OT--math software

[2LeftCleats]

Thanks in advance. My college student son is struggling a bit with math, and I'm attempting to help. I've been learning/relearning quadratic equations and such. We've been doing it by phone and fax, but it would be helpful to have a simple, cheap/free program that allows me to type complex fractions, exponents, square and cube roots, etc. so we can email back and forth. It doesn't have to solve them, just something that let's me write them. I've tried MS Word, but the only thing I found was a square root sign and it's cumbersome process to use. Any help from the math-oriented is much appreciated.

[Hysbrian]

http://www.openoffice.org/product/math.html
Should do the trick.

[Louis]

I've found that "equation editors" such as the one that comes with MS Word are a nightmare to use.

Have you investigated the Word equation editor? In the Office version of MS Word do "Insert, Object, Microsoft Equation" that will open the editor and you can then plug in whatever you need. See attached file for an example.

This produces impressive results but is very time consuming.

Another route: Most colleges offer tutoring sessions for their math students. Has he tried that option?

Louis

[Xyzzy]

If you are willing to learn TeX you can use this:

http://www.mersenneforum.org/mimetex.htm#quickstart

Then just save the images as a file. The forum there (mersenneforum.org) is a great place for math help, as long as you/him are willing to do the necessary background work.

I use the same handle on that forum so if you need help just PM me. (Technical help, not math help!)

[Bud]

Use Math Type (http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathtype/?gclid=cll7z-gmvyccfshojaodlx6zjg). I think you can get a student version (or your son can) for about $55.

[znfdl]

2left:

We use mimio hardware at work. Mimio works on any whiteboards. The markers put out a gps sognal and is recorded onto and displyed on a pc. If you set up a net meeting you could do this interactuvely with your son. Next best thing to being there.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MIMIO-DIGITAL-MEETING-ASSISTANT-INTERACTIVE-WHITEBOARD_W0QQitemZ300028418414QQihZ020QQcategory Z3307QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem