My name is Ian Vogt and I wrote these elementary graphing programs, as Java applets, for my mathematics (MTH/208 and MTH/209) students at the University of Phoenix Online. You are welcome to give them a try and, if you like them, use them for your math assignments or any other non-commercial purposes.
There are three tools: a number line grapher, a grapher for linear equations and inequalities, and a tool for creating graphs of absolute value, quadratic (parabolas), and square root functions. Click here to see examples of the graphs you can create with each tool.
To be able to use these applets on your computer you must have a Java plug-in installed on your browser. You probably already have it if you are using ALEKS as part of your math course. I used and tested the tools with version 1.5.0_08 from Sun Microsystems Inc. If you have an earlier version you may have to upgrade to the lastest release. To install or upgrade the Java plug-in for your browser go to http://www.sun.com.
If you have trouble navigating the Sun web site to download the Java plugin, this direct link to the download may work better if you use MS Windows and MS Internet Explorer: http://www.java.com/en/download/windows_ie.jsp?locale=en&host=www.java.com.
When you go to one of my graphing tools a security notice should pop up essentially asking you if you trust me (Ian Vogt). The reason for this is my applets have a button to copy the graph you have created to the clipboard on your computer, so it can be pasted directly into your assignment. In order to access the clipboard the applet has to be "trusted". If you choose not to trust my programs you will still be able to create any of the graphs. Then, to copy your graphs into your document a slightly more complex procedure is required. This procedure is provided in the instructions below each graphing tool.
Each of my programs has a control to adjust the scale of the axes. However, the range of the adjustment is limited to 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 units per tick. If you need to plot a graph that requires a larger or smaller increment or different scales on the horizontal and vertical axes you have to scale your numbers before plotting. Click here for an example.
Note, these programs were written recently (in my spare time) and should be considered "beta" quality, which means they may contain bugs that have not yet been discovered. So, I provide these graphing tools on an "as is" basis with no warrantee that they are free from defect or suitable for any purpose. Also, they may be updated from time to time as I find worthwhile enhancements or fixes. In extreme circumstances (e.g. a severe bug is discovered) they may be withdrawn entirely for a time.
Finally, although I work as a part-time facilitator for the University of Phoenix Online, these programs are not supported or endorsed by U. of P. You may employ these tools as you see fit but you cannot be compelled to use them for your assignments or tests.
If you have any comments or suggestions you may email me at mathgraph@idwvogt.com.