Open Graphing Calculator

Here is the link to our pre-Beta release of the Open Graphing Calculator. The current alpha version is 0.35 and I plan on updating it every Sunday...we are fixing issues as they  arise. So hit [ refresh ] often.

http://www.opengraphingcalculator.com/

Be sure to play around with the calculus toggle buttons. Report any issues on gitHub.

Visually Searchable Algebra Video Compendium

[ OpenAlgebra.com Visually Searchable Video Compendium ]

I have been working with beginning Algebra students for a good many years now. In that time, I have found myself answering many similar questions where students often tell me that when they are alone they get stuck and do not know where to look for help.  This is certainly the case when problems are posed out of sectional context. After some interaction, it becomes clear that folks simply do not have the algebraic vocabulary needed when searching the index or internet for help and quickly become overwhelmed.

"I do not know what to type in when searching for help!"
 

To help, my idea was to create a visually searchable database of commonly asked algebra questions. This compendium of algebra videos is intended to be more of a "how to" type of approach serving students looking to solve a particular problem in a short amount of time.  More instructional or "lecture" type of videos are valuable and quite abundant. For these I would like to recommend James Sousa's MathIsPower4u website.

After authoring two online algebra textbooks published by Flatworld Knowledge, I created a similar visually searchable list of videos for all of the "Thy this!" problems found in the textbook.

[ Elementary Algebra (Algebra 1): Try This Videos ]

[ Intermediate Algebra (Algebra 2): Try this Videos ]

This approach is not the silver bullet for success in Algebra, however, it does review well is appreciated by students who are more inclined toward a visual learning style.  Everything on the openAlgebra.com site is offered free of charge and is openly licensed with a creative commons license.  This means that you are free to and encouraged to link to it, copy-and-paste into your CMS, build upon, improve and share the material.
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Open Algebra Study Guide Website

Do you have a student that missed a day? Well... send him a link to that days topic!

Our free algebra study guide makes for a rather useful website. It is coming together quite nicely using Blogger - have a look.

http://www.openAlgebra.com/

Feel free to share a link, copy-and-paste anything you find there.  Also, notice that there are links to videos at the bottom of each page. Hope this helps somebody out there!

Intermediate Algebra Textbook

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to announce that Flat World Knowledge (FWK) has just published a new textbook, Intermediate Algebra.

In order to combat soaring textbook prices, I have written this textbook in a modular fashion to maximize its effectiveness as an open educational resource. It is available under a creative commons license, has been thoroughly peer-reviewed, and is customizable using the “Make It Your Own” MIYO system. This textbook is the second part of a two-part course in Algebra. It builds on the skills learned in Elementary Algebra and blends the traditional and graphical approaches to the subject.

• Chapter 1: Algebra Fundamentals
• Chapter 2: Graphing Functions and Inequalities
• Chapter 3: Solving Linear Systems
• Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
• Chapter 5: Radical Functions and Equations
• Chapter 6: Solving Equations and Inequalities
• Chapter 7: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Chapter 8: Conic Sections
• Chapter 9: Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem

Used as a standalone textbook, Intermediate Algebra offers plenty of review as well as something new to engage the student in each chapter. With robust and diverse exercise sets, students have the opportunity to solve plenty of practice problems.  In addition, students might appreciate the embedded video examples.

I am happy to be a part of the solution to the current rising costs associated with one of our essential developmental math courses.  Compare this textbook to other open source algebra projects and you will find that FWK did a great job. The free to read online version makes use of MathJax and images to present the material where the Firefox web browser is recommended.  In addition, the e-textbook and printed versions are available for purchase through the Flat World Knowledge website.

Please feel free to distribute this link to your students and colleagues.  I truly believe that it will be a valuable resource.  Also, feel free to email me with any suggestions or ideas.

Thank You,
John Redden, Professor of Mathematics
johnr@cos.edu
jtredden@gmail.com
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Elementary Algebra TOC - Free to Read Online (No Login!)

Here is the table of contents for the open Elementary Algebra textbook found on the FlatWorld Knowledge website.  You will find that the content is fairly modular, I have written it from the ground up with the expectation that instructors will modify it to suit their particular course.  I am confident that everything needed for a Beginning Algebra (Algebra 1) course is covered, but feel free to MIYO (make it your own) by customizing it as you please. This textbook has the advantage over other open source material in that it has been thoroughly reviewed and vetted through the traditional publishing process.  (Note: Be patient with the website, there are many math elements to be rendered for the web.)


