Math & Computer Science Server > ASCIIMathML Tutorial

Authored by Chapman University undergraduate students

Introduction

AsciiSvg is an extension of our Moodle editor that allows you to plot mathematical functions onto a graph in a similar manner to that of a graphing calculator. After some simple experimentation, you will be able to plot even the most complex of functions in a clear and aesthetically pleasing way to enhance your discussions of math. 

Creating a New Graph

To insert a graph into the current Moodle Editor, click on the Insert Graph button (). An image containing a empty graph will appear. Double click it to open the popup Graphing Control Panel.

Defining a Function and its Graph

Let us say for example we wish to plot the function f(x) = sin(x). First, we must select the equation type and set it to the y=f(x) format. Next, we will define f(x) to be sin(x) by typing it into the f(x)= box. By default the graph will plot through the entire width of the image. You may restrict the domain by inputting values in the From and To boxes.

On the following row, you are able to modify the aesthetics of the graph. You may define a color, width, and style for the line that will be used to plot the graph. You are also able to specify the style and characteristics of the end points of the curve.

The third and fourth rows can be used to adjust which values the graph will represent. For instance, setting xmin to -10 and xmax to 10 will cause the graph to show the x axis from the values x = -10 to x = 10. Altering the scale for the x and y axis will modify the grid intervals. You can choose to display the axis labels and the XY grid. The size of the graph can also be modified by resizing the image itself outside of the Graphing Control Panel by clicking and dragging the edges of the image in the direction you want to increase.

Plotting the Graph

Once you have specified the properties of the function you wish to graph, you may add it to the graph by pressing the Add Graph button. Note that you can have several different functions on the same graph and each time you press Add Graph you will be adding another plot of the function to the graph. To update the current function and replace it without adding a new function to the graph press Replace Selected Graph. To remove a selected graph, press Remove.

Once you are done editing the graph, simply close the popup window and you may continue working in the Moodle Editor.

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