computer files ready to use

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Mathematica
Basics, Graphing, Algebra and Trig., 3D Graphics, Advanced Math Topics

How can I get a copy of Mathematica?

Learning the Basics

Getting Started with Mathematica
An HTML file designed to give you a general understanding of the basics of working with Mathematica. (PDF version)

Quick Reference
An HTML file to help you get started working with the basics of Mathematica. You can copy-and-paste sample code from this web page directly into Mathematica. It's all ready to go! (PDF version)

Introduction to Mathematica for Algebra I
This PDF file introduces basic calculations and graphing. It includes graphing lines, parabolas, and systems of equations. The commands "Factor" and "Solve" are also introduced.

Graphing

Basic Graphing Palette
This Mathematica notebook is a palette you can use to quickly graph a function. You can choose which options you want to include in your code. It also has options for graphing multiple functions. Very easy to use!

Graph Template 1, Graph Template 2, and 2D Graph Generator More options!
The first is a short, simple program for creating graphs with instructions included. The second has a few programs for creating graphs of multiple functions and graphs with legends and/or grid lines. I recommend playing with Graph Template 1 first. The third file allows you to adjust the fonts of the labels and the colors of the grid lines too (including nice values for trigonometry).

Grid Maker (If you like this one, try 2D Graph Generator)
This Mathematica notebook lets you create graphs with more control over tick marks and gridlines. It is also useful for generating blank graphs for tests, quizzes, and worksheets.

Graph Inequalities New!
Graph one or two inequalities with shading. This Mathematica notebook give you control over shading colors, solid and dashed lines, grid lines, tick marks, axis labels, and graph title including fonts and colors. You can also copy-and-paste graphs into other computer programs to make tests, worksheets, or notes.
Creating Conics Have you seen this one yet?
This Mathematica notebook lets you create graphs of ellipses, circles, hyperbolas, and parabolas by typing in values for a, b, h, k, and p in all standard forms.

Polar Graphing with Polar Grid
This Mathematica file lets you easily generate polar graphs on a polar grid. Directions for inserting graphs into Word files are also included. Try Tracing a Polar Graph to create animations that draw the graphs.

Polar Point from Rectangular Point
Use this Mathematica notebook to illustrate converting a point in rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates. Copy-and-paste your diagrams into worksheets or tests. (Note: There are some extra frills with this one since I was using it to learn some new things.)

Polar Graphing Activity
This PDF file is a ready-to-go worksheet for the computer lab. Students can create polar graph designs using multiple curves and multiple colors. (Word document version)

Animating the Area Under a Curve
Two Mathematica files to illustrate how the area is swept out under a curve when doing integration. Use your own curves in Rectangular Coordinates or Polar Coordinates (1.2 Mb).

Polygons
This Mathematica file helps you create regular polygons in a snap! You can choose as many sides you want and rotate it too.
Hue - Use this to choose the colors for your graphs.
Mathematica by Students - A few projects created by calculus students.

Intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry

Graphing Trigonometric Functions
Ready to use for classroom demonstration. Two programs for graphing “y = a cos[b(x - c)] + d.” All you need to do is decide which a, b, c, and d values you want to see. It is easy to switch “cos” to “sin” or any other trig function, if desired. The second program lets you animate the graph as any of the parameters change between the values you set. Includes x-axis labels with p !

Systems of Two Equations
This Mathematica notebook is designed more for teachers than for students. Generate problems quickly for students to solve systems of equations problems by graphing, substitution, or linear combination. You control the solution and the y-intercepts.

Exponentials vs. Factorials
This lesson demonstrates the difference between exponential and factorial growth. The lesson uses tables, graphs, and scientific notation. It also includes directions for using Microsoft Word to answer the guide questions throughout the lesson. This works for a classroom demonstration, computer lab activity, or independent study. (Mathematica notebook file)

Conic Sections
How do a cone and a plane really make an ellipse? What about hyperbolas and parabolas? This Mathematica notebook allows you to adjust the angle of a plane as it intersects a cone to see the curves that can be generated. Also, see the Conic Sections Gallery below and the Blank Conic Sections Diagrams.

Conic Sections Gallery (2.3 Mb)

This Mathematica notebook is a list of 3D graphics that you can rotate and zoom to see these surface intersections more clearly. Great for classroom demonstrations or for students to explore. (Or check out the Interactive HTML Version or the Still HTML Version.)

Three-Dimensional Graphics

Graphing Vectors, Lines, and Planes
This PDF file is a brief introduction to graphing vectors, lines, and planes in three dimensions.

Three-Dimensional Graphing
This PDF file included the basics and a little with cylindrical and spherical coordinates. Learn how to move graphs with interactive features!
Solids of Revolution
Create figures generated by rotating a region about a horizontal line. You can specify the region using two functions and you can also pick the axis of rotation. This is great for illustrating disk- and washer-method problems. It's very easy to use.

Solids of Cylindrical Shells
Choose your own region to rotate about the y-axis and see it formed by a series of cylinders. This program nicely illustrates the shell method for finding volumes. Instructions are also included for a simple animation.

Solids with Known Cross Sections (3MB)
This file is a catalog of several different three-dimensional figures created with a given base and a given cross sectional shape. Also, the four programs I wrote to generate these figures are available to download.
You can create your own! Create solids with square, equilateral triangle, semicircle, or rectangle cross sections.
3D Web Graphics! Directions and links on Interactive Graphics page.

