KmPlot/Using Sliders

A main feature fo KmPlot is to visualize the influence of parameters to the curve of a function.

Moving a Sinus Curve

Let's see, how to move a sinus curve left and right:

• Create a new cartesian plot.
• Enter the equation

  f(x,a) = sin(x-a)

• Check the Slider option and choose Slider No. 1 from the drop down list.
• To make the available sliders visible, check View -> Show Sliders

Now you can move the slider and see how the parameter value modifies the position of the curve.

Screenshots

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  Input

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  Show sliders option

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  Slider window

Trajectory of a Projectile

Now let's have a look at the maximum distance of a projectile thrown with different angles. We use a parametric plot depending on an additional parameter which is the angel.

• Define a contant v_0 for the starting velocity.
• Create a new parametric plot
• Enter the equations

  f_x(t,α) = v_0∙cos(α)∙t
  f_y(t,α) =2+ v_0∙sin(α)∙t−5∙t^2

• Check the Slider option and choose Slider No. 1 from the drop down list.
• To make the available sliders visible, check View -> Show Sliders

Now you can move the slider and see how the distance depends on the parameter value. Educational and training fun for young and old