How to Perform 3D Graphs With a Graphing Calculator

With the increased ability of small electronic devices, such as the graphing calculator, come advances in what you can do with them. Graphing functions in 3D gives a student the benefit of being able to visualize 3D functions right on their graphing calculator. Here's how to do 3D graphs with a graphing calculator.

Instructions

1. Be sure you select a graphing calculator that has 3D capability. Not all calculators have the same functionality. Expect to pay top dollar for one that is 3D graphic-capable.

2. Get familiar with your brand of graphing calculator. The biggest problem with graphing, 3D or otherwise, is that if the function is input incorrectly, the graph will not display correctly. Get to know the specific way your calculator requires you to input exponents and how to group numbers to get the desired results.

3. Go through the calculator's users manual. At the very least, step through the "quick start" guide to familiarize yourself with all of the calculator's functionality. This will help you better understand your brand and help you avoid input mistakes.

4. Try some functions that you are familiar with and what the graph looks like. For instance, try "f(x)=sin x" and see that you get this familiar graph. This helps you gain confidence that you are properly typing the function into the graphing calculator's "language."

5. Consider purchasing a 3D graphing program instead of a stand-alone graphing calculator. This is especially nice for 3D graphing since the program uses your computer monitor for display instead of a small LCD. You get a much nicer output, while only sacrificing some portability.