Calculating

While pocket calculators are still widely used in schools, computers are also becoming prevalent in mathematics and science classes. The large screens that computers offer can help students to see and understand mathematics in a way that most pocket calculators cannot. Computers can be used to plot graphs, to measure and analyze geometrical shapes, and to illustrate the principles of trigonometry. Moreover, the ability of computers to store, organize, and manipulate data makes them a powerful tool for just about any area of study.

Click on the questions below to learn more about the role of computers in various forms of calculation.

1. How can computers help math students?
2. What kinds of programs are available?
3. Is special software necessary for advanced mathematics classes?
4. How can computers be used in science classes?
5. Can the calculating abilities of computers any be applied in disciplines other than math and science?

Is special software necessary for more advanced mathematics classes?

Not necessarily. Many people don't know that the software calculator that comes with Microsoft Windows (it's hidden in the "Accessories" folder) is able to switch between "standard" and "scientific" modes. The latter mode allows for the kind of complex calculations that would be required of high school students enrolled in trigonometry and calculus. Macintosh users will find that a basic calculator is bundled with their operating system.

Programs are available for more advanced forms of calculation. The top-of-the-line program for mathematicians is called Mathematica, but it is expensive and unlikely to be of much use to children or adolescents (or even most adults). The same company that makes Mathematica, however, also makes The Mathematical Explorer, a more affordable program that is, according its makers, "part calculator, part museum, and part textbook."

To learn more about these programs visit Wolfram Research at: http://www.wolfram.com

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