Graphing Calculator Art: How To Make A Face

Though a graphing calculator is capable of advanced mathematical computations and statistical data analysis, students commonly use these devices to draw the graphs of functions. For students interesting in becoming better acquainted with their calculator's functions- or who simply enjoy combining math and art, a graphing calculator is a great tool for making pictures.

1. Open the function input menu

Press the "Y=" key to access the function input menu. This is where you will type the circle equations to make the smiley face on your graphing calculator.

2. Enter equations to make a circle

Enter the equation "sqrt(100-x²)" in the field labeled "Y1" and the equation "-sqrt(100-x²)" in the field labeled "Y2." These are equations for semicircles with a radius of 10 and together they form the border of the face. The first equation generates the top half of the circle while the second generates the bottom half.

3. Use equations to draw the mouth

Enter "-sqrt(49-x²)" in the field marked "Y3." This semicircle forms the smiling mouth.

4. Use equations to draw a right eye

Enter the equations "3+sqrt(4-(x-4)²)" and "3-sqrt(4-(x-4)²)" in the fields labeled "Y4" and "Y5." This forms the right eye.

5. Use equations to draw a left eye

Enter the equations "3+sqrt(4-(x+4)²)" and "3-sqrt(4-(x+4)²)" in the fields labeled "Y6" and "Y7." This forms the left eye.

6. Scale your smiley face drawing

Press the "Zoom" key and select "Zoom Square" from the drop-down menu. This removes the scaling distortion from the viewing window.

7. Remove the axes

Press the "Window" key, highlight "Format" and select the "Axes Off" option. This removes the x and y axes from the graphing window so that your smiley face is unobstructed.

While the designers of your graphing calculator surely intended more direct mathematical applications for the tool, learning how to use your calculator to draw a smiley face is actually a great way to become familiar with its functions. Plus, making math class fun is a valuable goal all on its own.