Microsoft Math

Editor's Review

Microsoft Math is the leading virtual math tutor software, offering a wide variety of educational tools that make learning math simple and fun. Students are taught math in a practical, easy-to-understand manner - learning the basics of problem of solving and logical arithmetic skills before progressing to more difficult tasks. The software is perfect for students of all grade levels, offering assistance in every mathematical topic, from addition to calculus.

The main tool that aids in the simplification of complex mathematical thinking is the Graphing Calculator, which allows the student to see numbers as a visual concept that is easier to grasp. This tool is especially useful for advanced math tutoring, involving topics such as scientific problem solving, trigonometry, and other advanced forms of mathematics.

Students also have access to a vast Formulas and Equations library, which contains more that one hundred commonly used equations and formulas for easy reference. Using this tool is a great way to memorize these equations through repetitive practice. Likewise, students will also have quick and easy access to Unit Conversion tools that will aid them in developing the skills needed to complete complex measurement conversions.

Aside form the above resources, users are given an incredibly useful educational module known as the Step-By-Step Equation Solver, which contains in-depth solutions to virtually every kind of math problem. This is a great resource to have when the student is having trouble figuring out which angle to approach the problem with. As the student is guided through similar problems repeatedly, their problem solving skills will become second nature.

One tool that is especially helpful for learning to solve geometrical problems is the Triangle Solver - a shape graphing utility that aids in the understanding and solving of various geometry problems, including angles, values, and numerous formulas. Students can even use the Ink Writer feature to write out problems on PC tablets and Ultra-Mobile PC's. This feature was added to the software as many students find it easier to learn by repeatedly writing, rather than typing.

Although the features mentioned above are related to more advanced math topics, the software also does an excellent job of teaching basic math skills in a fun and visual fashion. Students are guaranteed to learn in a pressure-free, relaxed environment, with all of the tools needed to solve difficult problems.

Studies have shown that the main inhibitor of learning is psychological pressure. Since the user is not pressured into figuring everything out based on a few short textbook pages, they're able to learn through repetitively solving problems with ease, with the aid of useful and easy-to-access tools.

The following are the minimum system requirements for Microsoft Math 3.0:

Processor: 600MHz or faster (1 GHz or faster recommended)

System: Windows XP ( with SP2 or later)

Memory: 256 M of RAM (512 MB or more recommended)

Available Disk Space: At least 450 MB

Microsoft Math: What We Liked

The software explains all of the features with easy to understand instructional wizards.

Students in any with any skill level can benefit as even the simplest mathematical concepts are explained in simple and fun ways.

The software does an excellent job of teaching problem solving skills and logical reasoning, which proves to be a crucial component to mathematical success.

The software can run on virtually any modern compute,r which makes it perfect for students with smaller notebooks that are used solely for writing and homework.

The Step-by-Step equation solver removes all of the pressure form the learning experience, letting the student learn through trial and error instead of the pressure of perfection.

Microsoft Math: What We Didn't Like

There is so much easily accessible info within the software, it could also be used by an unscrupulous student to cheat.

Microsoft Support

Microsoft offers support for this product at the Encarta Solution Center. There users can find a plethora of useful information such as Frequently Asked Questions, how to fix common error messages, troubleshooting guides, and other product documentation.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is the largest computer software company in existence, originally founded in 1975. Microsoft has since become the most dominating name in computer technology, pioneering the operating system with MS-DOS and then Windows. Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA.