How To Use Desmos | Introduction to Desmos Calculator

Angie Teaches
12 May 202305:22

TLDRThis Desmos tutorial introduces users to the Desmos calculator's features. It covers equation input, graph adjustments, zooming, and editing graph properties. The video also demonstrates how to create tables for X and Y pairs, change graph line styles, and use Desmos for calculations, including square roots and fractions. Quick keys for functions like square roots and converting decimals to fractions are highlighted, offering a comprehensive start for users to explore Desmos's capabilities.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“ The left-hand side of Desmos has a math editor where you can type equations or calculations, such as Y = X + 2 or 3 + 7.
  • πŸ“Š The right-hand side is the graphing area, where you can adjust the graph using the wrench icon to change settings like the range and domain for the X and Y axes.
  • πŸ” Zoom in and out on the graph using the zoom buttons, mouse roller, touchpad, or touchscreen gestures.
  • 🎨 Customize the graph by changing the color, line style (solid or dashed), and thickness of lines through the gear settings.
  • πŸ“‹ You can create a table to show X and Y pairs that correspond with the line on the graph, with points automatically marked on the graph.
  • πŸ”Ž Hide or reveal the graph line or specific points by clicking on the corresponding icons.
  • πŸ“ To plot a function like y = xΒ², you can use the on-screen keypad or type the exponent using the caret key (^).
  • πŸ“ Intersection points are automatically labeled on the graph, making it easy to identify and discuss them.
  • √ Use quick keys like 'sqrt' for square roots and the forward slash '/' for fractions, allowing you to type expressions quickly.
  • βž— Convert decimals to fractions with the 'convert to fraction' feature when working with rational numbers.

Q & A

  • What is the primary function of the math editor on the left side of Desmos?

    -The math editor on the left side of Desmos allows users to type in mathematical equations and calculations.

  • How can you adjust the graph settings in Desmos?

    -In Desmos, you can adjust the graph settings by clicking on the wrench icon, which provides options to change the range and domain for the X and Y axes, and to modify the grid lines' step.

  • What are the different ways to zoom in and out on a graph in Desmos?

    -You can zoom in and out on a graph in Desmos using the zoom buttons, by scrolling with a mouse roller, or by pinching with two fingers on a touchpad or touchscreen.

  • How do you remove an equation or calculation from the graphing area in Desmos?

    -To remove an equation or calculation from the graphing area in Desmos, you can click on the X next to it.

  • What does clicking on the gear icon allow you to do in Desmos?

    -Clicking on the gear icon in Desmos allows you to change features of the graph, such as the color, line style, and thickness of the plotted line.

  • How can you create a table to show X and Y pairs in Desmos?

    -In Desmos, you can create a table to show X and Y pairs by clicking on 'create table', which will display the coordinates for each point on the graph.

  • What is the purpose of the intersection points labeled in gray on the graph?

    -The intersection points labeled in gray on the graph in Desmos are used to discuss and identify where different graphs intersect.

  • How can you compute a square root in Desmos without using the keypad?

    -In Desmos, you can compute a square root by typing 'sq rt' followed by the number you want the square root of, or by using the exponent key (^) with a 1/2 to represent the square root.

  • What is the shortcut for creating a fraction in Desmos?

    -The shortcut for creating a fraction in Desmos is to use the forward slash key '/' between the numerator and the denominator.

  • How can you convert a decimal to a fraction in Desmos?

    -In Desmos, you can convert a decimal to a fraction by typing the decimal and then using the 'convert to fraction' symbol that appears in the bar next to the number.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“ Introduction to Desmos Graphing

The speaker begins by introducing Desmos, a graphing tool, emphasizing its math editor for typing equations and calculations. They demonstrate how to input an equation like 'y = x + 2' and perform a simple calculation. The graphing area is highlighted, where adjustments can be made using the wrench icon to change the graph settings, including the range and domain of the x and y axes, and the grid step. Zooming options are also discussed, with the ability to zoom in and out using mouse scroll or touch gestures. The speaker shows how to clear calculations and work with the graph, including changing line colors, styles, and thickness, and creating a table to display x and y pairs. The ability to hide or show the line and points on the graph is also covered. The paragraph concludes with the speaker typing another equation, 'y = x^2', and discussing how Desmos automatically labels intersection points.

