Thread: Derive question: Need help restricting domains on Derive software...

I am working on a math project in which I hope to do a presentation on. For it, I have come a very unique function. However, part of the function is supposed to be negative and part is supposed to be positive and alternates forever (like a sine or cosine function). However, the one that I'm able to graph can be either entirely negative or entirely positive.

To resolve this issue, I need to be able to restrict the domain of this function. I know how to do this on a Ti-84, but not on Derive (which is partly how I'll be presenting this). I know there is an "Author Tab" and from there there is a "Variable Domain" button. With that, I can't "restrict my domain" of the function. At least I would, if Derive wasn't such a SOB to figure out. When I highlight my equation and try to restrict my domain, it spits out the domain numbers in a completely new expression and doesn't even apply it to the one I have.

Is it me, or does Derive have a bug, or is it just flat out not a user-friendly software? Could someone tell me where I'm going wrong, and maybe how to fix it (in slow, simple steps?). Thank you in advance.

By the way, I prefer derive above most other programs because of it's "slider bar" feature for graphs. That DEFINITELY will come in hand for my presentation.

Originally Posted by Mathmagician

I am working on a math project in which I hope to do a presentation on. For it, I have come a very unique function. However, part of the function is supposed to be negative and part is supposed to be positive and alternates forever (like a sine or cosine function). However, the one that I'm able to graph can be either entirely negative or entirely positive.

To resolve this issue, I need to be able to restrict the domain of this function. I know how to do this on a Ti-84, but not on Derive (which is partly how I'll be presenting this). I know there is an "Author Tab" and from there there is a "Variable Domain" button. With that, I can't "restrict my domain" of the function. At least I would, if Derive wasn't such a SOB to figure out. When I highlight my equation and try to restrict my domain, it spits out the domain numbers in a completely new expression and doesn't even apply it to the one I have.

Is it me, or does Derive have a bug, or is it just flat out not a user-friendly software? Could someone tell me where I'm going wrong, and maybe how to fix it (in slow, simple steps?). Thank you in advance.

By the way, I prefer derive above most other programs because of it's "slider bar" feature for graphs. That DEFINITELY will come in hand for my presentation.

I think we need more information about this function, it is not entirely clear what you are trying to do.

The real problem is that Derive is obsolete and so you will have trouble finding anyone with a functioning system running it, I think I have a Pentium 1 laptop somewhere with it which I could get out if really need be.

CB

I am running Derive on windows 7 but that's beside the point. I appreciate your good intentions of helping me. However, I recently found out how to restrict domains (it's similar to how it's done on a Ti-84). So thanks, and this problem has been resolved.