An interactive applet that allows the user to graphically explore the properties of a cubic function. Specifically, it is designed to foster an intuitive understanding of the effects of changing the 4 coefficients in the function.

The applet shows a large graph of a quadratic (ax^3 + bx^2 +cx + d) and has four slider controls, one each for the coefficients a,b,c and d. As the sliders are moved, the graph is redrawn in real time illustrating the effects of these variations.

Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. After use in the classroom, student can access it again from any web browser at home or in the library with no login required.

This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.