05:03

πŸ”’ Advanced Desmos Features and Quick Keys

In the second paragraph, the speaker explores more advanced features of Desmos, such as computing square roots and fractions. They demonstrate how to use the square root function and show the keypad for additional math tools. The speaker also introduces quick keys for square roots ('sq rt') and fractions ('/'), providing examples of how to use these shortcuts for calculations. The ability to convert decimals to fractions is highlighted, showing how Desmos can simplify rational numbers to their reduced form. The paragraph ends with the speaker encouraging viewers to explore more of Desmos' capabilities and directing them to a video for further learning.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Desmos

Desmos is an online graphing calculator that allows users to explore and visualize mathematical equations and data. In the video, Desmos is introduced as a tool for creating graphs and performing mathematical computations. It is used to demonstrate how to input equations, adjust graph settings, and explore various mathematical functions.

πŸ’‘Math editor

The math editor is a feature within Desmos where users can type in mathematical expressions and equations. It's highlighted in the video as the starting point for creating graphs. The math editor is where the presenter inputs 'Y equals X plus 2' to demonstrate how equations are entered and visualized.

πŸ’‘Equation

An equation in the context of the video refers to a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions. The video uses 'Y equals X plus 2' as an example of a simple linear equation that can be graphed and manipulated within Desmos.

πŸ’‘Graphing area

The graphing area is the visual space in Desmos where mathematical equations are plotted and displayed as graphs. It's mentioned in the video as the right-hand side of the interface where the presenter's equation 'Y equals X plus 2' is graphed, allowing for visual analysis and manipulation.

πŸ’‘Graph settings

Graph settings in Desmos are options that allow users to adjust the appearance and scale of their graphs. The video explains how to access these settings by clicking the wrench icon and change parameters such as the range and domain of the X and Y axes.

πŸ’‘Zoom

Zooming in Desmos is the action of magnifying or reducing the scale of the graph to focus on specific areas or details. The video demonstrates how to zoom in and out using buttons or mouse actions, which is crucial for examining the graph's behavior at different levels of magnification.

πŸ’‘Line color and style

In the video, changing the line color and style is shown as a way to customize the appearance of the graph. The presenter uses the gear icon to adjust the line's color, turning it from a solid line to a dashed line, and changing its thickness, which helps in distinguishing different graphs or data sets.

πŸ’‘Table

Creating a table in Desmos is a feature that allows users to view the X and Y pairs associated with a graph, which can be useful for data analysis. The video shows how to create a table for the graph of 'Y equals X plus 2', and how it can be used to reveal the coordinates of points on the graph.

πŸ’‘Intersection points

Intersection points are the points where two or more graphs meet. In the video, the presenter discusses how Desmos automatically labels these points when graphing multiple equations, such as 'Y equals X squared', which is useful for understanding the relationship between different mathematical functions.

πŸ’‘Square root

The square root operation is demonstrated in the video as a mathematical function that can be computed within Desmos. The presenter shows how to calculate the square root of 36 by either using the square root button or typing 'sq rt' followed by the number, resulting in the answer 6.

πŸ’‘Fraction

A fraction in the context of the video is a way to represent a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers. The video explains how to input fractions in Desmos using the forward slash key, and how to convert decimal numbers into their fractional form using the 'convert to fraction' tool.

Highlights

Introduction to using Desmos, a graphing calculator.

Desmos math editor allows typing in equations like y = x + 2.

Perform calculations such as 3 + 7 directly in the editor.

Graphing area on the right side of the editor for visualizing equations.

Adjust graph settings using the wrench icon to modify axes ranges and gridlines.

Zoom in and out of the graph using buttons or mouse scroll.

Use touch gestures like pinching to zoom on touch screen devices.

Remove elements from the graph by clicking the 'X' next to them.

Change line color, style, and thickness using the gear icon.

Create a table to display x and y pairs corresponding to the graph.

Desmos automatically marks intersection points on graphs.

Use the keypad or keyboard shortcuts for mathematical operations.

Type 'sqrt' or use the square root symbol for square root calculations.

Quickly create fractions using the forward slash key.

Convert decimals to fractions using the convert to fraction symbol.

Desmos offers advanced features beyond the basics covered in the introduction.

Watch more videos to learn advanced Desmos features.