vmbo havo vwo
Graphing calculator
Quick answer
Enter a function of x, choose the interval and plot. Example: f(x) = x^2 on [−5, 5] is a parabola through the origin, with f(0) = 0 and f(5) = 25.
Five points appear under the graph so you can check the values. No eval: the same parser as the other calculators.
Calculator
f(x) with x-min and x-max. You may leave y-min and y-max empty; then the window adjusts.
What is a graphing calculator?
You draw y = f(x) in a window. That helps you see a parabola, a line or a sine next to the algebra. In Dutch this is a grafische rekenmachine — a graphing calculator. This page is a plotter: you see the shape and a table of points — not a list of exam aids.
| Does | Does not |
|---|---|
| Functions of x (e.g. x^2, 2x+1, sin(x)) | Equations in y, systems, 3D |
| Window x-min / x-max; y optional | x-min ≥ x-max (no valid window) |
| Table with five computed points | Trigonometry in radians (here: degrees) |
One number only: online or scientific calculator. Roots of a parabola algebraically: quadratic formula. What may go into the Dutch central exam: which calculator may go to the exam.
Examples by level
The tabs use the Dutch track names vmbo (more practical), havo (middle) and vwo (university-preparatory). Same plotter; denser graphs as the level rises.
Plot x^2 from −5 to 5.
- Functionf(x) = x²
- Windowx from −5 to 5
- Pointsf(−5) = 25, f(0) = 0, f(5) = 25
The graph touches the x-axis at the origin and is symmetric about the y-axis.
Plot 2x + 1 on [−4, 4].
- Lineslope 2, y-intercept (0, 1)
- Notation2x means 2 × x
- Checkf(0) = 1, f(2) = 5
Plot sin(x) in degrees on [0, 360].
- AnglesThis plotter uses degrees for trigonometry
- Rootssin(0) = 0, sin(180) = 0, sin(360) = 0
- Peaksin(90) = 1
Common mistakes
Wrong
x-min larger than x-max, for example 5 to −5
Right
x-min must be smaller than x-max, otherwise no window can be drawn.
Wrong
Typing y as the variable instead of x
Right
This tool plots functions of x. Write x^2, not y^2.
Wrong
Treating this page as the exam-aids guide for graphing calculators
Right
Here you plot f(x). Allowed devices: which calculator may go to the exam.
Wrong
Expecting sin(x) on [0, 360] in radians
Right
The plotter uses degrees. For one sin value in radians: scientific calculator.
Practice
vmbo What is f(3) if f(x) = x^2?
9
3² = 9. In the table at x = 3 you should see 9.
havo Where does y = 2x + 1 meet the y-axis?
(0, 1)
Substitute x = 0: f(0) = 1.
havo What is f(2) for f(x) = 2x + 1?
5
2 × 2 + 1 = 5.
vwo Plot x^2 − 4. Where does the graph meet the x-axis?
x = −2 and x = 2
x² − 4 = 0 → (x − 2)(x + 2) = 0. You can also check with the quadratic formula.
In class
A graph next to a formula helps on vmbo, havo and vwo with linear and quadratic functions. This page is a plotter to see how f(x) runs — not a guide to exam regulations. What may go into the Dutch central exam is in which calculator may go to the exam.
Next step
- How does this work? The explanation and examples are further up this page.
Learning path
Frequently asked questions
How do you plot a function?
Enter f(x), choose x-min and x-max, and press Calculate. y-min and y-max may stay empty: then the window adjusts. Five points appear under the graph.
Which functions can I plot?
Functions of x: powers with ^, parentheses, 2x for 2×x, sin, cos, tan, sqrt and the same arithmetic as the other tools. No equations in y, no systems, no 3D.
May I use this in the exam?
This page is an online plotter for practice, not an allowed paper aid. What may go into the Dutch central exam is in the guide which calculator may go to the exam and on Examenblad.nl.
Why are there points under the graph?
So you see the computed values, not only a picture. For x^2 on [−5, 5], for example, f(5) = 25.