Math software

[tcal45]

Has anyone tried the algebrator of microsoft math software?

[Professor_Adam]

I use Algebrator software on both Mac and PC. It works well. Takes a little getting used to, like anything else but it's a great program. I paid $29.99 for it. I would not pay more though.

[tcal45]

I ended up get them both: Algebrater for $9.00 on Black Monday and Micrsoft Math for 22.00. I read your post about straighterline and thought I'd give them a try. I'm trying to confirm whether or not CCAF will accept transcipts from Fort Hays. Thanks for the input.

[Lioness088]

Where in the heck did you guys get the algebrator? I went to amazon.com and couldn't find one as cheaply as either of you could find. and what is black monday, couldn't find that either other than a stock market reference lol.

Sorry if I'm being dense here but if you have the algebrator do you need a textbook or can you just use it ahem while you're solving equations for a class?

DeadLine - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com
has anyone heard of the above algebraic solver called deadline 2.36 or used it? I found it on cnet's Free Software Downloads and Reviews - Download.com

[Professor_Adam]

I highly recommend a good college algebra book. Just search for "college algebra" on Amazon and buy a used older edition.

Algebrator is not on Amazon. You have to Google for it. You have to download it. I paid $29.99 for it. You CANNOT get by with algebrator alone. You'll need a textbook for examples and so you can practice and check your answers.

[Gary]

I agree w/the above post concerning algebrator. I've tried using it and had very little success. You waste more time trying to figure out things than it's worth. I've been getting numerous Algebrator editor errors and then either I shut down my sys and log back on or I hit yes over and over again till I scroll through numerous files to get through the end. I don't even know what I hit to get this error. It's helped with 1-2 sets of problems, I would have been better off just learning the concepts and DOING THEM. Maybe there was a problem downloading the file, still, I'm wasting too much time screwing around w/it. Of course, since I don't like it, I'm sure there will be 20 people coming forward that say it's invaluable. If it worked for me like I expected, it would have been worth the $$$$ because I'm just about "gettin done" at this point. I'm over 60% done after (1) day/night with Alek's and I'm a rock when it comes to algebra, and that was the earning it method along w/some help from a couple of other useful websites. Algebra I cliff quickreview book has also been helpful.

[Gary]

For the information of all hands, I am now getting the Smackdown! My first spanking courtesy of Aleks. They are now giving me an assessment and I am not happy. Maybe I do need to learn Algebrator. "That is all!"

This is known as the Texas Two Step, step, slide step, step slide step, spin, get dizzy, continue.....you get the picture

[Gary]

Update to my previous thread. I was just informed by the algebrator help desk that the version I was using was the teachers version and it was a problematic one. In hindsight, algebrator may be useful, I will post more after I have utilized it.

[Professor_Adam]

There is definitely a learning curve with Algebrator. It's not a simple, one-size-fits-all program. You have to be patient with it and work with it a while to use it well. Most of what you'll need is accessed through the "Wizard" icon in the top right. Just click on the topic heading and what it is that you're trying to solve for.

IMO, Algebrator works best for basic algebraic equations, graphing, linear equations, and complex numbers. Functions are touch and go. The program is NOT a substitute for learning algebra and it certainly should not be used as such. If that's anyone's plan out there, I can tell you now you're wasting your time. Algebrator will not pass a course for you. ;-) I used it primarily to check my work and for viewing graphs. Good luck with it!

[Gary]

I agree w/your assessment. Since I loaded the "new" algebrator into my computer, it works much better. It has worked very well w/what you have said, I breezed through certain sections. Just as an aside, this is one class I care about passing, learning is secondary. I need to get this last class done quickly for personal reasons. If algebrator can get me there, so be it.