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Coordinates and Graphing User Guide

If you want to change these you can enter the minimum and maximum values for the axes into the table on the grid setup panel. The x and y axes can be scaled separately. The step will indicate the number of increments that will be marked on each axis.

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.

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!

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

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 modeling.

To access the image libraries, select the Media Tab.

Working with still images

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.

A video image is loaded in a similar way.

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.

File Menu

The file menu contains the options to save and open previous work

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 allow 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.
Close	This closes the open file.

Coordinates and Graphing Activities for Mathematics

Click here to access activities for students to follow while using the Coordinates and Graphing tool. The content is available as a web page and as a downloadable MS Word document.

Coordinates and Graphing Activities (HTML format)
Coordinates and Graphing Activities (MS Word)
 

Coordinates and Graphing Tool Troubleshooting Guide

Occasionally it is frustrating when we cannot get ICT to do exactly what we want, so it is useful to know some of the constraints of this tool.

Coordinates and Graphing Troubleshooting Guide