https://www.desmos.com/calculator/7b0r4kfeqt

I feel like this project has helped me to better understand functions and how they can be manipulated in larger ways than just the simple translations in class. To see all the functions working on a grand scale together with other functions to make cool pictures was quite interesting.

To figure out what equations I wanted to use, I first drew out a rough sketch of what I wanted my card to look like. From there I used my knowledge of the general look of the shapes of the functions and tried to pair that up with items in the picture. This was a bit tricky sometimes because the graph wouldn’t always come out looking how I wanted, so I had to take a bit of time to translate and stretch it in a way that would ultimately achieve the shape I was going for.

Another challenging thing was coming up with ideas for which function to use with each picture. For example, it was a little difficult coming up with an idea to use a rational function but once I figured out what I wanted to do, I was happy with the end result.

I made the mistake when starting the assignment, to not organize my equations properly and my notations for each equation was all over the place. When it came time for shading, since my functions weren’t properly organized and fully utilizing the usefulness of function notation, it was really hard to get it to work. I then decided to rename all of my functions and organize them better so then shading was a lot easier.

This change also helped with adding new things in after. For example, I wanted to add extra lights to the strand when I had finished my project, so I just added in a new function but used the past ones to just remake it and move it slightly.

There were points where I got stuck, and so for help I looked online and watched videos on how to make different shapes and add animations to my picture. Overall, I am happy with how my card turned out and I think it portrays both me, and the Christmas Spirit I was hoping it would! (by the way, there is animation involved in my picture so if it isn’t playing when you open the link, just go into the folder for the “Christmas lights” and my “mouth” and click play)