Got Gen? : Calculus is a pain... unless you have the right tools

Well future readers, yesterday was a pretty dark day for me. I had no internet, I was sick and I had a calculus test at 8AM in the morning - which I probably failed because I forgot my calculator. Its a great way to start December right? Luckily I'm not the type that gets angry, so it's all in the past; and now i'm preparing to take the same test Today. And if that wasn't enough, the professor's going to give it through the internet - because I'm sick. So I have a chance to show my lazy side to my professor. (for the record, i'm not talking about cheating.).

I want to talk to you guys about my lazy tools for Calculus. A little software called "Calculus Solved" from Begatrix Software.

This humble program, is a virtual tutor; it solves calculus problems and explains them step by step.

The price is super reasonable if you need help in math classes; and Beatrix handles many many other programs similar to this one - from Basic Math to Trigonometry and even Chemistry.

How it works is simple, it 'solves' problems following the program's algorithms; and every time a 'change' in the equation is created the program explains it and posts it. Like this:

It's a pretty handy tool if you know you need help in Calculus. BUT there's a downside to this, since the computer can handle incredibly big numbers, you'll sometimes find incredibly inhuman logic - stuff that you without a Texas Instrument calc wouldn't find, and the program takes a lot of unnecessary steps so the problems sometimes take more space than it should.

So in the end this is a great program as a supplement; you can compare results or even study most of the problems; but you shouldn't put your faith in it and use it as a "complete solver".

The price for Calculus Solved is $40; but if you're buying it for a college class those $40 bucks will help you avoid a few headaches.

Abdiel Rodz

Hi. I’m a social researcher, developer and consultant. Bringing you news that would probably make your head hurt and some others that will make you want to hug a puppy.