I dropped my calculator on the floor and i think it's broken.

TI calculators have an annoying habit of dimming the screen when the batteries are changed so that it appears as if the calculator isn't turning on. Turn the calculator on (or at least press the ON key). Press and release the 2ND key. Press and hold the Up-arrow key for a few seconds and see whether the screen becomes legible.If this doesn't do it please reply to this post and we'll go on from there.

TI calculators have an annoying habit of dimming the screen when the batteries are changed so that it appears as if the calculator isn't turning on. Turn the calculator on (or at least press the ON key). Press and release the 2ND key. Press and hold the Up-arrow key for a few seconds and see whether the screen becomes legible.
If this doesn't do it, please reply to this post and we'll go on from there.

If you have lines running through the screen that don't move regardless of what is being done on the calculator, then the screen is most likely broken. This can happen from an external shock like dropping it, or sitting on it. It can also be caused by the calculator being bent.

Sorry for the bad news.
John Vickers

try taking out the triple A batteries and leaving the calculator to sit with them out for a minute or so, replace them and check if it's fixed. If that doesn't work you can do the same, but take out the small button back up battery as well. If you're still not having luck you should call ti cares (800-842-2737) they're usually helpful.

The calculator can't identify that this is a surd unless you input it as a surd, ie as 3/(4*sqrt(5))= when it will then show the equivalent form 3*sqrt(5)/20 (obtained by multiplying top and bottom by sqrt(5)) and you can swap between the two forms using the S<>D button. Even adding the next 4 decimal places (hidden) won't allow the calculator to identify the underlying surd as this is simply too complcated a calculation.

your screen is broken or a wire is disconnected, there is no easy way as it's a problem with the hardware.

First try removing all four AAA batteries and the small lithium backup battery (above the four AAA batteries). Leave all batteries out for five minutes, then replace them and try to start the calculator. If this doesn't work...

Replace all but 1 AAA battery. Press and hold the "CLEAR" button on the calculator. While holding the "CLEAR" button down, replace the missing AAA battery. While still holding the "CLEAR" button, turn the calculator on. The display should read "RAM Cleared". Release the "CLEAR" button and press again to remove the message.

If that doesn't work, remove 1 AAA battery again. Repeat the preceding instructions with the "DEL" key: With the battery removed, press and hold the "DEL" key. With the "DEL" key held down, replace the battery and turn the calculator on. The screen should say "Waiting... Please install calculator software now." Release the "DEL" key. Download this program onto your computer (from Texas Instruments). Connect the calculator to the computer using the USB cable provided with purchase. Run the TI OSDownloader program and follow the on-screen instructions to re-install the calculator's operating system.

The F1 key is activated by pressing the alpha (green button) and then the f1 key. If that doesn't work then your calculator may be broken and you might want to check with your warranty to get a new one.
As for the exponent key you can do this by pressing the ^ key and then placing parentheses around the two digit exponent. An example for 2 to the tenth power would be: 2^(10)

Are you sure the calculator turns on? Try using fresh batteries, or try removing and reinserting the batteries and see if you get the same result.
Do you see anything at all when you turn the calculator on? Try pressing '2nd', then 'QUIT' (MODE) a few times.
Did you do anything that you think might have broken the calculator?

If you are lucky, you might just have dislodged the batteries. Verify that contact is made correctly. Then adjust the screen contrast.
Turn calculator ON (Just press the ON key once)
Press '2nd' button and release it.
Press and HOLD the 'UpArrow' key.
Keep pressing the arrow key until the screen darkens.

You can try other procedures described on this very website. Look for questions I posted answers to.

If that fails to restore your calculator, you should contact TI at the address [email protected]