The use of dynamic geometry software in Calculus

Abstract

Dynamic geometry software programs such as Autograph, Geometry Sketchpad, etc are powerful tools in the teaching and learning of Mathematics. In particular, these programs come with the capability to define and graph functions dynamically. Operations such as differentiation, construction of tangent and normal, transformation, etc can also be performed dynamically on the graphs. Thus such tools will be very effective in the teaching and learning of calculus and coordinate geometry as some important concepts can be presented with a greater visual impact. In this article, we will give some examples on how such programs can be used in enhancing the teaching and learning of some important concepts in calculus and coordinate geometry. We will also make some comparison among the various dynamic geometry software programs.