THE JOURNEY OF MATH

Human society has always used Mathematics in almost every facet of their lives. It was first developed by the early Sumerians and since then has become a part of every human being. It was first only used for measuring or calculating time, distance or quantity. But as technology and societies advanced the form of Math also evolved. Man’s curiosity in the physical world leads to more complicated and developed forms of Math.

Now the study of Math has become part and parcel of every student’s lives. It might start with simple pen and paper calculations which develop into the usage of the electronic calculator or the computer. Now it has very simply taken the form of online calculators. Students these days can use free solvers and math calculators online to help them solve just about any kind of math problems. Simple addition or subtraction to multiplying polynomials is handled. Some examples of such sites are Mathway, MathPapa, WebMath, Byju’s and so on. Different sites specialize in different kinds of operations. Most of them include solving basic math, algebra, geometry and then it can get more complicated with trigonometry, calculus, finite math, statistics, chemistry problems and linear algebra. Most of these sites are free whereas some might require a fee if you want to see the explanations.

All you need to do is type in the problem in the text box given and click the ‘calculate’ or any such similar button. The sites which ask for a fee to see the explanation will give you the answer and the explanation would be blurred. Some sites even have some interesting functions like finding out the odds to win the lottery.

Such apps are mostly accurate. But nothing is guaranteed or error proof. So it is best that students do not depend on these completely for multiplying polynomials or other math operations. They can use these to learn the basics or for checking their answers.

Now if we specifically look into polynomials; this is how a polynomial would look like –

4xy² + 3x – 5 with 3 terms

If you want to get into multiplying polynomials, you need to multiply every term in one polynomial with every term in the other one. Then you just have to add the answers you get and simplify further if required. Let us look at a very simple example.

·         Monomial with a monomial

(2xy)(3y) = 6xy²

You first multiply all the constants and then get to the variables.

·         Monomial with binomials

2x(x + 4xy) = 2x² + 8x²y

These are just simple examples. For complicated calculations, such solvers and online calculators come in handy. One can make such calculators a good medium to learn and have some fun.  Some children and students develop a fear towards math. That is mainly due to their weak foundations. Calculators can make it easy for such students too. They just need to start right from the A, B, C’s and then take it from there. All academics can be made fun if you start it the right way.