Tutoring - pluggable solvers
From Algebra.Com's Help
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[edit] Why tutors may use pluggable solvers
Often times, when tutors solve math problems, the interesting part is reducing the problem and translating it from English to Algebrese.
Quote typically, such reductions reduce the problem to typical equations such as quadratic equation or linear equation. Solving these equations is the boring part. Plus, humans make mistakes.
Here's where pluggable solvers some in. The newer solvers on my site are pluggable, meaning that they can be invoked by tutors in their solutions. For now, I made several such solvers available.
[edit] Example
this example shows how easy it is. Click on "View Source" to see how I did it. Here's another example.
[edit] How to use pluggable solvers
Quadratic solver
In yous solution, suppose that you need to solve quadratic equation x^2-2x-3 = 0.
Say:
*[invoke quadratic "x", 1, -2, -3]
that text will be replaced with a full, well explained solution to this quadratic equation.
Linear 2x2 system solver
Suppose that you need to solve system
2x-3a=4 5x+6a=7
Say:
*[invoke linear "x", "a", 2, -3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
For solving linear systems with substitution, say similarly
*[invoke linear_substitution "x", "a", 2, -3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
this will create a "in-line" solution to this system.
Simplifier that shows work
Many problems with one variable can be solved by my simplifier that shows work. It simplifies expressions and detects and solves equations.
Say:
*[invoke explain_simplification "6x^2/x = 18"]
Note that the expression or equation MUST be enclosed in double quotes " and ".
Substitution solver
All substitution problems like "compute x^3-2y+3 for x=5, y=3", can be solved with my substitution solver that shows work.
*[invoke substitution "x^3-2y+3", "x", 5, "y", 3]
use of quotes is important!
[edit] Technique
A good technique is to type your solution, invoke the solver, and then look at results. Depending on results, continue writing (perhaps negative roots are not allowed, and you should mention that etc).
Also, variable names MUST be enclosed in double quotes'', like this: "x".
[edit] The RULES
The syntax is: it starts with STAR and LEFT SQUARE BRACKET: *[ then the word "invoke", then solver name, and then parameters (numbers), separated by comma. It closes with a closing square bracket.
[edit] Suggestions welcome
Feel free to email ichudov AT algebra DOT com to ask for more solvers. For now, I want to use only these two, to iron out the bugs. That should last a few days (7/18/2005).
[edit] More information
Strictly speaking, all my solvers whose URL ends with .solver, are pluggable. Just supply the parameters in order that you see them in the input section of the solver, that's all. Many other solvers are simply less frequently needed, the quadratic equation and linear system are the perennial favorites of all school programs.
