Free Math Software
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Contents |
[edit] Introduction
This document focuses on free math and math education software. In some cases the software is available free for online use, but a fee is charged for downloading copy to one's personal computer.
[edit] Math Software
The more extensive of the math software systems are sometimes called computer algebra systems (CAS). Such systems can solve a wide range of math problems, perform statistical calculations, graph data and functions, and so on. All such software fits in with the general topic of Computational Mathematics and Computational Thinking.
[edit] SAGE: Open Source Mathematics Software
Quoting from the SAGE Website:
- General and Advanced Pure and Applied Mathematics. Use SAGE for studying a huge range of mathematics, including algebra, calculus, elementary to very advanced number theory, cryptography, numerical computation, commutative algebra, group theory, combinatorics, graph theory, and exact linear algebra.
- Use an Open Source Alternative. By using SAGE you help to support a viable open source alternative to Magma, Maple, Mathematica, and MATLAB. SAGE includes many high-quality open source math packages.
SAGE is available free for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. It can also be run online.
[edit] Free Math Software
A large number of downloadable systems are available from Altervista. All run under Windows. Some also run under the Macintosh and/or the Linix operating systems. A wide range of Statistical Software is available.
[edit] Math Education Software
[edit] National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
The materials are available for free online use. These materials come in a free trial (seven day) downloadable version and a $39.99 downloadable version. There are over a hundred interactive virtual manipulatives. They are divided into four different grade level categories and five different math subject area categories.
Quoting from the Website:
- The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is an NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis). The project includes dissemination and extensive internal and external evaluation.
- Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. Too much of current instruction fails to actively involve students. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.
[edit] Create a Graph
This software graphs data, providing Bar, Line, Area, Pie, and XY graphs. It also contains a tutorial. Quoting from this US Federal Government Website:
- Graphs and charts are great because they communicate information visually. For this reason, graphs are often used in newspapers, magazines and businesses around the world.
- NCES constantly uses graphs and charts in our publications and on the web. Sometimes, complicated information is difficult to understand and needs an illustration. Graphs or charts can help impress people by getting your point across quickly and visually.
[edit] Dare to Compare
The Dare to Compare Website is a free site provided by the US Federal Government. It contains a data bank of a large number of questions in a variety of subject areas (including math) and grade levels. The system will generate a test and administer it online. After a person completes providing test answers, the computer system will grade the test. For each question, the user can request a comparison with answers provided by other people. Some of the data is international, and some in national.
[edit] Math-Related Games
There are a huge number of free games and puzles available on the web. Many are math-related. The free games and puzzles vary considerably in their quality of instructions. Sometimes persistence added to trial and error is needed to learn to play the game.
