Tag Archives: WolframAlpha

Aug 21 2011

For Students….

With older students in mind including those about to enter higher education, there are many free resources available to support students in their study of Mathematics.
Note that a new blog aimed at students is now available.

Calculus workbook from Plymouth University

There are many sources of excellent notes online, a page on Mathematics for Students – Notes has an excellent collection. 

Students going on to study Mathematics degrees have a look at Kevin Houston’s ‘How not to get a good mathematics degree‘ and ‘How to get a good mathematics degree‘. He also has provided a pdf file you can download: 10 Ways to Think Like a Mathematician. Kevin Houston works at the University of Leeds.

I would advise students of any subject to learn to use WolframAlpha. Suppose you wish to do some revision on techniques for differentiation for example – ask WolframAlpha to differentiate x2sinx, and the derivative will be returned with possible working available if  ‘Show steps’ is selected. (Further Calculus examples). WolframAlpha provides an excellent way to check your work.

WolframAlpha will plot graphs, there are many other free and excellent online graphing tools, see the Desmos Graphing Calculator.

Thinking longer term – have a look at the excellent Maths Careers site.

Aug 7 2011

Words with WolframAlpha

WolframAlpha can be used for vocabulary, for example, try typing ‘plus’ into WolframAlpha.

Note that WolframAlpha has assumed plus is a character but you can choose to refer to a mathematical definition or a word (or an internet architecture topic). Choosing word will not only give definitions but a wealth of other information that you would not find in a dictionary such as the first known use of the word, frequency of use, rhyming words and much more!

Other sites of interest for Mathematics vocabulary can be found on the Reference page. If you are interested in the first known use of mathematical words then try Jeff Miller’s ‘Earliest Known Uses of  Some of the Words of Mathematics‘.

Jul 28 2010

WolframAlpha Widgets

Derivative Solver

WolframAlpha Widgets are mini applications built on Wolfram Alpha queries. You can share them in several ways – Facebook and Twitter for example or embed them in a blog or website. Either use a widget from the growing gallery (note the categories on the right) – see Mathematics here or create your own.

See Wolfram Alpha’s own blog entry.

For further information on WolframAlpha these links may be useful:
WolframAlpha YouTube Channel

Gallery of Examples

Using WolframAlpha in the Classroom

10 questions younger children could try – Wolfram Alpha Blog entry

….and on a lighter note from Mashable we have some Easter Eggs!