Special Symbols
Because mathematicians use many symbols not normally found on a computer keyboard, FX Graph uses a small number of special symbols, codes and abbreviations in order to allow you to enter functions.
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Normal Symbol
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FX Graph
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Notes
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Multiplication
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´
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*
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Exponentiation (Powers)
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none (eg 2x)
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^ (eg 2^x)
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Only needed when FX Graph fails to automatically recognise the power.
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Division
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¸
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/ (followed by a space)
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The / character is more often used (without the space) to enter fractions.
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Pi
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p
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pi
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Can be used in both functions and axes.
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Theta
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q
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th
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Used in polar functions
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Greater than or equal to
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³
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>=
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Less than or equal to
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£
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<=
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Plus Minus
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±
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+-
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FX Graph will automatically graph both arms of the function.
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Most of these symbols are in common use in computer based mathematics.
Brackets
Many functions, especially fractions, contain assumed brackets. FX Graph will sometimes require you to enter these brackets even though you cannot see them. For example, if you enter y = 3/x+3 does this mean
To graph the second function you need to add logical brackets to your function and type y = 3/(x+3). These brackets will not be displayed but will influence how your function is interpreted.
As a general rule, if the function is not shown formatted correctly by FX Graph, add some brackets to make your meaning clear.
A very important use of brackets is to logically identify the numerator and denominator in complicated fractions. For example: (x+2)/(x-3) needs the brackets to be interpreted as
rather than 
.
Brackets are also used to logically identify powers and ensure that FX Graph interprets your function correctly.
All three bracket types {, [ and ( may be used interchangeably in FX Graph and FX Graph makes no distinction between them. FX Graph does not even check to see if brackets are paired. You are responsible for this. If there is a fraction inside a bracket, the bracket is automatically resized.
Example:
is entered as 3[(x-2)2+1/2]
Powers
Most powers will be automatically recognized by FX Graph. FX Graph will not automatically recognize powers if
| · | you require a variable as a power
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| · | you require a function as a power
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| · | you require a power of a number
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| · | you require a complicated power.
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In these cases you need to explicitly indicate the power using the ^ symbol. As with fractions, complicated powers need to be surrounded with brackets. These brackets will not be displayed.
Examples:
is entered as e^sinth
is entered as x^(2y+3)
Spaces
Spaces change the way a particular equation is formatted and therefore interpreted. This can best be illustrated using these examples.
is entered as sin2 th
is entered as sin 2th
The only difference between the two equations is the location of a space.
Restrictions
FX Graph will correctly graph any equation you enter. Unfortunately, restrictions in the FX Equation technology prohibit FX Graph from DISPLAYING some equations with the correct formatting. The three classes of equations that will not be formatted correctly are:
Multilevel fractions
Square roots of square roots
Powers of powers of powers
Please note: The graph will be drawn correctly, it is only the equation that cannot be displayed correctly.