Graph something freehand, then it gives the function...how?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the process of deriving mathematical functions from freehand-drawn curves using software tools. Participants emphasize that while software can approximate curves using polynomial fitting, it cannot always determine the exact function. Key concepts include the necessity of inputting reliable data points and the importance of understanding curve fitting techniques, which are foundational in algebra. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by users, particularly in educational contexts, when attempting to translate visual shapes into mathematical equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic Algebra concepts, particularly in curve fitting
  • Understanding of polynomial functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with data input methods for software analysis
  • Knowledge of graphing techniques and axis labeling
NEXT STEPS
  • Research software tools for curve fitting, such as MATLAB or Python's SciPy library
  • Learn about polynomial regression techniques and their applications
  • Explore methods for accurately collecting and inputting data points for analysis
  • Study the principles of graph theory and its relation to mathematical functions
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in translating visual data into mathematical functions, particularly in fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering.

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How or where can I do this? thanks
 
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Not sure what you mean. Any recipe that gives one output for a given input can be considered a mathematical function.

For properly labeled graphs where the axes for the input and output are defined, this can be done.
 
I know I didn't explain it very well. This is what I mean: I draw some random curvy line and some app or software tells me the function of what I just drew. Is there some app that does this? thanks for the reply
 
jaysquestions said:
I know I didn't explain it very well. This is what I mean: I draw some random curvy line and some app or software tells me the function of what I just drew. Is there some app that does this? thanks for the reply
The software can't tell you what the function is in all cases -- the best it can usually do is to approximate the curve (or a section of the curve) with a polynomial or other function, using some of the points on the curve.
 
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jaysquestions said:
I know I didn't explain it very well. This is what I mean: I draw some random curvy line and some app or software tells me the function of what I just drew. Is there some app that does this? thanks for the reply
Unclear. You must fit some numbers to what you drew, and then if expecting to use a software program, give the values to the program and run the program to produce an equation.
 
jaysquestions said:
How or where can I do this? thanks
You are asking about the topic of Curve Fitting. One begins developing skills for this in Basic/Beginning Algebra.
 
Hello guys I'm tryng to help a student from high school to create a function from the shape of a structure, and I was thinking about drawing something like the structure and
try to find a function from it.
Does someone could give me some help?
 
jackson.cirillo said:
Hello guys I'm tryng to help a student from high school to create a function from the shape of a structure, and I was thinking about drawing something like the structure and
try to find a function from it.
Does someone could give me some help?
You need good reliable values if you want to make a meaningful graph and find a reliable function or equation.
 

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