This Real Answer‚Ñ¢ application program is a general-purpose mathematics tool that is very easy to learn and use. It quickly solves the simple, numerical problems that scientists and engineers frequently encounter. It allows you to conveniently enter and edit algebraic expressions as pure text. It also automatically solves sets of simultaneous linear and/or nonlinear algebraic equations.
An algebraic expression can be evaluated by entering it in the Answers and Scratch window and then pressing the “enter” key. Simultaneous equation sets can be solved by entering them in the Simultaneous Equation Set window, and then pressing “⌘R” (or choosing “Solve Eq. Set” from the Solve menu).
Real Answer allows you to use a full window to enter and view the text of your mathematics. Real Answer has a unique feature-- Flex-Calc™-- that allows the user to edit a previously submitted expression in the Answers & Scratch window and submit it for re-evaluation without destroying the historical record containing the old version and its answer. After a previously evaluated expression is edited, when the user types “enter”, Real Answer automatically restores the original expression in place, pastes the modified version of the expression at the bottom of the window, and appends the answer below the modified expression at the window’s bottom. This treatment allows the Answers & Scratch window to compile an intact history of the math work-session, while minimizing user effort to keep it in order.
Because it is much more convenient to use than the typical graphic “calculator” Desk Accessory, we expect it to be frequently used. Most math problems that people deal with are not extremely complex, so the tool of choice is designed for ease of use.
The Real Answer program consumes little memory, so it is ideal for portables and older Macintosh® computers. Although it is not a desk accessory, System 7™ users will want to keep it handy in their ™-menu; Real Answer is compatible with System 7™, virtual memory, and 32 bit addressing. It is also compatible with earlier operating systems, down to System 3.2. It runs on every Mac made after 1986, and includes shortcuts to make life with small keyboards easier.
Real Answer finds real-valued solutions to equations and expressions with real-valued coefficients, hence its name. It uses purely numerical techniques for solving problems, so it can give the user a lot of power with minimal cost. It handles expressions with the familiar, algebraic order of symbol entry, so it is easy to learn. Since it can handle long expressions, nested parentheses, and long variable names, and since its facility for solving simultaneous equations is a numerically optimized, modified Newton-Raphson algorithm, it can quickly solve even difficult problems.
Real Answer is published by ARSoftware of Landover, Maryland. ARSoftware publishes general purpose and scientific software for a variety of computers.
(System 7™ and Macintosh® are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.)
