Plots > 3D Plots > Example: Plotting 3D Curves
  
Example: Plotting 3D Curves
Plot three dimensional curves from a 3-column matrix input, from a vector-valued function, or by using the CreateSpace function.
Plotting a Matrix of Three Columns
1. Define a matrix with three columns using the random function.
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2. Plot the matrix and change the Trace Color.
By default, a 3-column matrix is plotted as scattered points.
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The first column of the matrix represents the x-coordinates, the second column represents the y-coordinates, and the third column represents the z-coordinates.
Plotting a Function of a Single Parameter
1. Define a vector-valued function of a single parameter to create a curve in 3D.
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In this function, 2*t represents the x-coordinates, t represents the y-coordinates, and sin(t) represents the z-coordinates.
2. Insert a 3D plot, type the name of the function in the placeholder without its arguments, and change the Trace Color and the Trace Thickness.
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PTC Mathcad plots a vector-valued function of a single parameter as three-dimensional curve. This is a three-dimensional curve.
The x-axis range is (-20, 20) and the y-axis range is (-10, 10).
3. Define t as a range variable above the plot.
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The y-axis range changes from (-10, 10) to (15, 25) and the x-axis range changes from (-20, 20) to (30, 50).
Plotting the Output of CreateSpace
1. Use the CreateSpace built-in function to create a data set based on the above function.
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2. Plot M.
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The default plotted range is (-10, 10), with 41 grid points.
3. Use CreateSpace with a different range, and plot the outcome.
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The plot reflects the new range.
4. Use CreateSpace with a different range and number of grid points, and plot the outcome.
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The axis range remains the same, but more grid points are displayed making the trace smoother.