software to do my math homework pc

software to do my math homework pc

The Benefits of Using Math Homework Software on a PC

1. Introduction

This research project is going to find the benefits of using a math homework software on a PC. The two main concepts that we are trying to compare are the use of the software and just doing a worksheet assigned by the teacher. The use of homework has also been an ongoing concept compared to how it was done in the past. This generation of students is going to maximum lengths to get the best grades possible in order to compete for scholarships. By finding the benefits of using software for doing homework, they can then gauge if it will help them reach better grades.

This research project is about using math homework software on a PC. The use of these programs has been going on for a long while, especially during a time where technology is growing at a rapid pace. According to Hipwell (1999), “With the proliferation of computers and their increasing capacity for data storage and analysis, software has emerged as a potentially powerful vehicle for enhancing both teaching and learning. In fact, computers and their software have become an important part of mathematics education at all levels, from primary to secondary school, from college to university.” This statement is still true to this day. As we move into a technology age, software is becoming more important in the educational system.

2. Section One: Efficiency and Accuracy

Software does most of the tedious legwork that it takes to understand a math problem. It has the ability to simplify any algebra (partial fraction decomposition, completing the square, etc.) or perform the grunt work of calculus (power series expansions, partial derivatives, etc.) that would be very time-consuming to do by hand. This saves time and frustration, giving one the opportunity to understand more problems in less time and have more time to do other important things.

Software provides the various solutions to an answer, be it numerical, graphical, or both. This can confirm if you have the right answer to a problem and, more importantly, can let you know if an answer given by the book or a teacher may indeed be incorrect. For example, if one were to perform an implicit differentiation in calculus on a book example that mistakenly says y = x in lieu of y = x^2, math software will display this mistake with a derivative that does not match what you are looking for.

Learning to effectively use a computer can provide the opportunity for virtually any math problem to be solved. Making symbols for obscure signs such as the “element of” (∈) or a truly “not equal” sign (= with a diagonal line through it) possible, having use of an infinity (∞) or epsilon (ε) when limits come into play can make math much easier to understand and complete. This is particularly useful if a math problem is really tough to read. Often times math teachers can get so caught up doing problems at a fast pace that the notes drafted on the board can be very hard to read or even nonsensical. With software, a typed problem or keywords can lead to a host of example problems that can help to shed light on an answer.

Computer software for math is an excellent way to have your math homework done efficiently and correctly. Whether the software is a CD-ROM for installation on a PC or an Internet site subscription that can be accessed from any computer with web capabilities, using software is far superior to using textbooks for a number of reasons.

3. Section Two: Advanced Problem Solving

Complex problems can be solved using graphs or simulated using small programs. Often, in solving such a problem, the frustration of trying to find the solution on paper detracts from the learning experience. However, when a solution can be produced, it is generally far more rewarding as a result. Also, the method of solution and any results can be saved. This can be useful when revising for an exam at a later date. Finally, there are many problems that can be solved using a computer which are infeasible to attempt on paper. With the age of technology upon us, it is rare to find a profession that doesn’t require a certain level of computer literacy. For most students, their field of study will involve some form of computer use. The ability to solve problems with a computer is a vital skill for today’s learners. In short, computer-aided problem solving is an effective and motivating way to learn and can take the frustration out of homework and coursework. Math homework software offers an abundance of resources and aids that can enrich the learning experience of any math student at school or university.

Math homework software offers many benefits for all learners. However, it has been noticed that it is of particular benefit to those who are looking to improve their problem-solving skills. Software such as Microsoft Excel and Mathematica allow students to solve complicated problems in a step-by-step manner. Often, problems can be solved with a one-liner of code. Although this is efficient, it often obscures the logic required to solve the problem in the first instance. Step-by-step problem solving through code entry keeps the logic at the forefront of the solution. Often, algebraic solutions to problems can be generated automatically and compared to those done by hand. This can be a very effective way of learning problem-solving techniques and gaining a deeper understanding of the subject.

4. Section Three: Interactive Learning Experience

Learning via software must be interactive. It can’t just “present material”, because learners can get “presented to” at school. It must require student action; the student must read, write, manipulate, and solve problems. Interactivity also implies prompt feedback from the software (or teacher, or peer) to the student. The student’s action triggers some reaction from the software, and the student learns whether he or she was correct or not. One of the most proven ways to improve student learning is to create a system where the student is forced to take more steps to reach the correct solution. This involves not only giving the student a question, but providing a space for the answer, evaluating the answer, and in the case of incorrect answers, providing feedback, hints, or even Socratic style teaching to direct the student towards the right answer. As an example, drill problems are ok, but the use of flashcards is even better because the student receives feedback and must continue using the card until they get it right. When a certain style of the question/answer process is shown to be effective, it should be utilized to its fullest potential. Another very important facet of interactivity is the ability to customize questions and assignments. Students come from many learning levels and backgrounds, and a good interactive system will allow the teacher to assign a student that which is appropriate for their level. A good software system includes all of this and is able to keep students focused on learning and practicing, because they are interested and not frustrated. Ultimately, the end product is that the student comes to correct answers through their own action. The action and evaluation cycle is the catalyst of learning with software, and can be far more involved and beneficial than its classroom analogy of a teacher passing back and going over assignments. The software’s interactivity is also to the benefit of the teacher and/or parent of the student. The teaching process is an iterative one, teaching, evaluating, and re-teaching sometimes in different ways. A good interactive system will replace old paper-based assignments and provide a far more efficient process. It produces statistics on students that far exceed the accuracy of teacher evaluations, and is more often than not a mirror of the student’s system, telling the teacher not only what the student got wrong, but how he or she arrived there and what other questions or problems lead to the same result. These advanced evaluation features of software have become increasingly important in an age where standardized testing is king and the results of the teacher and student are based on test performance.

5. Conclusion: Enhancing Math Skills with Homework Software

Math homework software holds many advantages for different age levels and learning styles, taking subjects that some students can only learn the hard way and turning them into enjoyable interactive activities. This software is harmless, but can be very powerful, as it holds students accountable to the correct procedures and solutions. Students that use software to enhance their understanding of mathematics come away with a foundation that is deeply rooted and will carry them through the rest of their math educations. Software has been proven successful in many areas, but when used to enhance mathematical learning and skills it has been overwhelmingly shown to be effective in developing increased competency in the subject. This competency is essential in today’s world and is something that has been shown to be lacking in US students compared to other industrialized nations. Whether it’s basic addition for a second grader, all the way up to calculus or trig for a high school student, math homework software holds innumerable benefits and can effectively strengthen a student’s understanding, confidence, and competency in the subject, the effects of which will carry over into every aspect of a student’s life.