UserGuide
UserGuide
This is a graph plotter and axes plotter for producing graphs for inclusion in documents. It is not intended to replace dynamic graph plotting software such as Autograph. It requires OpenOffice 1.1.o or higher.
Clicking on “Draw Axes” brings up a dialog box with a options to control the size of the diagram produced, whether one or both axes are drawn, the range on the axes, the scaling on the axes and whether or not a grid is drawn. Most of these are, I hope, fairly self explanatory.
If “Multiples of Pi” is selected on an axis, clicking in one of the scaling settings will bring up a small subsidiary dialog box where the denominator and numerator can be set to make scaling such as “2π/3”. Clicking OK on this box will transfer the value to the main dialog; it will appear as a decimal there, but will appear in “π” form when the graph is actually drawn.
Clicking on “Calculate Default Ticks” will set up default scaling on the axes suitable for the diagram size and axis range.
Click on Draw Axes to clear the page and draw the axes.
The box needs to be closed using the “Close” button as the cross in the right hand corner is disabled; this is so that it can be closed and opened without losing any settings.
Clicking on “Draw Graphs” brings up another dialog box. Here are options for drawing a number of graphs:
In the top two boxes, equations can be typed using standard computer notation for mathematical functions, eg “sqr” for square root, “^” for powers, “exp(x)” for ex, “sin”, “sec”, “arcsin”, “arccosec”, “sinh”, arcosech” etc. “*” (for multiply) is not needed between a number and “x” or a function. It is possible to plot just part of a graph using the “From and “To” options; otherwise make sure these are as wide or wider than the interval on the axes.
In the next three boxes, straight line graphs of the form “y=mx + c” can be drawn.
In the next two boxes, vertical straight line graphs of the form “x=k” can be drawn.
In all cases, it is possible to shade an inequality on one side of the graph by selecting “>” or “<” instead of “=”. If several such inequalities are selected, by default their union is shaded, but if “only show intersection of inequalities” is checked, that is what will happen.
Click on draw graphs to draw the graphs. It is possible to draw some graphs, change the equations and draw some more graphs on the same axes.
Click on Autoscale axes to change the settings in the axes box to reflect the equations and intervals set up in the top two equation boxes. (The equations of the straight line graphs do not affect this.)
The axes and graphs are plotted as groups of drawing objects, so after drawing they can be customised as required (eg colours changed). To change single objects you will need to “Enter Group” and then possibly “Enter Group” again (double clicking on an object enters its group).
The completed graph can then be selected using “Select All” and pasted into whatever document is required.
Before closing the graph plotter you will need to click on the “Finish” button.