Infinite Loop / The Apple Ecosystem

Graph Sketcher app reborn as OmniGraphSketcher for Mac





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8 Reader Comments

  1. quote:

    Pardon my ignorance, but how does that work? I don't understand how you'd write a function to graph arbitrary data, let alone non-existent data.
    1800 posts | registered
  2. f(x)=x^2 is a function that doesn't need any data Razz. Obviously in economics the equation is probably a little more complex than that.
    3928 posts | registered
  3. Right, right, but I'm asking how you know that an exponential function is even appropriate in the first place, without having data to suggest it is.
    1800 posts | registered
  4. This is primarily for qualitative graphs, like this one.
    4105 posts | registered
  5. Oh, I like that one; I study chemistry Wink But the shape of those curves and the way they intersect aren't arbitrary; they're based on observation and measured data (and the qualitative trends derived thereof).

    I think I just read too much into the quote above. It sort of conflated actual graphing (science) with the ability to draw splines and curves (art).
    1800 posts | registered
  6. Economics frequently uses graphs to illustrate concepts. In those, it doesn't matter what the actual figures are, you just want to show what happens to the point where they intersect when you shift a graph. e.g. what happens to supply and demand when you introduce subsidies, or set a minimum price that is above the market price. Seeing it graphed makes it much easier to grasp and there is no need for specific numbers.

    Sounds like a good program... is there a Windows alternative?
    5066 posts | registered
  7. Thanks Soriak, that makes sense.
    1800 posts | registered
  8. It's also helpful for graphs that are disproven by the data, this one.
    8 posts | registered

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