How Do I
Plot a Function?
Maple has extensive plotting functionality to help you visualize the behavior of mathematical functions. The examples below show how to construct a graph of the function y = x2+5 x−2 by using two different methods: using the context panel and using the interactive Plot Builder.
The generated plot can be manipulated; it can be zoomed, panned, and resized. For more details on plotting, refer to the comprehensive Maple Plotting Guide. For information about Maple commands used in plotting, see the help pages on plot, plot3d, and plottools.
Before you proceed, be sure to familiarize yourself with entering simple mathematical expressions. Open a new worksheet in Document mode, and ensure that you are in Math mode.
Using the Context Panel
Using the Interactive Plot Builder
Related Topics
Follow the steps below to plot the function y=x2+5 x−2.
Step
Description
Illustration
1
Type y=x2+5 x−2.
2
Click the equation, and from the context panel, select Plots > 2-D Plot of Right Side.
The plot is displayed in the worksheet.
y=x2+5 x−2→
Type the expression x2+5 x−2. Do not type an equation, since the Plot Builder interprets equations as implicit plots.
Click the expression, and from the context panel, select Plot Builder.
Note that if the Plot Builder is accessed from the main menu (Tools > Assistants > Plot Builder...), then the expression x2+5 x−2 must be entered manually.
3
The Plot Builder panel is displayed on the right side of the Maple window. The plot type and plot ranges for independent variables can be set here, along with plotting options.
For this example, we used the default settings. Click the worksheet to hide the panel. The plot is displayed.
The How Do I... topics cover the essentials for doing mathematics in Maple. Learn more about available tools and features, such as palettes and the context panel.
How Do I...
...Enter a Complex Number?
...Enter a Function?
...Enter a Matrix?
...Enter a Simple Expression?
...Evaluate an Expression?
...Import Tabular Data?
...Plot a Straight Line?
...Plot Multiple Functions?
...Solve an Ordinary Differential Equation?
...Work with Random Generators?
Tools and Features
Palettes
Context Panel
Command Completion
Equation Labels
Assistants
Maple Help
Plotting Guide
Applications
Example Worksheets
Manuals
Refer to Help>Quick Reference for basic Getting Started tips.
See Also
plot
Plotting Tutorial
Plot Builder
MaplePortal
Download Help Document
