EpsilonWriter version 2.5

Manual of Dynamic Algebra

December 21, 2014

 

Document written with EpsilonWriter

 

Summary

1. Choice of the tools, parameters

2. Basic calculations by click and button  

2.1. Basic exact calculation by click on an expression or use of a button

2.2. Calculation by click on an operator

2.3.  Basic proposed calculations  

2.4.  Calculations proposed for quadratic polynomials and equations of one variable

2.5.  Calculations proposed for cubic polynomials and equations of one variable

2.6. Sign tables

2.7. Definition conditions and definition sets of functions

2.8. Limits of rational fractions  

2.9. Calculation of derivatives

2.10. Variation tables of rational fractions

2.11. Simplification of sets of real numbers  

3. The external drag&drop  

3.1. Indicating the location to drop in external drag&drop

3.2. The completion of the external drag&drop

3.3. The possible operations for external drag&drop

4. The "assimilated" external drag&drop  

5. The internal drag&drop  

5.1. Examples of movement  

5.2. Examples of exit from an expression

5.3. Examples of enter into an expression

5.4. The case of sign -

5.5. Combinations: additive combinations

5.6. Combinations: multiplicative combinations

5.7. Combinations: simplifications of fractions

5.8.  Combinations: multiplicative simplifications of relations

5.9. Combinations: additive simplifications of relations

6. The equivalence

7. The explanations

7.1. Meaning of arrows

7.2. The color code

8. Undo

9. Delete, modify explanations



Epsilonwriter allows doing exact and approached calculations by button, click and drag.

These are calculation steps, with explanations.

 

Summary

1. Choice of the tools, parameters

 

The "Calculation" panel allows choosing the calculation tools:

- Numerical calculations can be done on integers, decimal, or rational numbers,

- The calculation tools used are determined by the level of dynamic algebra whose possible values are: pedagogical, low, medium, strong, customed.

 

When "Dynamic Algebra: Custom" is selected, EpsilonWriter shows the different dynamic algebra mechanisms so that the user chooses those he/she wants to use. These choices are stored and can be changed by re-selecting "Dynamic Algebra: Custom".

 

The choice of mechanisms are application settings. It is possible to "View application parameters" with the "Options" menu and also display a "Table of parameters" that shows the values of these parameters for all dynamic algebra modes. This table is also at:

http://www.epsilonwriter.com/download/2.5/manuel/Parametres-en.html

 

It is possible to associate parameters to a document so that students can only use certain tools. See the EpsilonWriter manual:

http://www.epsilonwriter.com/download/2.5/manuel/Manuel-EpsilonWriter-en.html

 

The "Calculation" panel allows choosing the form of explanations.

 

 

Summary

2. Basic calculations by click and button  

  

Summary

2.1. Basic exact calculation by click on an expression or use of a button

 

Calculation by click includes exact numerical computation, integer factorisation, expand and simplify, linear equations solving, production schemes for solving equations of degree 2 and 3, the definition conditions of rational functions, the passage of certain logical conditions to solution sets, the computing of limits, the passage of factored rational fractions into sign tables, the calculation of derivatives, the passage of a form f'(x)=y , where y is a factored rational fraction to a variation table.

 

To make an exact calculation, you can select an expression or sub-expression. If there are possible calculations by click, they are listed in a tooltip. When there is only one, a click on the tooltip applies the proposed calculation. When there are several, a Ctrl+Clik on the selected expression displays a popup menu in order to choose the calculation to perform.

If "Duplicate when calculations" is checked, the result is displayed below. If it is not checked, it replaces the expression to calculate.

The choice of field (integer, decimal or rational) is done with a list of choices in the "Calculation" panel.

   

Summary

2.2. Calculation by click on an operator

 

When the mouse flies over an operator, if there are possible calculations by click, they are listed in a tooltip.

 

A Ctrl+Click on an operator asks to calculate the expression of this operator.

   

Example, Ctrl+Click on + in 3x³+2x³-x² produces 5x³-x²

 

Summary

2.3.  Basic proposed calculations  

 

Numerical calculations, expansions and simplifications are proposed, mainly for rational expressions.

