

Changing a function (using the symbolic representation) Note The slope of a ray can only be modified using the symbolic expression of the ray. The slope and length will not change.Ī ray has only one "handle." The other end (an orange arrow which may be hidden) goes off screen to infinity. Click and drag the anywhere in the middle of the segment (the line itself) to move the segment without changing its length or slope.Ĭlick and drag in the center of the ray to move it.A selected line segment displays "handles" at each end.Ĭlick and drag either of the segment ends to change the length, slope, or y-intercept. (Their symbolic expressions change accordingly.) To move a line segment:Ĭlick on it to select it. You can move both line segments and rays in the Graph Window. Changing a Function (using the graphical representation) If you change the numbers, the line will move.Īll functions are represented both symbolically and graphically in the Piecewise Linear Grapher. If you move the line the numbers will change. Notice how the symbolic expression matches the locations of the ends of the orange segment. When the tool first opens, you see a single orange segment starting at point (0,0) and continuing to the right and up until it reaches point (5,5).Īt the upper right, you see a piecewise function with a single symbolic expression. Click to launch the Piecewise Linear Grapher This will make the concepts clearer and allow you to experiment. To use this guide, it helps to have the Piecewise Linear Grapher open. The illustration below shows the interface and names of the different areas.Įach of these areas will be explained in this guide. Identifying When Something Is not a Function Getting to Know the Interface Using the Slider Bar and Motion (or Model) Object Table of ContentsĬhanging a Function (using the graphical representation)Ĭhanging a function (using the symbolic representation)Īdding a New Segment to a Piecewise Functionĭeleting a Segment from a Piecewise Function The information presented here is designed to familiarize you with all the functionality of the Piecewise Linear Grapher. You can also use a built-in tool to capture a screen shot of your work.

You can customize the x‑ and y‑axis, and add your own labels. The Grapher lets you enter up to four linear functions and compare the characteristics of each. Users can display and modify each interval of a function. The Seeing Math™ Piecewise Linear Grapher (PLG) provides a real-time, two-way connection between symbolic and graphic representations of piecewise linear functions, so that changes in one representation instantly cause changes in the other.
