How to Plot Partial Derivatives in Desmos Effectively

How to Plot Partial Derivatives in Desmos Effectively

Hey dude! So, you wanna learn how to plot partial derivatives in Desmos? Like, what even are those? Sounds fancy, right? But don’t worry. I’ll break it down for ya like a piñata at a kid’s birthday party. You might even laugh before we’re done!

So, partial derivatives are just a way of figuring out how one thing changes when you kinda ignore the other stuff going on around it. It’s like if your friend keeps talking about pizza toppings while you’re just trying to get to the crust, ya know? Let’s dive into some funny steps on how to make Desmos your best bud when plotting these funky math things.

Step One: Meet Your New Best Friend

First off, you gotta open the Desmos app or website. It’s like walking into a candy store but instead of candy there’s math…and some very friendly graphs! Typing “Desmos” into Google is enough, and BOOM! You’re in.

Step Two: Think Like a Math Wizard

Okay so now you need to get all wizardy and figure out what function you’re dealing with. Just think of it like picking your favorite pizza toppings again. Choose something like f(x,y) = x^2 + y^2 or whatever floats your boat.

Step Three: Enter Your Function

You gotta type in that function into Desmos! Just type f(x,y) = and then whatever equation you’ve picked. If Desmos was holding hands with functions, this is where they get cozy together.

But wait! What if you forget how many ‘x’s and ‘y’s there are? No sweat – just keep typing random letters until one resembles the correct function—kidding (sorta)!

Step Four: Time for Partial Derivatives

Now here comes the fun part—typing those partial derivatives. So if we’re doing our previous example, go ahead and type:

∂f/∂x = 2x
And then hit enter cause hitting enter makes everything real in Desmos land!

Step Five: More Functions More Fun!

Repeat Step Four for ∂f/∂y too!
Just like before, type:
∂f/∂y = 2y
And BAM! Now you’ve got two shiny new functions ready to party on the graph!

Step Six: Plot Them All

Next up—TIME TO PLOT! Just click that little wrench at the top right corner (but not literally wrenching anything). Then select “Add Item,” and choose “Table.” In this magical table, fill in some values for x and y. Don’t be shy; throw in random numbers like confetti!

Step Seven: Watch the Magic Happen

Now watch as your functions dance across the screen! If they look messed up or too shy, adjust the zoom level til they spread out nicely. It’s kinda like giving them space to show their moves without bumping into each other… awkwardly.

Fun FAQ Section

Question:
What even is a partial derivative?

Answer:
It’s when you look at how one part of a thing changes without caring about the rest… kinda selfish but super useful.

Question:
Does my graph have feelings?

Answer:
Nah dude, graphs are heartless lines on a screen…but maybe if we’re nice they’ll show us good results?

Question:
Why do I need two variables?

Answer:
Because math likes to throw parties with friends so we can understand things better—not just sitting alone crying over one variable.

Question:
Can I use my phone for this?

Answer:
Absolutely! But don’t drop it while trying to impress people with your math skills!

Question:
Is this gonna help me on tests?

Answer:
Maybe! Unless you forget all of this by then…so study hard bud!

Question:
Can I put emojis on my graph?

Answer:
As much as flair is fun….sadly NO emojis allowed but imagine them anyway—it’ll help cheer up sad lines!

Question:
Are partial derivatives actually important?

Answer:
Totally dude! They’re used everywhere from physics to economics…like popcorn at movies – can’t go wrong with that!

So there ya go! You got all the steps to plot those sneaky partial derivatives in Desmos and maybe even had a chuckle or two along the way. Happy graphing buddy—you’re gonna crush it!