Desmos
 | |
| File:Desmos example graph.jpg Desmos running on a web browser | |
Type of site | Online graphing calculator |
|---|---|
| Owner | Desmos, Inc. |
| URL | www |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | 2011 |
| Current status | Online |
| Written in | HTML, JavaScript |
Desmos is an advanced graphing calculator implemented as a web application and a mobile application written in JavaScript.[1] It was founded by Eli Luberoff, a math and physics double major from Yale University,[2] and was launched as a startup at TechCrunch's Disrupt New York conference in 2011.[3] As of September 2012[update], it had received around 1 million US dollars of funding from Kapor Capital, Learn Capital, Kindler Capital, Elm Street Ventures and Google Ventures.[4] 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.[5][6]
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.[7]
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),[8] 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.[9]
Another peculiar use of the calculator involves the creation of graphic arts – which involves an elaborated use of curve modelling through equations and inequalities.[10] 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.[11][12]
The name Desmos came from the Greek word δεσμός which means a bond or a tie.[13]
References
- ^ "Desmos API v1.0 documentation". www.desmos.com.
- ^ Schonfeld, Erick (June 24, 2011). "Math Geeks, Rejoice! The Desmos Graphing Calculator Is Here, It's Online And It's Free". TechCrunch.
- ^ Empson, Rip (May 25, 2011). "Build And Share Rich Educational Content With Desmos". TechCrunch.
- ^ "Desmos gets Google Ventures funding for next-gen graphing calculator". Gigaom. September 26, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
- ^ "Desmos user guide" (PDF).
- ^ "Dynamic and Dynamite Desmos Demos". sites.google.com. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
- ^ "Desmos graph". Desmos Graphing Calculator. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "Texas District Pilots Desmos as Alternative to Graphing Calculators (EdSurge News)". EdSurge. April 30, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
- ^ "Starting a Desmos Class Activity". Desmos. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "Desmos | Staff Picks: Creative Art". Desmos.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "The Desmos Geometry Tool - Des-blog". blog.desmos.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ "Desmos | Geometry". www.desmos.com. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
- ^ Pearce, Kyle; Orr, Jon; Luberoff, Eli (September 21, 2020). "The Vast Majority of Ed-Tech Is Garbage: An Interview with Eli Luberoff". Make Math Moments (Podcast). 17 minutes in. Archived from the original on October 4, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.