CGHS Library

Wolfram Alpha

If you are into math or science at ALL, you need to be familiar with WolframAlpha. More than a search engine, WolframAlpha calculates the answers to math or science questions, creates plots, converts units, efficiently accesses scientific data and statitistics, and lots more. It took me awhile to get used to it because it is different than a regular search engine, but it is very, very useful.

WolframAlpha also has some unexpected breadth. I enjoyed floating around in the Wolfram Demonstrations Project. I doubt I'll ever get my mind around all that WolframAlpha offers, but I plan to enjoy trying. (MHouse)

Mathematica » The #1 tool for creating Demonstrations and anything technical. Wolfram|Alpha » Explore anything with the first computational knowledge engine. MathWorld » The web's most extensive mathematics resource. Course Assistant Apps » An app for every course— right in the palm of your hand. Wolfram Blog » Read our views on math, science, and technology. Computable Document Format » The format that makes Demonstrations (and any information) easy to share and interact with. STEM Initiative » Programs & resources for educators, schools & students. Computerbasedmath.org » Join the initiative for modernizing math education.

Happy Pi Day!

Mmmm. Pi Day! The nerdy holiday celebrated by math geeks worldwide. This is the day we gather around to celebrate that amazing little (long) number, pi.

Pi, approximately 3.14159, is the mysterious mathematical constant (number) that represents the ratio of any circle's circumference to its diameter.

Pi has its day, appropriately, on March 14 (3/14). Often a Pi Day celebration will have an extra special event set for pi minute (at 1:59pm). In the UK, Pi Approximation Day is often celebrated on July 22 (22/7) as 22 divided by 7 is an approximation for pi. (Taken from Celebrating Pi Day 3.14)

 

 

 

 

Here are a couple of videos from last year's celebration that made me happy.

Online Graphing Utility

Graph.tk allows you to plot multiple functions through its dynamically resizing grid. To graph an equation on Graph.tk just click the "+" symbol to enter a new equation. Click here to watch a short video of Graph.tk in use. Delete the existing default equations before you start.

Algebra Supplements

 

 

Why Is 389 Special?

Well, for one thing, 389 is the smallest prime so that it and the next 3 primes are all equal to 1 (mod 4).

Get your nerd on and see why numbers are special all the way to 9999.

Need Math Help?

If you just aren't getting it and need a math problem explained a different way, mathtv is an alternative. The site includes video on various math concepts explained clearly by real people. You need the latest version of Flash installed to really make it sing.

Fractals

I was in Mrs. Tischhauser's room the other day and noticed that she had her room decorated with fractals. 

"Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty" -- Bertrand Russell, from The Study of Mathematics: Philosophical Essays

It is interesting to note that Bertrand Russell wrote this in 1907, which applies so well to fractals, about 70 years before they were discovered by the Polish-born French mathematician Benoit B. Mandelbrot in the 1970's ¹. Mandelbrot's fractal geometry provides a mathematical model for many complex forms found in nature such as shapes of coast lines, mountains, galaxy clusters, and clouds. (quoted from Fractals--An Introduction)

 

No Foolin'

The Power of Compound Interest

Searching for a compound interest calculator? In honor of Financial Literacy Month and Mathematics Awareness Month, Thinkfinity has pulled together their best interactive simulators and games on the power of compound interest.

• Illuminations' Compound Interest Simulator
• EconEdLink's Compound Interest Calculator
• You're Going to College!