Spreadsheets are not limited to algebraic functions, they can also display trigonometric functions. We are modeling the sine function, but you can try any of the trig functions by going to the Formulas menu and choosing it. We have the 3 most significant parameters of the sine function, to control the amplitude, frequency and phase. We also introduce radian measure which is the natural quantity for trig functions.
Author: Ryan McQuade
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions are not limited to the highest term and while that term is most important in determining the shape of its graph, additional terms play a role. Try out additional terms to see how they affect the shapes of the graph. Focus on the patterns!
Power Functions
Adding an exponent, sometimes referred to as a ‘power’, to the input variable of a linear function that passes through the origin creates a power function. Changing the parameters of these functions reveal some important and interesting patterns.
Quadratic Functions
What does each of the coefficients do? How does it change the graph of the parabola. What does a do, what does c do and a question still rarely asked, what does changing b do to change the graph. To see what b does more clearly we have you add a graph of the linear portion of the quadratic function to the picture so that you can see the pattern it makes and it causes the parabola to make. Quadratic functions give you a chance to really and experiment with this very important family of functions.
Solving Equations
Typical algebra courses start with equations and solving equations and then move to graphing and functions. We start with functions and use them to solve equations. We treat an equation as the equality of two functions, graph each one and then look at their intersection. This is a powerful way to think about solving equations due to Judah Schwartz and one that we believe will help many student to understand this algebra.