Spreadsheet Calculus: Derivatives and Integrals

Step 2 Plug in your function and graph it

Now just plug in your function so that every cell is a function of the one next to it. Wherever you have an undefined variable (x) just put in B1,B2, etc depending on which cell you're working on. In this case, write "=2*B1³+6*B1²-12*B1+4" in the C1 box (use shift+6 to do the power sign in excel, instructables just superscripts everything when I use it here.) Notice that it's the same function as before, except instead of X we're using B1. Also, make sure you put in asterisks for multiplication signs, it makes sense to write 2B1, but it won't work, write in 2*B1.
Next, just drag your box all the way down, just like the previous step. If you're using excel you can also double click the bottom right corner of your cell, and it will do it for you.
Now, to graph it. Find the charts button on whatever spreadsheet program you're using. Make sure you're making an XY scatterplot. Then right-click your new chart and hit "select data" you want your X values (column B) to be your X values, and Y values (column C) to be your Y values. Hit OK.
You should now have a nice plot of your data. It's probably going to be a huge collection of dots, if you right click on of the data points on your chart and select "format data series" you can turn it into a line instead (make sure you check "smoothed line" if you have the option.) Also, go to marker style and select "no marker" they just get in the way.
There's your function, now comes the fun stuff, derivatives and integrals!