How (Simple Plot)

How to Run the Simple Plot Activity

How do I run this applet?

This Java applet requires a Java-capable browser. If you do not see the applet, Java may not be functional in your browser or on your machine.

Object of the activity

This applet allows the user to input a series of (x,y) ordered pairs and plot them either as a connected function or unconnected data points. Parameters such as minimum and maximum x value, minimum and maximum y value, and x- and y-scale can be set by the user or determined by the applet.

Controls and Output

The area at the top of the screen is where the plot is displayed.
The textfield labeled Ordered Pairs is where you input the points you want to graph. The points should be in the format
You can plot up to five sets of points. To do this, separate each set of points by the word newgraph on a line by itself.
After you input the coordinates, you must press the Plot button to graph them.
You can choose from two plot types. "Connected" draws a line from one point to the next. (Note that before the line is drawn the points are sorted by their x coordinates.) "Scatter Plot" just draws the points as dots on the graph.
Checking Show Grid will cause a grid to be drawn on top of the graph. The distance between gridlines is determined by the x- and y-scales.
The Window settings determine how the graph will appear on your screen. X min and X max are the minimum and maximum x-values displayed on the graph. Similarly for Y min and Y max. The X scale is the distance between vertical gridlines if Show Grid is checked. The Y scale is the distance between horizontal gridlines if Show Grid is checked. If the Use Defaults box is checked, Simple Plot will choose appropriate values for you. If you uncheck that box, you can override Simple Plot's values with your own. Any changes you make to the window parameters will take effect the next time you click the Plot button.