Wolfram|Alpha Ensures a Generation of Kids Will Never Learn Algebra
Wolfram|Alpha Ensures a Generation of Kids Will Never Learn Algebra
Posted 12/02/2009 at 6:27pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
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Everyone’s favorite computational knowledge engine, Wolfram|Alpha, has rolled out a new feature. Now, when entering an equation for Wolfram|Alpha to solve, users can press the “Show steps” link. It does just what it sounds like; it provides a step-by-step method for obtaining the solution. The Wolfram|Alpha blog post says, ““Show steps” feature allows you to learn basic mathematics on your own, or it can simply be a nice way to check your work!” This effectively makes it the machine we all wished we had while learning algebra in junior high school.
The option works for equations of many difficulty levels from simple algebra, all the way to complex integrals and derivatives. No more can math teachers assure honest homework by requiring students to show their work. But this is actually a very useful tool for honest students to more effectively learn mathematics. Go forth and use it wisely.
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jwalch.hawk
December 03, 2009 at 10:56am
I often use Wolfram to evaluate uglier integrals. I use it sort of like I'd use my calculator for arithmetic - if it would take me longer to reach for my calculator and type in the expression, then I'll just work it out by hand or in my head.
I'm not sure how I feel about it showing the intermediate steps, though. As the author suggests, it's a pretty brain-dead way for students to cheat. That said, people have been pulling complete solutions from Cramster, Course Hero, etc. for a while now, so it's not like this enabling anything new...
D3lt4
December 03, 2009 at 4:28am
It is very useful for special derivatives and integrals that you forget
SEALBoy
December 02, 2009 at 10:07pm
I'm an engineering senior in college, and to me WolframAlpha is a godsend. I've completed my requisite math courses, so I just use it to simply and manipulate large 3rd-order+ equations that I come across.
Zachary K.
December 02, 2009 at 8:22pm
you still need to learn algebra. its like a more advanced calculator, you need to know what is an X is any why you can add it to a number, and what all thoes lines mean on that grid.
Techrocket9
December 02, 2009 at 8:51pm
You learn that in PreAlgebra. After that, Wolfram can probably do everything for you.
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reutnes
December 02, 2009 at 7:47pm
I found this to be very helpful for the first semester of my math course. For the entire semester, it's nothing but review. Number of new things learned in math class so far this year? Zero. If the teacher thinks I'm going to waste my time "learning" something I already know by doing 40 problems by hand, she's got another thing coming. I have better things to do with my time, and Wolfram helps me get there.
knexkid
December 02, 2009 at 7:10pm
As a freshman in college, I can tell you that wolfram alpha is possibly one of the greatest gifts the internet gods have given us. This little website pretty much makes math obsolete, as it can do my integrals, derivatives, and probably a whole bunch more stuff that I don't even know exists yet. I have it bookmarked. Hell I don't know why I don't just set it to my homepage.....oh ya, cause maxpc is my homepage!
Who
December 03, 2009 at 5:29am
The times this would've been useful were about 2 years ago for me :(
Techrocket9
December 02, 2009 at 7:05pm
I don't know why, but I find this hilarious.
_____________________________________________________
An army of pacifists can be defeated by one man with the will to fight.
rodjav305
December 02, 2009 at 6:57pm
I find it very helpful and only encourage it when you are stuck on a problem.
JohnP
December 02, 2009 at 6:43pm
Well, I guess you could power up the IPhone or break out a netbook.. Shoot, I was just showing off my slide rule to someone. There, I had to track the damn decimal point. Nothing like being off by a factor of 100 or so.
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