Dynamic Calculus

Home > Curve sketching and problems on maxima and minima

A simplified curve-sketcher

The applet below is a simplified version of the GeoGebra software and may be used to sketch a variety of functions and their derivatives. Instructions on how to draw the graph of a polynomial function and its derivative are at the bottom of this page.
[You can reset the applet at any time by clicking the 'circular arrows' icon in the top right corner]

 

 

To enter a function (for example \(f(x) = {x^2}\) use the following as a guide.

1. In the 'input' field on the side of the applet, type:
   f=x
   then click the ⬚² button at the bottom of the page.
   (Alternatively, type f=x^2 then hit Enter).
   The equation \(f(x) = {x^2}\) should appear where you entered the function and the graph of the function should appear on the drawing pad.
2. To change the equation of the function, click on the equation in the algebra window, make the desired changes and then hit Enter. The altered function will be drawn automatically.
3. To zoom in, click the 'Zoom in' (+ magnifier) icon at the bottom of the applet.
   (To zoom out click the 'Zoom out' (- magnifier) icon and follow the same procedure.)
4. To reposition the view, click and drag on the drawing pad and move it to the desired position.
5. To automatically draw the derived function, type the following command into the input field:
   Derivative[f]
   (Alternatively, click on the f(x) tab, select \(\frac{d}{{dx}}\) and type f)

NOTES:

1. More than one function may be entered onscreen by using different letters as 'names'. For example, the equation in (1) above could have been entered as:
   g=2x+1
   The derivative would then be found by entering the command:
   Derivative[g]
2. A full version of the GeoGebra software can be downloaded by following the link at the bottom of this page.

State of New South Wales, Department of Education and Training 2008, Created with GeoGebra