Enter a function f1(r,θ)
in the text input field
marked "f1(r,θ)=" Note: Type "t" for θ in the text
input field.
(Example:f1(r,θ)=r)
Click the "Graph" button
(this button also refreshes the graph)
Rotate the graph by
clicking and dragging the mouse on the graph.
To see two functions graphed simultaneously:
Enter the second function
f2(r,θ) in the text input field
marked "f2(r,θ)="
Click (to its "on" state) the check box next
to this input field
Click the "Graph" button
Note: Type "t" for θ in the text
input field.
(Example:f1(r,θ)=r
and
f2(r,θ)=3+r cos θ)
Up to 3 functions can be graphed simultaneously
To remove a function from the graph, click (to its "off" state)
the check box next to the associated text input field and click
the "Graph" button to refresh
To erase the graph and all input fields, click the
"Clear" button
For each function, there are four input fields which specify
bounds on the variables for the function:
The variable r (the radius)
takes values between rmin
and rmax, specified by the fields marked
"rmin=" and
"rmax=".
The variable θ (the angle, measured counterclockwise in
the xy-plane)
takes values between θmin*π
and θmax*π, with
θmin and θmax
specified by the fields marked
"θmin=" and
"θmax=".
These four text input fields can accept any decimal number input.
The text input fields for functions can accept
a wide variety of expressions to represent functions, and the
buttons under the graph allow various manipulations of
the graph coordinates.
For another way to view surfaces, try the
"wireframe" representation.
Examples
Other Notes
Surfaces in three dimensions are represented in
"faceted hidden surface" form. The facets are not subdivided at intersections
of surfaces if more than one surface is drawn, so intersections
of surfaces are not precise. The
"wireframe" represenation for surfaces,
in which the surface is transparent,
only draws one surface at a time.