Simulation of Geometrical Curves On a Microcomputer

Abstract

An equation of the form y = f(x), x ∈ [ a,b] defines a geometrical curve. A microcomputer can draw the curve on its television display. The problems are selecting the proper coordinate system, translating points into the chosen coordinates, and scaling the curve so that it is as large as possible without running off the screen. Simple BASIC programs and an adaptive coordinate system result in a variety of useful, attractive figures.