Solving linear equations of one variable is also proposed.

 

The imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image4.png button allows you to perform approximate calculations.

The  imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image5.png buttons can convert decimals into fractions and fractions into decimals.

The  imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image6.png button allows you to duplicate the expression; it is useful when you do not duplicate the expression automatically for each calculation.

 

 

Summary

2.4.  Calculations proposed for quadratic polynomials and equations of one variable

 

Depending of the coefficients, the following actions are proposed for ax²+bx+c :

- Complete the square,

- Factor with A²-B²

- Generate the discriminant formula to factor the polynomial.

 

EpsilonWriter proposes also to generate the discriminant formulas for solving ax²+bx+c=0

 

See demos at: http://epsilonwriter.com  

  

Summary

2.5.  Calculations proposed for cubic polynomials and equations of one variable

  

EpsilonWriter proposes to generate the Cardan's formulas for factoring ax³+bx²+cx+d and for solving  ax³+bx²+cx+d=0  

 

See demos at: http://epsilonwriter.com

 

Summary

2.6. Sign tables

 

For many factored rational expressions like x(x-2)/(x+1) , EpsilonWriter proposes to build a sign table (a filled table or a table to fill).

 

Summary

2.7. Definition conditions and definition sets of functions

 

When a function is defined with an equal sign like f(x)=(x+1)/(x(x-2)) EpsilonWriter proposes to produce the definition conditions, in this example:

Defined when: x(x-2)≠0

 

It is necessary to use the true function notations of EpsilonWriter, i.e., one of the letter f, g and h in straight shape with parentheses (when the letters are in italics, they represent variables, not functions).

 

When definitions conditions are in factored forms, EpsilonWriter generally proposes to generate a corresponding set. For the above condition:  

Set: ]-∞;0[∪]0;2[∪]2;+∞[

  

Summary

2.8. Limits of rational fractions  

 

For limits of rational fractions at infinity, like limit _x→+∞ (3x³+4x-6)/(x²-1) , EpsilonWriter applies the highest degree theorem.

For limits of rational fractions at finite values, like limit _x→1^- (3x-6)/(x-1) EpsilonWriter replaces the variable x by the 1^- notation and allows you to perform limit calculation on this notation.  

 

Summary

2.9. Calculation of derivatives

 

The notation for derivatives can be ( sin(x))^prime0 or d(x²y+2xy²)/ d(x)

EpsilonWriter calculates a step of deriving when a Ctrl-Click is made on the derivative operator.

Almost all usual functions can be derived.

 

Summary

2.10. Variation tables of rational fractions

 

When a derivative is expressed in a factored form with an equal sign, like f'(x)=(x-2-√5)(x-2+√5)/(x-2)² , EpsilonWriter generally proposes to produce a variation table (a filled table, except limits, min and max values, or a table to fill).

 

It is necessary to use the true function notation of EpsilonWriter, i.e., one of the letter f, g and h in straight shape with parentheses (when the letters are in italics, they represent variables, not functions).  

 

Summary

2.11. Simplification of sets of real numbers  

 

Sets of real numbers, expressed as combinations of intervals and finite sets, like (]-∞;0] \ ]-5;-3[)∩]-8;-1[∪{-6;6} can be simplified.

 

 

Summary

3. The external drag&drop  

 

Works with the "Dynamic Algebra: medium and strong".  

 

We say that we make an external drag&drop when the selected expression and the location to drop are not in the same mathematical expression, for example, if we have:

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image21.png

And if we make a drag&drop of the selected expression somewhere in x+y=6 we are in external drag&drop. There is no mathematical link between 2x=5  and x+y=6 for EpsilonWriter. There is just an equality below the other one.

 

Summary

3.1. Indicating the location to drop in external drag&drop

 

During the drag, when the mouse cursor:

- flies over an atomic element, this one is shown as a second selection in blue,

- flies over an operator, the expression of this one is shown as a second selection in blue,

- otherwise, a drop cursor is shown.

