How to use the PLOT program

The PLOT program is available from the TM menu

The dialog box lets you establish what function you want graphed and the parameters to control the process

The independent (x) variable

This is the cell that contains the independent variable.  In most instances it is known as the x variable and its values will be graphed on the x-axis of the resulting graph.  For example, consider a graph y = Log (x), with the formula in cell $A$2 being =LOG(A1).  Then, cell A1 refers to the independent variable.

The dependent (y) function

This cell is the one that contains the result of the function being graphed.  For example, consider a graph y = Log (x), with the formula in cell $A$2 being =LOG(A1).  Then cell A2 refers to the dependent variable.

The minimum and maximum x values

These two dialog box entries specify the domain over which the graph is to be drawn.  For example, in the graph shown in the introduction the minimum value would be 0 and the maximum would be 10.  Each of these dialog box entries can be either a number or a reference to a single cell, which would contain a number.

The number of points the program should use in creating the graph

The PLOT software draws a crude graph using the number of points specified in the 'Minimum (to Start with)' dialog box entry.  It refines its work and stops when it has at least as many data points as specified in the 'Maximum (to stop) entry.  Without any information about the function, good values to try would be 5 and 100.  See the advanced tips section for more information on how the judicious use of these two dialog box entries can significantly improve the graph.

The OK and Cancel buttons

Use the OK button to run the software with the specified information.

Use the Cancel button to close the dialog box without running the PLOT software.

The Help button

Displays the help file (this file).  If it does not work, it is because the version of Excel that you are using does not support the new Microsoft help system.  Try double-clicking the plot.chm file from Windows.  If that doesn't work, you can always get help from my web site at www.tushar-mehta.com.