Chapter 1 - Real Numbers and Their Operations

1.1 Real Numbers and The Number Line
1.2 Adding and Subtracting Integers
1.3 Multiplying and Dividing Integers
1.4 Fractions
1.5 Review of Decimals and Percents
1.6 Exponents and Square Roots
1.7 Order of Operations
1.8 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 2 - Linear Equations and Inequalities 

2.1 Introduction to Algebra
2.2 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.3 Linear Equations: Part I
2.4 Linear Equations: Part II
2.5 Applications of Linear Equations
2.6 Ratio and Proportion Applications
2.7 Introduction to Inequalities and Interval Notation
2.8 Linear Inequalities (one variable)
2.9 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 3 - Graphing Lines

3.1 Rectangular Coordinate System
3.2 Graph by Plotting Points
3.3 Graph using Intercepts
3.4 Graph using the y-intercept and Slope
3.5 Finding Linear Equations
3.6 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
3.7 Introduction to Functions
3.8 Linear Inequalities (Two Variables)
3.9 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 4 - Solving Linear Systems 

4.1 Solving Linear Systems by Graphing
4.2 Solving Linear Systems by Substitution
4.3 Solving Linear Systems by Elimination
4.4 Applications of Linear Systems
4.5 Solving Systems of Linear Inequalities (Two Variables)
4.6 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 5 - Polynomials and Their Operations 

5.1 Rules of Exponents (Integer Exponents)
5.2 Introduction to Polynomials and Evaluating
5.3 Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
5.4 Multiplying Polynomials and Special Products
5.5 Dividing Polynomials
5.6 Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation
5.7 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 6- Factoring and Solving by Factoring

6.1 Introduction to Factoring
6.2 Factoring Trinomials
6.3 Factoring Trinomials ax^2 + bx + c
6.4 Factoring Binomials
6.5 General Guidelines for Factoring Polynomials
6.6 Solving Equations by Factoring
6.7 Applications involving Quadratic Equations
6.8 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 7- Rational Expressions and Equations

7.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions
7.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
7.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
7.4 Complex Fractions
7.5 Solving Rational Equations
7.6 Applications of Rational Equations
7.7 Variation
7.8 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 8- Radical Expressions and Equations 

8.1 Radicals
8.2 Simplifying Radical Expressions
8.3 Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
8.4 Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
8.5 Rational Exponents
8.6 Solving Radical Equations
8.7 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Chapter 9- Solving Quadratic Equations and Graphing Parabolas 

9.1 Extracting Square Roots
9.2 Completing the Square
9.3 Quadratic Formula
9.4 Guidelines for Solving Quadratic Equations and Applications
9.5 Graphing Parabolas
9.6 Introduction to Complex Numbers and Complex Solutions
9.7 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

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Elementary Algebra (Ch.1) Real Numbers and Their Operations

Elementary Algebra is an open textbook that is available to read for free on the flatworld knowledge website. Chapter 1 is considered a review chapter covering many of the topics found in a Pre-Algebra course. You will find written examples, video examples, and exercises with answers to the odd problems.


1.1 Real Numbers and the Number Line
1.2 Adding and Subtracting Integers
1.3 Multiplying and Dividing Integers
1.4 Fractions
1.5 Review of Decimals and Percents
1.6 Exponents and Square Roots
1.7 Order of Operations

In addition, you will find a complete review exercise section and a practice test.

1.8 Review Exercises and Sample Exam

Feel free to copy and paste the links found here and post them in your LMS.  Links to all of the chapters can be found by clicking the Elementary Algebra course button at the top of this page.

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FWK Technology

An excellent interview with Jon Williams the Chief Technology Officer of flat world knowledge.

Interview: Ed Tech Leader, Jon Williams of Flat World Knowledge

The "make it your own" MIYO platform has great potential. As Jon puts it, "one benefit of thinking of systems as a “platform” is that it forces you to take a longer view, and plan for future business growth and needs."

MIYO

Related articles

• Flat World Knowledge launches platform for customizable digital textbooks (teleread.com)
• Interview with Eric Frank, Flat World Knowledge, by Sue Polanka (teleread.com)
• Random House Invests In Flat World Knowledge (paidcontent.org)

Open Yale Courses

Take a look at the nicely organized open courses at Yale. (  http://oyc.yale.edu/  )
Image via Wikipedia

Open Yale Courses provides free and open access to a selection of introductory courses taught by distinguished teachers and scholars at Yale University. The aim of the project is to expand access to educational materials for all who wish to learn.

Related articles

• Ivy League Education for All - Free Open Courses at Yale (socyberty.com)
• Yale University Website

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Spotlight on Innovation

Webinar today 3:30pm EDT / 12:30 pm PT... Attacking the high cost of textbooks while improving outcomes.