 

Here are 4 examples:  

                                  

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image22.png the mouse flies over y

 

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image23.png the mouse flies over +

 

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image24.png the mouse flies over =

 

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image25.png the mouse is between y and =

 

 

When the drop is possible, a popup menu displays the possibilities: the resulting formula and the explanation of the action.

 

Summary

3.2. The completion of the external drag&drop

 

To accept a drop proposal shown in the pop-up, it is necessary to release the mouse button. If there was a single proposal in the pop-up, this one is immediately applied. If there were several, the pop-up remains shown and it is necessary to choose by clicking or using the return key, or to cancel with Ctrl+Z.

 

Color code of the buttons of the pop-up:

- Green: mathematical operation providing equivalence (see explanations in section equivalence),  

- Red: mathematical operation not providing equivalence a priori.

 

The options:

Duplicate when calculations  

Explain calculation

apply to external drag&drop.

  

Summary

3.3. The possible operations for external drag&drop

 

Substitution

When the selected expression is a substitution, that is:

- An equality of the shape x= ... or ... =x , example x=y+2

- simultaneous equalities of this type, example: x=3t+2 and y=t-3 counterexample:  x=3y+2 and y=-3 in this last cae, variable y expressed in the second equality being in the first equality, it si not considered as a substitution,

EpsilonWriter suggests applying the substitution if the location of the drop is an expression containing variables of the substitution.

 

Equivalence

In that case, there is a priori no equivalence.

There is equivalence however in the case of a simultaneous equations, if the selection is an equation of the simultaneous equations.

 

Substitution of a variable by an expression

When the selected expression is an expression, eg 4 or 2x+1 , if the location of the drop is a variable, EpsilonWriter proposes to carry out a substitution of the variable by the expression.

 

Addition or subtraction to both sides of relations

When the selected expression is an equality or an inequality and when the location of the drop is an equality or an inequality,

EpsilonWriter proposes an addition and a subtraction to both sides if it has of the meaning, i.e., if the result is implied by both relations.

 

Equivalence

In that case, there is a priori no equivalence.

  

Addition, subtraction, multiplication or division of/by an expression to both sides of relations

When the selected expression is a numerical expression with possibly variables (not a relation) and the location of the drop is an equality or an inequality,

EpsilonWriter suggests adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing both sides by the expression.

For inequalities, it is only when the selected expression is a number (with change of the direction of the inequality sign when the number is negative).

 

Equivalence

In that case, there is equivalence between the initial relation and the resulting relation, except for multiplication by 0 (division by 0 is not proposed). This equivalent can require the addition by the user of conditions as x≠0 if we divide both members of an equality by x

 

 

Summary

4. The "assimilated" external drag&drop  

 

Works with the "Dynamic Algebra: medium and strong" options.

 

When the selected expression and the location of the drop are not in the same numerical expression (with variables) or equality or inequality, we consider that we are in a situation similar to the external drag&drop and the behavior of the drag&drop is identical to the external drag&drop.  

 

This is the case for simultaneous equalities or inequalities:

Example: 2x=5 and x+y=6 when 2x=5 is dropped on y or on x+y=6

 

For simultaneous equalities or inequalities, There is however a difference at the level of the equivalence:

- In the case of a substitution, there is equivalence between the system of origin and the obtained system,  

- In the case "Addition or subtraction to both side of relations", there is equivalence between the system of origin and the obtained system, when the added or subtracted relation is an equality.

 

Summary

5. The internal drag&drop  

 

When the selected expression and the location to drop are in the same numerical expression (with or without variables) or in the same equality or inequality, we are in the case of the internal drag&drop.

 

The drag&drop works according to the "Dynamic Algebra" option:

 

- With the "Dynamic Algebra: Pedagogical" option, only basic moves are proposed. A basic move of an expression a is a move which preserves a or replaces it by -a or 1/a and preserves the rest of the expression with one possible exception: if there is an inequality, its orientation can be reversed. With this option, the actions that do not produce basic moves are indicated.

 

- With the "Dynamic Algebra: Light" option, simple and useful (basic or not) moves are proposed.  

 

- With the "Dynamic Algebra: Medium" option, more moves are proposed.  

