The standard way to graph curves in 2D is to graph y as a function of
x. The Cartesian Grapher applet asks for an xWindow and yWindow to give
a viewing window. The user may define two functions f(x) and g(x)
to graph. The default function for g(x) is the difference quotient for
f(x),
approximating its derivative. The applet also plots points
corresponding to x0. A readout box gives the value of f(x0) and
g(x0).
The second way to graph in 2D is with parametric curves. The
Parametric Grapher applet asks for an xWindow and a yWindow to give the
viewing window, as well as a range of the parameter t. The user
is asked to define two parametric curves, p(t) and q(t). The
default parameterized curve for q(t) is a segment of the line tangent
to p(t) when t=t0. The applet plots the curves as well as points
corresponding to p(t0) and q(t0). A readout box gives the values
of p(t0) and q(t0).
The third way to graph is in polar coordinates. The applet assumes that
r with
be a function of th (short for theta), where th runs for 0 to
2*Pi. Since the graph is assumed to be symmetric with respect to
the origin, the user is simply asked for a maximum value of r.
The grapher plots 3 circles with the largest being at rMax. It
also plots the x and y axes. The grapher plots the curves
r=f1(th) and r=f2(th). A readout shows the values of f1(th0) and
f2(th0).