• linear functions,
• polynomials,
• conics,
• trigonometric functions,
• exponential functions,
• relations involving absolute value, etc...

Equations may be entered in virtually any form. To produce a certain ellipse, simply type in:

GrafEq will typeset the equation as it is entered, which re-enforces standard math conventions and provides clues to incorrect equation entry. Hints are also shown which guide the user more directly, as when parentheses are not correctly balanced.

The program also features successive refinement plotting, which deletes regions of the plane that do not contain solutions, revealing the regions that do contain solutions. Plotting is completed by proving which pixels contain solutions. This technique enables the graphing of implicit relations, in which no single variable can be readily isolated. Such relations cannot be graphed at all by the typical computer graphing utility or graphics calculator. Successive refinement plotting also permits the plotting of singularities.

• linear slopes and intercepts,
• polynomials,
• transformations,
• extrema,
• simultaneous systems, and intercepts.

The teacher can introduce enrichment topics, such as:

• rotation and shearing transformations,
• equations that determine regions (x = |x|).

The student can explore topics of interest.

• “I wonder what the graph of the polar equation θ = cos r/tan r looks like?”
• “What happens to the graph if x is replaced with |x|?”
• “How do a catenary and a parabola differ?”

GrafEq takes full advantage of the capabilities of a laser printer: the teacher can create printouts of exceptional quality for handouts or transparencies. Files can also be printed with colour laser printers or colour inkjets.

Note: School site licenses include:

• in addition to the programs and user's manual (on 8.5" x 11" paper),
• a set of sample lessons, student handouts, and suggested enrichment topics—all on disk—for easy customizing and subsequent printing.