Graphers Simple graphing tools

Entering Parametric Equations | Syntax

Cartesian

To graph a parametric curve represented by a function, for example, p(t) = (x(t), y(t)) = (sin(t), cos(t)) for -π < t < π or equvalently, by the equations x(t) = sin(t) y(t) = cos(t) -π < t < π type in (sin(t), cos(t)) domain=(-pi, pi)

If you don't specify a domain, the graphing calculator appends (0, 2π) to the parametric expression after pressing Draw Graph or Enter. It can then conveniently be modified if needed.

You can also use the key combination Ctrl+P or Alt+P for π.

Polar

To graph a parametric curve represented by a function p(t) = (x(t), y(t)) = (sin(t), cos(t)) for -π < t < π or equvalently, by the equations x(t) = sin(t) y(t) = cos(t) -π < t < π type in (sin(t), cos(t)) domain=(-pi, pi)

You can also use the key combination Ctrl+P or Alt+P for π.

If you don't specify a domain, the graphing calculator appends (0, 2π) to the expression after pressing Draw Graph or Enter. It can then conveniently be modified if needed.

Note: You can use any numeric (constant) expression such as 1.5+2e+log(10)/2 for domain end-points.

Warning: When graphing functions in polar coordinate system or when graphing parametric curves do not use very large domain intervals as this might prolong the graphing time. Also, in these cases, do not use infinity as a domain end-point. If you do, it will be replaced by some finite values.

When you use the Animate options (other than none ), the graph(s) are drawn slowly according to the graphing speed you have selected. It helps to visualize where the graph(s) start and traced when graphing in polar coordinate system or graphing parametric curves. In general, you use slower speeds when the graph has large loops or many loops. This option does not work on some Mac operating systems and with such systems you are better off if you select none to save graphing time.