-
and that should be the other one.

It has been awhile since I used a calculator.  In fact, its been over 10 years ... at least.