CPMP-Tools^® Software

CPMP-Tools is a suite of both general purpose and custom software tools designed to support student investigation and problem solving in the 2nd edition Core-Plus Mathematics texts. Software for Courses 1 and 2 has been completed. Software for Courses 3 and 4 is still in development. Check back periodically for software updates.

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CPMP-Tools requires that Java software be installed prior to running. The free download can be obtained at www.java.com.

Design Features

• The software toolkit was developed from the ground up with specific curriculum applications in mind and then embedded in a ready-to-use manner into the curriculum.

• Tools were developed for each strand of the curriculum.

  Algebra tools include an electronic spreadsheet and a computer algebra system (CAS) that produces tables and graphs of functions, manipulates algebraic expressions, and solves equations and inequalities. The functionality of the CAS and other software tools increases with each course level. (Click the image to see full size.)
  Geometry tools include an interactive drawing tool for constructing, measuring, manipulating, and transforming geometric figures, a simple object-oriented programming language for creating animation effects, and a set of custom tools for studying geometric models of physical mechanisms, tessellations, and special shapes. (Click the image to see full size.)
  Statistics tools include tools for graphic display and analysis of univariate and bivariate data, simulation of probabilistic situations, and mathematical modeling of quantitative relationships. Software includes pre-loaded data sets appearing in the student texts. (Click the image to see full size.)
  Discrete Math tools include tools for constructing, manipulating, and analyzing vertex-edge graphs and their representations as adjacency matrices. (Click the image to see full size.)

• Tools and their functionality are organized by course to focus on the intended mathematics and to reduce the steepness of the learning curve. (View the Web-based CPMP-Tools HELP system.)

• Tools share similar menu screens and interface promoting learning transfer from one tool to another.

• Tools are built using Java WebStart, which permits safe, easy, and reliable distribution of software and software updates across different types of computers.

• CPMP-Tools is available under a Gnu-public license.