Theorist Interactive's Livemath Maker 3.0.1
LiveMath Maker 3.0.1 is an exciting new addition to a family of software products designed to enhance mathematics education from pre-algebra through differential equations. The program allows users to interact with math through the creation of dynamic notebooks. Users input math problems using standard symbols - no longer using "^" for an exponent or "/" for divide. You simply enter a polynomial to factor, a binomial to expand, a function to graph, an equation to solve or an expression to integrate. You can even multiply two matrices and solve the quadratic formula, all step-by-step. Users can print math problems directly from the program, or copy and paste them into other documents to make picture-perfect handouts, homework, tests, notes, HTML documents or PowerPoint presentations. The program comes with a library of more than 1,000 lessons covering topics such as the Pythagorean theorem and vector calculus.
A unique aspect of the program is its dynamic recalculation feature. It allows students to change any value in a problem and immediately see the changes in each step. For example, if a student graphs y = x2, then replaces the 2 with a 3, the program immediately updates the graph to reflect the change. The feature also applies to symbolic manipulations. Its tactile environment encourages students to solve an equation by dragging-and-dropping terms. Students also have the freedom to explore mathematics in full color. Creating 2-D and 3-D animations is easy; even middle school students can explore what makes a 3-D graph shrink and grow, or what values make it move up and down.
For some, the program's online feature was the most innovative. The notebooks created by users can be posted on the Web. All that is needed is a free browser plug-in. The animations still work, the graphs still spin and, with the plug-in, the variables can still be changed dynamically. LiveMath Maker's CD-ROM and online documentation include scores of help files and movies in QuickTime and RealPlayer formats.
Both my students and colleagues found the program easy to learn. Students also found the graphing functionality extremely easy to use. It enabled them to graph any function or non-function in 2-D, 3-D, polar, spherical, vector and other formats with just a few keystrokes and a click of the mouse. They also liked the fact that there is no special code or syntax to enter. In addition, my colleagues felt the Starter Libraries were a wonderful way to demonstrate and teach elementary as well as advanced topics.
Joan Bookbinder-Kessler
Online Instructor
University of San Diego
[email protected]
Contact Information
Theorist Interactive, LLC
Cambridge, MA
(617) 868-1774
www.livemath.comPlatform: Windows, Mac or LinuxLiveMath Maker 3.0.1 is an exciting new addition to a family of software products designed to enhance mathematics education from pre-algebra through differential equations. The program allows users to interact with math through the creation of dynamic notebooks. Users input math problems using standard symbols - no longer using "^" for an exponent or "/" for divide. You simply enter a polynomial to factor, a binomial to expand, a function to graph, an equation to solve or an expression to integrate. You can even multiply two matrices and solve the quadratic formula, all step-by-step. Users can print math problems directly from the program, or copy and paste them into other documents to make picture-perfect handouts, homework, tests, notes, HTML documents or PowerPoint presentations. The program comes with a library of more than 1,000 lessons covering topics such as the Pythagorean theorem and vector calculus.
A unique aspect of the program is its dynamic recalculation feature. It allows students to change any value in a problem and immediately see the changes in each step. For example, if a student graphs y = x2, then replaces the 2 with a 3, the program immediately updates the graph to reflect the change. The feature also applies to symbolic manipulations. Its tactile environment encourages students to solve an equation by dragging-and-dropping terms. Students also have the freedom to explore mathematics in full color. Creating 2-D and 3-D animations is easy; even middle school students can explore what makes a 3-D graph shrink and grow, or what values make it move up and down.
For some, the program's online feature was the most innovative. The notebooks created by users can be posted on the Web. All that is needed is a free browser plug-in. The animations still work, the graphs still spin and, with the plug-in, the variables can still be changed dynamically. LiveMath Maker's CD-ROM and online documentation include scores of help files and movies in QuickTime and RealPlayer formats.
Both my students and colleagues found the program easy to learn. Students also found the graphing functionality extremely easy to use. It enabled them to graph any function or non-function in 2-D, 3-D, polar, spherical, vector and other formats with just a few keystrokes and a click of the mouse. They also liked the fact that there is no special code or syntax to enter. In addition, my colleagues felt the Starter Libraries were a wonderful way to demonstrate and teach elementary as well as advanced topics.
Joan Bookbinder-Kessler
Online Instructor
University of San Diego
[email protected]
X@XOpenTag001X@XOpenTag000Contact InformationX@XCloseTag000
X@XCloseTag001
Theorist Interactive, LLC
Cambridge, MA
(617) 868-1774
www.livemath.comPlatform: Windows, Mac or Linux
This article originally appeared in the 09/01/2001 issue of THE Journal.