[BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?

[Steve Jacobson]

Saaqib,

The answer to your question will depend some on the individual.  I am assuming the upside down frame you are referring to is what we sometimes call a slate and stylus.  Doing math with in that way is difficult but possible, but one has to be able to handle more of it in one's head.  There are mathematical slates that let you open the slate to look at what you have written without the paper falling out, and that would make the job easier.  Still, getting a Perkins or other brailler would likely work better than using a slate.  Years ago, I was in a situation when I had to do some pretty complex algebra on a slate and I managed.  I used Nemeth Code, and UEB math does require a little more writing, but of course you might well develop some of your own shortcuts.

Since you use a computer, it might be helpful to put a matrix in excel and then write some of your interim steps with the slate.  Maybe you could do some of the calculations on the computer as well as long as that is permitted by your instructor.  

Although I've tried to answer your question specifically, looking at other tools that can be used on a computer might be worth it as well.  You may find a combination of braille and computer to work.  Unfortunately, there just isn't one answer that works for everybody.  Most of us who have taken math as blind people, regardless of the tools we have available, have developed some of our own shortcuts and approaches that worked for each of us.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson
  
-----Original Message-----
From: BlindMath <blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Saaqib Mahmuud via BlindMath
Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2020 2:44 PM
To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
Cc: Saaqib Mahmuud <saaqib1978 at yahoo.co.in>
Subject: [BlindMath] Is Doing Mathematics in Braille Practical?

Hi BlindMath mates? How are you?
I've been for the past few days learning the UEB mathematics braille through the UEB Math Tutorial on the APH Tech website.
I've just covered the section on matrices, which is Lesson 7.3 in the tutorial.
I'm wondering if it is practical for the blind people to handle the elaborate calculations and manipulations of the higher mathematics (i.e. mathematics above grade 8) in braille on a paper, especially use the upside down writing frame. 

What is the most convenient option for a blind UEB user to do the complex higher mathematics?
Of course, a UEB reader can read mathematics books alright. 

The real challenge is when it comes to working out the problems and presenting one's proofs and solutions in braille. 

For example, suppose a blind person is asked to evaluate a complicated anti-derivative (i.e. indefinite integral), or perform a complicated Gaussian elimination using matrices, and show his or her attempt clearly using the UEB mathematics code. What would be the best option available to a totally blind person, especially somebody using a slate-and-stylus? How best can he or she come up with a correct answer and present his or her work accurately?


Regards.

Sincerely,
Saaqib Mahmood





















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