What this tool does
The Graph Plotter lets you visualize mathematical functions on an interactive coordinate plane. Type any equation using x as the variable and see the curve drawn instantly. You can plot up to five functions simultaneously, each rendered in a distinct color so they are easy to compare. The coordinate plane includes grid lines, labeled axes, and tick marks for orientation. Zoom in to examine fine detail or zoom out to see the big picture, and click-drag to pan across the plane.
Supported expressions
The plotter accepts standard math notation with x as the independent variable:
- **Arithmetic:** +, -, *, / and ^ for exponentiation - **Trigonometric:** sin(x), cos(x), tan(x) - **Other functions:** abs(x), sqrt(x), log(x) (base 10), ln(x) (natural log), exp(x) - **Constants:** pi and e - **Implicit multiplication:** 2x is treated as 2*x, and 3sin(x) as 3*sin(x)
You can also prefix your expression with y= or f(x)= and the plotter will strip it automatically.
Who should use this
- **Students** studying algebra, trigonometry, or calculus who need to visualize homework problems - **Teachers** preparing classroom demonstrations of function behavior - **Engineers** exploring curves and waveforms for signal analysis or control systems - **Hobbyists** curious about how different equations produce different shapes - **Anyone** who wants a quick, browser-based graphing calculator without installing software
How to use
1. Type your expression in the input field (for example, sin(x) or x^2-4). 2. Press Enter or click Add to plot the function. 3. Use the preset buttons to quickly add common functions. 4. Zoom in or out with the buttons or scroll your mouse wheel over the graph. 5. Click and drag on the graph to pan the view. 6. To remove a function, click the delete button next to it in the Active Functions list. 7. Click Reset to return to the default view of -10 to 10 on both axes.
Worked examples
**Example 1 -- Parabola:** Enter x^2 to plot a standard upward-opening parabola. The vertex sits at the origin (0, 0) and the curve passes through (1, 1), (2, 4), and (-2, 4).
**Example 2 -- Sine wave:** Enter sin(x) to see one full period of the sine wave between roughly -3.14 and 3.14, oscillating between -1 and 1.
**Example 3 -- Comparing functions:** Add both x^2 and sin(x) at the same time. Notice how the parabola grows much faster than the sine wave as x moves away from zero.
**Example 4 -- Rational function:** Enter 1/x to see the hyperbola with vertical asymptote at x = 0. The plotter automatically breaks the line where the function is undefined.
FAQs
Q: Why does my function show a gap or broken line? A: Gaps appear where the function is undefined or produces infinity. For example, 1/x has a vertical asymptote at x = 0, and tan(x) has asymptotes at odd multiples of pi/2. The plotter intentionally breaks the line at these points to avoid misleading vertical strokes.
Q: Can I plot implicit equations like x^2 + y^2 = 1? A: This tool plots explicit functions of the form y = f(x) only. For circles and other implicit curves, you would need to solve for y first. For example, a unit circle upper half can be plotted as sqrt(1 - x^2).
Q: How do I enter negative exponents or fractions? A: Use parentheses for clarity. For x to the negative 2, type x^(-2). For a fraction like (x+1)/(x-1), wrap each part in parentheses.
Q: Does the tool support polar or parametric equations? A: Not currently. The plotter handles Cartesian y = f(x) functions. Polar and parametric modes may be added in the future.
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