Eric.ed.gov – Function Plotters for Secondary Math Teachers. A MicroSIFT Quarterly Report.

This report examines mathematical graphing utilities or function plotters for use in introductory algebra classes of more advanced courses. Each product selected for inclusion in this report is able to construct the graph of a given equation on the screen and serves as a utility which may be used by the student for an open-ended exploration of a mathematical concept or by the teacher as a demonstration tool. The products are classified into one of the following types: (1) general purpose graphing utilities; (2) demonstration tools; and (3) special utility programs. In general it was felt that the positive aspects of function plotters far outweigh the negative. The ability to automate the tedious process of plotting the graph of an equation enables students to examine more equations in a shorter time. Teachers are able to spend less time sketching graphs on the overhead or blackboard. The zoom and scroll features found in many function plotters offer capabilities which cannot be duplicated manually. The report is organized into four sections including general features, algebra, coordinate geometry and trigonometry, and calculus. (PK)