Functions

If you enter the function \(f(x)=0.5x^2-3x+1 \) in the input bar and press enter, the graph will appear. You can drag the graph and watch how the formula for the function changes in the algebra view.

When using GeoGebra it is easy to show the graph of general functions. To make a general cubic function, like in the applet above, insert four sliders a, b, c, d and then write the function as:

	f(x)=a*x^3+b*x^2+c*x+d

You must write a multiplication sign between the parameter and x. Even if you have a slider a you can not write following code f(x)=ax^2 since GeoGebra will treat this as a variable called ax. You can however write f(x)=2x^2, since 2x isn't a valid variable name (variable names can not start with a number).

If the function is called \(f\) you can use the commands:
f'(x) and Integral[f, start-value, stop-value].

If the function is a polynomial you can also use the commands:
TurningPoint[f] and InflectionPoint[f].

Scale the axes

The easiest way to scale the axes is to hold down Shift and hover the mouse over one of the axes. When the cursor changes its appearance, you can drag that axis by holding down the left mouse button and drag. If you want to reset the ratio between the axes to 1:1, right click anywhere in the drawing pad where there is no object and choose Graphics.... In the window that appears, you can change the scale and also change other properties of the graphics view.

Function Inspector

In GeoGebra 4 there is a new tool called Function Inspector.

Using the function inspector, you can inspect a function in an interval

or around a point.

Degrees and radians

When you enter trigonometric functions, the default unit is radians. If you want to use radians, you can change the unit on the x-axis by right-clicking on the graphics view and pick Graphics.

If you want to use degrees, you have to add the degree-symbol when writing the function, as in: f(x)=sin(x° ). The short command for entering the degree-symbol is Ctrl+o.

Input Box and Composite functions

One of the new features in GeoGebra 4 is the Insert Input Box tool which is demonstrated in the applet about translations above. In order to link an input box to a function, start by inserting a function:

	f(x)=sin(x)

Use the Insert Input Box tool and click in the graphics view, fill in caption and choose the function \(f(x)\) in the Linked Object list.

Making composite functions works as expected. The green and yellow functions in the applet above are entered as:

	h(x)=f(x+a)
	g(x)=f(x)+a

Inequalities

In GeoGebra 4 you can visualize inequalities. If you have two expressions in terms of x, you can show for which intervals an inequality holds. As an example you can enter following code in the input bar: x^2<=x+1.

This is how you write inequalities in GeoGebra: <, >, <=, >= stands for <, >, ≤ and ≥

Piecewise defined functions

A piecewise defined function is defined in different ways in different intervals. In GeoGebra you can define a function on an interval by using the command Function[].

The functions above are written:

	f(x)=Function[1,-10,-1]
	g(x)=Function[x^2,-1,1]
	h(x)=Function[2x-1,1,10]
	f_der(x)=Function[f'(x),-10,-1]
	g_der(x)=Function[g'(x),-1,1]
	h_der(x)=Function[h'(x),1,10]

Riemann sums

There are predefined functions in GeoGebra to make Riemann sums.

• Input a function
• Insert a slider n representing the number of intervals. Make sure that the values of n are restricted to positive integers.
• Input the lower sum: L=LowerSum[f,a,b,n]. a and b are the endpoints of the interval.
• Input the upper sum: U=UpperSum[f,a,b,n]
• Input the integral: I=Integral[f,a,b]