How To Use Desmos | Introduction to Desmos Calculator

Angie Teaches
12 May 202305:22

TLDRThis tutorial introduces Desmos, a powerful online graphing calculator. It demonstrates how to input equations and calculations, adjust graph settings, and utilize zoom features. The video also covers editing graph features like color, line style, and thickness, and introduces the creation of tables to display coordinate pairs. Further, it explores advanced features like computing square roots and working with fractions, providing users with a comprehensive start to using Desmos effectively.

Takeaways

  • 📐 Use Desmos to type in equations like 'y = x + 2' and see the graph update in real time.
  • ✅ Perform calculations by typing them directly into the math editor, such as '3 + 7'.
  • 🔧 Access graph settings by clicking the wrench icon to adjust the range, domain, and grid lines.
  • 🔍 Use zoom buttons or mouse/touchpad gestures to zoom in and out on the graph.
  • ❌ Remove unwanted elements from the graph by clicking the 'X' next to them.
  • 🎨 Customize graph features like line color, style, and thickness through the gear icon.
  • 📊 Create a table to display X and Y pairs associated with the graph, and reveal coordinates by clicking on the dots.
  • 🚫 Hide the graph line completely by clicking on the circle next to the equation.
  • 🔢 Use the keypad to input exponents by pressing 'shift' and '6' for the '^' symbol.
  • 🔗 Identify intersection points on the graph, which are automatically labeled by Desmos.
  • 🛠 Compute square roots and fractions using the math tools available in the keypad or by typing abbreviations like 'sqrt'.

Q & A

  • What is Desmos and how do you start using it?

    -Desmos is a graphing calculator that allows you to type in mathematical equations and visualize them. To start using it, you type in equations or calculations on the left-hand side of the interface.

  • How can you create an equation like y = x + 2 on Desmos?

    -You can create an equation like y = x + 2 by typing it directly into the math editor on the left-hand side of the Desmos interface.

  • What is the purpose of the graphing area on the right-hand side of Desmos?

    -The graphing area on the right-hand side of Desmos is where you can visualize the equations you've entered. It allows you to see the graph of the equation and interact with it.

  • How can you adjust the graph settings on Desmos?

    -You can adjust the graph settings by clicking on the wrench icon, which opens a menu where you can change the range and domain of the X and Y axes, as well as the grid step.

  • What are the zoom options available in Desmos?

    -In Desmos, you can zoom in and out using the zoom buttons or by using your mouse wheel if you have one. Alternatively, you can use pinch-to-zoom gestures on a touchpad or touchscreen.

  • How do you remove an equation or calculation from the graph?

    -To remove an equation or calculation from the graph, you can click on the 'X' next to the equation in the math editor.

  • What features can you change for a graph line using the gear icon?

    -Using the gear icon, you can change the color, line style (solid or dashed), and thickness of the graph line.

  • How can you display a table of X and Y pairs for a line on Desmos?

    -You can display a table of X and Y pairs by clicking on 'Create table' which will show the coordinates for each point on the line.

  • What is the significance of the intersection points labeled on the graph?

    -The intersection points labeled on the graph are where two graphs intersect. These points are significant for discussions about where two functions meet.

  • How do you calculate the square root of a number on Desmos?

    -You can calculate the square root of a number by typing 'sqrt' followed by the number, or by using the square root button on the keypad. Alternatively, you can use the abbreviation 'sq rt' followed by the number.

  • What is a quick way to input fractions on Desmos?

    -A quick way to input fractions on Desmos is by using the forward slash '/' key. After typing the numerator, press '/' and then type the denominator.

Outlines

00:00

📐 Introduction to Desmos Graphing

The speaker begins by introducing Desmos, a graphing calculator, highlighting its math editor where equations and calculations can be inputted. They demonstrate creating a linear equation 'y = x + 2' and a simple calculation '3 + 7'. The graphing area is introduced, with options to adjust settings such as the range and domain of the axes, and the grid lines' step size. Zooming capabilities are also showcased, both through buttons and mouse/touch gestures. The speaker then explains how to remove unwanted elements from the graph, like calculations, and how to modify graph features such as line color, style, and thickness. The ability to create a table to display x and y pairs corresponding to the graph is also highlighted, along with the option to hide the line and points.

