MyScript Calculator
This is my new favorite app! The MyScript Calculator is a unique tool that allows students to handwrite complex equations and formulas into their iPad or iPhone and obtain instant results. Not only can this be used to perform simple arithmetic operations, but the MyScript Calculator can also handle more complex operations, including trigonometric functions, logarithms, and certain constant expressions.
From the developer, the full list of supported operators includes:
Basic operations: +, -, x, ÷, +/‒, 1/x
Misc. Operations: %, √, x!, |x|
Powers/Exponentials: ℯx, xy , x2
Brackets: ( )
Trigonometry: cos, sin, tan
Inverse trigonometry: acos, asin, atan
Logarithms: ln , log
Constants: π, ℯ, Phi.
One of the only drawbacks of the MyScript Calculator is that while the technology is intuitive, it is not perfect as assessing what students intend as they write. Therefore, it is important that they try to do so neatly in the app. Also, variables are not written as they would in a common algebraic expression. For example, MyScript reads “x” as multiplication instead of a variable. Simple single variable expressions can be solved but students need to use “?” as that variable, as opposed to letters.
The applications and advantages of this app are enormous, however. Students who are unable (or unwilling) to use a basic calculator can try MyScript for a more tactile math experience. This would also be a help to those students who need to solve more complex calculations that would be difficult with pen, paper, and a traditional calculator. While MyScript will not, and should not, replace more traditional methods of computation and equation solving it is a fantastic tool to have in your belt.
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