Frequently Asked Questions

FooPlot is a free, online mathematical function plotter that allows you to visualize mathematical functions in multiple formats:

• 2D Plots: Standard y = f(x) functions like polynomials, trigonometric, and logarithmic functions
• 3D Plots: Surface plots for z = f(x,y) functions
• Polar Plots: r = f(θ) functions creating roses, spirals, and cardioids
• Parametric Plots: x = f(t), y = g(t) parametric equations for complex curves

It's perfect for students, teachers, engineers, and anyone working with mathematical functions.

Getting started is easy:

1. Select your plot type (2D is selected by default)
2. Enter your function in the input field (e.g., x^2 for a parabola)
3. Click the "Plot" button
4. Your function will appear in the interactive plot area

You can zoom, pan, and interact with the plot using your mouse or touch gestures.

No! FooPlot is completely free to use and requires no registration or account creation. Simply visit the website and start plotting functions immediately. All features are available without any restrictions.

FooPlot supports a comprehensive range of mathematical functions:

• Basic operators: +, -, *, /, ^ (or ** for exponentiation)
• Trigonometric: sin(x), cos(x), tan(x), tg(x), cot(x), ctg(x)
• Inverse trig: asin(x), arcsin(x), acos(x), arccos(x), atan(x), arctan(x)
• Logarithmic: log(x), log10(x), ln(x), log2(x), log_n(x)
• Other: sqrt(x), abs(x), exp(x), floor(x), ceil(x)
• Constants: pi, e

FooPlot supports multiple logarithm notations:

• log(x) or log10(x) - base 10 logarithm
• ln(x) - natural logarithm (base e)
• log2(x) - base 2 logarithm
• log_3(x), log_5(x) - custom base logarithms

For any base n, use the format log_n(x).

Yes! FooPlot supports alternative function names commonly used internationally:

• tg(x) for tangent (in addition to tan(x))
• ctg(x) for cotangent (in addition to cot(x))
• arcsin(x), arccos(x), arctg(x) for inverse trigonometric functions
• lg(x) for base 10 logarithm

Common issues and solutions:

• Multiplication: Always use * explicitly (write 2*x, not 2x)
• Parentheses: Use parentheses to control order of operations
• Variable names: Use x for 2D, x,y for 3D, theta for polar, t for parametric
• Function domain: Some functions have restricted domains (e.g., sqrt(x) for x ≥ 0)
• Syntax errors: Check for typos in function names and missing parentheses

Use the "Add Plot" button to add multiple functions to the same graph:

1. Plot your first function using the "Plot" button
2. Enter a second function in the input field
3. Click "Add Plot" instead of "Plot"
4. Repeat for additional functions

This is useful for comparing functions, finding intersections, and analyzing relationships between different mathematical expressions.

No, you cannot mix incompatible plot types. FooPlot will prevent you from mixing:

• 2D plots with 3D plots
• Polar plots with 3D plots
• Parametric plots with 3D plots

However, you can combine 2D, polar, and parametric plots on the same 2D graph. When you try to add an incompatible plot type, you'll see a helpful warning message.

You can adjust plot ranges in several ways:

• Range inputs: Use the X Range, Y Range, θ Range, or t Range controls
• Interactive zoom: Use your mouse wheel or touch gestures to zoom in/out
• Pan: Click and drag to move around the plot
• Reset: Double-click the plot to reset to original view

Range changes automatically update when you zoom or pan interactively.

Parametric plots use a parameter (usually t) to define both x and y coordinates: x = f(t), y = g(t). They're perfect for:

• Plotting curves that loop back on themselves
• Creating circles, ellipses, and complex curves
• Modeling motion and trajectories
• Drawing shapes that aren't functions in the traditional sense

Example: x = cos(t), y = sin(t) creates a circle.

FooPlot provides several sharing options:

• Share URL: Use the "Share Plot" button to generate a link containing all your plot settings
• Direct linking: The URL automatically updates with your plot parameters
• Screenshots: Use your browser's screenshot tools or system screenshot functions

Shared links preserve all your functions, ranges, plot types, and settings.

While FooPlot doesn't have built-in export features, you can:

• Screenshot: Use your system's screenshot tools
• Browser export: Right-click the plot and select "Save image as"
• Print to PDF: Use your browser's print function and select "Save as PDF"
• Share links: Save the share URL for later access

Discontinuities and gaps can occur for several mathematical reasons:

• Domain restrictions: Functions like sqrt(x) or log(x) have limited domains
• Vertical asymptotes: Functions like 1/x or tan(x) have vertical asymptotes
• Branch cuts: Some functions have natural discontinuities

This is mathematically correct behavior. FooPlot automatically detects and handles these discontinuities properly.

If you experience performance issues:

• Try refreshing the page
• Clear your browser cache
• Close other browser tabs to free up memory
• Check if you have a stable internet connection
• Try using a different browser
• Simplify complex functions if they're causing slowdowns

Yes! FooPlot is fully responsive and works great on smartphones and tablets:

• Touch-friendly interface with optimized controls
• Pinch-to-zoom and touch gestures for plot interaction
• Responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes
• All features available on mobile devices

Absolutely! FooPlot is perfect for education:

• Students: Visualize homework problems and understand mathematical concepts
• Teachers: Create interactive demonstrations and assignments
• Researchers: Quickly visualize mathematical relationships
• Professionals: Model real-world problems and present data

The tool is free, requires no installation, and works in any modern web browser.

If you need more help:

• Check our other articles and tutorials
• Use the built-in Help button for function reference
• Try searching for similar questions in this FAQ
• Experiment with simple examples to understand the behavior

FooPlot is designed to be intuitive, and most questions can be answered through experimentation with the tool.