2 Dimensional Cartesian Graphs
The Cartesian coordinate system is named after its chief inventor Rene Descartes
(1596-1650). This system is also referred to as the "Rectangular Coordinate
System". To create a new 2D Cartesian graph select the "File / New 2D Cartesian"
menu item. These graphs can contain 2D and parametric functions.
2 Dimensional Functions
Two possible inaccuracies can occur when graphing 2D functions that go to
positive or negative infinity in the "Y" direction.
Inaccurate Graph #1
The incorrect line shown in this graph is caused by a vertical asymptote
(undefined point) where the "Y" value goes to positive infinity from one side
and negative infinity from the other side. The "Attempt Positive To Negative
Vertical Asymptote Fix up" option in the "Add/Modify 2D Function" dialog can be
used to fix this error.
Inaccurate Graph #2
This is a graph of "Y = Tan(X)" with "Zoom = 7.5". Many of the lines in this
graph do not go off the bottom and top edges to positive and negative infinity,
as they should. This loss of accuracy can occur when a function becomes nearly
vertical. Increasing the zoom factor also increases drawing accuracy, and can
fix most of this loss of accuracy.
Accurate Graph #3
This is the same function definition as graph #2 but, the "Attempt Extra Drawing
Accuracy Near Undefined Points" and "Special X Values to Plot" options have been
used to correct the inaccuracies. The following series was entered into the
"Special X Values to Plot" list:
First Value | Second Value | Third Value | Function of X | Will Generate |
-101 | -99 | 101 | X*(Pi/2) | "-101*(Pi/2)", "-99*(Pi/2)" to "101*(Pi/2)" |
This function series generates undefined points for the "Tan(X)" function.
Telling MathGV about these undefined points helps it to "Attempt Extra Drawing
Accuracy Near Undefined Points". For more information see:
Add/Modify 2D
Function
Parametric Functions
Parametric graphs are defined by a set of functions with "X" and "Y" as
dependant variables and "T" as the independent variable. For more information
see: Add/Modify Parametric Function
Example 2D Graph