Why Doesn't My 2-Sphere Graph Correctly in GraphCalc?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yourdadonapogostick
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graph
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The user attempted to graph a 2-sphere using GraphCalc with the equations z=√(-x²-y²+9) and z=-√(-x²-y²+9), expecting a sphere centered at the origin with a radius of 3. However, the graph did not display correctly, particularly near the xy-plane. The issue arises from GraphCalc's limited evaluation of function values on a small grid, leading to inaccuracies when slopes become steep.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3D graphing concepts
  • Familiarity with the mathematical representation of spheres
  • Basic knowledge of GraphCalc software
  • Experience with function evaluation and graphing limitations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the limitations of GraphCalc in rendering complex surfaces
  • Explore alternative graphing tools like GeoGebra for 3D visualizations
  • Learn about numerical methods for evaluating functions on a grid
  • Investigate techniques for improving graph accuracy near critical points
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in 3D graphing, particularly those using GraphCalc for mathematical visualizations.

yourdadonapogostick
Messages
270
Reaction score
1
i attempted to graph a 2-sphere on graphcalc and it wouldn't work. the equations had to be in terms of z, so i had to use: [tex]z=\sqrt{-x^2-y^2+9}[/tex] and [tex]z=-\sqrt{-x^2-y^2+9}[/tex]. i thought that would give me a 2-sphere at the origin with a radius of 3, but it didn't. i got:[PLAIN]http://photobucket.com/albums/a192/YoDizzle/th_almostsphere.bmp.[/URL] what did i do wrong?

the split is along the x y plane. if it matters, this is my first try at using graphcalc.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
You got a sphere. It just breaks down near the xy-plane, because the approximations get fuzzy as the slope becomes very large. Your program only evaluates the function value on a small grid of points.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K