Math Art

Introduction to Math Art

Our community of users is continually discovering new ways to use Desmos tools as canvases and outlets for creativity. From geometric patterns to architectural scenes and recreations of famous paintings, Desmos art comes in various forms, all created from mathematical expressions and geometric objects.

Let’s take a look at how you might graph a boat in the Desmos Graphing Calculator:

 

Math Art in Geometry

The point-and-click interface of the Geometry Tool enables you to quickly start creating. Using the Circle, Arc, and Polygon tools, you can construct shapes in just a few clicks. Additionally, incorporating transformations enables you to translate, reflect, dilate, and rotate your shapes, allowing you to build on your creation.

Let’s take a look at how you might create a fish:

 

Math Art in 3D

The 3D Calculator adds another dimension for creativity. Many of the same strategies in 2D (such as inequalities, restrictions, custom colors and more) can apply to 3D. A great starting place is using the sphere function. You can try out this function and start creating with the Build a Snowman quest.

Image snowman build in Desmos 3d.

 

Resources

Find inspiration from past winners of our annual Math Art Contest. Open any of the highlighted graphs to investigate the equations, or check out our Open any of the highlighted graphs to investigate the equations, or check out our #BehindtheGraph Youtube series where we’ve highlighted the Katherine Johnson and Animal Boat Float graph below.

Image of the Katherine Johnson Graph.
Image of the Animal Boat Float  Graph.

 

These resources can help you learn more techniques to create art: