DoYourMath.com Algebrator Manual For Your Algebra Problem Solver | Page 101

Using Algebrator 97 When the final (correct) solution is reached, an appropriate message will appear and no more red expressions will be generated. Do not confuse the button, with the button. The former is used as described above, while the latter is used to explicitly check the validity of a solution to an equation or inequality. 2.2.5 Setting solution parameters Solution settings Solution settings tell the software how to solve certain kinds of problems. Quadratic equations can be solved by using one of the following three methods: Factoring Completing the square Quadratic formula Systems of equations have three different methods available: Elimination Substitution Cramer’s rule If your problem does not explicitly state which method to employ, it is better to let the software decide which is the most efficient method, by selecting the fourth item in the list: Smart choice. You can make the software choose between real and integer arithmetic (i.e. in an equation, x=1/2 would indicate "integer" while x=0.5 would indicate "real" arithmetic). Sometimes it is hard to decide which setting will work better. Here are some general recommendations: Check your book and follow its form. If an equation or expression already contains decimal numbers (i.e. 1.2x +3.5=3.1), use "real" format; otherwise use "integer" setting. Note that if © 1998 - 2010 Softmath