Plotting a function

This page explains how to plot a family of theoretical curves. Look elsewhere to simulate data with random scatter, or to fit a curve to data

Key concepts: Plotting a function

Graph a family of theoretical curves to help learn the properties of the model. This is sometimes called plotting a function.

You choose the equation to plot, and the range of X values. Also choose the values of the parameters in the model.

After looking at the graph, go back and change the parameters to see how the graph changes.

Note that this analysis doesn't in fact analyze any data. Instead it generates curves from an equation.

How to: Graph a family of curves

1.	Start from any data table or graph, click Analyze, open the Simulate and generate category, and then select Create a family of theoretical curves.

2.	On the first tab, choose the number of line segments that will define the curve. For most purposes, the default value (150) will be fine. Also choose a starting and ending values of X.

3.	On the second tab, select the equation (model) you want to plot.

4.	On the third tab, choose how many curves will be in the family.

5.	If you are generating only one curve, enter the parameters.

6.	If you are simulating a family of curves, click 'Select all" in the dialog to enter the parameter values that apply for all curves. Then select the curves one at a time to enter the parameters that differ, as well as the titles you want to appear as column titles in the generated table.