written by
Wolfgang Christian and Francisco Esquembre
The Function Visualizer Model displays the graph of a function f(x) with arbitrary parameters. The function can contain polynomial, trigonometric, and exponential expressions as well a parameters. Parameters are connected to sliders that can be adjusted to observe the effect of varying parameter values.
The Function Visualizer Model was created using the Easy Java Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the ejs_math_FunctionVisualizer.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. EJS is a part of the Open Source Physics Project and is designed to make it easier to access, modify, and generate computer models. Many additional EJS models are available in the OSP Collection.
Please note that this resource requires
at least version 1.5 of Java (JRE).
Function Visualizer Model for Teachers
A customizable function visualizer model that allows teachers to set the display parameters. The customized simulation is automatically saved with associated curricular in a new jar file that can be redistributed. download 1107kb .jar
Last Modified: July 21, 2012
previous versions
Function Visualizer for Teachers Model: Additional Documentation Regarding Customization
A pdf file that provides additional documentation regarding customization of this simulation. download 181kb .pdf
Published: July 12, 2012
previous versions
Wave Function with Unknown Sliders Problem
Problem worksheet for the Wave Function with Unknown Sliders Problem exercise. download 83kb .pdf
Published: July 13, 2012
Wave Function with Unknown Sliders Problem Simulation
Simulation for the Wave Function with Unknown Sliders Problem exercise. download 1080kb .jar
Published: July 13, 2012
previous versions
Kinematics Function with Unknown Sliders Problem
Problem worksheet for the Kinematics Function with Unknown Sliders Problem exercise. download 83kb .pdf
Published: July 13, 2012
Kinematics Function with Unknown Sliders Problem Simulation
Simulation for the Kinematics Function with Unknown Sliders Problem exercise. download 1080kb .jar
Published: July 13, 2012
Two-Slit Interference Intensity Function with Unknown Sliders Problem
Problem worksheet for the Two-Slit Interference Intensity Function with Unknown Sliders exercise. download 116kb .pdf
Published: July 13, 2012
Two-Slit Interference Intensity Function with Unknown Sliders Simulation
Simulation for the Two-Slit Interference Intensity Function with Unknown Sliders Problem exercise. download 1117kb .jar
Published: July 13, 2012
Function Visualizer Model source code
Source Code for the Function Visualizer Model. The source code archive contains an XML representation of the EJS model. Unzip this archive in your EJS Workspace to compile and run this model using Ejs. download 27kb .zip
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
previous versions
Function Visualizer for Teachers Source Code
Source Code for Function Visualizer Model for Teachers for Teachers. The source code archive contains an XML representation of the EJS model. Unzip this archive in your EJS Workspace to compile and run this model using Ejs. download 33kb .zip
Last Modified: July 21, 2012
previous versions
9-12: 9B/H4. Tables, graphs, and symbols are alternative ways of representing data and relationships that can be translated from one to another.
9-12: 9B/H5. When a relationship is represented in symbols, numbers can be substituted for all but one of the symbols and the possible value of the remaining symbol computed. Sometimes the relationship may be satisfied by one value, sometimes by more than one, and sometimes not at all.
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
9-12: 11B/H2. Computers have greatly improved the power and use of mathematical models by performing computations that are very long, very complicated, or repetitive. Therefore, computers can reveal the consequences of applying complex rules or of changing the rules. The graphic capabilities of computers make them useful in the design and simulated testing of devices and structures and in the simulation of complicated processes.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (1993 Version)
9. THE MATHEMATICAL WORLD
B. Symbolic Relationships
9B (9-12) #6. The reasonableness of the result of a computation can be estimated from what the inputs and operations are.
W. Christian and F. Esquembre, Computer Program FUNCTION VISUALIZER MODEL (2009), WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232).
W. Christian and F. Esquembre, Computer Program FUNCTION VISUALIZER MODEL (2009), <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232>.
Christian, W., & Esquembre, F. (2009). Function Visualizer Model [Computer software]. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232
Christian, Wolfgang, and Francisco Esquembre. "Function Visualizer Model." https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232 (accessed 17 February 2025).
%A Wolfgang Christian %A Francisco Esquembre %T Function Visualizer Model %D June 27, 2009 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232 %O application/java
%0 Computer Program %A Christian, Wolfgang %A Esquembre, Francisco %D June 27, 2009 %T Function Visualizer Model %8 June 27, 2009 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=9190&DocID=1232
Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.