What is the 2D & 3D graphing tool?
MathVista lets students plot curriculum graphs: linear and quadratic functions, trig, exp/log, circles and ellipses in 2D, then switch to z = f(x, y) surfaces and WebGL particles in 3D. Typing a formula suggests matching textbook examples.
How to use it in class
- Pick 2D or 3D: The left tabs split plane graphs from space surfaces. Each preset is tagged with a grade and textbook topic.
- Type to get suggestions: Enter sin, parabola, x^2+y^2… and matching presets appear. Press Enter to pick one, or Draw your own formula.
- Animate with t: Add the time variable t and press Play — for traveling sines, moving surfaces, or Lorenz.
Equation library
2D graphs
Algebraic functions
Trigonometry
Exponential & log
Conic sections
Animated graphs (t)
3D graphs
Special effects
Dynamic simulations (variable t)
- Three-arm vortexz = sin(3 * atan2(y, x) + t) * sqrt(x^2 + y^2) / 4
- Dual-source interferencez = sin(sqrt((x - 4)^2 + y^2) - t * 3) + sin(sqrt((x + 4)^2 + y^2) - t * 3)
- Water dropz = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2) - t * 3)
- Rotating wavez = sin(x * cos(t) + y * sin(t))
- Damped ripplez = exp(-0.12 * sqrt(x^2 + y^2)) * sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2) - t * 4)
- Rolling wavesz = sin(x + t) + cos(y + t)
- Twisting interferencez = sin(x) * cos(y) * cos(t) + cos(x) * sin(y) * sin(t)
- Pulsing peakz = 10 * exp(-(x^2 + y^2)/10) * (1 + 0.4 * sin(t * 2))
- Breathing Mexican hatz = (1 - (x^2 + y^2)/8) * exp(-(x^2 + y^2)/8) * cos(t)
- Breathing saddlez = sin(t) * x * y / 5
Static quadric surfaces
- Mexican hatz = (1 - (x^2 + y^2)/8) * exp(-(x^2 + y^2)/8)
- Monkey saddlez = x^3 - 3 * x * y^2
- Twin peaksz = sin(x) * cos(y)
- Concentric ripplesz = sin(sqrt(x^2 + y^2))
- Decaying exponentialz = 10 * exp(-(x^2 + y^2)/10)
- Saddle surfacez = x^2 - y^2
- Rolling valleysz = cos(x) + cos(y)
- Cone (upper half)z = sqrt(x^2 + y^2)
- Paraboloidz = x^2 + y^2
- Twisted planez = x * y
Frequently asked questions
- Can I type a custom formula?
- Yes. In 2D type y = f(x) or an implicit curve such as x^2 + y^2 = 25. In 3D type z = f(x, y). Use sin, cos, tan, sqrt, exp, log, abs, atan2; write powers as ^.
- What does t do?
- t is time. When animation is on, t increases continuously so waves, twists, and peaks can move on the 3D grid.
- Why does it stutter on a slower machine?
- Switch Detail to Low, keep the domain modest, and avoid huge exponents. The engine compiles formulas to native JavaScript to cut CPU cost.
- What if a formula is missing or too simple?
- Send a request on the Contact page with the grade, topic, and formula. Mail goes to support@tanglike.live.
Missing a textbook graph, or need a harder equation to practice? Contact