Calculus I using LiveMath

Chapter 1

User Defined Functions

LiveMath provides many pre-defined functions. For example, sin(x) defines the Sine function. LiveMath also allows you to define your own Functions. To do this you use Wildcard variables. The following example shows how to define your own function.

Say you have a function that you use over and over again.

To create a User Defined function you would follow the following steps.

LiveMath Internet: User Defined Functions

LiveMath right-click or option-click to download

• Enter the function name, f in this example, followed by an opening parentheses. Insert a Wildcard variable (x) by using the Wildcard palette (click and hold your mouse down on the y on the Variable Palette until the pop-up menu appears) or by inserting a ? before you type the variable (? x). Now press the esc-key, type an equal sign, and enter your expression, again using Wildcard variables.

• To use this function, type an equation in a new Prop like the one below. In this case you want to calculate the function when x = 5.

• Now slect the f(5) Prop and choose Calculate from the Compute menu. LiveMath will ask you to declare f. When the declaration dialog box appears choose User Defined Function, as shown in the graphic below. Note

From this point on, you may use the function you created at any time by selecting it from the Function Palette where it showed up after it was declared f(x). Below are some examples.

LiveMath Tip: make your net Notebook such that the user does not need to input with WildCard variables.