 

- With the "Dynamic Algebra: Strong" option, all the possible moves with EpsilonWriter are proposed.  

  

See the detailed list of moves for each option at http://epsilonwriter.com  

 

The "Describe the dynamic algebra gesture" option allows you describing certain gestures. This description is added to the mathematical explanation.

 

Example: the movement of a negative factor from a side of the inequality to other one provides the description and the explanation below:

red -2 black x≤3 green ⇝ x≥3/( red -2)

Gesture: Multiplicative move of a negative expression to the other side, the factor becomes divisor, the inequality sign is reversed

Explanation: division of both sides by -2  

 

Indicating the location to drop in internal drag&drop, completion and display

 

The indication of the location to drop has two possible forms:

- a cursor, for example imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image31.png for a drop before 4 which produces 3x+4=-3

- a blue selected expression for a combination of the moved expression with it, for example imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image32.png which produces -3x+4=-3

 

When the drop is possible, a pop-up shows the possibilities. It also displays regular editing drops with the main operators.

There is always equivalence with internal dra&drop, but this equivalence can require the addition by the user of conditions as x≠0 if we divide both members of an equality by x  

  

With the Dynamic Algebra: Pedagogical option, some refused drops are described. For example, given a/(c+d) , sif we try to move c to the front of the fraction, we get: No basic additive exit of the denominator.

 

The operations of internal drag&drop

 

The elementary operations currently implemented belong to 4 categories:

- Moving in an expression,

- Exiting from an expression,

- Entering into an expression,  

- Combination of the selected expression with another expression.

 

These operations are made with a status of the selected expression which can be:

- Adder: we will also speak of additive term or additive operation,

- Multiplier: we will also speak of factor or multiplicative operation,

- divisor,

- exponent.  

In very numerous cases, these elementary operations can be combined.

 

During the drag, when we are in a case of combination, the second element of the combination is shown as a second selection in blue. In other cases, a cursor for drop is shown.

  

Summary

5.1. Examples of movement  

 

An argument of a sum or a product can be moved in this sum or this product.

red 2x+x²+1 green ⇝ x²+ red 2x+1

Explanation: commutativity

 

A side of a relation, or an additive term of a side, can be moved in an additive way to the other side. It is replaced by its opposite.

 

x-3≤ red 2x green ⇝ x-3+ red -2x≤0

Gesture: Additive move to the other side, changing sign

Explanation: Addition to both sides of -2x  

   

A side of a relation, or a factor of a side, can be moved in a multiplicative way to the other side. It must not be equal to 0. In the case of an inequality, it cannot have variables. It becomes divisor. The direction of the relations is change if necessary.  

 

red -4 black x<2 green ⇝ x>2/(red-4)

Gesture: Multiplicative move of a negative expression to the other side, the factor becomes divisor, the inequality sign is reversed

Explanation: division of both sides by -4  

 

red 4x=2 green ⇝ 1=2/( red 4x)

Gesture: Multiplicative move to the other side, the factor becomes divisor

Explanation: division of both sides by 4x  

 

If we move 4x in 4x<2 , there is no proposal as divisor because 4x is not constant.  

   

An exponent 2 of a side of a relation can be moved in a multiplicative way to the other side if the other side is an expression without variable. There is then production of a square root and of an "or" between two equalities.  

  

(x+1)^ red 2=3 green ⇝ orange x+1=√3 or x+1=-√3

Explanation: decomposition of an equation  

  

 

Summary

5.2. Examples of exit from an expression

  

A term of a sum or a factor of a term of a sum, can go out of the sum as factor. It must not be equal to 0.

  

8x²+8 red x+2 green ⇝ red x(8x+8+2/x)

Explanation: factorising x

  

A numerator or a factor of a numerator can go out of the numerator as factor.

 

red 2y/x green ⇝ red 2(y/x)

Explanation: The factor 2 of the numerator becomes the factor of the  fraction

   

Factoring HCF

When we ask to factor out a positive integer n in a sum, if the terms of the sum have coefficients having a HCF different from 1 and n , EpsilonWriter suggests in addtiton to factor out the HCF.  

