Math Software

Learning to use math technology is an important part of this course.  You should learn to use a heavy-duty, industrial-strength Computer Algebra System (CAS) such as Mathematica, MATlab, or Maple.  You should also learn to use a simpler, but still powerful, graphing program such as Pacific Tech's Graphing Calculator or Desmos.  Also check out Wolfram Alpha.

• The heavy-duty program we have at Snow College is Maple Links to an external site..  It is amazing.  Copies for your use are available on our network license server so you can (in groups) do the Technology Application Projects Links to an external site. at the end of each chapter.  You might also consider purchasing Maple at a 25% discount using this site Links to an external site. and this promo code: AP130923-C5BAE.  Here are 10 reasons students use Maple Download 10 reasons students use Maple
  .  More info here Links to an external site..
• Maple is very powerful, but sometimes it is overkill for simple graphing situations that we often encounter in Calc III.  For simpler cases, I strongly recommend PacificTech's Graphing Calculator Links to an external site..  It is easy to use and does a very nice job.  Graphing Calculator is one of the coolest computer programs ever.  You will love it.  You can get it for $20 for a one-year license on your computer (or $60 for an eternal license), or you can get it for just $10 for your iOS mobile device at the iTunes App Store Links to an external site..  I love this program.
• Graphing Calculator is so wonderful that I hesitate to tell you about its very decent competitor which is free.  Desmos.com Links to an external site. can do lots of good graphing within a browser window.  It is also available (for free) as an iOS app at the iTunes App Store Links to an external site..  Desmos is almost as good as PacificTech's Graphing Calculator.
• Wolfram Alpha is also quite amazing.  WolframAlpha is a website Links to an external site. (free, of course) and an iOS app available for $3 at the iTunes App Store Links to an external site..  You will be amazed at the information it can give you.

I recommend you become familiar with all of the above software applications, and then in specific circumstances choose the most appropriate tool.