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.
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.
These resources can help you learn more techniques to create art:
- Getting Started: Desmos Graphing Calculator
- Getting Started: Desmos Geometry
- Getting Started: Desmos 3D
- Inequalities and Restrictions
- Intro to Desmos Art Youtube Playlist
- Custom Colors
- Extending from 2D to 3D
- Polygons
- Sliders and Movable Points in a Graph
Feel free to share your art with us on social media or via support@desmos.com.