A Front-end Tool
for Mathematical Computation and
Education in a Network Environment
T. Sakurai1, Y. Zhao2, H. Sugiura3 and T. Torii3
1University of Tsukuba
2Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science
3Nagoya University
Abstract
As computer technology, and networking in particular, progresses, we can use many computer programs and mathematical results over networks. Exchange of views and products by networks plays an important role in cooperative work and research. In the meanwhile, computer algebra systems are useful for assistance of mathematical thinking by their brief expressions, graphical outputs, and interactive operations. However, there are various types of descriptions for mathematical results and computer programs. We still can not directly manipulate and access mathematical expressions on the Web, and we still can not send electronic mail that includes mathematical expressions.
In this paper, we discuss what is required for a computer program to assist in the process of mathematical thinking, writing, computing, and the exchange of results and algorithms. Mathematical expressions are powerful in representation and universal in use. User interfaces which can treat mathematical expressions have been developed for many computer algebra systems [1]. In [3], formal representations to treat natural mathematical notations have been defined. These formalized mathematical expressions can be translated into source code of high-level programming languages, front-end languages of mathematical computation systems, and LATEX source files for typesetting. A user interface to generate formal representations has also been proposed in [2]. Continuing on these results, we propose a front-end tool for mathematical computation and education.
This front-end tool is developed in JAVA, and can be run over a network using a Web browser. It makes it possible to use common notations in the whole process of computing. Users not only browse a document including mathematical expressions but can also manipulate these expressions. Moreover, this tool is useful in mathematical education and network-based communication of mathematical expressions.
References
[1] Kajler, N. and Soiffer, N., A survey of user interfaces for computer algebra systems, RIACA Technical Report (1) (1994).
[2] Sakurai, T., Zhao, Y., Sugiura, H. and Torii, T., A user interface for natural mathematical notations, Trans. Japan SIAM, 6 (1), 147-157 (1996) (in Japanese).
[3] Zhao, Y., Sakurai, T., Sugiura, H. and Torii, T., Formalization and parsing of mathematical expressions for mathematical computation, to appear in J. JSSAC (1998).
Tetsuya Sakurai: sakurai@is.tsukuba.ac.jp, Institute of Information Sciences and Electronics, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Yanjie Zhao: yzhao@cc.nias.ac.jp, Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Japan.
Hiroshi Sugiura: sugiura@torii.nuie.nagoya-u.ac.jp, Department of Information Engineering, Nagoya University, Japan
Tatsuo Torii, Department of Information Engineering, Nagoya University, Japan |