This operation does not function with the Pedagogical Dynamic Algebra option.  

 

red 12-15x+30x² green ⇝ red 3(4-5x+10x²)

Explanation: factoring HCF: 3  

 

Summary

5.3. Examples of enter into an expression

 

A factor can enter into a sum, an expansion is then applied.

 

red x(x²+3x-1) green ⇝ orange x³+3x²-x

Explanation: expansion

  

A divisor can enter into a sum, an expansion is then applied.

 

Example, in combination with a movement in an equality:

red 4=x²+3x green ⇝ 1=(x²+3x)/ red 4

Gesture: Multiplicative move to the other side, the factor becomes divisor

Explanation: division of both sides by 4  

1=(x²+3x)/ red 4 green ⇝ 1= orange x²/4+3x/4

Explanation: expansion

 

An exponent 2 or 3 over a sum of two terms can enter the sum, an expansion is then applied

 

Example :

(2x+3)^ red 3 green ⇝ orange 8x³+36x²+54x+27

Development

 

This operation does not function with the Pedagogical Dynamic Algebra option.

 

An exponent over a product, an opposite or a power can enter the argument.

 

Examples :  

(-x)^ red 3 green ⇝ -x^ red 3

Power of an opposite

 

 

Summary

5.4. The case of sign -

  

A selected sign -  can be the object of a drag&drop, it is as if -1 has been selected with a status of factor.

 

imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image55.png green ⇝ orange -x²-x+2

Explanation: Expansion

 

 

Summary

5.5. Combinations: additive combinations

 

Notion of like terms

 

Two terms of a sum are like terms when each is one of the forms A^n , cA^n , with the same A and the same n , A being any expressions, c a number and n an integer which can be omitted if it is 1 .

 

Examples:

x , -x , 3x , x/2 , -5x/2 , 2x^1 are like terms

(y+2)³ , -(y+2)³ , 3(y+2)³ , (y+2)³/2 , -5(y+2)³/2 are like terms

1/(y+2)³ , -1/(y+2)³ , 3/(y+2)³ , 1/(2(y+2)³) , -5/(2(y+2)³) are like terms

 

When the option Combination of positive and negative exponents is active, c/A^n and kA^-n with the same A and the same n are also considered as like terms

 

A term of a sum can be moved in this sum over a like term so that both are replaced by the calculated sum by taking into account the "Calculate (exact...)" option.

  

4+ orange x/2+8+ orange x/3 green ⇝ 4+ orange 5x/6+8

collecting like terms

  

A term of a sum of the form nA can be moved in this sum over term of a sum of the form A² to produce a completion of the square.  

 

orange x²+ orange 4x green ⇝ orange (x+2)²+ orange -2²

completing the square

 

 

Summary

5.6. Combinations: multiplicative combinations

  

Notion of like factors

  

Two factor of a product are like factors when each is one of the forms A , A^n , with the same A , A being any expression, n an integer

example:

(y+2) , (y+2)^-3 , (y+2)^5 are like factors

  

When the option Combination of positive and negative exponents is active,  A , 1/A , A^n , 1/A^n with the same A   are also considered as like factors.

   

A factor of a product can be moved in this product over a like factor so that both are replaced by the calculated product by taking into account the "Calculate (exact...)" option.

 

3 orange x(y+3)² orange x³(y+3)^5 green ⇝ 3(y+3)² orange x^4(y+3)^5

multiplying like factors

   

 

Summary

5.7. Combinations: simplifications of fractions

 

An integer which is factor of the numerator/denominator of a fraction can be moved on an integer which is factor of the denominator/numerator of the fraction so that both are simplified by the HCF.  

  

orange 12x/( orange 18y) green ⇝ orange 2x/( orange 3y)

Simplification by 6

 

An expression of the form X or X^n which is factor of the numerator/denominator of a fraction can be moved on an expression of the form X or X^n which is factor of the denominator/numerator of the fraction so that both are simplified by the X^k with a maximum k.

