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 "integer" is selected and the problem contains a decimal number such as "123.15", the software will convert that decimal number to "12315/100", an integer representation, and this may create some confusion as the solution process becomes more lengthy.
- When the problem explicitly states ‘convert to fractions’, use "integer" setting.
- If an equation does not completely get solved under "integer" setting, try solving it under "real" (this may occur, for example, with equations containing logs).
A solution to an inequality may be presented in either interval or inequality notation – sometimes your book will explicitly instruct you to use one or the other. Note that you can switch between the two, even at the end of the solution process; the system will not force you to solve the problem again just because solution notation was changed.
The final option lets you choose whether to use radians or degrees to measure angles (this is needed in some geometry and trigonometry wizards).
Note that if you have "factoring" setting for a quadratic equation that is not factorable, the software will override your choice with "quadratic formula", which will work universally.
These settings are worksheet-specific. For example if you enter a quadratic equation and solve it via quadratic formula, and then enter another one and solve it via factoring, the first one will still be solved via quadratic formula. Every new worksheet will ‘inherit’ the most recent settings – but these can be changed, if desired.
Some settings may not apply in every situation.
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