Coordinates and Graphing User Guide

The default screen looks like this:

The coordinate grid lines and axes can be switched on and off as required from the grid settings pane.

Select the Grid settings panel to change the axes.

The x and y axes can be scaled separately. The x tick and y tick settings will determine the scale i.e. the distance between the ticks on the axes.

At this stage you will want to consider the most appropriate numbers to use and whether you will be working in the first or all four quadrants.

For example, if you are going to be comparing gradients of straight lines, it may be best to choose equal axes so that the line y=x plots at 45° to the axes. If you are going to be exploring quadratic or cubic graphs, the scales may need to be different.

 Back to top

Plotting coordinate points

Coordinates are plotted on the grid by a mouse click or by tapping on the interactive whiteboard in the appropriate quadrant.

Once a point has been plotted, it can be amended by changing its value in the table and selecting Update points from the Update Coordinates panel.

When a point is selected, its data row will be highlighted green.

Be aware that it is possible for a point to be amended and plotted off the screen! Take advantage of this feature by encouraging students to “troubleshoot” where the point has gone!

To delete a point, hold the mouse over it until you see a hand symbol, then select the point, and click Delete point (button below grid).

 Back to top

Plotting functions

To switch to the function graphing menu, select the Graphing Pane.

Functions are entered as equations in the form y = f(x) followed by Draw Graph to display it.

You can include brackets and any of the supported operators, which can be viewed as a pop-up dialog.

Selecting the little x at the top right of the graphing pane will fill the table of values on the right hand side of the screen.

Equations can be switched on and off by ticking/un-ticking the box beside the appropriate equations

 Back to top

Using the still and moving digital image library

A unique feature of the Coordinates and Graphing tool is the library of still and moving digital images that can be used as a context for mathematical modelling.

To access the image libraries, select the Media Tab.

Working with still images

To load a still digital image, select load and a list of the available still images is displayed.

When you select Load the image will appear in the graph window.

The image can be repositioned on the screen by selecting Move Media. A blue bar will appear at the top of the image which can be dragged.

With the image displayed on the screen, both coordinates and functions can be superimposed as already described.

As different colours will be displayed more clearly over different images, choose contrasting colours for maximum effect.

Working with Video images

A video image is loaded in a similar way.

The video controls allow the sequence to be played and stepped through, frame by frame.

The video image can be repositioned on the screen by selecting Move Media on the Media Pane. A blue bar will appear at the top of the image which can be dragged.

If the video is shown frame by frame, the position of the moving object, in this case the basketball, can be plotted over the top of the video image.

By selecting the Graphing tab, functions can be superimposed that represent the path of the moving object.

File Menu Option

Description

Open

This option allows the user to select work that they have already saved out and continue to work on it.

Save/Save As

These options allows the user to save a file out so that they can work on it later. Save will update the opened saved file and Save as will save to a brand new file.

Recently Opened

This displays a list of recently opened saved files.

Import Points

This allows the user to import points from a saved file without affecting any work at that time and without altering grid settings.

Transfer to Charting

This transfers the points that the user has marked on their graph to the charting section so that when the user opens the charting section and clicks Import, they will get a table with the points in it.

Delete

This deletes the currently open file.

Close

This closes the open file