GraphingCalc 2.1

While this demo program acts more like a slide show than a worksheet, its impressive graphic displays and customization features are enticing enough to invest in the full program. GraphingCalc takes algebraic equations and graphs the results in either 2D or 3D grids.

The program interface, while not aesthetically pleasing, is functional and straightforward. 3D images can be rotated with just a mouse click, at any speed, and in any direction. If you hold down the right-click button and move the cursor up or down, you can zoom in or out on any graphic. Color and other display settings can all be customized from the main program menu. For graph specifics, you can click check boxes to hide or show individual panels of a graph in further detail.

The main drawback of the GraphingCalc demo is you can't enter your own equations. The program comes with a set group of equations for viewing. Yet, there's no time limit to using the demo version, so it's easy to get a good sense of the program's capabilities before taking the plunge. Overall, this appears to be a useful program for students struggling with algebra or for those who simply want to get away from grid paper and pencil.