Desmos

This article is about the graphing calculator. For the tree, see Desmos (genus).

Desmos

File:Desmos example graph.jpg Desmos running on a web browser
Type of site	Online graphing calculator
Owner	Desmos, Inc.
URL	www.desmos.com
Registration	Optional
Launched	2011
Current status	Online
Written in	JavaScript

Desmos is an advanced graphing calculator implemented as a web application and a mobile application written in JavaScript.

History

It was founded by Eli Luberoff, a math and physics double major from Yale University, and was launched as a startup at TechCrunch's Disrupt New York conference in 2011. As of September 2012, it had received around 1 million US dollars of funding from Kapor Capital, Learn Capital, Kindler Capital, Elm Street Ventures and Google Ventures.

In May 2022, Amplify acquired the Desmos curriculum and teacher.desmos.com. Some 50 employees joined Amplify. Desmos Studio was spun off as a separate public benefit corporation focused on building calculator products and other math tools.

The name Desmos came from the Greek word δεσμός which means a bond or a tie.

Features

In addition to graphing both equations and inequalities, it also features lists, plots, regressions, interactive variables, graph restriction, simultaneous graphing, piece wise function graphing, polar function graphing, two types of graphing grids – among other computational features commonly found in a programmable calculator. It can also be used in several languages. In terms of specific functions, within the "functions" tab in the keyboard that has very recently been re-organized by category, the enabling of derivatives and integrals have allowed for a great deal of calculus operations as well, although direct limits are currently absent. Furthermore, integrations to positive and negative infinity are supported, and series can also be raised to sufficiently high iterations. Aside from the calculus operations, the already present trigonometric and other transcendental functions, plus the hidden utilities like the error function and the factorial, a multitude of statistical operations, including normal distribution, chi-squared, the aforementioned regressions, and the random function, have also been introduced since 2020.

Users can create accounts and save the graphs and plots that they have created to them. A permalink can then be generated which allow users to share their graphs and elect to be considered for staff picks. The tool comes pre-programmed with 36 different example graphs for the purpose of teaching new users about the tool and the mathematics involved.

Another peculiar use of the calculator involves the creation of graphic arts – which involves an elaborated use of curve modelling through equations and inequalities. Yet another use is to make music, using the calculator's auto trace function. As of April 2017, Desmos also released a browser-based 2D interactive geometry tool, with supporting features including the plotting of points, lines, circles, and polygons. Many intricate projects have been made on Desmos as a results, including 3D via parameterization, and thanks to the aid of the RGB and HSV coloring introduced in late 2020, artwork with personalized coloring expanded far beyond just the conventional 6 colors, as well as the domain coloring of complex functions. In addition, the constantly improving computational and rendering capacity has shortened the time needed for graphing heavy projects, as well as allowing for higher amounts of nesting, allowing for intricate fractals like the Mandelbrot set and the Ducks fractal to be made on Desmos, in many cases easily at or above 100 iterations. Moreover, the simulations and tickers allowed great degrees of freedom in generating dynamic systems like chaotic maps, as well as fully functional interactive games like skiing games and Tetris. In some regards, the introductions of color utility, simulation/ticker, and polygons have brought something akin to a minor Cambrian explosion, that may be witnessed in the latest Desmos art contest.

It also offers services like Scientific Calculator, Four Function Calculator, Matrix Calculator and Geometry Tool.

Applications

A modified version of the calculator has been used in standardized tests, such as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), and the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Moreover, activity modules for classrooms can be created through a teacher account, which allow instructors to view students' work and response in real-time.

Its business model involves premium Desmos Math Curriculum and paid partnerships with publishers, assessment companies, and educational institutions.

External links

• Official website

See also

• GeoGebra
• Wolfram Alpha