Tutorial:Basic Algebraic Input, Commands and Functions

Tips and Tricks

• Name a new object by typing name = into the input bar in front of its algebraic representation.
  Example: {{{1}}}

• Multiplication needs to be entered using an asterisk or space between the factors.
  Example: a*x or a x

• GeoGebra is case sensitive! Thus, upper and lower case letters must not be mixed up.
  • Points are always named with upper case letters
    Example: {{{1}}}

• • Vectors are named with lower case letters
    Example: {{{1}}}

• • Segments, lines, circles, functions… are always named with lower case letters.
    Example: {{{1}}}

• • The variable x within a function and the variables x and y in the equation of a conic section always need to be lower case.
    Example: {{{1}}}

• If you want to use an object within an algebraic expression or command you need to create the object prior to using its name in the input bar.
  Example: {{{1}}}

• Confirm an expression you entered into the input bar by pressing the

Enter key.

• Open the help window for using the input bar and commands by

selecting Help from the Menu Help (or shortcut F1).

• Error messages: Always read the messages – they could possibly help to

fix the problem!

• Commands can be typed in or selected from the list next to the input

bar. Hint: If you don’t know which parameters are required within the brackets of a certain command, type in the full command name and press key F1 to open the GeoGebra Wiki.

• Automatic completion of commands: After typing in the first two letters

of a command into the input bar, GeoGebra tries to complete the command.

• • If GeoGebra suggests the desired command, hit the Enter key in

order to place the cursor within the brackets.

• • If the suggested command is not the one you wanted to enter, just

keep typing until the suggestion matches.