Comments on: Equation Wizard

By: Calculator

Calculator — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:04:08 +0000

Where are all the good old times when one had to use pencile and paper? I sometimes love too look back – but one also has to go forward. Some of the graphing calculators are amazing. Thin, reliable and intuative that calculator has changed my mind. So I agree with beans that once you have learned how to use them you will never look back.

By: Bill Paetzke

Bill Paetzke — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:27:11 +0000

If you use the TI-83 or TI-84 calculator, you may find my website useful: TI-83 / TI-84 Programs. Helpful hint: master the technique of your math problem first, then use my programs once that type of math problem becomes tedious and mindless for you.

By: Boulder Math Tutor

Boulder Math Tutor — Mon, 21 May 2007 21:09:43 +0000

I found there was a steep learning curve. It took a long time to do the problems for the first time. Then after I got the hang of it, it came much quicker.

By: Maria

Maria — Sun, 06 May 2007 03:15:38 +0000

Maybe the program could try finding common factor first…
x^4 – x^2 = 0
x^2(x^2 – 1) = 0

Is that programmable for generic equations? I’m no expert on that.

By: steve

steve — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:54:48 +0000

I noticed that complex roots aren’t given for higher order polynomials but the problem with is that it misses the real root . Similarly all the roots of are real but it gives 0, 1.003, 0.997 instead of 0 (twice), -1, 1.

It would be really nice if visitors can help improve the program as requested.

By: ElasticLogic

ElasticLogic — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 23:43:33 +0000

On the other hand solutions can be missed so x^4-x=0 gives 0 and 0 as the two solutions, though I expect thatâ€™s just a bug.

The program uses Lobachevsky's method for finding roots of the equations more than the third degree. It allows to find only the real roots (complex roots are too difficult for programming), with the big lapse. I would be glad, if Steve or blog visitors have advised me a nice method for finding roots (both real and complex) for the equations of the high degrees, which can be easily programmed.

Having solved an equation itâ€™s not possible to change it - you have to enter a new one

For this purpose you can use button "History".

By: beans

beans — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:28:07 +0000

I think once you get to grips with a graphical calculator it’s pretty handy. However it’s a lot of trial and error- in the same way you pick up matlab codes.

I’m quite embarrased that my mental arithmetic is pretty poor due to the fact that in my ‘younger’ years I used to use the calculator all the time. (It’s take me more than a second to work out simple fractions in my head!)

I admit that I instinctively go towards my graphical calculator to draw graphs, however since we’re not allowed using them in the exams I’ve been more controlled.

Oh and I don’t think LaTeX is a maths ‘software’ as such, since it’s a bit like word (don’t shoot me) in the sense that you have to input what you’ve worked out. It doesn’t do it for you.

Sorry for the long comment but colleges nowadays seem to think that it’s important to use technology in class. I mean after we had filled some feedback forms in, my chemistry and further maths teachers started using computers! :/ It was something to do with enhancing learning.