Window, Zoom, Trace and Table

After entering a function, most graphing problems are about viewing and interpreting it. WINDOW, ZOOM, TRACE and TABLE help you move from a formula to actual graph behavior.

WINDOW values

WINDOW controls the graph box. Xmin and Xmax set the left and right limits. Ymin and Ymax set the bottom and top limits. Xscl and Yscl set tick spacing.

For many school examples, start with -10 to 10 on both axes. Change the values when a graph is too large, too small or shifted away from the center.

ZOOM choices

ZOOM provides shortcuts. Zoom Standard is a common reset. Zoom In and Zoom Out change the view around a point. Zoom Fit can adjust the y-range to fit a function.

Use Zoom Standard when you do not know where you are. Use Zoom In when you need more detail near an intercept or turning point.

TRACE

TRACE follows the graph and displays coordinate values. It is not always exact, but it is very useful for estimation.

If multiple functions are active, use up and down arrows to move between functions, then left and right to move along the selected graph.

TABLE

The table shows values of X and corresponding Y values. It is excellent for checking calculations and building a point-by-point understanding.

Use table settings to control where the table starts and how much X increases each row. Smaller steps give more detail.

Common graph view problems

A blank graph usually means the window is wrong, a function is not selected, the expression has an error, or a stat plot is interfering.

Before assuming the calculator is broken, clear extra functions, check Y= selection, reset window and turn off unnecessary stat plots.

Quick reference table

Related documentation