Before the applet loads in a separate window, please at least read the directions on how to use the applet. If you are confused by the interface, please read "Learning the Interface" below. If you're wondering why this applet exists, please read "Uses of this Applet" below.

NOTE: This applet has been tested to work under Netscape Communicator/Navigator 4.x correctly. However, Microsoft Internet Explorer users must turn their Java JIT (just-in-time) compiler off for proper operation because of Microsoft's poor implementation of Java.

How to Use This Applet

1. Choose x or y from the Variable choice box.
2. Enter or modify the Domain text field with your [a, b] interval value leaving a space between the two values. You can ONLY have exactly two numbers. Otherwise, you will get an error.
3. Enter or modify the function f in the f text field making sure to use the variable you selected in the Variable choice box.
4. Enter or modify the function g in the g text field making sure to use the variable you selected in the Variable choice box.
• Common Calculus functions are possible. Regular trigonometric functions such as sin(x) are available, the natural log is represented by ln(x), and e^x is represented by exp(x).
• Mathematical operations require a specific syntax when input. For example, the square root is sqrt(x), exponents are denoted by the use of a carat (i.e. for x³ is x^3), absolute values are entered abs(x), and a multiplication symbol is necessary between coefficients and variables (i.e. 2x is 2*x).
5. Enter or modify the number of points text field with the number of points you want plotted. (more points make the graph look smoother)
6. Click on the Graph button!

-or-

1. Choose an example from the menubar
2. Click on the Graph button!

Uses of this Applet

This applet allows you to graph two functions on either the x-axis or y-axis. This allows one to see how a derivative compares to the original function or aids in visualizing a three-dimensional shape by showing a cross section before rotation.

Learning the Interface

Examples - Located on the gray menubar near the top of the applet window, there are 5 examples. The first is the default, the second is a cross section example, the third is a derivative comparison example, the fourth is another cross section example, and the fifth is an example that looks like a tornado.

Graphing Area - The large white space surrounded by a red border in the upper region of the window is where the graph of the two functions, the maximum values, the minimum values, and an axis are drawn. There are two colors, red for the f function and blue for the g function.

Variable Choice Box - This box allows you via a mouse click or up and down cursor keys to choose either x or y as your functions' variable.

Domain Text Field - This text field holds the domain, the interval [a, b] for your graph. When plotting with a variable of x, the domain of the graph will restrict the function between the interval [a, b] on the x-axis. When plotting with a variable of y, the domain of the grpah will restrict the functions between the interval [a, b] on the y-axis.

f Text Field - This text field holds the equation for the f function in red.

g Text Field - This text field holds the equation for the g function in blue.

# of pts. Text Field - This text field holds the number of equally spaced points that the applet will draw straight lines between. The more points, the smoother looking the graph, but it will take more time.

Graph Button - This yellow "Graph" button, when clicked, will graph the two functions.