Register now for this webinar to learn about three of the most exciting initiatives aimed at driving costs down while enhancing innovation and outcomes.

Webinar Registration

Moderated by Eric Frank, President and Co-Founder of Flat World Knowledge, this panel will begin with an overview of what open texts are and how they've emerged as a force in past years, and then spotlight the innovative work of the University System of Ohio, Washington Open Course Library Project, and Virginia State University.

While you wait try the cost savings calculator on the flat world knowledge website:

Related articles

• Interview with Eric Frank, Flat World Knowledge, by Sue Polanka (teleread.com)
• Flatword Knowledge Webinars 
• How to Avoid the High Cost of Textbooks (alwaysbcmom.com)

MIT Open Courses

Here is a list of the open course content from MIT.  The single and multivariable calculus courses look very well done.  The courses are nicely formatted... video and lecture notes organized well.

Below is a list of the math content:

Mathematics

Updated within the past 180 days		Course #	Course Title	Term
		18.01	Single Variable Calculus	Fall 2006
		18.01	Single Variable Calculus	Fall 2005
		18.013A	Calculus with Applications	Spring 2005
		18.014	Calculus with Theory I	Fall 2002
		18.01SC	Single Variable Calculus	Fall 2010
		18.02	Multivariable Calculus	Fall 2007
		18.02	Multivariable Calculus	Spring 2006
		18.022	Calculus	Fall 2005
		18.024	Calculus with Theory II	Spring 2003
		18.02SC	Multivariable Calculus	Fall 2010
		18.03	Differential Equations	Spring 2006
		18.034	Honors Differential Equations	Spring 2009
		18.034	Honors Differential Equations	Spring 2004
		18.04	Complex Variables with Applications	Fall 2003
		18.04	Complex Variables with Applications	Fall 1999
		18.05	Introduction to Probability and Statistics	Spring 2005
		18.06	Linear Algebra	Spring 2010
		18.062J	Mathematics for Computer Science	Spring 2010
		18.062J	Mathematics for Computer Science	Spring 2005
		18.062J	Mathematics for Computer Science	Fall 2005
		18.06CI	Linear Algebra - Communications Intensive	Spring 2004
		18.075	Advanced Calculus for Engineers	Fall 2004
		18.085	Computational Science and Engineering I	Fall 2008
		18.086	Mathematical Methods for Engineers II	Spring 2006
		18.091	Mathematical Exposition	Spring 2005
		18.094J	Teaching College-Level Science and Engineering	Spring 2009
		18.094J	Teaching College-Level Science	Spring 2006
		18.098	Street-Fighting Mathematics	January IAP 2008
		18.100A	Analysis I	Fall 2007
		18.100B	Analysis I	Fall 2006
		18.100C	Analysis I	Spring 2006
		18.101	Analysis II	Fall 2005
		18.102	Introduction to Functional Analysis	Spring 2009
		18.103	Fourier Analysis - Theory and Applications	Spring 2004
		18.104	Seminar in Analysis: Applications to Number Theory	Fall 2006
		18.112	Functions of a Complex Variable	Fall 2008
		18.117	Topics in Several Complex Variables	Spring 2005
		18.125	Measure and Integration	Fall 2003
		18.152	Introduction to Partial Differential Equations	Fall 2005
		18.152	Introduction to Partial Differential Equations	Fall 2004
		18.155	Differential Analysis	Fall 2004
		18.156	Differential Analysis	Spring 2004
		18.175	Theory of Probability	Fall 2008
		18.238	Geometry and Quantum Field Theory	Fall 2002
		18.303	Linear Partial Differential Equations	Fall 2006
		18.304	Undergraduate Seminar in Discrete Mathematics	Spring 2006
		18.305	Advanced Analytic Methods in Science and Engineering	Fall 2004
		18.306	Advanced Partial Differential Equations with Applications	Fall 2009
		18.307	Integral Equations	Spring 2006
		18.310C	Principles of Applied Mathematics	Fall 2007
		18.311	Principles of Applied Mathematics	Spring 2009
		18.312	Algebraic Combinatorics	Spring 2009
		18.314	Combinatorial Analysis	Fall 2005
		18.315	Combinatorial Theory: Introduction to Graph Theory, Extremal and Enumerative Combinatorics	Spring 2005
		18.315	Combinatorial Theory: Hyperplane Arrangements	Fall 2004
		18.318	Topics in Algebraic Combinatorics	Spring 2006
