Bit by bit the family of MathPractice programs is expanding. Next up is a set of pre-algebra practice apps.
The first step is to support fill in the blanks:
So far I have just simple problems working. But the fun really begins when supporting problems with variables. Here’s an animated GIF of my first pass:
I want the programs to work as an assistant to the person solving the problem. This creates a lot of user-interaction demands that I’m having to discover as I go along. For instance, I want to be able to detect at any time if an equation that’s been modified is still equals or not. Handling “single-term” additions, multiplications, and divisions is fairly straightforward, but I’m still stumped on how to handle factoring out variables. As in this case, many times I have to see parts of the code in action to get an idea what solution is good. It’s an incremental process.
Great work, Loren. If you need testing support, let me know.
Have you thought about hooking up with xThink? I know their products solve the equations for you, but surely between the both of you, you can use some of their equation logic and they can use your self solving logic. Seems like a good fit.
Thanks for the complement and the offer of help. I’ll be sure to pass a version along to you.
In terms of leveraging xThink’s technology it makes sense to me too–for this and even the circuit program. In the meantime I’m having a blast building bit by bit.