Review of Graphic Calculus software (for Windows)
from HomeschoolMath.net

Though the name might suggest otherwise, Graphic Calculus program is actually very useful while studying algebra, and onward. It is a graphing software, and so shares the same basic features as many other graphing programs, but it has some that made me like the program and made it in my mind rise above others:

• Besides normal graphing, it has demonstrational/exploring sections on line, parabola, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and in the financial mathematics section.
• It is very easy and intuitive to use.
• The section "Finding a formula" - or in other words guess the curve - is very educational, yet fun.
• It has special sections dealing with change and gradient (so as to explore the concept of derivative) and area (to explore the concept of integral).
  
  The program computes Δx/Δy when Δx approaches zero - preparing for the concept of derivative.

Let us look at some of these features in more detail.

Sections on exploring functions

These special sections of the sofware let you explore some of the most basic functions: lines, parabolas, exponential, and trigonometric functions. That is normally a (very important) part of your algebra course. Computer illustrations can really beat paper/pencil methods here, and I would recommend anyone studying algebra to get them a graphing utility of some kind.

In the LINE section you can move the two points and see the formula, y-intercept, and slope changing.

Similarly in the PARABOLA section, moving the points makes the graph change, and you can observe how the formula and the zeros change.

In the Trigonometric graphs section, you will find one of the best illustrations of the unit circle versus the graph of any of the three basic trigonometric functions. The illustration is animated, and after you study it, it really should help anyone to understand the unit circle.

In the exponential function section, you can study the formula, growth factor, and percential increase.

Ease of use

I have explored various graphing software and many online graphing utilities, and Graphic Calculus was extremely easy to use. You just can't get lost in it. Since each section (like graphing, complex functions, area, functions of two variables, etc.) is separate from others, the screens are not too cluttered, and the menus and toolbars are not too full with buttons and options.

Screen for the advanced calculus topics - you can't get lost

Finding a formula

This 'guessing game' is perfect for algebra students when they are first studying things like graphing lines, absolute value function, parabolas, etc. You can choose from pre-made functions, or the teacher can create his or her own set. The student simply enters a formula, the computer draws a graph for the student's formula, and if it goes on top of the one already there - you got it right!

I guessed y = 4 cos(2x) but it wasn't that...

What else can you do with it?

You can obviously graph functions, in normal and parametric forms. You can study and graph diagram of change, gradient, area under the curve, differential equations, cobweb methods, financial mathematics, Taylor polynomials, functions of two variables, linear programming (which is an algebra topic again), and complex functions. It therefore covers mathematical topics ranging from algebra course to college level studies.

In the TOOLS section you can create profiles so as to choose only certain buttons and options to appear on the screens. This can be useful for school teachers who don't want the students to get distracted or confused by too many things to do.

Overall, a well thought-of and well-done software that you can be happy with. Price sounds right too: $15.

You can download a demo version from this link.

If you like the Graphic Calculus software and would like to support HomeschoolMath.net with your purchase (I get a small commission), please use this link to buy the program from Kagi (a reseller).

The program's home page is at www.vusoft2.nl.
Review by Maria Miller, MSc, author of HomeschoolMath.net
Price: $15. Windows PC software.