Optimization - point and nearby curve
This construction is intended to help visualize a Calculus optimization problem.
The goal is to find the point(s) B on the graph of the function f(x) that is closest to the given point A.
Drag point B along the curve of f(x) and see if the results reinforce the results of your Calculus analysis. Point B will turn green when you are close to a location where the distance to the curve is either a local minimum or local maximum.
Play with the various toggles to see how they are relevant to the task at hand.
Enter your desired f(x) equation into the input field and drag point A to your desired location. Point A should snap to grid points. For finer control when repositioning either point, select the point and then use keyboard arrows to increment by small amounts. Hold Shift or Ctrl/cmd while doing this to scale increment down/up.
Zoom: Pinch on touch screen, scroll wheel on mouse. Or click somewhere in the graphics view and then Ctrl/cmd + and Ctrl/cmd – on keyboard.
Pan: Click/touch and drag in an empty part of the x-y plane.
Full screen: Click/touch icon in lower-right corner of graphics view.