Even though they have a plethora of capabilities, the most important ability of a graphing calculator is still the first, graphing.
Despite this being the most critical feature, many students still do not utilize the window capabilities, which is not acceptable.
First, one must understand how the graphing capabilities work on a calculator.
Regardless of whether use a TI-73 or a Casio Prizm, it will be practically the same.
The calculator is really simply trying to plot points.
At an interval that you select, say every.
1, the calculator plugs in an x value to get a y value and then starts drawing those points.
Unfortunately, the calculator doesn't really know where the points should be drawn.
Most simply begin by using a screen that displays somewhere around all the x's and y's between about -10 and 10.
That's great for certain functions.
Many lines, quadratic equations, and conics are going to be fine with this regular viewing window.
On the contrary, there are plenty of number of equations like trig functions, exponential functions, even some of the heretofore mentioned equations that won't look good with that window.
So when your function doesn't look right in the normal window, how can you fix it? One possibility is to manually improve the window settings.
When you improve the window settings manually, you have complete control over them.
It can be hard to find exactly which dimensions are best for your equation.
One calculation that can help is to find the zeroes.
If you set the maximum x and y about of twenty five percent of the intercepts, you should have a pretty good viewing window.
If it still looks "weird", don't give up. Try multiplying your dimensions by two.
On the other hand, you could multiply by one half. Oftentimes, a bit of experimentation can really help. If that still doesn't do the trick, there are other options to let the calculator solve the problem itself.
Nearly all graphing calculators highlight a zoom option.
The zoom option is not one zoom but numerous zooms. If there is a zoom box feature, you can use that to create a box on the screen and have the calculator just zoom in on that box. Another option is zoom square.
This will set your window up to make equations show up as they actually do, not distorted despite the fact that many calculators are not square.
If you are working on a trigonometry function, look to see if there is zoom trig capability. Zoom trig will even adjust to whether you are using degrees or radians.
It'll set the dimensions from 2 pi to -2 pi or 360 to -360 as needed.
If nothing else works, some calculators have a zoom fit option.
This will use the calculator's best attempt to get the equation to fit on the screen in an accurate and simple to read way.
To conclude, if you need to be a brilliant student in math with a graphing calculator, you need to be aware of the window capabilities with your calculator.
They make algebra less difficult to get the hang of, and they offer higher awareness into how your equations work.
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