Desmos Graphing Calculator
Plot functions in your browser, evaluate them at specific inputs, and use parameter sliders to compare how curves change.
Overview
Desmos Graphing Calculator places an expression list beside a coordinate plane. Enter a function to see its curve, then evaluate it at a particular input in another row.
The official getting-started guide covers points, functions, and curves. An expression with an undefined parameter can also prompt you to add a slider and watch the graph change as you adjust its value.
Why it is useful
A graph can make differences between two functions easier to see. Keep one function fixed while changing a parameter in another curve to explore how coefficients affect its shape.
Good fit for
Students learning about functions, teachers preparing a demonstration, and anyone who wants a quick view of a function’s shape.
Try it when
In our test using the Traditional Chinese interface, f(x)=x^2 drew a parabola with its vertex at the origin. Entering f(3) in the next row returned 9.
We then entered y=a*x^2 and used the prompt to add an a slider. At a=1, the curves overlapped. Moving the slider to a=2 made the second parabola narrower. See the official slider guide for other parameter settings.
Before using it
Use the graph to observe patterns and form conjectures, not as a mathematical proof. The current viewing window may hide important features. Keep your reasoning when a proof or an assignment requires it. We did not test cloud saving, sharing, or image export.
