09/08/97 REMEMBER ALGEBRA? THIS PROGRAM DOES

REMEMBER ALGEBRA? THIS PROGRAM DOES

MATH IS ONE OF THOSE subjects that many people learn in school and then promptly forget. That's why Recognix Inc. in Santa Clara, Calif., in August introduced Mathpert, software that helps teach students how to solve niggling number problems--and refreshes adults on their long-lost skills.
The program takes users through math questions step-by-step so they can see how to solve a problem, instead of just learning how to come up with the answer. Mathpert covers a broad range of math skills, including beginning algebra and calculus. There are several similar programs already on the market.
But most, such as Mathematica, focus on math research and solving complex equations. The Mathpert program, authored by Michael Beeson, professor of mathematics and computer science at San Jose State University, is aimed at more basic problems. The program costs $95 to $195 per copy, depending on whether it includes pre-calculus and calculus.
EDITED BY PETER ELSTROM