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Graphing Software

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 recommended by MathsNet
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This a collection of graphing software known to MathsNet. Almost all are for Windows and many have demo or shareware versions that can be downloaded from the net.
The vast majority share a number of key features. They allow graphs to be entered and then manipulated dynamically, using the mouse to "drag and drop". In fact one criterion for judgement, MathsNet feels, is how well the drag'n'drop feature is implemented. In addition the ability to plot points, show the gradient function or integral function, and have some degree of data handling included is seen, again, as key.

Comparison table

Vote for your favourite

For help on specific software try the MathsNet software help and advice forum

Some are positively recommended and given a score on the basis of ease of use, wealth of features and relevence to teaching and learning. Purely subjective, you understand. But nobody's paying me to say this, so objective too!
If you would like to dispute this score, add one of your own, or let us know about software not listed, please make contact.







The best...		  
Omnigraph

Score: 10/10		 omnigraphTop recommendation!
Original version for Dos. Version 1 for Windows 3.1. Version 2 for Windows 95 has been released, which includes dynamic constants, function notation, inequalities. Additional resources available for KS3, KS4 and AS/A2 Level, including interactive help guides. Visit our Omnigraph page for full details.
Autograph

Score: 10/10		 autographTop recommendation!
"Written originally for the Archimedes, a powerful PC version was released in October 2000, Autograph offers a dynamic approach to coordinate geometry, calculus, trig, bivariate statistics, probability and single-variable statistics. Shortly to be upgraded to v.3 including dynamic coordinate geometry and vectors in 3D. Downloadable
   

The rest...
3D Grapher 3d grapher3D Grapher will help you create animated 2D and 3D equation and table-based graphs. An unlimited number of graphs can be plotted using different colors and lighting conditions. Plots functions with 1 to 3 independent variables including a time variable for animation. Supports Cartesian, polar, cylindrical or spherical coordinates. Real-time graphs animation, rotating, moving and zooming. Downloadable.
Aepryus aepryusVery different to anything else listed here. A program to explore graphical representations of both 2D (Cartesian or polar coordinates) and 3D (Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates) plotting. Downloadable.
Coypu

Score: 7/10		 coypuA demo version of a graph plotting program for Windows 3.1. Download from the Shell Centre at Nottingham University. Plots families of curves and data sets. Not aimed at post-16. Downloadable.
Derive for Windows A demo version of this do-it-all package for Windows is available from Derive.com. Downloadable.
Formula 98

Score: 9/10		 formula98A demo (with 10 minute running time) version of this Windows 95 program is available from DAHWIN software. Has some similarities with Omnigraph though perhaps not so intuitive. Includes a spreadsheet method for inputting data (or you can click on the graph) and then the software will fit a curve to the data - not implemented in any other comparable graphing program.  You can cut and paste from data in Excel.  For transformations work you "slide" the scale factor or mirror line or angle of rotation and view the result.  The chalkboard allows comments and annotations to be added to the graph. Downloadable.
Grafeq

Score: ? 		grapheqVersions available now for available for Win 3,X and Win 95,98, NT4, 2000 plus Mac 6.05 - 9.0 . Plots standard functions, including implicit equations. USD95 (single) and school site license pricing from USD300. Help manual included. This version more intuitive. Downloadable.
Graphmatica

Score: 8/10
graphmaticaVersions for Windows 95, Windows 3.1 and Dos of this graph processing package are available. Plots all standard functions, including implicit equations. Finds gradients, tangents, integrals and critical points. It allows plotting of some implicit functions. It can't plot y*y+x*x=25 or more complex functions but it can plot equations if it can convert them to y=f(x) or x=f(y). It plots x^2+y^2=25 correctly but sin(x)=sin(y) incorrectly. Downloadable.
Locus

Score: 8/10 		locusA graph plotting program for Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and 98 from SharpSoft. Plots polar, implicit and parametric curves. Displays gradients, tangents and integrals. Permits use of constants; creates families of curves. Downloadable.
Mathematical Assistant

Score: 1/10 		This is a Dos program (Windows version was expected in 1997!), allowing many aspects of mathematics to be investigated, such as graphs, algebra, primes, geometry and so on. Easily loses out to Windows programs. Available from MatheAss. Downloadable.
LiveMath mathview

A Plug-in, available from LiveMath, allows you to view and manipulate mathematical concepts in your browser. If you already have the plugin, try our LiveMath page. Go to Cybermath for more samples. (Note that LiveMath was formerly known as MathView.) Downloadable.
Advanced Grapher


 serpikAdvanced Grapher is a 2D graph plotting program. Having a multi-document interface, the program allows plotting of graphs of several types, including implicit functions, inequalities, tables, etc. The program can determine derivatives, tangents, normals and regression analysis, etc. The program is distributed as shareware. Unregistered version expires after 30 days of its installation. Downloadable.
SketchCalc

Score: 4/10 		sketchcalcWindows 3.1 part graph plotter, part calculator. Email solon@EasyNet.co.uk for details.
UCALC UCALC is a multipurpose calculator program which includes an expression evaluator, equation solver, integrations, 2D/3D equation plotting, unit conversions, user solution modules and more. Downloadable.


Comparison Table by Michael Serpik
  Y(x) X(y) Polar Par. Imp. Ineq. Table DiffEq Solve Int. Deriv. Tang./
Norm.		 Curve
Fitting		 Price*
Advanced Grapher + + + + + + + +/- + + + + + $29
Aepryus Graph + + + +                   $30
Autograph + + + + + +/- + + + + + + + ? (beta)
Coypu + + + + +/-   +             ?
Formula 98 + + + + +   + + + +   +   £23.50
GrafEq + + +   + +               $95
Graphmatica + + + + +/- +/-   + + + + +/-   $25
Locus + + + + +/- +/- +           + $33
OmniGraph + + + + + + + +   + + +   £42

Par. - Parametric, Imp. - Implicit equations, Ineq. - Inequalities, DiffEq - Differential Equalities, Int. - Integration, Deriv. - Derivative, Tang./Norm. - Tangent/Normal
+ =  this feature is supported
+/- =  this feature is partially supported
Price* Some of this software has special pricing for students, schools, etc. You can get more information on the home pages of the software.

This table can be extended. Can anyone contribute any further information, or correct any errors? If so make contact.

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