Wolfram|Alpha

[Menolly]

Beorn has long moved beyond my own math capabilities, and while Hyperception is able to help him, even he finds himself rusty on some things at times.

Hyperception owns a copy of the recommended software "Mathematica," which has proven useful but is very expensive. He recently came across a site by the same people who created Mathematica, called Wolfram|Alpha. What he likes about this program even more than Mathematica, other than it is free, is that unlike Mathematica, after solving a problem this program will break down each problem in to the steps, showing how the solution was achieved.

He thinks this is a terrific learning tool for students when a solution frustrates them. It will auto correct poorly inputted equations, explains what was done step by step, and just believes it will be a terrific learning aid.

He does see the potential for abuse by students who would simply use this to do their work and copy the answers. But he feels that will only harm them in the long run, as they will then be unable to do the work they need to on exams when they wouldn't have access to the program.

Anyway, I just thought I would share. I agree that I think it can be very useful as a learning tool.