DOS simulations for use with Precalculus I
To run these simulations, you must have them on your hard drive or on a floppy.
The programs may be obtained by downloading (just click on the name of the program
under DOWNLOAD FILES, below). This is the easiest way to get them. Your
computer will tell you where it wants to save the file (usually on the Desktop). You
can save it in another folder or directory if you wish, and you can even give it a
different name. In any case, remember where it is.
If the program is on the Desktop, just double-click it to run it. Otherwise use
the Run option and run the program.
To obtain the programs from the VHCC LAN. You must be in the math/physics
directories (when the computer boots, it will either boot into this drive or it will give
you the choice). The programs are on the E: drive. They are copied with the
DOS command
copy *********** b:
where b: is the name of the drive in which you place your diskette and ****** is the
full name of the program, including the .exe on the end.
Copy these programs from your floppy diskette to a c:\vhmthphy
directory or folder you create on your computer. You need not use this folder name,
but these directions will assume that you do.
To run a program from the DOS window, simple type the command
at the DOS prompt and the program will run. If you have trouble stopping the
program, try hitting the s or the q key (for 'stop' or 'quit'). If this doesn't
work, hold down the Ctrl key and hit the pause/break key.
Click on the name of the program for a brief description.
General-purpose timer. Gives time since first strike of 't'
key, time interval since last strike. Also with graphing and filing options.
Estimating ratios and proportions of line lengths, areas and
volumes of geometric figures.
Solving simultaneous equations in the context of fitting a
quadratic function to 3 points. Program poses randomized problem, prompts user for
next step, shows next step.
The mechanics of solving quadratic equations and interpretation of
results in terms of the graph of the corresponding quadratic function.
The process of finding the parameters a, b and c of the quadratic
function y = ax^2 + bx + c which models a given parabola. Randomized parabolas,
step-by-step explanation of the solution.
Examples of function notation.
Randomized problems on proportionality, primarily on geometric
proportionalities. First 8 problems with detailed solutions. Other problems
with briefer solutions.
Random problems with detailed solutions for compound interest,
radioactive decay, and other situations involving exponential functions.
Click on name of desired file: