Linear Equation Solver Extreme 1.0
By Carl Nygaard
Email: carlpny@msn.com

Please send me ANY questions or comments!  I am really interested in getting feedback on this program as it is my first attempt at a heavy-hitting program written in C.

For: TI-89/92+ Math

Intended application: Junior High/Senior High Students learning Algebra (on all three generalized levels).  Interface is designed to have reasonable learning curve so that all students don't have to know the ins and outs of the TI-89/92+ to use it productively.

(OK so this file is a little played up; I had to have fun when writting this Readme. Keep in mind I wrote this README mostly for the ti-cas.org Programming Contest Officials)


What is LESX?

Linear Equation Solver Extreme is the future of education.  LESX is an integrated teaching aide designed to assist teachers or even self-guided students in understanding key concepts in mathematics.  Specifically the program is geared towards students in Pre-Algebra on up through Advanced-Algebra.  It purports to show students fundamental traits in linear equations with special focus on the graphs of systems of equations.


How does it work?
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LESX is not just another equation solver; nor is it merely a collection of various tools. LESX accepts equations:

One equation/one unknown,
two equations/two unknowns,
and three equations/three unknowns

or more simply 1, 2, and 3 dimensional systems of equations.  

Implementation is straightforward; all instructions are onscreen.

LESX is capable of solving equations in two methods:

Graphical solving - Graphs each equations in the given dimensional mode to portray a point of intersection.  Equations may be turned on or off by pressing the corresponding number of the equation on the number pad.

Algebraically - Explains to the user how to solve the system of equations on paper.


How does it apply to the classroom?
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For Pre-Algebra Students:

These students are just learning basic concepts in solving for a single variable in an equation.  LESX should be distributed to the students in one-dimensional mode.  The applicability in Pre-Algebra is little more than a guide for students to assure that they are combining terms and graphing their numbers on a number line properly.  


For Algebra Students:

Algebra teachers will most appreciate the tool as a transition into solving systems of equations.  Students can quickly swap between one and two-dimensional solving and see the correlation between the concepts.  Though the TI 89/92+ is quite capable of graphing two equation/two unknowns and solving them, the two-dimensional graphing capability of LESX can be utilized as a centralized form of communication between the teacher and pupil.  In other words, so long as the program is distributed properly, the teacher will not have to concern his/herself with mode options etc.  This is somewhat idealistic; however, LESX will also convey algebraic solving of two-dimensional equations in a very down-to-earth manner.  

For Advanced-Algebra Students:

The three-dimensional aspect of this program was my true inspiration in this program.  When I learned of solving systems of three equations/three unknowns in Advanced-Algebra class I was quite enthusiastic; though, my peers and I struggled to understand how the concept my be portrayed in the three-dimensional world.  Our math book attempted this by showing a drawing of what looked like an I-beam.  Since then of course came the programming contest and my drive to try to make concept of intersecting planes in space easy (and fun) for all students to grasp and all the while show them how these equations work algebraically.

Known Bugs:

For some reason when the "ON" button is pressed while in the main menu, all of the values are messed up in the algebra explanation section.  I can't figure out for the life of me why?!  If you have any suggestion let me know, though i haven't released the source code yet.

In One-Demensional mode if the Axis is toggled off, the would-be two demensional line pops up, I just have to swap a couple lines of code to fiz this, have just been lazy since I discovered that problem.

See any other bugs or have any recommendations, just email me: carlpny@msn.com