 

y orange (x+2)²/(z orange (x+2)^5) green ⇝ y/(z orange (x+2)³)

Simplification by (x+2)²

  

What is "being a factor of the numerator" above?

It is been X in one of the forms X/Y (-X)/Y AXB/Y (-AXB)/Y , idem for factor of the denominator.

    

 

Summary

5.8.  Combinations: multiplicative simplifications of relations

 

Simplifications similar to the simplifications of fractions can be made on relations.

For the inequalities: the expression by which we simplify has to be constant and when its sign is negative, the direction of the inequality is changed.

 

Attention: when the simplification is made by a not constant expression in an equation, there are generally loss solutions, for example, if we simplify the equation x(2x+3)=x(4-x) by x we lose the solution x=0

It belongs to the user to manage the conditions which accompany the operations. In the case above, the user can add "when x≠0 " and manage besides the case x=0. The user replace the operation and by a treatment which does not separate cases.

 

Example, sign - is selected by Ctrl+Clic and is move on the other sign -

-5xy=-3z green ⇝ 5xy=3z

simplification of minus signs

  

5 orange x²y= orange xz green ⇝ 5 orange xy=z

division of both sides by x

 

 

Summary

5.9. Combinations: additive simplifications of relations

 

Additive simplifications similar to the additive combinations in sums can be made on relations.

orange -5x-6= orange 2x+7 green ⇝ -6= orange 7x+7

Addition to both sides of -5x  

  

 

Summary

6. The equivalence

 

The equivalence indicated by EpsilonWriter in the pop-up and the explanations:

 

When there is equivalence, buttons are green in the pop-up and the arrow of the explanation is sinuous and green: imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image97.png

 

The equivalence mentioned in the internal and external drag&drop is equivalence brought by the context and the interpretation of the gesture:

 

In certain contexts, we know that there is equivalence modulo of the conditions to be added if necessary  

 

In a more precise way:

 

An indication of equivalence means that the context (internal or external, nature of the transformation) allow you to assert it, modulo conditions to be added if necessary.

Attention, there can sometimes be equivalence when the context does not indicate it, for example, in the simultaneous inequalities a≤b and c≤d the addition sides to sides of the inequalities produces  a≤b and c+a≤d+b is not an operation generally producing equivalence, only an implication, but in the particular case a≤a and c≤c there is however equivalence and epsilowriter does not indique. Thus the indicated equivalence is not equivalence between initial expression and transformed expression (as it is the case in Aplusix) but an equivalence brought by the context and the nature of the gesture.

   

 

Summary

7. The explanations

 

Summary

7.1. Meaning of arrows

 

The explanation with the right arrow below:

cd c+ad+b

addition side with side of ab

is read:

cd has been replaced by  c+ad+b . Arrow   indicates the replacement, nothing more.

  

The explanation with the sinuous right arrow imageReference _Manuel-AD-en.html/image97.png below:

red 2(3x+y+5) green ⇝ orange 6x+2y+10

Explanation: expansion

is read:

2(3x+y+5) has been replaced by  6x+2y+10 applying an expansion operation and there is equivalence with possibly conditions to be added.

 

In that case, the equivalence can be between both mentioned expressions or at the level of simultaneous equations and inequalities which contains both arguments of the operation.

 

Summary

7.2. The color code

 

For the movements, the entrances, the exits, red indicates the moved element.

 

Example:

red 2x=5 green ⇝ x=5/ red 2

division of both sides by 2

 

In certain cases, the element is not moved in the result. A more complex operation is made, its result is indicated in brown, example:

red 2(3x+y+5) green ⇝ orange 6x+2y+10

Explanation: expansion

  

 

Summary

8. Undo

 

When we do not make duplication and when we do not ask for explanation, the result of the operation simply replaces the expression. In that case, "undo" (Ctrl+Z) goes back to the situation before the operation.

When we make duplication or when we ask for an explanation, there is production of additional lines. In that case, the first "undo" places in the situation "operation without duplication and without explanation" and the second "undo" goes back to the situation before the operation.  

 

 

Summary

9. Delete, modify explanations

 

Explanations are provided in a paragraph or in a table. They are editable.