Wolfram Demonstrations Project

It is easy to sketch the graph of

for

. For

is only defined for rational

with odd denominator, unless complex values are allowed. In this case, set

, where log represents the principal branch of the complex logarithm; other branches differ by an integer multiple of

and these may be specified using the parameter

in the formula. Thus, any

value determines a 3D graph where each

value determines the point in space

. The collection of all of these graphs, or threads, forms the

spindle.

Reference: M. D. Meyerson, "The

Spindle," Mathematics Magazine, 69(3), 1996 pp. 198–206.

Contributed by: Mark McClure

Embed Interactive Demonstration New!

Just copy and paste this snippet of JavaScript code into your website or blog to put the live Demonstration on your site. More details »

RELATED RESOURCES

Mathematica » The #1 tool for creating Demonstrations and anything technical.	Wolfram\|Alpha » Explore anything with the first computational knowledge engine.	MathWorld » The web's most extensive mathematics resource.	Course Assistant Apps » An app for every course— right in the palm of your hand.
Wolfram Blog » Read our views on math, science, and technology.	Computable Document Format » The format that makes Demonstrations (and any information) easy to share and interact with.	STEM Initiative » Programs & resources for educators, schools & students.	Computerbasedmath.org » Join the initiative for modernizing math education.

The x^x Spindle