05:03

🔢 Advanced Desmos Features and Conclusion

The second paragraph delves into more advanced features of Desmos, such as inputting quadratic equations like 'y = x^2' and identifying intersection points. The speaker also touches on the use of the keypad for mathematical operations, including square roots and fractions. They demonstrate how to use abbreviations for functions like 'sqrt' and how to convert between decimals and fractions. The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to explore more of Desmos' capabilities and directs them to a video for further learning, thanking them for watching.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Desmos

Desmos is an online graphing calculator that allows users to plot mathematical equations and visualize their graphs. In the video, Desmos is introduced as a tool for creating and manipulating graphs, with features like equation input, graph adjustments, and table creation. It is central to the video's theme of teaching how to use Desmos for graphing and mathematical computations.

💡Math Editor

The Math Editor in Desmos is where users can type in mathematical equations and expressions. It's a key component of the Desmos interface, allowing for the input of equations like 'Y equals X plus 2'. The video demonstrates how to use the Math Editor to create equations and see their graphical representation.

💡Graphing Area

The Graphing Area is the section of the Desmos interface where the visual representation of the equations and calculations is displayed. It's where users can see the results of their mathematical inputs. The video explains how to adjust the graph settings, such as the range and domain of the axes, to refine the graph's appearance.

💡Graph Settings

Graph Settings in Desmos are options that allow users to customize the appearance and behavior of their graphs. The video mentions changing the range and domain of the X and Y axes, as well as adjusting the step size of the grid lines. These settings help users to better understand and present their data.

💡Zoom

Zooming in and out is a common feature in graphing tools, including Desmos. The video explains how to use the zoom buttons or mouse/touchpad gestures to get a closer look at specific parts of the graph or to view the graph at a smaller scale. This is useful for detailed analysis or for getting an overview of the entire graph.

💡Line Color

In the context of Desmos, changing the line color allows users to customize the visual appearance of their graphs. The video shows how to select a color for the line representing an equation, which can help differentiate between multiple equations on the same graph.

💡Line Style

The Line Style in Desmos refers to the pattern of the line used to represent an equation on the graph. The video demonstrates how to change a line from solid to dashed, which can be useful for distinguishing between different types of data or relationships in a graph.

💡Table

A table in Desmos is a feature that displays the X and Y pairs associated with an equation. The video explains how to create a table to show these pairs, which can be helpful for understanding the relationship between variables in a mathematical model.

💡Intersection Points

Intersection Points are the points where two or more graphs meet. The video uses Desmos to identify and label these points, which is an important aspect of analyzing the relationship between different equations or functions.

💡Square Root

The Square Root function is a mathematical operation that finds the value which, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to calculate the square root of a number using Desmos, either by using the square root button or by typing 'sqrt' followed by the number.

💡Fraction

A fraction in mathematics represents a part of a whole, expressed as one number divided by another. The video shows how to create and manipulate fractions in Desmos, either by typing a forward slash between two numbers or by using the 'convert to fraction' tool to convert a decimal to a fraction.

Highlights

Introduction to Desmos Calculator and its features

Using the math editor to type in equations like Y=X+2

Performing calculations such as 3+7 within the editor

Adjusting graph settings using the wrench icon

Changing the range and domain for X and Y axes

Modifying the grid lines by adjusting the step

Zooming in and out using mouse or touch gestures

Removing elements from the graph by clicking the X

Customizing line color, style, and thickness

Creating a table to display X and Y pairs

Hiding the line by clicking on the circle

Adding a new graph by typing in equations

Using the keypad for mathematical symbols and operations

Identifying and labeling intersection points

Using quick keys for square roots and fractions

Converting decimals to fractions using Desmos

Further exploration of Desmos features encouraged