3D Parametric Equations Palette
This Mathematica notebook is a palette to help you graph curves in three dimensions using parametric equations. It also includes several options for working with 3D graphs. (Designed for a lesson with Calculus D.)

Quadric Surface Graphing

This program is set up for graphing quadric surfaces such as the example:

+ = 1. Instructions are included. Be sure to read the hints at the bottom in case your results don't come out as you expected. Or check out this simple Mathematica notebook with interactive examples of each quadric surface.

Surface Curves
This PDF file includes code and directions for drawing curves on parametric surfaces.

Advanced Math Topics

Infinite Series and Mathematica (Right-Click and choose "Save Target As...")
This PDF file is a lesson designed to show you how to work with series in Mathematica and to improve your understanding of infinite series. To download the example code for the third part, click here. To easily compare the graph of a sequence and the corresponding series, use SequenceSeriesPlot.

Slope Fields and Solutions to Differential Equations: dy/dx = F(x,y) New!
Create slope fields with this Mathematica notebook. Draw curves passing through initial points and curves corresponding to fixed values of C. Other options are also included. It explicitly solves the differential equation. For some functions, there will be errors. Notebook with Only Slope Fields.

Limits - Illustrations with Geometer’s Sketchpad
For each of the four cases below, you can interactively illustrate the formal definitions of limits. (Also, check out the Worksheet and the single file containing all four sketches.)

Finite C, Finite L Finite C, Infinite L Infinite C, Finite L Infinite C, Infinite L

Here is another Geometer’s Sketchpad file to demo the first case: DeltaEpsilonDemo.
Introduction to Mathematica and Multivariable Calculus
An HTML file with instructions for exploring the normal and tangential unit vectors to a parametric equation r(t).

Tangent Planes, Normal Lines, and Surface Intersection Tangents
A PDF file with instructions for exploring these mathematical objects and their relationships in three dimensions.

Contours and Vector Fields
This PDF file contains Mathematica code for drawing vector fields in two and three dimensions. It also guides the user through graphing a surface and its level curves with its gradient field. The four-dimensional equivalent is also included.

Osculating Circles (3.2 Mb)
Curvature is a measure of how tightly a curve is turning. This Mathematica notebook allows you to type your own 2-dimensional function and select the point where you want to see the circle whose curvature matches the curve at that point. Thanks to Whitney Buchanan (TP '03) for inspiring and helping with this one!

Introduction to Mathematica and Linear Algebra
An HTML file with instructions for working with matrices and determinants.

Linear Algebra Palette
This Mathematica notebook is a palette to help you with entering some of the basic computations used when working with vectors and matrices.

Geometric Matrix Transformations (Linear Algebra)
This PDF file describes an activity to practice creating matrix operators that rotate, reflect, and dilate vectors. The lesson guides you through 2D and 3D examples. (If you have trouble opening it, try right-clicking, "Save Target As...," saving to your desktop, and opening it directly.)

Other Files

Semester-At-A-Glance Odd-Even Calendars 2011-12 (PDF file or Word Version: Right-Click and choose Save Target As...)

Here is a calendar just for Torrey Pines teachers and students. You can see the entire semester for a class on one page. White means you meet that day, gray means you don’t. Great for planning, notes, and reference. (Updated: August 6, 2011)

Assignment Sheets
Here are some blank assignment sheets students can use to keep track of their work for a single class or for a week. Print one page for each class or each week. Find the one that works best for you.
- Single-class, one-page version: Word or PDF
- Single-class, two-page version: Word or PDF
- Six-period, one-week version: Word or PDF
- Three-period, one-week version (ideal for Block Schedule): Word or PDF

Character Codes Para Espa�ol
This HTML file lists the codes you need to quickly type accents, tildes, and punctuation for Spanish language characters. To download the PDF version, click here.

Weekly Organizer for Teachers (Word file)
It’s not a “To Do List,” it’s a “To Do Matrix”! This one page has helped keep me organized for years. Slightly altered versions also work well for organizing activities in class and appointments with students. To download the PDF version, click here.

Blank Graph Paper
Six blank graphs per page ready to use for class activities and homework.
Polar Graphs (Now with 4 different styles!) or Rectangular Graphs (PDF files)
3D Graph Paper
Blank axes for 3D graphing created by a student. (Thanks, Austin Landow!) (If the Word version doesn’t open, try right-click and “Save Target As...”)
- 3D Axes - Word or PDF
- 2D and 3D Axes Side-by-Side - Word or PDF
Blank Graphs for Worksheets
Are you frustrated with scissors and tape to cut-and-paste graphs into your tests, quizzes, and worksheets? Download this file and you can electronically resize, cut, copy, and paste blank and numbered graphs into any document you’re working on. Very handy!

Blank Graphs for Trigonometry: Word or Mathematica
More blank graphs specifically designed for graphing trigonometric functions. Great for worksheets, tests, quizzes, or overhead demos (print or copy it onto a transparency).

Blank Diagrams for Conic Sections: PDF or Word
One page with a blank parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Each one shows the directrix, center, foci, and vertices without any numerical values or labels. Have students fill it in a study guide, insert the diagrams into tests and worksheets, or print a copy on a transparency to use during classroom demonstrations. (Note: It works well for labels, but the scale is slightly off for comparing focus, curve, and directrix measurements. Look for updates soon.)

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Abby Brown - Torrey Pines High School


Finite C, Finite L	Finite C, Infinite L	Infinite C, Finite L	Infinite C, Infinite L