Objectives: In this tutorial, we see how computer programs and graphing calculators plot the graphs of functions. We duscuss some of the problems that this method of plotting has. After working through these materials, the student should be

• aware of the problems in using graphing calculators or computers in drawing the graphs of functions.

Modules:

• Discussion [Using Flash]

• Examples of Problems.

  • Problems with the number of points used.

  • MathView Notebook illustrating how zooming in on the graph shows some features of the graph otherwise missed.

  • Problems with extraneous lines.

  • Problems with graphing rational powers of variables.

• Comment. One of the goals of the study of calculus is to derive techniques that will help us to draw the correct graph of a function.