Graph550 Help

Download

Download Graph550 in dmg format.

Description

Graph550 is a program to graph mathematical equations. Simply input a specially formatted equation, and it will graph it for you. It currently supports functions specified in terms of x, functions specified in terms of y, and parameterized equations. It also allows for precisely determining the view, and control of how the function is graphed. Once you create a graph, you can print it out, or export it to PDF, PostScript, or TIFF format.

Order of Operations

The standard mathematical order of operations. The following list is ordered from what takes highest priority to what takes lowest priority:

Number (floating point number, e, PI)
Variable (x, y, t, or n)
Parenthesis (innermost parenthesis evaluated first)
Function (See list of Built-in Functions)
Exponent (a^b raises a to the b-th power, use powers less than one for roots)
Multiplication (*, c(f(t)), (f(t))c, (f(t))(g(t)))
Division (/, a/b/c=(a/b)/c)
Opposite (-a)
Addition (+)
Subtraction (-)
Parameterized Equation Separator (x(t),y(t))

So the function e^(sin(2t)+t)+t^2 takes t, multiplies it by two, takes the sine of that, adds t, raises e to that power, and finally adds t squared to the result. So if t was equal to 0, the result would be e^(sin(2*0)+0)+0^2=e^(sin(0))+0=e^0=1. Note the combining of different operations, and the use of parenthesis. All named functions such as sin(t) require parenthesis, and you must use a * to multiply a variable by a function. Finally, in order to get the value pi, simply type option-p.

Simple Equations

The simplest functions are those in terms of x or y. Do not type 'y=' or 'x=' when you input a function of this type. If you type a function in terms of x, it will assume you want the result graphed on the y axis, and vice-versa if you type a function terms of y. Make sure to only use one variable per equation.

Parameterized Equations

These equations let you define x and y in terms of a third variable t. Type (x(t),y(t)), where x(t) is a function in terms of t corresponding to x and y(t) is a function in terms of t corresponding to y. For example, (cos(t),sin(t)) graphs a circle. Make sure all functions are in terms of t, and there are no x's or y's. If you wish to do a function in terms of r and theta, think of it as a function like r(t) and type (r(t)cos(t),r(t)sin(t)). Note that the variable n can be used in any of these functions.

Graph Viewport

To move around the graph, drag the view around. Otherwise, select "Show Advanced Drawer" in the View menu. The "Center X" and "Center Y" fields specifies the point you want the center of the graph to be at. "Width" and "Height" set how many units you want to see widthwise and heightwise, respectively. These effectively allow you to set a zoom level. Alternatively you can zoom with the "Zoom Level" slider, which allows you to zoom from a width and height of .001 to a width and height of 3,000. It adjusts exponentially.

Variation

You can add a "variation" variable n to any function. This takes a fixed value during each graphing, but can be changed at will. Use the "Variation" field to set n to a certain value and graph, or use the variation slider to continuously change the value of n.

Other Advanced Options

"Start" and "End" are used in parameterized equations. They correspond to the starting t value and the ending t value. For example, if you graph the circle (cos(t),sin(t)) and have start equal to zero and end equal to 3.1415, it will graph the upper half of a circle. "Function Color" lets you change the color of the function. "Increment" allows you to change how close the points of graphing are to each other. Usually this can be left alone, but certain functions will be graphed drastically different based on this value. The lower it is, the more precise the graph, but the slower the graphing process. Finally, if you want to see a list of built-in functions, select "Built-in Functions" from the "Help" menu.

Software License

Graph550 is what I like to call "Feature Request Ware". The idea is to give people a fully functioning product, with no annoying popups. But as I'm busy with class and work, I don't have time to add all the features people would want. So basically, if you really want a feature, you can "donate" money to help fund development. Whichever suggestion is the one I'm most likely to develop. To make a feature request, just email me. I haven't decided on a payment method; Pay Pal won't work because I've heard there are a lot of issues related to it. If I ever decide to go to a different license, anyone who donates will be guaranteed lifetime license.

Graph550 is produced by Five Fifty Software. It is still a beta, and as such is in need of many improvements. Please e-mail suggestions.

The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.