How to Create Graphs and Figures in LaTex Documents.

[V0ODO0CH1LD]

I am learning LaTex and I was wondering if there's a way to create graphs and figures with it. Even if it's not as simple as just typing graph sin(x) somewhere.

I've been reading online about it and I think you actually can't, but then again I see documents like these (http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathemat...ble-calculus-fall-2006/lecture-notes/lec1.pdf) all the time and I wonder how are the figures integrated with the document. Assuming that document was created with LaTex, otherwise what was it created with?

I know for a fact you can actually import images into documents, but that is too definitive. I want something that I can change later with ease. I am not looking for complex 3D graphs like the ones you would get with MATLAB or mathematica. Just simple figures like the ones in the example above.

 

[AlephZero]

Your LaTeX installation may already include http://tug.org/PSTricks/main.cgi/ and/or http://www.tug.org/metapost.html

Neither of those is very "beginner friendly" MO, though either of them could generate the diagrams in your PDF. You might prefer http://asymptote.sourceforge.net/

 

[D H]

Assuming that document was created with LaTex, otherwise what was it created with?

Just because the document was created with LaTeX (and it almost certainly was; it has that look and feel) does not mean the graphics were created with LaTeX/TeX.

I know for a fact you can actually import images into documents, but that is too definitive. I want something that I can change later with ease.

Graphics is not LaTeX strong suit, even with pstricks. Incorporating graphics developed elsewhere is something LaTeX does quite nicely. So create your graphics elsewhere. I tend to create my graphics with gnuplot or Matlab. Easy to modify, easy to understand, very easy to automate with a makefile. Use a tool that works well with the problem at hand. Using a hammer when what you need is a screwdriver is a bad idea.