A tool for learning calculus

Nanami Kosugi

Undergraduate Student,
School of Information Environment, Tokyo Denki University

Abstract

I will introduce a tool for students who learn calculus for the first time. This tool has three features, and it make use of the dynamic interactive functions of Version 6 of Mathematica. 

   First, the calculation process is visualized in this tool: expressions are printed in different colors  according to different roles as shown in the following window.

Secondly, some of the expressions between inputs and outputs are displayed. I think this function is important for a learning tool, although is not supported by the present Mathematica. 

   Finally, the calculation process can be interactively learned by the students. This feature is possible according to the new commands Input and Create Dialog in Version 6. For instance, the user inputs the expressions that the tool demands through the following window.

The answer is obtained by repeating this procedure and the procedure is the same as the actual calculation by hand.
Therefore, I suppose the student would learn how to calculate themselves by using this tool.