Part 8: Graphing Functions

1. Let's plot 3 sin(2x) over the interval [0,2 pi]. Enter
   plot(3*sin(2*x), x=0..2*Pi);
   We can obtain the same result by defining the function f given by
   f(x) = 3 sin(2x) and plotting f(x). Enter the following:
   f:= x->3*sin(2*x);
   plot(f(x), x=0..2*Pi);

2. When the plot appears, use your mouse to "select" it -- you should see a box around the graphic. Experiment with the drag buttons at the corners and sides of the box. Experiment with the icons at the top of the screen to see what they do. In particular, obtain each of the following:
• A plot with no axes
• A plot with dots instead of a solid curve
• A boxed plot
• A plot with the appropriate aspect ratio, i.e., the horizontal units are the same as the vertical units.

3. Next we plot data given as ordered pairs. Enter
   data:=[[0,1],[2,2],[4,6],[5,1]];
   Then enter
   plot(data, style=point);
   Go back and see what happens if you delete "style=point."

4. Often we wish to view several graphs at the same time. One way to do this is to enter the desired plots directly into the plot command. Enter
   plot([sin(x),cos(x)],x=0..2*Pi, color=[green,blue]);

5. Another way to create multiple plots is to use the display command in the plots package. Enter
   with(plots);
   Note that "display" is one of the tools available. Now enter
   graph1:=plot(sin(x),x=0..2*Pi,color=blue):
   This creates a plot and names it "graph1." Note that the colon is important. If you type a semicolon instead, you will see a list of the data Maple remembers to create the plot.

   Create a second plot by entering
   graph2:=plot(cos(x),x=0..2*Pi, color=green):
   

   To see both plots together, enter
   display(graph1,graph2);

   When you define and name a plot, you can also see it immediately by adding %; after the definition. Alter
   graph1:=plot(sin(x),x=0..2*Pi,color=blue):
   to read
   graph1:=plot(sin(x),x=0..2*Pi,color=blue):%;
   and reenter.