GeoGebra

Popular programs in Mathematics

What is GeoGebra

GeoGebra is mathematics program that is used for modeling geometric and algebraic concepts in a way that can easily be demonstrated on a personal computer. The software is free and is available for download. It is a great tool for those looking to teach, learn or demonstrate mathematical concepts in a visual way. The program has been designed so that it may be used by people of all ages.

Listed below are some of the pros and cons of this specific software.

Pros

• GeoGebra allows users to easily construct geometric shapes using points and line segments. It also has a large collection of pre-made polygons and other shapes.
• It allows users to graph lines either by using functions or by constructing a line through two points.
• GeoGebra gives users the option to use an x-axis and a y-axis in their demonstrations if they so choose.
• The program is available in a variety of languages so that people all over the world may use it.
• The software contains a spreadsheet function that allows users to input data for various graphs or regression analysis.
• GeoGebra has a CAS (computer algebra system) feature. This allows the user to factor or solve various equations of a range of complexity rather easily, a task that many regular calculators cannot achieve.
• The program does contain several types of measurement tools. GeoGebra can measure lines segments, angle lengths and slopes. These measurements change as the user changes the size properties of the object being measured.
• The software has a transformations tool, allowing users to perform reflections, rotations, dilations and translations.
• It is useful for teaching or learning mathematical theorems, specifically for geometry. GeoGebra is a great way of demonstrating geometric proofs in a visual format.
• The program is free to download for both PC and Mac users.
• The software works for many different levels of math ranging from lower arithmetic all the way up to calculus.
• At just over 150 megabytes, the program takes up very little space on the user’s hard drive.

Cons

• The GeoGebra controls are a little difficult to learn. They are somewhat tricky to maneuver if the user is brand new to the program.
• The software is not overly flashy. It is a powerful tool but sometimes requires some work to find the exact function the user needs.
• While GeoGebra has been around for a while now, it still has fewer resources than some of the other programs out there that are like it. This is a minor issue that should be alleviated over time.

Overall, GeoGebra is a great resource that can be used by mathematicians of any age from a large number of countries. While it may take a little getting used to, it is clear that the features of this program are highly useful to anyone looking to manipulate or demonstrate mathematical concepts.