The TI-84 series of graphing calculators offers a built-in function for computing cumulative probabilities associated with the standard normal distribution. This function determines the probability that a random variable, following a standard normal distribution (mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1), will fall below a specified value. For example, it can calculate the probability of a standard normal variable being less than 1.96.
This calculator feature provides significant utility in statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. It eliminates the need for manually consulting statistical tables or performing complex integrations, thereby increasing efficiency and accuracy in probability calculations. The inclusion of this function in the TI-84 is a direct result of the device’s design as an educational tool for statistics coursework, supporting students in performing and understanding fundamental statistical computations without cumbersome methods.