Calculator

Desmos calculator tips

A few Desmos habits save a lot of time on graphing-heavy calculus homework: name your functions, restrict domains, and keep sliders in a folder.

Name functions

Use f(x) =, g(x) =, then refer to them later. That way a tangent line, a derivative, and an integral all stay tied to the same expression if you edit it.

Restrictions

Curly braces restrict a graph: f(x){x ≥ 0}. Piecewise functions and windowed area shading both depend on this. You can stack several conditions with commas.

Sliders and tables

Any free variable becomes a slider. Use it for a parameter in a family of curves, or for the point of tangency. Tables are better than zooming when you need precise y-values near a limit.

Keyboard

Type sqrt, pi, theta, d/dx, and int then Tab to convert to math symbols. Folders keep a long expression list from turning into a mess during a long FRQ-style investigation.