		18.319	Geometric Combinatorics	Fall 2005
		18.327	Wavelets, Filter Banks and Applications	Spring 2003
		18.330	Introduction to Numerical Analysis	Spring 2004
		18.335J	Introduction to Numerical Methods	Fall 2006
		18.335J	Introduction to Numerical Methods	Fall 2004
		18.336	Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations	Spring 2009
		18.337J	Applied Parallel Computing (SMA 5505)	Spring 2005
		18.338J	Infinite Random Matrix Theory	Fall 2004
		18.353J	Nonlinear Dynamics I: Chaos	Fall 2006
		18.361J	Introduction to Modeling and Simulation	Spring 2008
		18.366	Random Walks and Diffusion	Fall 2006
		18.369	Mathematical Methods in Nanophotonics	Spring 2008
		18.376J	Wave Propagation	Fall 2006
		18.377J	Nonlinear Dynamics and Waves	Spring 2007
		18.385J	Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos	Fall 2004
		18.400J	Automata, Computability, and Complexity	Spring 2005
		18.404J	Theory of Computation	Fall 2006
		18.405J	Advanced Complexity Theory	Fall 2001
		18.409	Topics in Theoretical Computer Science: An Algorithmist's Toolkit	Fall 2009
		18.409	Behavior of Algorithms	Spring 2002
		18.410J	Introduction to Algorithms (SMA 5503)	Fall 2005
		18.413	Error-Correcting Codes Laboratory	Spring 2004
		18.415J	Advanced Algorithms	Fall 2008
		18.415J	Advanced Algorithms	Fall 2005
		18.416J	Randomized Algorithms	Fall 2002
		18.417	Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology	Fall 2004
		18.426J	Advanced Topics in Cryptography	Spring 2003
		18.433	Combinatorial Optimization	Fall 2003
		18.435J	Quantum Computation	Fall 2003
		18.437J	Distributed Algorithms	Fall 2009
		18.440	Probability and Random Variables	Spring 2009
		18.443	Statistics for Applications	Spring 2009
		18.443	Statistics for Applications	Fall 2006
		18.443	Statistics for Applications	Fall 2003
		18.465	Topics in Statistics: Statistical Learning Theory	Spring 2007
		18.465	Topics in Statistics: Nonparametrics and Robustness	Spring 2005
		18.466	Mathematical Statistics	Spring 2003
		18.700	Linear Algebra	Fall 2005
		18.701	Algebra I	Fall 2007
		18.702	Algebra II	Spring 2008
		18.704	Seminar in Algebra and Number Theory: Computational Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Geometry	Fall 2008
		18.704	Seminar in Algebra and Number Theory: Rational Points on Elliptic Curves	Fall 2004
		18.705	Commutative Algebra	Fall 2008
		18.712	Introduction to Representation Theory	Fall 2010
		18.725	Algebraic Geometry	Fall 2003
		18.726	Algebraic Geometry	Spring 2009
		18.727	Topics in Algebraic Geometry: Algebraic Surfaces	Spring 2008
		18.727	Topics in Algebraic Geometry: Intersection Theory on Moduli Spaces	Spring 2006
		18.735	Double Affine Hecke Algebras in Representation Theory, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Mathematical Physics	Fall 2009
		18.755	Introduction to Lie Groups	Fall 2004
		18.769	Topics in Lie Theory: Tensor Categories	Spring 2009
		18.781	Theory of Numbers	Spring 2003
		18.785	Analytic Number Theory	Spring 2007
		18.786	Topics in Algebraic Number Theory	Spring 2010
		18.786	Topics in Algebraic Number Theory	Spring 2006
		18.901	Introduction to Topology	Fall 2004
		18.904	Seminar in Topology	Fall 2005
		18.905	Algebraic Topology	Fall 2006
		18.906	Algebraic Topology II	Spring 2006
		18.917	Topics in Algebraic Topology: The Sullivan Conjecture	Fall 2007
		18.950	Differential Geometry	Fall 2008
		18.965	Geometry of Manifolds	Fall 2004
		18.966	Geometry of Manifolds	Spring 2007
		18.969	Topics in Geometry: Mirror Symmetry	Spring 2009
		18.969	Topics in Geometry: Dirac Geometry	Fall 2006
		18.994	Seminar in Geometry	Fall 2004
		18.996	Random Matrix Theory and Its Applications	Spring 2004
		18.996	Topics in Theoretical Computer Science : Internet Research Problems	Spring 2002
		18.996A	Simplicity Theory	Spring 2004
		18.997	Topics in Combinatorial Optimization	Spring 2004
		18.S34	Problem Solving Seminar	Fall 2007
		18.S66	The Art of Counting	Spring 2003

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