Thread: Hi I am trying to figure out this 3D graph!

Hello, my name is Matthew. I am not very strong in mathematics. In fact, I am working as an artist right now.

I was wondering if any patient and helpful people could maybe give me a simple explanation of why this equation gives me the straight wall (that seemingly extends into infinity) pictured above. I am sure the reason is quite simple, but I am intrigued visually and conceptually by this effect.

Any kind of reply would be great. Thanks!

Look forward to at least learning from the forums,

M

What is the equation?

I am not totally sure... all I have entered is z=2352x2352. As I was just experimenting with equations, I found that any variation of the numbers into the equation z=(_____)x(_____) gives you the same plane.

I am not familiar enough with the software that you are using to give you an intelligent response. From what I can see it is a plane on the y-axis (if I am looking at the axes correctly) that stretches to the dimensions that you gave it in the z direction. Again, I am not familiar with the software. Perhaps, if you gave me name of the software, maybe I can find it and get more familiarized as to how it generates 3_D surfaces. Is it something you pulled off the Internet or did you install it from a disc? Sorry if I can't be more help at this point.

Hi, thanks for your help. The program is called "Grapher" it is a mac program, as I stumbled upon it one day by accident.

When you choose the option to create a 3D graph, the only thing given is "z= ".

I found out later, that there are other equation templates available, such as Cartesian Surface parametric graphs, etc.

But, for now, I am just trying to figure out why this effect is happening with z=2352x2352.

The same effect is achieved in numerous ways, like entering z=34x36 for example.

Your help is appreciated, sorry I can not better explain what I am doing, as I am not quite SURE!

Your explanation makes a little more sense to me. It depends on the type of surface you want as to which equation template you want to or need to use. If the software has a tutorial attached to it, go by what the tutorial instructs you to do. It doesn't matter what "dimensions" you give the plane it will still show you the same thing. Actually it gives you a "segment" of the plane by keying in those values. Planes stretch out to infinity. Try smaller values like 5X5 and see what you get.