[Blindmath] Techniques for taking Algebra through Calculus?

[Zach]

Hello Mr. Dengler, 

I used to be apprehensive of learning LaTeX, but I'm starting to see a huge advantage. Do you need to write the code in a specific application or save to a specific file type for communication with cited folk? How feasible would it be to get math books in LaTeX or is it easier to get MathML books and write in LaTeX? 


Thanks,

Zac

-----Original Message-----
From: Blindmath [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bill Dengler via Blindmath
Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 8:09 AM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics <blindmath at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bill Dengler <codeofdusk at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Techniques for taking Algebra through Calculus?

Math ML is a machine-readable markup language.
Generally, people *don’t* write it buy hand. Instead, they use something human-friendly (i.e. LaTeX) to generate it.
Another option is using what I call "calculator notation".
In this method, the student writes out mathematical equations, solutions etc in a text editor in a similar manner to how it would be typed into a scientific calculator. For example, parentheses are used to enclose the numerator/denominator of a fraction, arguments of a function, etc.
The quadratic formula in this notation (or at least the version of it I used to use before this semester) looks like : 
x=(-bpmsqrt(b^2-4ac))/(2a)
However, I have started to use LaTeX, since it removes some of the ambiguity present in calculator notation with longer problems (I.E. is the parenthesis closing the radical or the fraction or what?) So now, I write : 
$x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$
LaTeX also makes it easier to write limits and sequences/series.
Before, I would write out limits as if the teacher was reading them out loud.
As x approaches infinity, f(x) approaches l.
$\lim_{x \to \infty}f(x)=l$

Ultimately, calculator notation is easier to learn but harder to work with as you approach calc.
Learn LaTeX; look up the commands and symbols you need as you need them. It’ll make things easier in the long run.

Bill
> On Feb 25, 2016, at 11:42 PM, Brandon Keith Biggs via Blindmath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> I am looking for some ways my student can use to take Algebra through 
> calculus that does not require a significant investment of time to get 
> up and running.
> I know about Latex, but from what I have seen, it takes quite a bit of 
> time to learn.
> 
> Nemeth does not work because my student does not know Braille.
> 
> The only other option I can think of is having a tutor there, writing 
> out in huge letters, or using manipulatives to explain the concepts. I 
> did this going through Statistics, but it was not fun and currently 
> the student has not had much success with this method.
> 
> The accessibility person has suggested something using math ML may work.
> Has anyone worked with math ML before?
> Thanks,
> 
> Brandon Keith Biggs <http://brandonkeithbiggs.com/> 
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