Its a rather complex application that's aimed strictly at those comfortable with complex maths but the advantage GeoGebra offers over similar apps is that it provides multiple representations of objects that are all dynamically linked. The idea behind GeoGebra is to connect geometric, algebraic, and numeric representations in an interactive way.

This can be done with points, vectors, lines, conic sections. GeoGebra allows you to directly enter and manipulate equations and coordinates enabling you to plot functions, work with sliders to investigate parameters, find symbolic derivatives, and use powerful commands like Root or Sequence.

However, the complexity of the program is mind boggling for those new to such mathematical applications. It's very difficult to work out how to use from scratch although there are several very detailed tutorials to help you on your way.

GeoGebra isn't a mathematical program for the faint hearted but if you have to deal with arithmetic, geometry, algebra and calculus on a regular basis, its very flexible.

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Octave is a high-level language developed by the open source community which functions simply by providing a command line interface for solving linear and nonlinear numeric problems. For those that are familiar with Matlab, they will have few problems picking up Octave because it works in conjunction with the former language.

The program basically features several very powerful tools for solving the kind of linear algebra equations that would send shivers down the spine of even the most experienced mathematician. According to the developers, it also includes functions for manipulating polynomials and integrating differential and differential-algebraic equations if you know what those are in the first place! The one bonus for those familiar with other languages is that Octave can also be extended or used in conjunction with modules written in C++, C, Fortran and others.

This is an extremely complex language that only those familiar with Matlab or Fortran will pick up quickly. Anyone else should be prepared to put a lot of hours in although the problem solving skills it will provide you with seem virtually limitless.

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The game in MathGame is essentially a timer, which challenges you to speed up your calculations. The game mechanic is simple - solve addition, subtraction, division or multiplication problems. There are no fancy graphics, or anything particularly innovative about it. It's good for parents who want their kids to practice mathematics, and maybe the high score table and against the clock gameplay are enough to entice them to play.

If your child hates maths, MathGame is not going to change their minds, as it doesn't do anything to make it fun! For adults, while it may be interesting to see how much of your times table you've forgotten, MathGame is so much less sophisticated that Nintendo's Brain Training games it looks pretty dull. Unless you donate to the developers, upon closing the game, you have to wait for a "nag window" to close, which is quite irritating.

Unless you or your children enjoy doing simple calculations, you're unlikely to find much to enjoy with MathGame.

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The software uses a multiple document interface so that you can work on multiple solutions simultaneously. There is a fully featured scientific calculator which includes a very useful integrated variables and functions list window so that you can easily track defined variables and functions.

Particularly for those that have to produce mathematical presentations, Math Mechanics enables you to produce some very impressive 2D and 3D diagrams. The graphing utility allows you to label data points, as well as zoom, rotate and translate the graph. This can seem daunting at first but fortunately there are several tutorials available that will guide you through it.

This a powerful and versatile mathematical software that anyone working on mathematical projects will find useful.

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Nowadays OpenStat has been expanded to handle all kinds of data, although the developer itself admits that it's not the "finished product" yet. This means that any results you gain from it, can't be guaranteed and should be double checked either by hand or using other software.

OpenStat, rather than just present data in graph form, attempts to test and display data in one go, meaning it cuts out the need for a separate research package. It looks remarkably simple and generally, it is easy to use but it's actually quite a complex package, able to handle all kinds of algorithms and parameters that you define. However, the developer could have put more effort into making both the interface and graphs look better. In addition, according to the forum it does have problems handling certain formulas but this is probably because it's not the finished article yet.

OpenStat is a simple to use but powerful statistical analysis and graphical display package that can handle most of what you throw at it.

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The program displays a blank interface where you insert numbers, expressions, symbols and everything you need to create your calculations. The data is entered through a command line and added in consecutive lines on the program's interface. Besides using your keyboard, you can also use the program's buttons to enter certain symbols which may be harder to find on your keyboard configuration. You can then let Derive solve the problem and also get it printed on paper for further study.

All the operators and commands are conveniently categorized into a menu which, together with a comprehensive help system, make the program very complete and easy to use – that is, if you have some basic maths knowledge. Otherwise, you may as well stick to the Windows Calculator!

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Amongst its many features are a unicode editor to write your LaTeX source files (including syntax highlighting, undo-redo, search-replace etc), 370 mathematical symbols and wizards to generate code. It also enables you to view documents by structure for easier navigation of a document. In other words, TexMakerX adds hundreds of symbols and characters to your computer that wouldn't normally be available.

Although most general users may not find a use for LaTeX, it is particularly popular with mathematicians as it allows them to perform complex formulas which they can edit far more easily. TexMakerX allows you to work with multiple documents in separate tabs with numbered lines to make distinguishing projects and documents easier. Finally, TexMakerX also features an error console on as well as a spelling tool to keep mistakes to a minimum.

TexMakerX will only mainly appeal to those with special typographical needs such as mathematicians but for anyone involved in LaTeX its a powerful tool.

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