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Re: 3D lesson help
Posted:
May 25, 1994 2:59 PM
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To: Multiple recipients of list <nctm-l@sci-ed.fit.edu>
In response to the request for good 3D software, I have found two
programs that make wonderful demonstrations in 3D.
GyroGraphics Version 4 is a program that allows 2D and 3D
function plots. Its claim to fame is that once the surface is
plotted, you can spin it in real time. On a '486 the motion is
very smooth. You control the rate of spin and the direction. you
can stop it to look at the plot from any vantage point.
It plots y=f(x) and rotates about a vertical or horizontal axis
with or without disks or cylinders. It plots z=f(x,y),
cylindrical or spherical coordinates, parametrically defined
surfaces, space curves or vector fields. I know eighth graders
don't know much about vector fields but use what helps them.
The other program is called Converge. Converge also plots 2D and
3D functions in rectangular, polar, and cylindrical coordinates.
It produces tables of values, sign graphs, and zeros of
functions. With it you can solve triangles, row reduce matrices,
find the limit of a function, graph the derivatives (and draw
tangentlines) and antiderivatives. This software produces screen
images in files that are compatible with Word Perfect and MS
Word. Converge does not have real-time rotation of the surfaces,
though.
GyroGraphics can be ordered for $89 from
CipherSystems
717 Willow Drive
Stillwater, OK 74075
(405) 377-4432
Converge is $139 from
JEMware
567 South King Street, Suite 178
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 523-9911
Happy graphing.
Dave
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