Free and easy to use, it lets you explore functions, equations, data tables, and geometric concepts interactively.

Interesting for students and teachers, in this post we will explore the main features of Desmos and how it can transform the way you learn and teach mathematics.

What is the main objective of Desmos

Desmos was founded in 2011 by Eli Luberoff, a mathematician and programmer who realized the need for a tool that made it easier to visualize complex mathematical concepts, without requiring expensive software or advanced equipment.

The first feature of Desmos was a free online graphing calculator, designed to be used directly in the browser. 

Over time, the platform incorporated new features, such as interactive geometry, animations and educational activities.

STEM learning software, its main objective is to allow students to play with math in a way that creates visual results and makes it easier to understand the formulas and concepts taught.

In 2022, Desmos was acquired by Amplify, an educational technology company, which helped further expand its presence in the education sector.

Nowadays, the tool is recognized worldwide and has started to be integrated into educational systems and standardized exams, such as the SAT (in the USA).

Who Uses Desmos?

Desmos is widely used by a variety of audiences, including:

• Students: From elementary school to college, students use Desmos to view graphs, solve equations, and explore mathematical concepts interactively.

• Teachers: Educators use Desmos to create personalized activities, simulations, and assessments, making teaching more dynamic and engaging.

• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities adopt Desmos as an official tool for teaching mathematics, often integrated with educational platforms such as Google Classroom.

• Researchers and Professionals: In addition to academy, Desmos is also used by engineers, economists and scientists who need an agile tool for mathematical modeling and data analysis.

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The use of the software has become so popular in recent years that an annual competition was created, the Global Art Math Contest, which proposes that participants create complex drawings using mathematics to construct images in graphic form.

Desmos Main features

With several resources for visualizing and exploring mathematical concepts, with Desmos you can perform everything from basic calculations to advanced mathematical modeling.

Below, see some of its main features.

1. Graphing Calculator 

With the Desmos graphing calculator, you can plot mathematical functions quickly and interactively. 

This means users can enter equations and watch graphs being generated instantly. 

Among its specific functionalities, the following stand out:

• Function graphs: Supports polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions, among others.

• Parametric and polar graphs: Enables the representation of complex curves in different coordinate systems.

• Dynamic manipulation: Graphs can be adjusted in real time, allowing visual exploration of parameters and coefficients.

• Notable intersections and points: The software automatically identifies roots, maxima, minima and intersections between graphs.

It is also possible to bring sound into your graphics, producing tones of a certain frequency and gain.

2. Equations and Inequalities 

Desmos allows you to solve and visualize both equations and mathematical inequalities directly in the graphical interface. 

Among the available resources are:

• Graphical solution of equations: Any entered equation can be plotted to identify solutions visually.

• Representation of inequalities: The platform allows you to visualize regions of the Cartesian plane that satisfy an inequality, using automatic shading.

• System of equations: Possibility of solving and analyzing systems of linear and nonlinear equations graphically.
  

3. Tables and Data Manipulation 

Desmos allows you to insert value tables which can be used to plot graphs and visualize trends. 

This feature is useful for statistics and mathematical modeling.

Other functions include:

• Creating data tables: Users can enter numerical data and automatically view its graphical distribution.

• Function adjustment: It is possible to generate functions that best fit a set of entered data.

• Linear and non-linear regressions: Allows you to create statistical models for analyzing patterns and predictions.
  

4. Interactive Geometry 

It has a tool for dynamic geometry, allowing the construction of geometric shapes and the exploration of mathematical properties. 

Among the main features are:

• Drawing points, lines, segments and polygons.

• Measuring angles and lengths.

• Geometric transformations, such as translations, rotations and reflections.

• Interactivity: Elements can be dragged and modified dynamically.
  

5. Animations and Simulations 

The ability to create animations in Desmos is one of its biggest advantages.

This feature allows you to visualize mathematical and physical phenomena dynamically. Some possibilities include:

• Use of sliding variables (sliders) to change parameters in real time.

• Creating animated graphics, which help demonstrate concepts such as exponential growth, oscillations and geometric variations.

• Exploring time series and periodic functions, useful for representing natural phenomena.
  

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6. Scientific Mode and Mathematical Expressions 

In addition to the graphing calculator, Desmos offers a scientific calculator mode which supports several advanced mathematical operations, such as:

• Calculation of powers, roots, logarithms and trigonometric functions.

• Factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions.

• Manipulating fractions and complex numbers.

• Support for LaTeX notation, making it easier to write formatted mathematical expressions.
  

7. Sharing and Collaboration 

Desmos facilitates collaboration and information sharing and is widely used in educational environments. 

Students can join a group using a class code for instant access, and teachers can sign up to create classes and activities.

Using the platform, you can:

• Create personalized activities for students, through Desmos Classroom.

• Share graphics and exercises via link.

• Integrate with educational platforms, like the Coursify.me, using an API.

• Save and load projects, allowing students to continue their studies on different devices.
  

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Advantages of using Desmos in online courses

You can use Desmos in different ways in online courses, making learning easier and more fun.

As a web-based platform, it allows students and teachers to access its tools from any device at any time, without needing to install any programs. 

That facilitates its use in virtual learning environments, like Coursify.me, eliminating technological barriers and ensuring that everyone has access to the same functionalities, regardless of the equipment used.

One of the biggest advantages of Desmos in online courses is, without a doubt, its dynamic graphical display capability.

Students can explore mathematical concepts interactively, adjusting parameters and observing changes in real time. 

This visual aspect makes learning more interesting and facilitates understanding, especially for topics involving functions, geometry and statistics. 

To improve, Desmos allows the creation of animations and simulations, making classes more engaging and promoting experimentation.

Of great help to teachers, the platform offers tools to create personalized activities, which can be easily shared with students. 

These activities can include challenges, guided exercises and even assessments, helping to track students’ progress. 

Check out these two tips on how to use it in your online course:

• Create a competition: Use the Desmos image competition idea to see what your students can create. Reward the best results.

• Customize activities: Take pre-made activities and customize them to make them fit your course and students.

Desmos enables real-time collaboration, enabling instructors to make corrections directly to students’ work, providing immediate feedback.

To top it off, the platform’s intuitive design and compatibility with screen readers make it easy to use for students with special needs. 

Allowing integration with remote learning systems, Desmos stands out as an excellent tool for teaching mathematics in virtual environments.

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Use Desmos to make your online course even better

Whether for students who want to better visualize graphs or teachers who want to create dynamic activities, Desmos offers an innovative experience in teaching and learning mathematics online.

Since its powerful graphing calculator even uses geometry and animation, the platform makes mathematical concepts clearer, which is perfect for optimizing studies and making classes more dynamic.

Coursify.me is an eLearning platform that enables integration with existing software of partners. 

We have an API for obtaining course information and we can develop at no cost any other API needed to integrate your company’s software with our platform.

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The platform offers three plan options for you to decide which best suits your needs.

To learn more, visit our website, try out and see why we are the best option for you to create online courses.

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